Each spring, the Minnesota Zoo hosts the Beastly Ball, its largest fundraising gala of the year. This year it celebrates the revival of the only true wild horse species left on earth - the Asian Wild Horse. The event branding for Beastly Ball 2016 will tell this story in an artful and meaningful way. 

Inspired by the rich cultural symbolism, the cloud motif, a significant icon in Mongolian art, emerged as the key visual element for the brand. Fluid, boundless and ever-changing, the cloud motif symbolizes not only the incredible revival of the species, but also the strength & resilience of the nomadic people on that land. Enclosed in the cloud motif is a folk art paper-cut horse in a traditional color palette - rustic gold, cinnabar red, indigo & China blue.

The design presents Beastly Ball 2016 in a splendid and exotic light, full of stories and cultural intrigues. The project deliverables include identity mark & pattern designs, comprehensive branding guidelines for cross-platform applications, and a full set of print collateral design. With budget limitation in mind, each design is presented with various material & execution options to help the client achieve the balance between quality and cost. 

The official print pieces are mailed in stages to individuals and corporations in Minnesota. Following the branding guidelines, the client also hosts a special event page on the Minnesota Zoo website with the latest news and updates. 

Art Direction: Jessica Huang

Graphic Design & Illustration: Jessica Huang & Fin Studio Team