Indian Cultural Festival

Design Streak Studio collaborated with Illinois State Universities Office of International Engagement to create a poster for the first annual Indian Cultural Festival hosted by ISU and Heartland Community College. This Poster was a collaboration with two other design streak members, Abby Rosenberger, and Hailey Marczak.

The Indian Cultural Festival celebrates the joys of Indian culture, featuring esteemed speakers with expertise in Indian art and textiles as well as various activities regarding art like painting, henna, quilting, and rangoli. This poster takes inspiration from Indian art, specifically the utilization of kalamkari and block printing, which represents both Illinois State and Heartland Community College as circular designs. Prevalent in Indian block printing, these geometric motifs are often arranged in symmetrical compositions creating intricate latticework designs. These shapes also reflect the influence of the Islamic art and architecture of the region. Each motif is meticulously crafted, with multiple scans of fabric capturing the textures and ornamental flourishes of Indian floral patterns, showcasing the profound influence of textiles and flowers like jasmine in Indian heritage. The titles feature hand-drawn typography, which resembles delicate embroidery and adds a tactile dimension to the poster, mirroring the intricate craftsmanship found in Indian textiles. Additionally, the font Poppins is used for the other text. Created by the Indian Type Foundry, Poppins represents the marriage of two cultures.

Vibrant colors were carefully selected to symbolize the exuberance of the festival, drawing from the colors found in traditional Indian fabrics. Red and pink hues evoke notions of love and fertility. Shades of blue represent the personification of space and vastness, associated with Krishna, a revered Hindu deity. The inclusion of green signifies new beginnings, encapsulating the spirit of the festival as a platform for cultural exchange and exploration. Moreover, the incorporation of red and blue pays tribute to the colors synonymous with Illinois State and Heartland Community College, blending local identity with the global celebration of Indian culture.