IDEATION
This project focuses on redesigning promotional material for an upcoming exhibition celebrating the rich history and empowering legacy of drag, hosted at the Beecroft Art Gallery. The exhibition spans from early theatrical drag such as pantomime dames and principal boys, through to modern icons like RuPaul and the drag king scene. It offers a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at costumes, wigs, makeup, and performances—creating a vibrant club-like experience for visitors.
Research Insights
My research explored the cultural evolution of drag, tracing its roots back to the 1600s, when women were prohibited from acting, prompting men to take on female roles—creating an unexpected space for queer and gender-nonconforming expression. Even in ancient civilizations, performance and identity fluidity were explored through theatre. These historical and theatrical contexts, combined with current-day LGBTQ+ visibility, informed the tone and messaging of the design.
Translating Research into Design
From this research, several key visual directions emerged:
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Colour Palette: Inspired by drag makeup aesthetics—bold, saturated, and expressive.
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Style & Theme: A mix of vintage playbills (1920s–1600s), 1960s psychedelic posters, and Art Deco glamour to reflect drag’s historical depth and theatrical roots.
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Visual Focus: A singular figure mid-transformation (e.g., applying lipstick or fixing a wig) to reflect the personal power and vulnerability behind performance.
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Typography: Layered and dynamic, breaking the ‘frame’ to symbolise breaking free from gender norms and celebrating self-expression.
Mood & Message
The design aims to reflect the inclusive, diverse, and celebratory nature of the drag community while paying homage to its past. A strong emphasis on empowerment, visibility, and transformation is key. The tone should feel theatrical, energetic, and welcoming—enticing audiences from all backgrounds, especially younger generations, to engage with the exhibition and its message.
LGBTQ AND ALL ‘History of Drag’
BBC ‘The fabulous history of drag’
Visual inspiration:
V&A Museum ‘Theatre & Graphic Design ‘
Retroavangarda ‘Psychedelic style in graphic design’
CURRENT DRAG SHOW MARKETING MATERIALS
THUMBNAIL SKETCHES & VISUAL RESEARCH
I researched prominent drag icons to inspire dynamic poses, blending their influence with visual references from vintage playbills (1600s–1920s), 1960s psychedelic posters, and the opulence of Art Deco design. This fusion reflects drag’s rich history, theatrical flair, and ever-evolving cultural presence.
Visual inspiration:
V&A Museum ‘Theatre & Graphic Design ‘
Retroavangarda ‘Psychedelic style in graphic design’