THE DRAG SHOW
OVERVIEW
This open brief centred on redesigning marketing materials for an upcoming exhibition at the Beecroft Art Gallery, celebrating the empowering history of drag and self-expression within the LGBT+ community. The goal was to increase awareness, accessibility, and public engagement—particularly among younger audiences—through a refreshed poster design that would both honour the exhibition’s message and appeal to a modern demographic.
Approach & Process:
The project began with research into drag culture, current marketing materials, and best practices for accessibility in visual design. I analysed the existing posters and identified areas for improvement in terms of layout, typographic hierarchy, and legibility. Sketching, digital mock-ups, and A/B testing with peers helped refine the visual language to be bold, inclusive, and educational. Adobe InDesign and Illustrator were the main tools used throughout.Key Deliverables:
Challenges & Learnings:
Working within a short timeframe posed a challenge in terms of balancing creative experimentation with practical deliverables. Additionally, ensuring accessibility for all viewers—including those with visual impairments—required additional consideration. Through testing and feedback, I learned how even small typographic or contrast changes can significantly impact a viewer’s experience.
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’
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
Outcome / Reflection:
The final poster design captures both the energy of drag culture and the clarity needed for public outreach. It meets the brief’s objective of increasing engagement and could be expanded into a full visual campaign across physical and digital channels. This project reinforced my passion for socially-driven design and highlighted the importance of accessibility as an integral part of visual communication.