IlustraBD Barreiro - Illustration and Comics Festival Branding
IlustraBD Barreiro - 5th Edition
Theme: Freedom
I was invited to design the entire graphic identity for the 5th edition of IlustraBD: Barreiro’s Illustration and Comics Festival, held in celebration of 50 years of the April 25th Revolution.
The central theme, Freedom, guided both the visual concept and the tone of the festival’s communication.
The program featured a rich and diverse selection of exhibitions, including Mafalda by Quino (celebrating the 60th anniversary of the character), Woman, Life, Freedom by Marjane Satrapi (in collaboration with Penguin Books), and a series of collective exhibitions curated by Escorpião Azul publishing house.
Client: Câmara Municipal do Barreiro
Design and Illustration: Silvia Rodrigues
Case Study: process, sketch and Design choices
Proposal and concept
The proposal for the graphic identity for IlustraBD BARREIRO was conceived to capture the emerging passion of young women for creativity and cultural expression.
The three female figures depicted embody the vitality, curiosity, and youthful energy that define both the event and its audience. Through their presence, the illustration celebrates the spirit of freedom and the transformative power of imagination; echoing the festival’s theme, Liberty.
Illustration
I wanted to include the representation of the artistic expressions that give life to comics, such as literature and drawing.
The illustration aims to be a visual celebration of youthful creativity, reflecting IlustraBD BARREIRO as both a meeting place and an open space for showcasing new voices.
Typographic and Calligraphy
I opted to incorporate handwritten elements in the poster and promotional materials to highlight the artistic and creative spirit of IlustraBD BARREIRO.
Black and White Sketch of Poster
The composition brings together three characters engaged in creative activities that reflect the artistic language of comics. Their interaction forms a sequential narrative, though without a defined beginning or end, suggesting the fluidity and openness of the creative process.
The dynamic and spontaneous poses invite the viewer’s gaze to move freely across the scene.
Several symbolic details were included to anchor the illustration to Barreiro’s identity: the rail pattern on the armchair, evoking the city’s railway heritage; a naïve-style drawing of the windmill, a recurring local symbol; and a seagull, representing proximity and connection to the Tagus River.
Color sketch
The color sketch was developed using a limited palette of 3–4 colors, chosen to maintain visual cohesion while emphasizing the energy and vibrancy of the characters and their activities. This restrained approach allows the illustration to remain clear and impactful, while guiding the viewer’s attention across key elements of the composition.
Outdoor, Mupis and Posters
Digital Promotion of the event
Catalogue and mementos
