Austin Trail of Lights

How do you produce one of the most elaborate holiday light shows in the world?

My Role: 

Art Direction, Environmental Design

The Challenges:

• Anticipating and responding quickly to the unique nuances of an event that is constantly growing and evolving.

• Producing top-quality signage and fabrications within a very tight time frame.

• Designing clear and cohesive communication that keeps the magic alive for thousands of guests.

The Process:

The Trail of Lights has been an Austin mainstay since ____.

Post-pandemic, Forefront

My first project for Forefront was a freelance gig: Design 10 new entrance portals for the Trail of Lights. These included Zilker Square, the Platinum Lounge, the Reindeer Corral, and the North Pole.

Once I joined Forefront as a full-time Art Director, I became immersed in the monumental effort it takes to produce the Trail of Lights year after year. Producing the Trail is a year-round effort that culminates in a sprint to the finish in November and December.

portal designs, candy machine, signage, credentials (badges and tickets), private party invitations, photo collage, photo opportunities, 360 photo booth, maps and wayfinding, Letters to Santa (new letters and book design), Fun Run bibs and signage, Trail Stop branding, ZIP lounge branding

Details Matter

We outfitted the venue with unique nods to the LxCS theme: floating floral arrangements, painted cow skulls, vinyl-wrapped stairs, a custom ice stamp, whiskey bottle lamps, and old Chris Stapleton posters sourced from Hatch Show Prints. We made use of the unique vertical space by projecting the collaboration logos high on the wall and smokestack. A boot-fitting station was housed in one of the nooks at Old Glory, while guests had the option of getting a custom bolo tie engraved onsite. The event also included passed apps with a southern twist and a custom cocktail menu inspired by Chris’ songs.