The Victorian State Schools Spectacular

Design Brief: Each year for the past four years I have had the honour of creating the concept for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS). An incredible event staged by the Victorian Performing Arts Unit that showcases a few thousand government school students from grades 3-12 who perform in different disciplines over two shows at Melbourne Arena. 

Concept

My role is to come up with the concept for that year. I sit in a briefing session with the creative director who gives me the theme and we brainstorm ideas that will translate into posters, merchandise, costumes, digital and print merchandise. 

Art Direction

We have a photo shoot for the posters/billboards which I art direct. 

Fabric Design

I also create fabric designs and concepts for the costume department. The designs are made into costumes for the cast and mass dancers. Costume designs need to be created with lighting and filming in mind (the show is filmed by channel 7). I work closely with the head of costume to deliver different designs that are eye-catching and fun for the kids to wear.

Print & Digital

I design a 64-page printed programme, billboards and the digital assets for Facebook, Instagram and Ticketek pages.

Challenge: It’s a big event with over 30 different assets. Each year, I start in January and it wraps up in September. It’s my favourite project and it’s a labour of love for me, so much so that I get emotional watching the kids perform!

Solution: It’s a joy to be an integral part of the creative team and I love the collaborative effort, which is a big departure for me as I normally work autonomously. I attend rehearsals and work with a diverse group of people from all ages and backgrounds. The theme for 2019 was ‘Made of Stars’. 

Feedback: The feedback is consistently positive. The kids, parents and public post many comments on social media full of praise and enthusiasm. The positive energy and excited response from all involved keep me buoyed long after the show is over.