Billboard with a cartoon illustration of a person with slicked back hair, crying and opening their mouth as someone offers a flaming hot chili pepper on a spoon. The text reads: 'It Hurts So Good! Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser WMSE.org.' The billboard is mounted on a building with ornate architecture.
Billboard advertising a charity fundraiser for Rockabilly and WIMSE.org, with the date April 10th, 2022, displayed on a building with ornate architectural details.
A person holding a tablet showing an online fundraiser event page for WMSE's 20th Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser. The page features a cartoon illustration of a man hurting himself while cooking chili, with bold text indicating the event's cause.
Smartphone displaying a webpage for a chili fundraiser event with a colorful header and event details.
Three posters hanging on a wall. The first poster has a red background with black and white images and text about a Texas chainsaw massacre. The second poster features a cartoon drawing of a person with a flame on a stick, advertising the Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser. The third poster contains two black and white images of animals with descriptive text.
A person wearing a white T-shirt with a graphic design promoting a chili fundraiser with a cartoon illustration of a green-faced man with a tongue sticking out and a hand holding a spoon with chili, set in a bright indoor space with large windows.
A patch on a beige fabric jacket promoting the World Hot Chili! Annual Taster event, showing a cartoon green-faced person with black hair and a red tongue, sweating and holding a spoon near a flame.

WMSE.org Annual Rockabilly chili fundraiser

WMSE Radio's annual Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser is not just an event—it's a celebration of Milwaukee’s culinary diversity and creativity. With professional chefs and local firefighters battling it out for the coveted title of "Milwaukee's Best," attendees are treated to an explosion of flavors as they sample inventive chilis paired with refreshing Lakefront Brewery beverages, all set against a backdrop of vibrant local music.

To capture the essence of this unique event, a promotional campaign was necessary. The challenge lay in creating eye-catching advertisements across various platforms, including posters, website elements, billboards, and videos, all while ensuring a consistent brand message. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic fusion of rockabilly culture and culinary flair, I crafted an illustrative solution that vividly portrays the event's spirit.

My design stands out through its humor, effectively showcasing exaggerated reactions to the fiery chilis—think tears, sweat, and dramatic expressions. This visual narrative is not only engaging but also instantly relatable, drawing the audience into the fun and fiery competition. By incorporating a vintage aesthetic, I infused a classic rockabilly charm that beautifully aligns with the event’s theme. The resulting campaign maintains visual harmony across all promotional materials, ensuring that the energy and excitement of the Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser resonate with both current and potential attendees.

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