For this fairy tale–themed gala hosted by the Northern Colorado Medical Center Foundation, my goal was to craft an event space that made guests feel like they had stepped directly into a classic storybook. As Graphics Manager, I designed and executed whimsical and narrative-driven visuals that carried the theme from the entrance all the way through to the ballroom and stage.

The most complex element was engineering a large-scale, three-dimensional storybook that attendees would walk through to enter the gala. It needed to be immersive, structurally sound, and tie into the event’s broader aesthetic, all while being built with limited materials and time.

I sketched out structural options to ensure the proportions and folds of the 3D book aligned seamlessly with the printed graphics. I incorporated subtle nods to well-known fairy tales throughout—like a hand-lettered “Mirror Mirror on the Wall” stage graphic and a whimsical “Wish Upon a Star” element—to invite a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Large vinyl-on-foam core castle panels and forest-themed hallway graphics added depth and dimension.

Guests loved the enchanting feel of the event. The entry book was a huge hit and set the tone for the entire experience. The client was extremely happy and appreciative, and I left the event with renewed confidence in my ability to think structurally and bring bigger ideas to life. It was a reminder of how powerful visual storytelling can be, especially when woven through an entire spatial experience.