Project Overview
About the Project / My Role
I was commissioned to design a show graphic for comedian David Cross for select venues, in a performance that parodied the style of Donald Trump’s book, “The Art of the Deal.” The visual direction needed to capture Cross’s dry, satirical voice while mimicking the recognizable tone of political branding and ghostwritten bravado.
The poster became the lead graphic for the show’s promotion — both online and in print — helping drive ticket sales and event awareness for what would ultimately sell out and evolve into a full-length Netflix special.
The Process
• Designed the visual style around the format and typography of "The Art of the Deal"
• Matched layout cues and photography styling to reflect the ironic, satirical tone of the event
• Built the poster to work across multiple formats: venue display, social media, and ticketing sites
• Collaborated with the promoter to ensure quick turnaround and campaign approval
Strategic Challenges and Solutions
• Needed to parody a widely recognized visual without legal risk → Used stylistic mimicry and creative reinterpretation
• Had only one shot to get it right → Delivered a bold, instantly recognizable visual that matched the tone of the act
• Tight turnaround → Delivered final design quickly and cleanly for print/web distribution
Results and Impact
• Poster used across all event channels, helping drive sold-out shows
• Show gained momentum and led to a Netflix special, increasing visibility of the campaign
• Design helped capture the voice of the performance with subtle satire and bold layout
• Reinforced my ability to blend cultural commentary with professional design execution
Conclusion / Analysis
This project was about timing, tone, and trust. Designing for a performer like David Cross meant walking a tightrope — the humor was dry, the references were layered, and the visual had to do a lot with very little. It was a small window with big stakes, and it became one of the most culturally impactful one-night design projects I’ve done.
