Print & Product Design
Yad Vashem Annual Gala Invitation Suite
Project: Annual Gala invitation suite
Scope: Save the Date, invitation, RSVP card, envelopes, journal, digital materials
Skills Demonstrated: Printed media design, purposeful event design
Details: Every year, the American Society for Yad Vashem hosts a gala in New York City in remembrance of the Holocaust and in honor of those who make significant contributions in its education and awareness. Advantages takes the lead in conceptualizing and designing the invitation suite for these events. In 2017, the theme chosen was “Carry the Torch”—a tribute to those who made great efforts in the passing of knowledge of the Holocaust down to the next generation.
Additional Credits: Design created alongside other amazing people at Advantages including a production manager, client lead, and creative director.
Awards: This design snagged 7 awards in print media categories from Communicator awards, Hermes, MarComm, Graphic Design USA magazine, Davey awards, and the IDA awards.
Design: Since the annual event is focused on education for “the next generation”, we wanted a design that would appeal to and speak for this group of people as well as gracefully carry the weight of the event’s significance. We opted for a minimalistic approach to the iconography with a simple torch and flame design, coupled with a powerful, vibrant image of an artistic rendering of “fire”. This “fire” was actually an orange colored fabric that beautifully imitated the flowing movement of flames. We felt that not only was this image attention grabbing but also carried a meaningful symbolism of finding the beauty amidst negativity. The contrast between the simplistic iconography and the powerful imagery was striking—and it was exactly the look that the American & International Societies for Yad Vashem was looking for.
The entire invitation suite—including the Save the Date, invitation, insert, and RSVP card—were all printed on Stardream Crystal 105lb. coverstock. This provided a feel of elegance and tactile interest to the materials. We also included a spot of UV coating on the flame icon as well as on the theme text to really draw attention to these elements. The invited guests would not simply glance at this card and toss it away; it would be admired carefully, felt, and studied, generating excitement and anticipation for the upcoming event.