Background
The Arkansas Governor’s Conference is one of the most high-profile annual events in the state, bringing together leaders, stakeholders, and citizens from across Arkansas. Amid rising public skepticism and a shifting political climate, the 2024-25 conference aimed to restore trust and foster renewed engagement.
The Arkansas Governor’s Conference is one of the most high-profile annual events in the state, bringing together leaders, stakeholders, and citizens from across Arkansas. Amid rising public skepticism and a shifting political climate, the 2024-25 conference aimed to restore trust and foster renewed engagement.
Challenge
Create a visual identity that repositions the conference as both credible and enjoyable—one that feels fresh, modern, and inclusive while respecting its political formality.
Create a visual identity that repositions the conference as both credible and enjoyable—one that feels fresh, modern, and inclusive while respecting its political formality.
Solution
I led the development of the conference logo and contributed to the design system for event materials. The strategic rebrand to “GovCon” offered a more contemporary and approachable shorthand, designed to resonate with a broader audience.
I led the development of the conference logo and contributed to the design system for event materials. The strategic rebrand to “GovCon” offered a more contemporary and approachable shorthand, designed to resonate with a broader audience.
The logo was built around a frame that doubles as a lens—symbolizing perspective, clarity, and a deeper look into Arkansas’s people, progress, and potential. This visual metaphor became the foundation for a cohesive system used across motion graphics, signage, and print.
Design Execution
Motion & Video: Integrated the frame motif into animated transitions that moved laterally to reflect unity and progression.
Print Materials: Developed clean, engaging layouts that maintained brand consistency across programs, posters, and signage.
Impact
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees described it as the most visually striking Governor’s Conference to date. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders personally remarked:
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees described it as the most visually striking Governor’s Conference to date. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders personally remarked:
“I walked in and was blown away. I couldn’t help but keep looking around—CJRW did an outstanding job here.”
This project became a defining moment in reframing a major state event through the power of intentional design.
