Case Study 1

Wigwood Drag Stage at Gay8 Festival


Location: Miami, FL
Date: February 2023


Skills: Budget Management, Sponsorship Coordination, Talent Booking, Client-Artist Liaison, Inclusive Space Design, Graphic Design

Purpose of This Case Study

This case study illustrates my qualifications as a Creative Producer by highlighting my ability to strategically problem-solve, manage team dynamics, and exceed client expectations under tight constraints. Through proactive communication, resource optimization, and leadership in team morale, I transformed challenges into successful outcomes, demonstrating key transferable skills that are essential for effective creative production.

Context


Our production team, a group of three at the time for SoiréeMia, was contacted at the last minute to step in for the Gay8 Wigwood Stage event after the previous year's production team became unavailable. We were tasked with delivering a fun and engaging event that would align with the established vision and energy of Gay8, all while working with a limited budget of $2,000. The challenge was to create a memorable experience that resonated with the audience, stayed true to the Gay8 brand, and adhered to tight financial constraints. We had to execute a creative concept that would maintain the high standards expected by attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders, while making the most of every dollar spent

THe Problem

  • Key challenges included:

  • Creating a visually appealing and inclusive experience that met Gay8’s standards while staying within a small budget.

  • Managing client and artist expectations, especially regarding budget limitations and creative restrictions.

  • Optimizing team morale and alignment to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees despite a fast-paced and demanding project timeline.

THE SOLUTION

To address these challenges, I took on a leadership role in coordinating resources, setting clear expectations with both clients and our internal team, and fostering a collaborative environment that kept morale high. I proactively engaged with sponsors, artists, and team members to align everyone with the project’s goals and stay within our budget.

Key Responsibilities and Contributions

Budget Management & Sponsorships

  • Initiated and Negotiated Sponsorships: I led outreach efforts to secure additional food and drink sponsorships, which allowed us to allocate more of our budget to creating an immersive space and meeting performers' needs.

  • Strategic Resource Allocation: I prioritized funding for elements that would maximize the event's visual and experiential impact, ensuring a high-quality event despite financial limitations.

    Inclusive & Immersive Space Design

    • Developed a Sensory-Friendly Space: I co-designed a sensory-friendly seating area with lighted furniture to create an inclusive environment where attendees could relax and recharge. This added a unique element to the festival, aligning with the event’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

    • Enhanced Audience Experience and Brand Alignment: By creating an immersive and accessible space, I helped make the Wigwood Stage a memorable experience for over 1,400 attendees, aligning the event’s atmosphere with Gay8’s values.

    Talent Booking & Client-Artist Liaison

    • Curated Diverse Talent Lineup and Managed Client Relations: I took ownership of talent booking, ensuring a diverse lineup and serving as the primary liaison between artists, clients, and venue management. This included balancing venue restrictions with artists’ creative expression, essential for a queer festival.

    • Ensured Smooth Communication with Performers and Stakeholders: I proactively kept artists updated on any logistical challenges, managing expectations and facilitating open communication to maintain a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

  • Creative Design and Brand Consistency

    • Managed Flyer Design Process and Finalization: When additional design revisions exceeded our budget, I took on the responsibility of finalizing the flyers myself. This ensured our promotional materials were consistent with the festival's branding and that we stayed within budget.

    • Delivered High-Quality Marketing Materials: By stepping in to complete the design work, I demonstrated flexibility and commitment to the project’s success, keeping our visuals aligned with Gay8’s brand and audience expectations.

  • Event Setup, DJ Support, and Team Motivation

    • Led Day-of Operations and Filled Key Gaps: On event day, I supported setup, coordinated stage management, and DJed between sets, ensuring a seamless flow and keeping the crowd engaged. This adaptability helped maintain a positive atmosphere throughout the event.

    • Fostered Team Morale and Encouraged Positive Communication: I took on a leadership role in ensuring team members felt valued and motivated. By celebrating small wins and acknowledging team contributions, I helped maintain a high morale, especially under time pressure.

  • Regular Check-Ins and Proactive Solutions

    • Maintained Clear Communication with Client and Team: I consistently checked in with both the client and our internal team to communicate updates, potential roadblocks, and achievements. I took a transparent, solution-oriented approach to handling any client feedback, ensuring that constructive criticism was framed in a way that motivated the team rather than lowering morale.

    • Set Clear Expectations and Advocated for Team Success: I ensured the team understood project priorities and set clear, achievable goals, maintaining alignment with client expectations and advocating for team needs when challenges arose.

Impact

Through collaborative efforts, we successfully created a vibrant, inclusive, and visually engaging stage that became a highlight for many of the 1,400 attendees in our designated area. This project underscores my adaptability, creative problem-solving, and commitment to delivering high-quality events within budget—skills that are essential for effective creative production.