Nowhere U.S.A. Festival
logo and identity design • creative direction • copywriting
Nowhere U.S.A. is a bold brand identity for a punk and hardcore music festival taking place in the Lower Central Valley of California. Focusing on DIY culture, raw energy, and defiance, the festival brings together fans for an unforgettable celebration of underground music.
The brand’s design is gritty and minimalist, with strong typography and rugged visuals that capture the rebellious spirit of punk and hardcore. It’s a place where fans can embrace their authentic selves, away from the mainstream, and experience music in its purest form. I wanted to showcase how Nowhere U.S.A. is more than just a festival—it’s a movement, an attitude, and a gathering for anyone who feels like they don’t fit in, but knows exactly where they belong.
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Drawing inspiration from iconic 1980s horror films, the “Nowhere U.S.A.” identity uses eye-catching street advertising styles to grab the attention of passersby and immerse them in a world of intrigue and suspense. Designed to be pasted around the city like vintage movie posters, the flyers spark curiosity and set the tone for the world of Nowhere U.S.A. Together they blend retro aesthetics with psychological tension, building anticipation for what’s to come.
Festival Badges
Crafted with every pass holder in mind, each pass tells a story: the Artist Pass, marked with a wilted rose, represents the raw beauty of creativity; the Crew Pass, adorned with a broken chain, honors the hard work and dedication behind the scenes; and the Security Pass, featuring brass knuckles, speaks for itself—no explanation needed. These designs ensure no one gets lost in the crowd. On the back, we’ve included all set times, making it easy to stay on top of the schedule and never miss a beat.
Event Map
The Nowhere U.S.A. event map isn’t just a guide—it’s part of the whole experience. Bold, unmissable, and designed to make a statement, it’s there from the moment attendees walk in. We’ve covered all the essentials—medical, restrooms, food, water, merch—and we’ve even thrown in our very own Land of Doom Cemetery for that extra gloom. More than just a practical tool, the map encourages exploration, highlighting key areas and hidden gems throughout the space. It’s designed to make it easy for everyone to find their way while still leaving room for some fun surprises. Whether posing with the giant display or grabbing a personal map to navigate, our design keeps everyone on track so they can get lost in the pit, not the venue.
Merchandise
The first design features a wilted rose with falling petals, symbolizing the raw, unfiltered nature of the scene. The hand-drawn “LCVHC” lettering blends with the petals, an homage to the Lower Central Valley Hardcore DIY roots. This crewneck represents the raw strength and resilience of the LCVHC scene. The words “Welcome to Nowhere” frame a design of a rose wrapped in barbed wire, symbolizing the clash between beauty and struggle. It represents a place where people can embrace the raw pain and power of being part of something real and unapologetic.
