GRIFFITH JAPANESE OPERA

This project was developed in response to a commission from two film students producing a Western and Japanese opera fusion. They were seeking a poster that was bold, eye-catching, and reflective of the cultural blend at the heart of their performance. The design needed to stand out in public spaces while communicating the unique story of the production.

Problem & Solution
The challenge was to balance two very distinct cultural aesthetics—Western opera and Japanese tradition—within a single, cohesive design. Rather than relying on literal imagery, I chose to explore abstraction and symbolism. My solution was to draw inspiration from Japanese geisha, historically associated with performance and artistry, and merge this with bold, dramatic composition to echo the operatic influence.

Research & Inspiration
I began by researching Japanese cultural motifs, theatrical traditions, and poster design in both Western and Japanese contexts. A strong influence came from the elegance and poise of geisha, which I reinterpreted into a modern, striking focal point. This approach allowed me to connect the cultural references of the opera while maintaining a contemporary design aesthetic.

Process & Tools
My process started with exploratory sketches, tracing angles and experimenting with compositional balance to create a dramatic silhouette. I refined these ideas through thumbnail sketches and a rough digital draft, which was then iterated based on feedback from peers. Using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, I polished the design into a visually impactful poster that blended cultural references with bold graphic storytelling.

Outcome
Although this design was ultimately not selected as the final poster, it was shortlisted as a close second choice. I am proud of the outcome as it demonstrates my ability to respond to a client brief, conduct cultural research, and deliver a professional, conceptually-driven design that balances creativity with audience impact.