The Center

September 11th of 2007 I moved to Hawaii. I started my position as Graphic Designer of the Polynesian Cultural Center. A few of my responsibilities were to implement a few signage items around the park. At about 2pm everyday there is a canoe show where the islands of Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand would perform the cultures dances on the canoes in the Lagoon located in the center of the park. Here are a couple signs that would be placed on the front of each islands canoe.



Another item I put together was drawing attention to the perk of having a personal Ukulele lesson. Sign me up!


Every three or so months at the Center there was an island specific event. Brought folks from all over to catch the all day events that took place. One of the first I was able to put a poster together for was the Himene Patitifa, a singing competition for the surrounding islanders.



The next event was a Hawaiian themed dancing event called the Moanikeala. Groups from the surrounding cities came and performed throughout the day in the park's amphitheater. Gave this a little surfer like feel with the typefaces used and the placement. Below are the poster and the banner.



The next event brought out the people in droves. The Samoan Fireknife Championships. And why would it not? These individuals take sticks that are lit with fire on both ends and will spin the things impossibly fast. It doesn't just end there though, the possibilities are endless with this burning stick. It goes in the mouth, on the feet, over the back, and up in the air. Unreal experience to see. The first item is the wordmark I presented for consideration for 2008's festivities.


The following is the registration form, featuring last years competition winnner.


In July there was an event for our friends from the Tahitian islands. A similar event to the Moanikeala which featured dancing which was island specific. My word, the tahitians know how to dance. Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. As I catch my breath you can see below the registration form and the banner from the event which I presented for consideration. Two different approaches to the theme.



And finally I did a little illustration for an individuals birthday. He never saw it, but, I liked the illustration nonetheless. One of the Rapa Nui sculptures from the Easter Islands.

And so concluded my stay at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Seems abrupt right? While I was there I received another job offer that I couldn't pass up. I took a call from someone I used to work with at Richter 7 who was the head of the marketing department and was looking for a designer for Salt Lake City's major league soccer team, Real Salt Lake. In April of 2008 I started work for RSL as the Art Director.