Designing for theatre is always an exciting challenge, and my latest project—a poster for LSUA Empty Space Players’ upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream—was no exception. This performance is part of Shakespeare on the Green, an outdoor theatre experience open to students and the public, offering an immersive and magical take on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.
For this poster, I wanted to capture the play’s whimsy and enchantment while highlighting its outdoor setting. I centered the design around the story’s iconic characters, Titania and Bottom, set in a dreamy, twilight forest. I chose a palette of deep greens, warm golds, and soft pastels to reflect fairyland’s natural scenery and fantastical elements. Little details like the crescent moon, Titania’s hair, and the flowing garments add a sense of movement and a dreamlike quality that brings the magic of the play to life.
Truthfully, this design was one of the most challenging projects I’ve tackled. Creating all the elements by hand pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially since drawing figures isn’t my strongest skill. I relied on Procreate and Photoshop to build up the illustration, layering textures, and fine-tuning details until everything came together beautifully.
