Pause for Joy Event Signage
PROJECT TYPE: Graphic Design CLIENT: Barr Foundation TIMELINE: May - June 2026The Barr Foundation engaged Curioko Studio to produce creative signage for their annual Pause for Joy event on June 16, 2026. This celebratory event centers care and joy, creating an atmosphere for everyone to show up as themselves. The Barr Foundation sought our support to design signage to guide participants effectively through the multitude of activities taking place and provide soothing and joyful visuals that melt the corporate venue into the background.
We chose to utilize traditional media to center a human-made aesthetic in the overall designs. Working with our client, we developed two potential visual themes for their consideration that evoked an atmosphere of calmness and restoration. The theme “flower bath” was selected because of the cheerful color palette and the connection to physical event space’s reflecting pool.
Using bright watercolor washes, we created five unique backgrounds and illustrative floral design elements. These design elements were then digitally scanned, edited, and collaged with wayfinding text to create 18 unique signs for the event. We led the design process from start to finish, inclusive of a site visit to identify appropriate signage types for the space and coordination with a local print shop to produce the final designs ahead of the event date.
Image Above: Final design for the 27 inch by 40 inch vinyl banner for the event. Turtles and snails were chosen to encourage attendees to slow down, and take a breath. 
Image Above: Hand drawn concept sketches for the five different types of signs for the event.** Event photography by Leia Onofrey.Image Below: Watercolor design elements drying. 
