DEFINITION THEATRE

Amplifying under-represented creatives + entrepreneurs

SERVICES

  • Graphic Design

  • Creative Direction

  • Social Media

  • Web Design

  • Video Editing

CREDITS

Renderings Morris Architects
Photography Joe Mazza | Brave Lux

ABOUT

Definition Theatre champions stories created by, inspired by, and designed for people and communities of color on Chicago’s Southside. Their visual identity boldly features a striking black and gold palette, establishing a powerful and cohesive motif across all materials. Through the use of captivating production graphics paired with large, bold typography, Definition’s work consistently commands attention within the Chicago theatre landscape. Their mission centers on amplifying BIPOC voices and narratives, while dismantling barriers to the artform through accessible + straightforward marketing and layout design.

Branding

Wordmark Redesign

When onboarded in early 2019, I began to develop new foundations for the brand that would allow us to expand into the more interdisclipinary organization we have evolved into today. While maintaining key elements of the original dictionary “definition” inspiration, we shifted to a more contemporary typeface that could be flexible into our three key divisions: theatre, digital/film, and a business incubator.

A branding style guide for 'definition theatre' with black background, yellow and white text, font samples, color palette, and logo variations, including explanations of the face exclamation mark logo.

 

Black hoodie with gold lettering on a yellow background.
Black square card with yellow text and party icon, saying 'Cheers! We're happy you're here.'
A digital billboard promoting 'def.in.ition THEATRE' with the slogan 'Theatre for the next generation.' The billboard features an image of the theatre building on a city street, with people walking by and traffic signals visible.

 Print

Production Posters, Marketing Postcards, Digital Proposals

Our print design extends Definition’s presence beyond the stage, transforming posters, flyers, and brochures into bold touchpoints that meet people where they are. By amplifying our street marketing, these physical pieces strengthen brand awareness and ensure our identity is seen, felt, and remembered throughout the community.

A collage of promotional materials for a community arts and theater project, featuring images of people at an exhibit, a theater, and an outdoor scene, along with text about the organization’s mission, vision, and events.

 

Social Media

Our social designs Definition’s digital platforms into dynamic stages of their own, showcasing our work with clarity and creativity. These visuals amplify engagement, broaden our reach, and keep our brand top-of-mind across online communities

  • Promotion poster for a comedy show titled 'White' by James Ijames, directed by Ericka Ratcliff, featuring two actors looking upwards with puzzled expressions.
  • Two people performing in a theatrical play; a woman gesturing with her hand and a man sitting, both engaging in an expressive scene, with stage lighting and set pieces in the background.
  • People in a theatrical rehearsal or performance space, with a woman smiling, wearing a 'Pink Floyd' t-shirt and jeans, and a man in a striped shirt, with large yellow text overlay that says 'SOLD OUT' three times.
  • Two people standing in front of a background with repeated black text saying 'NOW PLAYING.' The woman on the left has dark curly hair, gold hoop earrings, and is wearing a white top, making a playful face with her lips puckered and eyes looking upward. The man on the right has short dark curly hair, a light pink V-neck shirt, and is looking upward with a puzzled expression.
  • Man with curly hair wearing a striped shirt smiling, with a woman in a black dress performing in a room with blue lighting and a sparkling backdrop, overlaid with a quote from Chicago Reader.
  • A smiling woman with curly hair wearing gold hoop earrings and a yellow sweater, standing against a white background with black text that reads "WITH ME by Jaleesa".
  • Two men are standing close to each other, one man appears to be yelling and the other tries to hold him back. The scene looks intense, and the background is plain. The image has a quote that says, 'An unflinching piece of writing' from the Chicago Tribune.
  • A woman and a man smiling and looking to the right, in front of a background with repeated text 'ON SALE NOW'.

 Video

Long and shortform video brings Definition’s stories to life—capturing performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and community stories with clarity and cinematic impact. These videos extend Definition’s reach and amplify its mission of elevating underrepresented voices and sharing new stories.

Email

Our email design brings the Definition brand directly into inboxes with a clean, bold look rooted in our iconic black and gold. This consistency both captures attention and reinforces our identity, driving stronger recognition and deeper connection with our audiences.