BET BET AWARDS Nathaniel Howe Studios was invited to pitch on the graphics package for the 2018 BET Awards. Our team poured a lot of love into design for this exciting property with the goal of representing all the epic themes of the event: best of the best, bold, authentic, celebrating excellence, and powerful cultural buzz. Our pitch incorporated designs for broadcast promos as well as print applications such as posters and billboards.

PROCESS: Gravity The BET Awards have a magnetism that attracts the biggest artist and best fans. All watching together across the world for one night. To both celebrate and unify. This look speaks to the gravity of that idea. Stylistically we take an abstract approach to visualizing this theme. Interesting shapes, pattens, and colors are attracted to and or changed by one center of gravity. It’s a fun, pop sensibility to our deeper meaning. After all, it is still a party.

PROCESS: VIBRANT EXPRESSIONISM A hot look that speaks to the human artistry behind the music, films, and performances. Irreverent line-work and hand painted strokes connect us thematically. Vibrant and free flowing animation keep the party going.

PROCESS: THE STACK A look that elevates the visual thread of shapes, patterns, and repetition into dynamic structure. This look elevates us to a space of dimension and a sexiness sharp enough to cut through the noise.

PROCESS: LIVE AND DIRECT A bold, loud look that demands attention unapologetically. You couldn’t miss this if you tried. It’s not a look that’s afraid to break the rules. It’s not all flash though. It’s driven by live type, color, and powerful grid systems that translate into extreme modularity and flexibility. It’s a tank disguised as a sports car.

PROCESS: FLEX This look is driven by warped typography that snaps into a clean lockup. While over-cropped repetition of photography creates a loose, flowing structure. Punchy colors balance the attitude and draw the eye giving us a branded and unique look. Fresh, youthful and vibrant.

PROCESS: Design Hutsle We believe in the design process. That means dedicating time to explore curiosities, and playing freely in design. It also sometimes means unexpected turns along the way that ultimately leads us to the heart of every creative challenge. No matter a project scope, our process is always the same, and it always starts with design.