POTIONS & PIXELS: Contest Series
POTIONS & PIXELS is a nonprofit organization that leverages games, art, and technology for social impact. When they received the Infusion Fund Grant from the City of Charlotte, they approached me to help bring their ideas to life.
The Problem:
POTIONS & PIXELS launched a year-long competition series to support and grow the local gaming community. The initiative aimed to provide monetary prizes through monthly contests and grant opportunities while encouraging innovation and creativity.
At times, the organization was running up to three competitions and funding opportunities in a single month. The challenge was to present these opportunities in a way that was visually engaging yet easy to replicate for each new contest. How could we create an eye-catching design system that was both efficient and adaptable?

ADAPTABLE DESIGN SYSTEM
The Solution
Alongside P&Ps founder, Michael Zytkow, I developed a reusable design template that balanced flexibility and functionality. The template could be recolored and customized while maintaining its integrity, leaving room for essential details like information, photography, and graphics. This design ensured that each competition could visually stand out while staying consistent with the overarching brand identity.

Visual Launch Direction
The Kick Off
To launch the competition series with impact, I directed a photoshoot to capture the spirit of the first two contests: Board Game Remix and the One Button Challenge. These challenges urged participants to reimagine classic board games and develop a game playable with just one button. The visuals highlighted the complexity and creativity of the competitions, inspiring POTIONS & PIXELS patrons to take part in these month-long challenges.

Community Impact
The Results
The kickoff contest series was a success, with over 15 board games entered, 12 one-button games developed, and more than $2,500 awarded to the Charlotte gaming community. This initiative not only supported local creators but also laid the foundation for a thriving and inclusive gaming ecosystem.

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