Creative Director Brief — Chattajack 2026 Official Illustration Typography Integration
Project Overview
Chattajack is a long-distance paddle race held in the Tennessee River Gorge. The 2026 official illustration has already been created and serves as the visual centerpiece for this year's race identity. The purpose of this project is to integrate the Chattajack logo and race details into the existing artwork in a way that feels timeless, refined, and authentic to the spirit of the event.
This is not a typical sports graphic. The goal is to create a museum-quality commemorative layout that respects the illustration's metaphorical storytelling and elevates it into an official art piece suitable for apparel, prints, and long-term archival use.
Event Details to Include
CHATTAJACK
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Typography should present these details clearly but with restraint — the artwork must remain the focal point.
Creative Direction
The illustration represents endurance, passage, and the shared journey through the Tennessee River Gorge. Any typography added should feel integrated and intentional, as if it belongs within the artwork rather than being placed on top of it.
We are exploring a heritage outdoor editorial aesthetic — inspired by classic National Park posters, expedition prints, and refined editorial illustration.
Key Principles:
Subtlety over bold branding
Generous negative space
Balanced, museum-style composition
Typography that enhances meaning rather than dominates
Layout Approach (Hybrid Heritage Layout)
The preferred direction combines two elements:
Curved "CHATTAJACK" wordmark following the interior top arc of the hourglass illustration, styled as if lightly etched into the glass.
Race details centered beneath the illustration:
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Typography should feel archival, elegant, and restrained — never aggressive or sporty.
Typography Direction
Suggested aesthetic qualities:
Heritage serif or editorial-style typefaces
Light to medium weight
Wide tracking for an airy, timeless feel
Avoid:
Bold athletic fonts
Distressed or grunge effects
Heavy outlines or drop shadows
Scope of Work
Integrate the Chattajack logo into the illustration using a curved layout.
Add race date and location beneath artwork.
Maintain visual hierarchy that preserves the illustration as the dominant element.
Prepare artwork for apparel and print production.
Deliverables
Layered AI or EPS master file
Typography on editable vector layers
Version with typography
Version without typography
High-resolution PNG export
Tone & Intent
This project should feel more like designing a commemorative outdoor art print than producing a commercial race graphic. The finished piece should look timeless — something paddlers would want to keep, wear, and remember years from now.
We are looking for an illustrator/designer who understands editorial composition, restraint in typography, and the balance between art and branding.
Contract duration of less than 1 month. with 30 hours per week.
Mandatory skills: Adobe Illustrator, Illustration, Graphic Design, Adobe Photoshop, Minimalist