Creating a new show look for a rebellious 401k brand
CLIENT
Retireholics
ROLE
Animation
Live-shows Material
Event Photography
Branded merchandise
Studio
Seventy5 Studios
Project Overview
ABOUT Retireholics
Retireholics is not the typical 401(k) show. Blending a live YouTube stream, podcast, and on-stage experience, they challenge traditional industry norms with bold, unfiltered, and rebellious discussions. As part of their ongoing reinvention, they needed a fresh show aesthetic that worked across digital and physical platforms—bringing their energy to life on stage and online.
THE CHALLENGE
- Create a modular stage backdrop that could adapt to different event spaces while maintaining a cohesive look.
- Develop an animated digital background with interactive elements to enhance the online show experience.
- Design an engaging intro animation that captures Retireholics’ unconventional and bold personality.
- Expand the brand with unique merchandise that embodies the show’s rebellious spirit.
WHAT I LEARNED
- Bridging digital and physical design to ensure seamless integration between live events and online shows.
- Developing scalable textures and graphics that retain their impact in both animation and large-scale printing.
- Optimizing print production for stage design, balancing color accuracy, material limitations, and portability.
- Using props to enhance immersion, leveraging Midwest aesthetics to create a fully realized set.
Design process
1. Research & Ideation
To ensure the design truly reflected Retireholics’ unique energy, I explored:
- The brand’s identity and on-stage presence, identifying key themes in their tone and aesthetics.
- Event constraints, such as stage size variations and backdrop assembly needs.
- Visual inspirations from themes like Breaking Bad, Midwest vibes, graffiti, and sci-fi to create something unexpected.
2. Concept Development
- After exploring multiple directions, I landed on a posterized-style RV, symbolizing their on-the-road, rebellious spirit.
- Created custom textures and print effects, to make the scene more immersive.
3. Prototyping & Testing
- Once the RV illustration was finalized, I tested animation elements that could enhance its world-building.
- Iterated based on event production team feedback, ensuring print clarity and modular flexibility.
Animation
- Created an animated intro featuring a frog riding a bicycle, pulling the RV into the scene.
- Developed interactive backdrop elements, including a rimrock, road signs, and flamingos to add to the surreal, irreverent tone.
Live-Show Materials
- Designed a three-piece modular backdrop for multiple configurations, with oversized graphics to enhance stage presence.
- Integrated on-stage props (plastic flamingos, lawn chairs, grass rugs, camping table, and a cooler) for a more immersive setup.
- Added orange LED lights to create warmth and depth.
- Designed embroidered merch featuring a flamingo with the Retireholics “R”.
Impact
Show Success
- 8 live events throughout the year featuring the new stage design.
- 30+ online shows incorporating the animated digital backdrop.
- 10 years since the first episode, with ongoing brand evolution.
Testimonial
"you...great. I’m so pleased with your style and creativity and process."
Brandon Carlson
Director Digital Operations | Retireholics Producer