The first team in the NBA to collaborate with Indigenous tribal nations.

The ORIGINATIV project was released to honor the 22 federal recognized tribal nations in Arizona. Two years in the making this monumental feat was accomplished with help of Native American artists, designers, musicians, and performers. Serving as creative lead on visual communications, I worked with the marketing and sales team to achieve the teams’ showcase of Native culture that has made its mark on the professional sports world.

ORIGINATIV night showcases an all-out Native theme from the entrance, signage, special recognitions, music and entertainment — both for the National Anthem and the halftime performances. Additionally, during ORIGINATIV nights, the Suns play in their City Edition uniforms — a collaboration between the NBA and sports-wear giant Nike to showcase the unique heritage of NBA teams’ home city.

Scope

  • Brand Identity Design
  • T-shirt Design
  • Footprint Center Arena Graphics

Awards & Mentions

  • Dedicated Video vignette on my business shared across social, suns.com, and Suns Broadcast
  • Custom Jersey

Merchandising shots

Jumbo Tron

I designed and laid out the SKODEN STOODIS crowd hype signs that were also used for the arena, scoreboard and jumbo tron above the Footprint Center.

T-Shirt Design

I was the first artist to kickoff the ORIGINATIV t-shirt series with the opening game. The t-shirt was nearly sold out by half time and completely gone by the end of the game.

““From the streets to the seats, they get a little taste of the Rez...””

Shawn Martinez Phoenix Suns Director of Live Entertainment