2009 Elvis Festival poster
The poster was unveiled Thursday night at the Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival kickoff, held at the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau. Read the full story here.
The image, which is used on posters and all marketing materials, was designed by Pontotoc native Josh Mabus, a co-founder of the Mabus Birch Agency in Tupelo. It celebrates the anniversary of Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special, a taped television special that jump-started the second half of his career.
Mabus opted do to a more modern graphic-based poster, instead of a traditional hand-drawn poster, in hopes that it would appeal to a younger generation.
In the poster, Mabus incorporated the red “Elvis” sign from the show into the poster’s lettering. He also chose to use the picture of Presley in a black leather outfit.
What do you think? It’s had a warm reception at the Journal offices.
I don’t like it at all. The previous versions were arty and eclectic. This one is dark, bold and like every other mainstream rock band poster. Bring back the artists.
not impressed
I do like the image and respect the artist trying to match the look of that concert. This poster won’t rank as one of my favorites, but it is by no means one of my least favorites.
I hate it
Wow. Harsh words, folks. I must have been talking with the wrong people at the kickoff. I didn’t hear anything bad about it.
So for those of you who don’t like it, what’s your fave Elvis Fest poster?
i wonder how many other places in the world have EP festivals? where would ours rank (based on the festival and turnout)? take away the fact this is his hometown.
The festival in Collingwood, Ontario, is the big dog when it comes to Elvis festivals. It’s free and all Elvis, all the time. And, the whole town gets involved, with everyone dressing up and merchants doing Elvis promotions. I’ve heard it talked about frequently at the Elvis festival meetings in Tupelo. Not sure to what degree the local organizers want to mimic it. I’ve invited them to come on Biz Buzz and share their thoughts.
Here’s the link to the festival:
http://www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com/
I actually really like it, just because it feels “Elvis-y.” I like how bold it is. To me you can never go wrong with the classic black-white-red design. I’d actually buy this on a shirt.
i like the idea, but think the elvis image he choose looks cheap……just doesnt look like a professional image.
i liked the red poster, may have even been last years. it looked great all framed up. i dont really recall too many of them off the top of my head.
I like it. It feels like an on-stage performance. Color scheme fits Elvis. The red lights pop him being on-stage doing what he did best.
It’s always amazing to me how people who have no concept of Graphics and Design end up labeling it “cheap” or “tacky”. The Elvis image on the poster is not a photograph…it is a Photoshop rendering from a photo that I’m sure took HOURS and HOURS to do. A lot of hard work went into this poster that most normal people wouldn’t even consider putting into something that they probably won’t be financially compensated for.
I don’t care one way or the other about the poster or the festival or Elvis himself…I just don’t like to see people dogging the hard work that goes into our profession that gets taken for granted every single day. We are artists…we just don’t get to sign our work.
now now….i just know what my eyes and brain tell me and they said nadda. i didnt knock the guy for trying, just stated i wasnt a fan. but, spending hours and hours doesnt neccesarily make something good……does it?
different strokes, different folks……see you there, i just wont be sporting an elvis t-shirt.
Thanks for all your feedback guys. (By the way, I’m the guy that did the poster). I honestly like the negative comments – as much as negatives.
I’ll tell you what I told the people at the unveiling event:
“Although every time I sit down at an artboard or a computer, I try to make an image that will appeal to everyone. The pragmatist in me knows, however, that if 51% of people like it that I’ve done my job.”
That’s the artist side of me. The marketing side is focused on touching the target audience. This year’s poster is designed specifically to bridge the gap and influence a younger generation of Elvis fans.
Just some food for thought. I would like for everyone to love the poster, but as was said on the last post “different stroke, different folks”.
I’m glad Josh is a good sport and knows that people have a right to an opinion, good or bad.
The new poster is good … it’s got an edge, not unlike Big E himself. I’m waiting on the t-shirt.
The new poster is fine.
The “Elvis in Lights” happened in the late 60’s, during his comeback.
Maybe this poster signifies a “comeback” of the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Its been pretty lame recently.
Josh, tell the committee, if they want to appeal to the younger generation, GET SOMETHING THEY WANT TO SEE.
18-21 year olds don’t want to watch AARP members sing “Little Deuce Coupe”.
I really like it! I think it represents the handsome Elvis that I think of! And his name in the red lights, truely Elvis!!
I love the poster this year. It is my favorite on yet.
I think it looks awesome! Good job to the graphic designer, and boo all the negative responses, lol.
I think the poster is ok. I wanted to submit a poster for this year, but I never really heard anything about the contest. In 2 years I hope to do the poster. And it SHALL be off the chain. See ya in 2011.
found this site unexpectadly and would like to know whether it is possible to get one of the 2009 or earlier year posters sent to me,as my mate is having his 50th birthday in april and he is a ardant elvis fan.something like a poster from the us would really make his birthday.anyway just let me now,thanks for your help
p.s any flyers or info on the festival would be also appreciated,and if possible the poster signed by the main impersinator.
thank you so much and am looking forward to your response
Andrew
Andrew – you can buy previous posters here:
https://secure.redmagnet.com/tupeloelvisfestival/index.cfm
For more information about merchandise options, contact the festival organizers at:
The Elvis Presley® Festival
108 South Broadway Street
P. O. Box 468
Tupelo, MS 38802-0468
Phone (662) 841-6598
Toll Free (888) 273-7798
Fax (662) 680-9759
info@tupeloelvisfestival.com
Hope the bday party is great!
The posters just came off the press, but I don’t know when they’ll be available. I have to sign and number 250 next week.
Andrew, give a ring to the Elvis Fest office and I’ll work with them to make sure your mate gets one.
The poster is definitely not my favorite – but I respect the artist in his attempt to make it different than the past. Hopefully the festival this year will be great. We are looking forward to the announcement of the headliner.