Overview
Designed the official programme for the first Staines Amateur Regatta to be held as a two-day event, requiring a more ambitious and considered approach to both content and format.
The aim was to create a programme that was not only practical across both days, but also visually distinctive and engaging for attendees.
The Challenge
To design a single programme that could effectively support a two-day event structure, while maintaining clarity of information and creating a strong visual identity that elevated it beyond a standard event programme.
Concept
Developed a dual-orientation format, allowing the programme to be flipped for day two, with each side functioning as a front cover.
The cover design was created as a seamless composition across both sides, forming one continuous image that visually connects the two days of the event.
FINAL PRINTED PROGRAMME DESIGN
Approach
- Created an initial design mock-up to present the concept to the regatta committee, ensuring alignment on layout, content and cover direction
- Conceptualised a cover image featuring a quadruple sculls crew photographed from above, aligned across the spine to create a continuous visual across both covers
- Planned placement of key information including event details, dates and branding, ensuring legibility without compromising the imagery
- Art directed a drone photoshoot, capturing multiple angles and heights to achieve the desired composition
- Selected and refined the final imagery using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
- Designed and produced the full programme layout in Adobe InDesign, ensuring clear information hierarchy and print-ready accuracy
Mock-Up Design with Place Holder Imagery from Google Images
Production
Prepared final artwork for print in CMYK, producing a high-quality PDF for a saddle-stitched booklet with a gloss varnished cover, providing durability for outdoor use during the event.
Video Footage by Gregory Fletcher; Edit by Del Posner
Outcome
Delivered a distinctive and highly functional programme that was well received by attendees and organisers. The design successfully balanced innovation with practicality, and received strong positive feedback, including recognition for its quality and originality within the rowing and print communities.
Publishing Relevance
This project demonstrates strong skills in editorial layout, information hierarchy and innovative print design, alongside the ability to structure content across multiple formats — directly applicable to publishing, including programmes, books and editorial content.
Photo by Gregory Fletcher; Edit & Design by Del Posner
The programme was a massive success with feedback throughout the weekend from multiple sources including people in the Print Media industry stating "this is the best rowing programme we've ever seen, even better than Henley [Royal Regatta]". Definitely a successful design and how am I going to up it for next year?!