Web & graphic design for jazz pianist Joe Cartwright
Designing a digital stage for a Kansas City jazz icon: a harmonious blend of function, style, and storytelling
Joe Cartwright reached out to me with a clear vision for a landing page that would serve as a central hub for his performances, music, and online engagement. He needed a space where fans could book private shows, explore his latest tracks, and stay updated on upcoming events. I built a responsive, easy-to-navigate site that includes editable sections for his show schedule, an embedded "Track of the Month" feature, and direct links to his Apple Music and YouTube channel.
To support his ongoing promotions, I also helped Joe with email marketing strategies that align with his performance calendar and music releases. The site is designed so Joe can update it weekly, keeping his audience informed and engaged with fresh content and visuals.
Upcoming shows
Empowering Joe to manage his gig calendar with ease
One of the most important features Joe requested was a dedicated section to showcase his upcoming performances. He wanted a space where fans could easily discover when and where he would be playing next. As a working musician with a dynamic schedule, Joe needed a flexible and intuitive tool that would allow him to edit and update his show calendar independently without relying on ongoing technical support.
I designed a clean, calendar-style layout that integrates seamlessly into the site’s aesthetic while offering user-friendly functionality. With just a few clicks, Joe can add new events, adjust times and locations, or highlight special performances. This feature has become a cornerstone of his weekly promotional efforts, helping him stay connected with his audience and drive attendance. It is not just a calendar; it is a living part of his brand that keeps the rhythm of his career in motion.
Brand assets & visual identity
Crafting a visual language that speaks jazz
Joe and I collaborated closely to define the overall look and feel of his website, ensuring that every visual element reflected his personality, musical style, and the rich legacy of Kansas City jazz. From logo design to photo editing and typography, each component was thoughtfully crafted to create a cohesive and professional brand identity. We met regularly both in person and via webcam to review design iterations, discuss updates, and refine the aesthetic direction. These sessions also gave us the opportunity to walk through the site together, allowing me to teach Joe how to navigate and manage his content with confidence.
Using Adobe Creative Suite, I developed a complete set of brand assets tailored to his needs. This included a custom symbol logo, a stylized text logo, and edited imagery optimized for both web and print use. All assets were delivered in a ZIP file with clearly organized folders for easy access and future application. Through this collaborative process, we built a visual identity that not only elevates Joe’s online presence but also gives him the tools to maintain and evolve it independently.
Record graphics & music integration
To highlight Joe’s music catalog, I created custom graphics for his records using a combination of stock vinyl imagery and layered shadow effects to add depth and visual interest. These graphics were designed to feel tactile and engaging, drawing the viewer’s eye while maintaining a clean aesthetic. I embedded these visuals directly into his landing page as interactive elements that link to his Apple Music store, making it easy for fans to explore and purchase his work.
Video graphics & YouTube funnel
To promote Joe’s YouTube channel, I designed custom graphics for his video section that feature a bold play button overlay. This simple yet effective design element adds visual interest and encourages viewers to click through and watch his performances. The video section also includes a funnel that guides users from the landing page to his channel, helping increase views and subscriber engagement.
