Onew, known for his uniquely powerful vocals as the leader of the famous Kpop group SHINee, embarked on his first solo tour across the US in April-May 2025. I was fortunate enough to get tickets to his performance in Detroit on April 26th.
As a way to give back and show my support to the artist, his staff, and other fans I worked with a team of volunteers to create some designs and some physical products.
Banner Proposal
ca
When the tour was announced I decided to design a 15x45 cm double-sided hand banner. Through some connections I was able to find a group of fan volunteers that would be organizing projects for the date that I was attending. While they already had a banner design for the concert, they were able to find some other design work for me to do.
Merchandise
kl
In order to raise money for the banners and other fan projects there would be an online fundraiser. Fans that would donate certain amounts to the fundraiser would receive the various products that I designed. The items would be distributed to fans on the day of the concert.
I designed a sticker, an acrylic keychain, a photo card holder, and a tote bag.
In the end all products sold out, and $1325 was raised. This money would be used to fund the printing of banners for everyone attending the concert, the light fan project, as well as a cake, flowers, and others gifts that would be given to the artist. The volunteers had to work directly with the tour and management company to make sure that all the plans were properly approved.
Cupsleeve
ask
"Cupsleeve" events are common fan events and other stops across the tour were hosting them. While there was not one for the stop I was going to, I decided to create a sleeve design that I could post online so that other fans could download it for free.
Stickers
dosa
Another part of concert culture that I wanted to participate in was the handing out and trading of small gifts or "freebies". I have had other people hand out my designs at concerts, but this would be my first time personally giving them. For this concert I drew a design for a sticker and printed and cut out 40+ stickers to hand out.
Tickets
hug
I have always enjoyed collecting physical tickets as keepsakes which is why I decided to design my own for this concert. I made two different tickets that include the date and address of the venue, as well as a custom barcode that is made from Onew's name.
