SPIKE 150

vs. a forgotten history of America’s past
  • Spike 150's Brief

    On May 10, 1869 in Promontory, Utah one of the most monumental and historically relevant events in American history occurred; the joining of the Transcontinental Railroad. 150 years later the State of Utah and other key partners wanted to throw the biggest party since 1869 to celebrate this momentous day and pay tribute to the workers and people who were responsible for connecting America. We centered our brand story on those forgotten by history’s teachings and worked together with all parties to create, plan, advertise, and coordinate the state’s celebration of this momentous day, ultimately helping lead to Golden Spike Park gaining National Monument status.

  • Credits
    Account Management
    James Roberts
    Account Management
    Renee Leta
    Creative Direction
    Stuart Laybourne
    Art Direction
    Emily Bischoff
    Design
    Nick Ketterer
    Web Development
    Sean Ward
    Digital & Marketing Direction
    Sarah Lyman
    Digital & Marketing Direction
    Emily Young
    Agency Partner
    Wilkinson Ferrari & Co.
    Printing
    Sun Lithographic
    Photography
    Dave Brewer
    Photography
    Ian Matteson
    Photography
    Dru Williams
    Client
    Golden Spike Foundation
    Client
    State of Utah
    Location
    Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Services

    PLAN // Brand Audit + Research / Brand Strategy + Positioning / Brand Voice + Messaging / Campaign Concept / Campaign Strategy / Go-to-Market Strategy / Stakeholder Management / Website Strategy CREATE // Art Direction + Graphic Design / Brand Identity / Content Creation / Copywriting / Creative Direction / Environmental Design / Illustration / Motion + Animation / Naming / Photography / UI Design / Video DEPLOY // Advertising / Brand Guidelines / Broadcast / Digital Advertising / Direct Mail / Email / Event / Out of Home / Paid Media / Print / Public Engagement / Social / Website Development

Spike150 Logo
Spike150 Building Advertising

QUILT OF AMERICA

The beauty of the Transcontinental Railroad was the totality of the American landscapes and cities that the completed rail connected. To pay homage to these landscapes and other important pieces of the railroad we created a visual language we called the Quilt of America that allowed for variance and connection. These pieces could be connected together in any order, alternate color, and turned to create a visual centerpiece that spoke to the State of Utah’s connection and benefits to the completion of the project.

Spike 150 Quilt of America
Spike 150 Kickoff
Spike 150 Book
Spike 150 Billboards

GETTING THE PARTY STARTED

Starting with the 149th anniversary celebration, we used the new brand to engage the state community with an eye toward the 150th anniversary celebration. Through a series of save the dates, toolkits, invitations, and more (including most of the actual event planning) we were able engage the community, counties, and cities all around Utah from business to school children as we created a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for our community.

Spike 150 Save the Date
Spike 150 Box
Spike 150 on KSL
Spike 150 National Monument
The Results

AN ESTIMATED 22,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY INCLUDING OVER 85 NEWS OUTLETS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Spike 150 Newspaper Advertising
Spike 150 Kids Poster
Spike 150 Wrap Up Report
Spike 150 Lanyard
Spike 150 Credentials
Spike 150 Entryway
Spike 150 Ceremony
Spike 150 Ceremony
Spike 150 Driving Last Spike