Matt Baltay's Portfolio

Castling: A Tapestry of Color, Shape and Sound

Client: Dazzle Jazz

Welcome to a visual chessboard where rhythm becomes strategy and every piece tells a melodic tale. My poster design for Dazzle Jazz is a grand gambit, opening with bold colors and dynamic compositions that capture the essence of jazz’s improvisational spirit.

Like a master chess player anticipating moves, I’ve carefully positioned each element to create a visual symphony. The fluid lines dance across the canvas like nimble knights, while vibrant hues serve as powerful bishops, cutting diagonally through the composition with mood and energy.

The contrasting colors and abstract shapes mirror the unexpected twists of a jazz performance, much like the surprising maneuvers of a skilled chess tactician. Yet, amidst this controlled chaos, the overall design maintains the harmony of a well-executed endgame.

This project challenged me to blend the precision of a chess grandmaster with the spontaneity of a jazz virtuoso. By combining classic design principles with modern techniques, I aimed to create a visual masterpiece that stands out like a brilliant checkmate in a sea of ordinary moves.

The move to the Baurs building set the stage for a new phase in this artistic match. For each act, I crafted screens and posters that serve as unique chess pieces, each with its own role in the greater game of visual storytelling. Together, they form a cohesive strategy that captures the soul of Dazzle Jazz, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the thrilling interplay of music and design.

Past Pawns: Can Sketches

Client: Self-Initiated

In this personal project, I’ve crafted a series of ink and watercolor sketches that capture the playful spirit of creativity, much like a chess player exploring new strategies on the board. Each piece is a unique move, blending fluid lines and vibrant washes of color that dance together in a harmonious composition. The interplay of ink and watercolor mirrors the dynamic tension of a well-fought game, where spontaneity meets intention.