The Kavalier
role
Branding, Creative Direction
client
Kavalier Cinema Group
recognition
year
2008
Overview
I partnered with the Kavalier Cinema Group to develop branding and provide creative direction for a proposed dine-in theatre concept. My role extended beyond logo and identity design to include promotional materials for investors, mocked-up menus, letterheads, and other print applications, as well as consultation on signage and architectural elements of the planned build-out.
The Challenge
The Kavalier aimed to establish itself as an alternative to the long-standing Enzian Theatre, which had become the region’s sole destination for independent cinema and film festivals. The challenge was to help a new venture, starting from scratch, define its identity and secure funding with a compelling creative vision.
The Approach
Working closely with the founder, I explored how to visually connect the theatre to both the golden age of cinema and the cultural roots of Florida. The goal was to merge the Spanish mission style prominent in the state’s architecture with the elegance of art deco—a design direction that could set The Kavalier apart while grounding it in local character. My role expanded into creative consultation, providing input on how branding could extend seamlessly into environmental design, from signage to the theatre’s architectural expression.
The Solution
The resulting identity balanced nostalgia with sophistication. The logo and visual system evoked cinematic heritage while maintaining a clean, modern presentation for investors. Promotional materials—including menus, stationery, and pitch documents—translated this identity into a cohesive package that presented The Kavalier as both a viable business and a distinctive cultural venue.
The Outcome
Though the theatre itself did not come to fruition, the branding work gave The Kavalier a strong foundation for investor presentations and positioned them as a credible challenger in the local film community. For me, the project reinforced the importance of branding that extends beyond logos—into the built environment, atmosphere, and story a venue communicates to its audience.
