Hershey's
2023 - 2024
Holiday & Halloween
Services:
Art Direction
Graphic Design
Illustration
Animation
Retail Design
I was commissioned by Hershey’s Times Square to reimagine their New York City skyline illustration with distinctly themed seasonal twists—first for Halloween and later for the holiday season—transforming a familiar scene into festive, brand-aligned centerpieces for their campaign toolkits. For Halloween, the goal was to evolve their existing artwork into a spooky and playful version that still felt unmistakably Hershey’s. I infused the skyline with whimsical Halloween elements that brought the city to life after dark: glowing jack-o’-lanterns perched on rooftops, swirling bats between skyscrapers, and looming shadows that added depth and mystery. Hershey’s iconic Halloween candies, from Reese’s pumpkins to Kit Kat bars in orange and black wrappers, were illustrated and cleverly tucked into the scene as delightful surprises. A dusky purple-orange sky replaced the original background, casting an eerie glow over the city. The palette shifted to deep purples, burnt oranges, and shadowy blacks to heighten the Halloween drama.
For the Christmas version, I reimagined the same skyline under a blanket of snow, swapping eerie tones for a warm, festive glow. Twinkling holiday lights wrapped around skyscrapers, candy canes lined snowy rooftops, and classic Hershey’s seasonal treats—like red and green Kisses, Peppermint Bark, and holiday-wrapped Reese’s—were sprinkled throughout the cityscape. I introduced a rich holiday palette of deep reds, frosty blues, and shimmering golds, along with a starry winter sky that added a touch of magic and wonder. Both illustrations served as vibrant, seasonal showcases for Hershey’s Times Square—capturing the energy of New York while celebrating the spirit of each holiday in a way that felt joyful, imaginative, and distinctly on-brand illustrations.
Role: Senior Designer @ Hershey | Collaborators: Matt Diehl
01 Background

Holiday & Halloween - Halloween - Spot Illustrations

Holiday & Halloween - Halloween - Final Illustration
The process of reimagining Hershey’s Times Square skyline illustration for Halloween and the winter holidays began with a detailed assessment of the original artwork and a review of existing brand assets to determine which elements could be adapted for seasonal storytelling. For the Halloween version, I sketched new illustrative components—glowing jack-o’-lanterns, swirling bats, and looming shadows—designed to bring a playful yet spooky atmosphere to the skyline while preserving the integrity of the cityscape. I illustrated key Hershey’s Halloween candies and integrated them into the scene with thoughtful placement, then shifted the color palette to rich purples, burnt oranges, and shadowy blacks, creating a custom dusk-inspired background to enhance the mood.
For the holiday version, the process involved transforming the entire atmosphere: I layered rooftops with snow, added twinkling lights, and created winter-themed elements like candy canes, snowflakes, and festive decor. Seasonal Hershey’s treats were illustrated and woven into the cityscape, supported by a refined holiday palette of deep reds, frosty blues, and shimmering golds. Across both versions, I maintained consistent visual structure and brand alignment, ensuring each illustration told a compelling seasonal story while staying true to Hershey’s identity.
02 Process

Holiday & Halloween - Christmas - Spot Illustrations

Holiday & Halloween - Christmas - Final Illustration
The seasonal illustrations for Hershey’s Times Square were met with enthusiastic reception, both internally and publicly, serving as standout visuals that anchored their Halloween and holiday campaigns. The animation was live in Times Square for the month of October 2023. The Halloween version added a playful, eerie energy to the brand’s Times Square presence, drawing attention in-store and online with its bold palette and whimsical candy placements. The Christmas illustration brought a warm, festive spirit that resonated with holiday shoppers and enhanced the overall brand experience during one of the busiest retail periods of the year. This illustration was live for the month of December in 2024. Both illustrations became integral assets within Hershey’s seasonal campaign toolkits, appearing across digital screens, merchandising displays, and promotional materials. The work not only elevated the visual storytelling of Hershey’s flagship location but also reinforced their ability to adapt a single brand asset into distinct, engaging narratives—demonstrating the power of thoughtful seasonal design in a high-visibility retail environment.