Mobile-based Austal USA is an industry-leading defense contractor that designs and manufactures the most advanced warships on the planet. In 2017, the U.S. Navy honored our fair city by naming the 26th littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26). Austal, in turn, tapped Red Square to develop a campaign to raise awareness of the ship, the company and its workforce, and our hometown on a global stage.

During our initial design exploration, the client mentioned their goal was to have kids hang our work on their bedroom wall, just like they would a movie poster. We approached the project with this in mind, developing a dramatic yet modern feel. The art needed to display the power of a combat ship and demonstrate that it is the true leader of the sea. We chose an illustrated look, rather than photo-realism, to add visual interest and to allow us to explore and refine the clean angles of the ship.

The campaign features this theatrical poster, as well as collectable coins, stickers and other materials to support events including the first cut, keel laying, launch, sea trials, delivery and commissioning. The ship's deployment is set for 2021. Until then, we'll be holding the promotion steady.