FROM COVER: The Artists Behind Porchfest Marketing Materials -

BY SUZY STUMP for WEEKLY VOLCANO 7/11/25

In Tacoma, the rhythms of summer aren’t confined to traditional venues—they spill out onto porches, into yards, and across sidewalks. Porchfest, the community-driven celebration of music and art, is as much about shared experience as it is about the acts themselves. But before a single chord is struck or a neighbor waves hello, the event must catch your eye and draw you in—and for that, we thank the artists behind the visuals.

This year, Tacoma Porchfest’s design team created a cohesive visual identity that was as playful, musical, and community-minded as the event itself. Led by Creative Director Elise Stukenberg, the team included illustrators and designers Travis Roof, Emily McCafferty, and Ana Bungag. Each brought unique talent and heart to the project, and together, they turned porches into stages—and posters into keepsakes.

For Stukenberg, Porchfest was a labor of love wrapped in creative logistics. “Designing Tacoma Porchfest was a big undertaking this year,” she explained. “There’s a lot of collateral to cover in a short amount of time—the website, the guide, the lineup, the maps, the poster, handbills, and merchandise.”

It began with a vision from Porchfest director Irina Rasputnis, who encouraged the team to build on themes of connection and community. From there, Elise, who also works as a full-time designer, brought together collaborators who could make the magic happen. “Elise really brought us all in with such clarity and energy,” said Ana Bungag, who handled web design support. “I’ve worked on Webflow before, but this project helped me learn new skills. I’m excited to attend my first Tacoma Porchfest!” Ana was tasked with designing the lineup page—no small feat given the complexity of so many bands playing at different times and places.

Meanwhile, illustrator Travis Roof took on the challenge of poster and merchandise design. “My involvement stemmed from a genuine love for the event,” he said. “After attending for the first time last year, I volunteered to help elevate the festival’s brand.” He integrated his own whimsical illustrations—animal musicians playing instruments native to the Pacific Northwest—with elements from a previous year’s design. “It was about maintaining a consistent feel, while enhancing the way we communicate details,” Roof added. His contributions to merchandise brought the Porchfest visuals off the page and into people’s homes, on tote bags, shirts, and more.

Roof’s designs—imaginative, charming, and deeply rooted in place—were echoed by illustrator Emily McCafferty. “I love doing character design!” she shared, and her critters brought a quirky charm that helped give this year’s Porchfest its unique identity. From raccoons on tambourines to possums on banjos, the visuals carried a spirit of joy and inclusivity. “Elise and I came with some initial ideas,” McCafferty said, “and we ended up going in a fun and light-hearted direction, highlighting critters you might find in the Tacoma area and had them play instruments—because why not?”

That spirit—why not?—infused the design process with playfulness and creativity. “It’s been amazing to watch designers jump in at the chance to be creative and problem-solve,” said Elise. “We are really grateful for everyone’s expertise and support.” Though she humbly prefers the title of “designer” over “artist,” Elise’s process is both thoughtful and inspired. “I tend to return to simplicity when possible,” she said. “We love to make things complicated, but sometimes the simplest solution is best.”

Her influences include the clean lines of Bauhaus and the surprising turns of postmodernism. But it’s the local landscape that shapes her most. “I love this Grit City,” she said. “Tacoma reminds me of everything that isn’t as easy to come by anymore in Seattle—honesty, ease, and a thriving art scene.”

Elise didn’t come to Porchfest empty-handed; she brought years of experience and a deep belief in design as community-building. And while the Porchfest project was packed with deadlines and demands—Elise was also finishing a certification program at the time—she insists it was all worth it. “It was truly a team effort,” she said. “With the rise of AI, we’re seeing more monotony than ever in our industry. More than anything, Porchfest is a great opportunity to break the mold.”

And break the mold they did. From Ana’s intuitive website layout to Travis’s immersive branding and Emily’s irresistible characters, the design team made Porchfest feel not just like an event, but a shared piece of Tacoma’s soul. Asked how she hopes people feel when they experience her work, Elise offered a simple wish: “I hope it makes them happy, a sense of pride in the community, and want to go to Tacoma Porchfest.”

We featured the poster on the cover because it’s fantastic! Mission accomplished.