Case Study 10
SOLSTICE MAGAZINE: VIRTUAL GALA & DIGITAL EVENT STRATEGY
REMOTE CREATIVE CONSULTING, CONTENT PRODUCTION & VIRTUAL EVENT SUPPORT
ORGANIZATION
John Kind Studios LLC
CLIENT/PARTNER CONTEXT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations across the country faced significant challenges as in-person fundraising events, performances, and community gatherings became impossible to host.
Solstice Magazine sought a solution for transforming its traditional in-person gala experience into an engaging virtual event while maintaining audience participation, storytelling, and fundraising momentum.
ROLE
Creative Director
Virtual Event Consultant
Video Producer
Editor
Digital Content Strategist
OVERVIEW
John Kind Studios LLC partnered with Solstice Magazine to help reimagine its annual gala experience for a fully virtual environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working remotely, John Kind Studios developed a digital event strategy designed to support audience engagement, maintain program flow, and create a professional virtual experience through Zoom.
The project combined livestream planning, content strategy, pre-recorded media production, and virtual event consulting to help Solstice Magazine continue its programming despite the challenges of pandemic restrictions.
OBJECTIVES
Transition an in-person gala experience into a virtual format
Maintain audience engagement throughout the event
Create a seamless Zoom-based event experience
Support fundraising and donor participation
Develop supplemental content to strengthen the program schedule
Provide technical guidance for remote participant recording and content collection
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Developed a virtual event framework centered around:
digital audience engagement
pre-recorded content integration
remote production workflows
virtual program pacing
fundraising support
audience retention
REMOTE PRODUCTION CONSULTING
Provided guidance for:
participant recording workflows
video submission processes
remote production planning
virtual presentation structure
Zoom-based event execution
CONTENT STRATEGY & VIDEO PRODUCTION
Identified opportunities to strengthen the event experience through additional media assets.
Produced and edited a music video for the original song "Been Afraid" to serve as featured programming content during the event.
The video was integrated into the livestream experience to support audience engagement, fill program transitions, and strengthen the overall event presentation.
EVENT DELIVERY
Supported the integration of pre-produced content within the virtual event structure.
Worked alongside event leadership to ensure media assets could be effectively presented through Zoom during the gala experience.
The final content package was delivered to Solstice Magazine and licensed for ongoing branding and promotional use.
OUTCOMES
Successfully supported the transition of an in-person gala to a virtual event environment
Helped maintain audience engagement through strategic content integration
Created original media assets that expanded the event experience
Demonstrated how creative production can support fundraising and community engagement during periods of disruption
Provided long-term branded content assets beyond the event itself
KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE DEMONSTRATED
Virtual event consulting
Creative direction
Remote production workflows
Digital event strategy
Video production
Video editing
Livestream planning
Audience engagement design
Content licensing
Mission-driven creative support
REFLECTION
The Solstice Magazine project demonstrated how creative strategy can help organizations adapt during periods of uncertainty.
Rather than simply replacing an in-person event with a virtual meeting, the project focused on designing an experience that maintained storytelling, engagement, and audience connection through thoughtful planning and content integration.
The work highlighted the value of combining production expertise with strategic problem-solving to help organizations continue fulfilling their mission regardless of circumstance.