Masseria – Middleburg Film Festival Print Ad (2018)
Masseria, a refined Italian restaurant in Washington, D.C., needed a print presence within the Middleburg Film Festival program that reflected its elevated yet vibrant dining experience. The challenge was to translate an already established brand identity into a single, high-impact editorial moment worthy of both the festival audience and the restaurant’s reputation.
PROJECT RECAP
Working within the existing Masseria brand system developed by the Alicia, I led art direction and photography to craft a print ad that felt cinematic, sensory, and intentional.
Art Direction: Interpreted the established logo and brand colors into a composed, editorial-style print layout suited for a luxury festival audience.
Photography: Collaborated directly with Chef Nicholas Stefanelli to capture plated dishes and atmospheric details that reflected Masseria’s craftsmanship and vibrancy.
Styling & Composition: Styled food and environmental elements to balance refinement with warmth, ensuring the visuals felt elevated yet inviting.
Print Execution: Delivered a polished final ad optimized for high-resolution festival program printing.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
As Designer & Photographer, I:
Led visual direction for the print placement
Photographed and styled restaurant imagery
Designed the final print layout within the established brand system
Collaborated cross-functionally with the Senior Brand Designer and client
RESULTS
Produced a refined, editorial-style print ad aligned with Masseria’s Michelin-level positioning
Successfully translated a luxury dining experience into a single, high-impact festival placement
Strengthened brand presence within a culturally sophisticated audience
CREATIVE TEAM
Mimi Wilder — Designer, Photographer
Alicia Recco — Senior Brand Designer
