The Otero County Fair and Rodeo is held annually in Alamogordo, NM, with fun for kids and adults of all ages. Along with the annual county fair, the Otero County Fair Association also hosts the Burning of the Bull, an exciting event where a huge bull sculpture is set ablaze, symbolizing letting go of the year’s worries. The association needed printed collateral and a revamped website to promote the annual county fair, and brand identity for the Burning of the Bull.
Following the successful development of the collateral, website, and Burning of the Bull brand, the Otero County Fair Association returned to NMCO to create a cowboy and cowgirl mascot to be featured on signage, posters, standing cutouts, and more.
For the Burning of the Bull brand, we drew inspiration from classic bull mascots and night-time events that involve symbolic burning, like Zozobra and Burning Man. The logo features an enraged bull with fire bursting behind it, paired with a bold western-style font to emphasize intensity and energy. We also developed supporting brand assets including a cowboy hat, boots, lasso, flames, and hoof prints to complete the visual identity.
In addition to branding for the Burning of the Bull, we designed printed collateral for the Otero County Fair, including two trifolds and two mailers. These pieces helped promote the event while maintaining a cohesive visual style that tied into the fair’s overall theme.
For the mascot duo, the goal was to reflect the regional spirit with charm and energy that would stick with audiences. The characters blend retro western cartoon style with a modern twist. Once the core designs were finalized, we created variations with different poses and expressions, making them versatile for use in future campaigns and merchandise.
The Burning of the Bull logo embodies intensity, spirit, and tradition. Featuring a fierce, fire-crowned bull, the design symbolizes energy, transformation, and celebration. The bold, western-style typography and dynamic flame elements reinforce the event’s rugged and spirited identity. This logo captures the essence of the spectacle, evoking excitement and cultural significance.
The mascots were designed to capture the charm, warmth, and excitement of the region while embodying the timeless spirit of the Southwest. Inspired by classic western cartoons, their retro yet modern look brings a sense of nostalgia while staying fresh and engaging for today’s audience. With cowboy hats, boots, and bandanas, they proudly reflect the culture and traditions they represent, ensuring they resonate with attendees for years to come.
Boasting the claim as one of the oldest fairs in the region, the Otero County Fair has been a pillar in the community for generations. With changing times, however, the needs of the fair’s organizers and participants have changed as well. While the Otero County Fair’s rich history and sense of tradition have remained strong, the board realized that their online presence had untapped potential. Visitors were voicing difficulties navigating the website, especially when it came to locating the rules and regulations for fair entries.
Otero County Fair partnered with us to bridge the gap, honoring the fair’s legacy while also making it accessible in the digital age. NMCO developed a modern website where fairgoers can find information, purchase tickets, and find out how to be part of the fair. This new user-friendly website had clear navigation and promoted a sense of excitement in users to participate in the fair.
Additionally, the website rebuild provided us an opportunity to develop a page dedicated to the Burning of the Bull event. Utilizing the new logo and assets developed, the page embodied the new brand, making it distinct from the rest of the website.
Kahlo is our gentle, friendly, office pup! He loves his belly rubbed, sniffing absolutely everything, and hasn’t found a treat he wouldn’t eat! Be sure to say hi, he loves the attention!
Anna Kat is the driving force behind NMCO’s web development endeavors. With a sharp intellect, unwavering efficiency, and a keen eye for goals, she is the go-to expert for crafting everything from sleek landing pages to nationally acclaimed e-commerce sites. Anna Kat not only serves as your trusted web developer guide but also, if you look closely, you’ll notice she’s always impeccably color-coordinated with NMCO’s brand – a true testament to her attention to detail and commitment to the company’s image.
Meet Aaron, NMCO’s “Silent Assassin.” Despite his quiet demeanor, Aaron is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to videography, editing, color grading, drone operation, lighting, and crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences. His remarkable talent and expertise shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on every project he touches.
Dana’s journey with NMCO has been nothing short of impressive, starting as a design intern and progressing to become a designer who now plays a pivotal role in assisting with art direction. Her dedication keeps our graphics department on track and ensures our processes are efficient and business-ready. Dana’s knack for creating identity systems has resulted in some of our most recognized work. And, if you’re fortunate enough to listen in, she’s consistently voted the best playlist in the studio.
When you have a wealth of creative content, you need someone like Lucky with 18 years of business experience to guide you on where to put it. He’s our media placement guru, with the expertise and know-how to maximize your impact. Whether it’s digital banner ads or broadcast TV, Lucky can take any budget and transform it into impressions and conversions. He’s dedicated to finding solutions for your unique challenges, making him an invaluable asset to our team.
Tina, as a co-founder of NMCO, has been on a relentless mission to redefine creative services in the southwest. Building a creative studio from the ground up was a formidable challenge, but her vision and determination have transformed NMCO into a beacon of professionalism and innovation, known for its people-centric approach and out-of-the-box thinking. While she’s taken on nearly every role in the studio, Tina’s next ambition is nothing short of global. She’s poised to take on the world with her creative endeavors.
