Globe Iron is rooted in Cleveland’s industrial history. Originally built in 1853 as the Globe Iron Works Foundry, the building once produced the first iron-hulled commercial ship on the Great Lakes. The opportunity wasn’t just to brand a new venue, but to honor a space that already carried weight, grit, and legacy.

The vision was to create a modern, multi-purpose entertainment venue that felt authentic to its past while speaking to today’s audiences. Located on the West Bank of the Flats in Cleveland, the venue needed to resonate with the city’s creative energy and its no-frills, hardworking identity. The brand had to feel industrial, timeless, and flexible enough to support concerts, weddings, private events, and cultural moments before the doors even opened.

This was a ground-up brand build. As Art Director, I worked within a team of designers and partnered closely with the client and marketing stakeholders to define the identity of a venue that didn’t yet exist publicly.

I led the logo design and helped shape the core visual system, including typography, color palette, textures, and applications. The challenge was balancing rugged industrial character with a refined, modern edge that could scale across digital, print, social, and out-of-home. Every decision needed to feel intentional and durable, something that could live comfortably on a concert poster, a wedding invite, or exterior signage.

Once the direction was approved, I helped develop the style guide and oversaw asset approval, ensuring consistency across launch materials. The brand was finalized ahead of the venue’s debut and rolled out through teaser social posts and OOH announcements across Cleveland, setting the tone before anyone stepped inside.

Globe Iron officially opened in May 2025 and was immediately embraced as Cleveland’s newest 1,200-capacity live music and events venue. The opening weekend celebrated both local roots and national relevance, with Cleveland’s own How We Feel kicking things off, followed by a packed show from Mushroomhead, a nod to the building’s past as the former Metropolis nightclub.

Early reception praised the venue’s “industrial chic” aesthetic and standout sound quality, avoiding the echo-heavy feel common in warehouse-style spaces. From a business perspective, Globe Iron filled a critical gap in Cleveland’s live music ecosystem. Under AEG Presents, the venue became a stepping stone for artists outgrowing smaller rooms but not yet ready for large amphitheaters.

With a target of roughly 150 events per year, Globe Iron appears to be meeting demand, drawing mid-sized tours to Cleveland and strengthening the city’s position against neighboring markets. The brand helped establish credibility from day one, giving the venue a clear identity that felt rooted, flexible, and built to last.

Lawrence Lacanilao
Art Director

• Art Director for Globe Iron’s brand identity.

• Led logo design and core visual direction.

• Defined primary design elements including typography, color palette, textures, and applications.

• Partnered closely with the client and marketing team to approve final brand assets.

• Developed and art directed the brand style guide for launch and ongoing use