The Paint by ESPN

Experiential

The Paint by ESPN

  • Experiential Design
  • Brand Activation
  • Sports
  • Art Direction
  • Illustration
  • Event Production
  • Logo Design
  • Fabrication
Two people standing side by side show off matching star tattoos on their arms.
When ESPN wanted to connect with fans at the WNBA All-star game, we built a tattoo parlour where they could wear their heart on their sleeve.

Challenge

A long-time supporter of women’s basketball and the WNBA, ESPN wanted to make their presence known at the WNBA All-Star game. They wanted to show up different — not just with a simple basketball activation, but with a campaign that was culturally relevant.

Solution

The Paint, a temporary tattoo parlour that unlocked a new level of fandom — where fans could literally wear their heart on their sleeve. Local artists developed custom tattoos inspired by team names. Fans could pick their tattoos, get them airbrushed on, then represent for the rest of the weekend.

A sports-themed pop-up booth with large athlete images and ESPN branding, featuring chairs and carts on a graphic patterned floor.
Spacious convention center area with art installations, black and white floor print, and people interacting at a display booth.
A busy convention or expo with people gathered around various booths and displays.
A stylized text graphic reading "The Paint" with an ESPN logo beneath it, set against a dark, basketball-themed background.
Two smartphones displaying a tattoo selection app related to ESPN and WNBA artwork.
A row of six stylized illustrations including the Statue of Liberty crown, bird, eye, lightning bolt, sunburst, and starburst.
A person wearing a "Las Vegas" jersey displays a red temporary tattoo on their arm while sitting next to a tray of tattoo supplies.
Three basketball players in action pose against a backdrop of red flowers and the words "Welcome to the W."
The image shows a repeated handwritten phrase: "WNBA on ESPN Can't Get Enough."
A three-panel sports-themed image with text about using AR-enabled tattoos, titled "The Paint," promoting engagement and featuring red graphics.
Three basketball players in different team jerseys set against a smoky background.