Overview

 

The Delta King is one of Sacramento’s most recognizable landmarks—part hotel, part riverboat, part living history. The goal of this project was to refresh its visual presence and interior spaces while honoring the ship’s heritage and its surroundings in Old Sacramento.

 

The work unfolded in two phases: exterior signage and interior storytelling.

 

The Challenge

• Exterior signage lacked cohesion and visibility from Front Street

• Interior spaces were filled with event information but missing narrative

• The brand needed clarity without competing with the historic district

 

The challenge was not reinvention, but alignment—between the ship, the brand, and its environment.

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The Approach

 

Before designing anything, I spent time walking Old Sacramento, studying surrounding signage, colors, materials, and visual rhythms. The goal was to connect the Delta King naturally to its context.

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Using the brand’s palette, I introduced red for architectural elements and on white background titles, bright yellow for typography, and black as a grounding backdrop—allowing the boat’s white silhouette to stand out as visitors approached.

 

Every decision was made to feel intentional, legible, and historically aware.

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Process

• Studied Old Sacramento’s visual language

• Refined typography for distance and readability

• Designed signage systems that guide without overwhelming

• Balanced contrast to enhance visibility and character

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Exterior Signage & Wayfinding

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The main entrance signage was redesigned and scaled up to improve visibility from a distance. Before boarding, visitors now encounter an updated information hub at the ramp—featuring menus and content aligned with the website for a consistent experience.

 

A previously blank wall became a subtle mural I painted, adding a layer of local character and inviting curiosity in a high-traffic tourist area.

 

On the lower deck, a utility box was wrapped with a detailed ship map—transforming an eyesore into a functional and informative feature.​​​​​

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