Last weekend the Arab Shrine Circus was in Topeka for five exciting performances. Over the last few years jhP has been part of the act, creating the advertising materials and scheduling media events for the circus. With ticket sales 7-percent higher this year over last year’s event, the big top in the big T was a huge hit.

This year’s promotional artwork was created by our award-winning illustrator, Dan Billen. Dan’s rendition of a smiling clown and tiger graced the collateral materials and TV spot, giving the circus a fresh new look.

“I was thrilled to be asked to create the artwork for the 2009 Annual Arab Shrine Circus,” said Dan. “I’ve always loved the circus and this was the perfect chance for me to create art to promote something I’m really interested in.”

“I enjoy working with collage, so after I drew Wiggles (the clown) and Chompers (the tiger) I started collecting photos to use as the textures behind the original line drawing. I wanted pictures that were relevant to the project, so I found circus-related imagery. For example, Wiggles’ coat is made of tickets and his tie is balloons.”

“My favorite detail is Chompers’ nose made out of pink cotton candy! It was a great experience to go to the circus this year and see my art all over everything. My kids were so proud. It was a rewarding experience I’ll always remember.”