“I Speak English” — Visual Identity & Illustration for Paris 2024 Hospitality Campaign
Download the free illustrated badge (PDF)
As a freelance illustrator based in France, I was invited to develop the full visual identity for “I Speak English” — a hospitality campaign launched ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics to promote openness and accessibility for English-speaking visitors.
Conceived by Anne Weber and her agency In Talent We Trust, the initiative provided clear, illustrated signage to cafés, hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues whose staff could assist visitors in English. The project aimed to challenge outdated stereotypes and celebrate Parisian hospitality during one of the most high-profile international events in recent history.
My Role and Creative Contributions
- Logo design — A clean, bilingual mark for use across communication channels, printed material, and digital platforms
- Mascot and character design — A friendly Parisian figure in marinière and beret, designed with charm and clarity for international legibility
- Vector illustration & badge artwork — Easily printable artwork for storefronts, stickers, t-shirts, badges, and posters
- Advertising illustration & poster compositions — Atmosphere-driven illustrations referencing classic French cinema aesthetics, including noir, romanticism, and retro typographic styles
- Art direction & visual storytelling — Creation of a cohesive visual narrative usable across formats and audiences, suitable for public display and civic engagement
This project brought together several of my core competencies: character design, mascot development, vector illustration, poster art, public-facing visual storytelling, and multilingual branding for events. The final artworks were optimized for print and digital use, and are now displayed across Paris — including bars, bookstores, and municipal offices — during the Olympic period.
Free Download: The vector artwork is available for free, non-commercial use by any city, town, or citizen wishing to offer a friendly face to tourists. It’s ideal for hospitality professionals, tourism offices, startups, and civic initiatives looking to communicate accessibility in a visual way.
Client & Project Context
Client: In Talent We Trust, Paris
Location: Paris, France — with potential adoption across all of France
Agency Founder: Anne Weber
Website: www.anneweber.org
About the Illustrator
I’m Ian David Marsden, a professional illustrator and visual storyteller based near Montpellier in the south of France. My work spans advertising illustration, business comics, UX/UI character design, explainer visuals, and editorial illustration. I create custom graphics for global clients, often blending humour, storytelling, and clarity to build emotionally engaging content for brands, startups, and institutions.
To explore more of my work, or inquire about collaboration:
marsdenillustration.com
linkedin.com/in/idmarsden
Licensing & Usage
This vector artwork is offered under a non-commercial license. It may be reproduced for hospitality or signage purposes provided the surrounding caption and source link are preserved. The artwork may not be resold or altered for deceptive or unrelated uses.
