Behind the Scenes:
Meet the Artist of the 2026 Design Contest
Introducing 2026 Contest Winner:
Yun Tran
Meet Yun Tran: Winner of Our 2026 Design Contest
We are proud to introduce Yun Tran, the winner of our 2026 Design Contest.
A recent high school graduate from Tacoma, Washington, Yun is an illustrator, designer, and aspiring motion media artist with a passion for bringing stories to life through visual art. Having previously worked on illustrated commissions, she is now pursuing studies in Graphic and Motion Media Design to further develop her creative skills and explore new ways of combining design and movement.
Yun's winning poster immediately stood out to our judging panel for its bright, welcoming aesthetic and strong visual storytelling. While many recent contest-winning designs have featured darker color palettes, Yun intentionally sought a different approach.
"Light and airy poster designs were all throughout my moodboard," Yun shared. "I envisioned a poster that would be eye-catching to all ages while allowing a sense of interaction through movement."
With that vision in mind, she created a composition that balances openness and energy while highlighting the many elements that make the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival special. From the festival traditions and cultural influences to the sense of community that brings people together each year, every aspect was thoughtfully incorporated into the design.
Yun focused on creating a poster that felt engaging without becoming cluttered, using strong visual elements, dynamic silhouettes, and a clear hierarchy of information to guide the viewer's eye. Most importantly, she wanted the spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival itself to remain front and center, ensuring that the festival's energy and identity were immediately recognizable.
We are thrilled to feature Yun's artwork as the face of our 2026 festival and grateful for the creativity, passion, and thoughtfulness she brought to this year's contest.
If you are interested in learning more about Yun's work, discussing creative opportunities, or connecting with her regarding commissions or collaborations, please reach out to us at info@cdbf.org and we will gladly pass your message along.