Come Play in Garland: A Tourism Campaign That Hit All the Right Notes
Garland, Texas — a culturally vibrant city tucked just northeast of Dallas — wanted to make a name for itself as more than a suburb. The city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with J.O. Agency to showcase Garland as a playful, music-loving destination for families and adults alike.
J.O.’s Strategic Vision
Position Garland as a hidden gem within the North Texas tourism market
Develop a campaign identity that evokes fun, music, and exploration
Showcase authentic local businesses and experiences
Attract daytrippers and overnight visitors from across the region
J.O.’s Creative & Campaign Approach
Our team kicked off the project with a hands-on discovery session — exploring Garland’s skate parks, concert series, restaurants, and local businesses. Based on this research, we crafted the campaign tagline “Come Play in Garland,” designed to embody the city’s spirit of joy and creativity.
We captured high-energy, authentic visuals during a multi-day photoshoot that featured real locals and businesses — from a Stetson cowboy hat shaper to festivalgoers and local skaters. The campaign’s playful tone was extended through ad copy inspired by musical idioms, connecting Garland’s burgeoning music scene to its broader tourism appeal.
- Developed the “Come Play in Garland” campaign and creative platform
- Produced a multi-day custom photo shoot across city landmarks and events
- Created campaign copy with playful musical language
- Designed print and digital ads for regional and statewide publications
IMPLEMENTATION
RESULTS & METRICS
- Launched a full digital and print media campaign featured in state-wide magazines
- Elevated Garland’s brand identity as a culture-forward, family-friendly destination
- Created a robust content library of high-quality photos for future city promotions
- Generated regional visibility and new travel interest in a competitive tourism market
