Client: The Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica | Project: Illustrations & Brand Collateral
Jimmy partnered with The Georgian, Santa Monica’s iconic Art Deco hotel, to create a collection of bespoke illustrations that celebrate the property’s history, architecture, and timeless glamour. Known as the “First Lady of Santa Monica,” The Georgian carries with it a rich legacy of Hollywood allure and coastal elegance—a story Thompson translated into visual form.
For this project, he developed a series of hand-drawn illustrations infused with watercolor washes, merging architectural detail with playful nostalgia. Subjects include the hotel’s lion gargoyles, vintage telephones, and mythic cherubs, each reinterpreted through Thompson’s expressive linework and light washes of color.
These illustrations were applied to a variety of brand elements, most notably:
- Custom Coasters – featuring rotating illustrations, offering guests an intimate connection to the hotel’s character.
- Decorative Touchpoints – imagery integrated throughout the property’s printed collateral, reinforcing the brand’s narrative.
- Art-Inspired Branding – extending the hotel’s legacy as an artistic and cultural landmark into its everyday guest experience.
The collaboration reflects Thompson’s ability to honor history while making it feel fresh and contemporary. His work for The Georgian communicates:
- Heritage – capturing the grandeur of the Art Deco period with nods to the building’s historic details.
- Whimsy – infusing personality and charm into objects and motifs that might otherwise be overlooked.
- Luxury Storytelling – creating art that elevates guest experience and deepens their sense of place.
Through this project, Jimmy Thompson demonstrated his talent for aligning illustration with hospitality branding, helping The Georgian deliver not just a stay, but a storied experience that celebrates Santa Monica’s coastal legacy.
