Born and raised on the Coast, Kaitlyn Brewer grew up kayaking, fishing and sketching the beauty that surrounded her.
Each year, she admired the colorful, creative Biloxi Seafood Festival posters that were designed by local artists — each one paying homage to the city’s maritime and seafood heritage.
“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, maybe one day that could be me,” recalls Brewer, who is a designer on the marketing team at Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino.
Fast-forward to 2025, and it’s Brewer’s turn in the spotlight. The poster for the 44th annual festival, recently unveiled at a Biloxi Chamber of Commerce breakfast, features her original artwork.
“To finally have the opportunity to be part of something I’ve admired for so long feels incredibly special and a bit surreal,” Brewer says. “I’m truly honored!”
‘IT TOLD A STORY’
Brewer’s was one of 10 entries submitted for this year’s design contest, according to Biloxi Seafood Festival Coordinator LaWanda Jones. A panel of community members closely connected to the festival, including members of the Biloxi Chamber Board of Directors and the Biloxi Seafood Festival Committee, reviewed and scored the submissions, judging them based on creativity and how well they aligned with this year’s theme.
“Kaitlyn’s design immediately caught our attention with its vibrant color palette, thoughtful composition and deep sense of place,” Jones says. “It wasn’t just a beautiful illustration; it told a story.
Titled “Seafood and Spirit,” Brewer’s design incorporates iconic Biloxi imagery, like shrimp boats, fresh seafood and local landmarks — all coming together to celebrate the area’s rich traditions and lively character.
Jones was impressed by the way Brewer captured movement and life in the scene, “which felt authentic and full of pride for the region.”
“The Biloxi Seafood Festival is about honoring the generations who’ve worked the waters and built a legacy rooted in resilience, family and tradition,” Jones says. “Kaitlyn’s work reflects that — highlighting the people, places and purpose behind the celebration in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.”
SHARING HER PASSION
Brewer describes her design as cheery, fun and festive — adding that her work overall has a vibrant, coastal and hand-illustrated quality.
“I’m truly honored to have my poster chosen and to be part of Biloxi’s history,” she says. “It was a wonderful surprise — though I had a feeling I might have a shot!”
The University of Mississippi graduate, who holds a degree in graphic design, also released another project recently: a 40- page coloring book inspired by the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The book features hand-drawn illustrations of the plants, animals and towns someone will encounter while exploring the region. Alongside the artwork, readers will find brief descriptions that bring each page to life.
“My passion for art comes from the joy of sharing the history, culture and stories of the places I love with others,” Brewer says.
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