All-American Andretti: Dan Stiles’ Artistic Tribute to Andretti Formula E’s Home Race for the Portland E-Prix Poster
The 2024 Portland E-Prix represents a special moment for Andretti Formula E, as the team gears up for its home race on American soil. Returning to the iconic Portland International Raceway, this 12-turn, 3.190 km track, known for its storied past with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, will see the electric series light up its asphalt. Last season, Andretti’s Jake Dennis made headlines with a stunning pole position and a commendable second-place finish. For this special occasion, the Indianapolis-based team has chosen Dan Stiles to create the race poster. Dan’s work merges bold, geometric forms with vibrant colors, a style that resonates deeply with the dynamic energy of Formula E. His design promises to capture the spirit of the race and the pride of the home team. As an artist who has a deep connection to Portland’s cultural and creative scenes, Dan’s unique perspective and design expertise bring the excitement and local pride of the Portland E-Prix doubleheader event to life.
Tell us about yourself – where are you from, what do you do?
My name is Dan Stiles and I’m an illustrator and designer originally from Michigan, but I’ve been living on the West Coast since I was 19 years old. What do I do? Mostly, I design stuff. All day, every day. If I’m not doing that I’m hanging out with my kids, racing or fixing up my car, or riding my bike around – weather permitting. It’s a pretty good life!
What do you enjoy about being an illustrator and designer?
On the pro side, you work for yourself. On the con side, you work for yourself. You get to do what you want, but the buck stops with you. There isn’t anyone else around here to pick up the slack or take the blame if something goes wrong. It’s rarely a dull job. I’m always working for new clients, learning new things and challenging myself to come up with novel ideas.
We chose you and your work to represent Portland – what does it mean to reside in the City of Roses?
Like many Portlanders, I wasn’t born here – I made the decision to move here. Portland has unique qualities you can’t find in most other American cities. People come here to be part of a vibrant, creative community. Maybe they want to start a restaurant, build custom motorcycles, or write children’s books. They move here to do it. Seemingly everyone here is involved in some type of creative activity. Couple that with great food, excellent access to the outdoors and good public transportation and you have a place with a very different vibe than the typical sprawl of strip malls that make up so many other places.
Do you like motorsport? What does it mean to work with the Andretti team?
As an amateur racer, I was thrilled to be contacted by Andretti Formula E. At first, I even thought that it was some sort of spam as I couldn’t believe it! It’s an honor to be a small part of a racing legacy that stretches back over 50 years. As a Detroit area kid, it’s a dream project.
What was your design process for this poster?
There were three primary focuses. Firstly, the car – and what an amazing machine it is – I wanted it front and center. Secondly, the location. Not just Portland in general, but Portland International Raceway. It’s my home track and where the race will take place, so it was important to be represented. Lastly, energy and electricity. This is racing, but it’s also electric racing and so I wanted the poster to convey that spark of excitement.
Talk to us about the poster design – why did you include those colors and elements?
Portland is the only American circuit on the Formula E calendar, so I wanted an American feel which was coupled perfectly by the Andretti Formula E team’s brand colors of red, white and blue. I focused on using only those colors without bringing in anything else. In the background is Mount Hood, our beloved local landmark. On a clear day, you can see it at the bottom of the straightaway. n the background there is also a bit of the Portland skyline as well as a forest to celebrate not only the wooded nature of the track area, but the massive forests of Oregon.
For Andretti Formula E fans visiting Portland for this race, what places should they visit and what food should they eat?
Get out of downtown and into the East side, that’s where all the good stuff is. If you can get a seat you should eat at Eem, but it’s worth noting that it’s on a first come first serve basis. Everyone visiting Portland should also eat at Nongs. Recently I’ve been into a place called FryBaby, who honestly do the best wings in town. Sammich on E. Burnside for a Pastrami Zombie. Murikami ramen, Lottie and Zula’s, Tamale boy, Por Que No? – all great food spots. Our art museum is great, The Rose Test Garden is a must see too. Both the Chinese and Japanese gardens are popular with out-of-towners. Maybe get a drink at PayDirt and hang out by the fire. Seriously, don’t bother with any chain stores or restaurants. The charm of Portland is that there are thousands of much better local options. Get over to Hawthorne, Division, Alberta or Mississippi streets, park your car and wander around on foot. You’ll find amazing stuff!
We express our sincere appreciation to Dan for his outstanding design of our 2024 Portland E-Prix race poster and encourage you to explore his artistic vision further by visiting his digital profiles below:
Instagram: @danstiles // Website: DanStiles.com
Join us in supporting Andretti Formula E drivers Jake Dennis and Norman Nato as they head to the US to take on two races at the Portland International Raceway, a circuit rich with history from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES at the penultimate Formula E race weekend of Season 10.
