Illustration Asset Library for the Oregon State Parks

Oregon Parks & Recreation Department

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department came to us to create a library of assets. They were in need of a robust illustration library that could support and unify their communications internally and externally. They wanted an asset library that felt fresh and exciting to reinvigorate generational parkgoers as well as welcome new patrons to experience the treasures of Oregon’s landscape. 

The goal was to create a library of assets that the OPRD team could use to create communication across all platforms. The system needed to be modular, and customizable, with hero moments that can be coupled with smaller elements for extra storytelling.

It needed to contain illustrations, photo container shapes and patterns. All assets needed to be easy to size, change, and edit—with a consistency that stretched across the whole kit. As well as being easy to use for any person regardless of skill level. 

The creative also needed to challenge existing power structures and systems of oppression, including colonial and classist views of the outdoors. The hope was to bring a more inclusive and diverse lens to OPRD.

ROLES

Brand Design
Illustration Asset Library
Custom Typeface
Usage Guidelines

Oregon Parks and Rec Department People illustration collage
Oregon Parks and Rec Department mountain lion and bird of prey animation

Flora and Fauna

Storytelling through Scenes: With a total of 255 state parks in the diverse biome of Oregon it was impossible to build individual illustrations for each. We took the problem and developed a system of Activity Icons, Objects, Flora and Fauna that gave their team the ability to build any scenes and tell any story they might need. We designed 11 regional scenes that can be added to or subtracted, along with hundreds of individual plants, animals and objects so the OPRD team as well other design partners could create their own scenes for any need.  

Oregon Parks and Rec Department squirrel and wolf animation
Oregon Parks and Rec Department plant and scenery illustration collage
Oregon Parks and Rec Department hero vs. icon cabin animation

Hero vs. Icon

Early in the process, we discovered that there were multiple levels of complexity that were going to be needed to work for all applications. Whether it was a flier to celebrate a beloved lighthouse or a general scene of the Oregon Coast. We created a system of Hero and Icon illustrations that could be swapped out to fit the right level of detail for the situation. We applied this system through Animals and Facilities so they could live on their own and within larger scenes.  

Oregon Parks and Rec Department hero vs. icon lighthouse animation
OPRD buildings animation

Places

We supplied over 900 assets, which could be overwhelming to a small team, so wanted to a make system that was super user friendly and really fun. With so many limitless possibilities they could never run out of potential compositions. 

OPRD woman pushing stroller on a walking path illustration
OPRD birdwatching scene illustration
OPRD truck driving alongside a cliff and lake scene illustration
OPRD high desert scene illustration
OPRD tidepool scene illustration
OPRD coast scene illustration

Pine cone and branch illustrated pattern
Wildflower illustrated pattern
Explorer people illustrated pattern
Meadow illustrated pattern with deer
Ocean extravaganza illustrated pattern
Trees illustrated pattern
Mom and baby bear illustrated pattern

Illustrated fish on a hat graphic
illustrated coyote on a hat graphic
Masks with pinecone and flower patterns
OPRD illustrated stickers/badges

The system in-use

From social media graphics and kiosk flyers to merchandise like patches and hats, the illustration library was meant to be versatile and encourage play. Beyond the illustrated asset library we created 42 unique patterns that helped provide an easy way to add an Oregon parks style to any graphic. We also created a custom typeface Cascadia Bold that allowed the Parks team to further customize beyond the illustrations.

The system in-use

From social media graphics and kiosk flyers to merchandise like patches and hats, the illustration library was meant to be versatile and encourage play. Beyond the illustrated asset library we created 42 unique patterns that helped provide an easy way to add an Oregon parks style to any graphic. We also created a custom typeface Cascadia Bold that allowed the Parks team to further customize beyond the illustrations.

The system in-use

From social media graphics and kiosk flyers to merchandise like patches and hats, the illustration library was meant to be versatile and encourage play. Beyond the illustrated asset library we created 42 unique patterns that helped provide an easy way to add an Oregon parks style to any graphic. We also created a custom typeface Cascadia Bold that allowed the Parks team to further customize beyond the illustrations.

The system in-use

From social media graphics and kiosk flyers to merchandise like patches and hats, the illustration library was meant to be versatile and encourage play. Beyond the illustrated asset library we created 42 unique patterns that helped provide an easy way to add an Oregon parks style to any graphic. We also created a custom typeface Cascadia Bold that allowed the Parks team to further customize beyond the illustrations.

Yellow lizard on a leaf

TY Friends

Creative Lead

Sarah Martin

Illustrations & Designs

Erikas Chesonis

Custom Typeface

Dillon Lawrence

Animations

Shannon Steed

Producer

Sam Rice