This vibrant representation of the small town of John Day, Oregon was so fun to create. Our goal with this visual style was to evoke a sense of joy and discovery. We carefully marked out key places around the city and brought them to life with a healthy dose of whimsy and playfulness. From characters tending crops, fishing, and riding bikes to a sleepy bear perched in a tree, we created a cast of characters that show the personality and community of this small town. The map captures the essence of the city's unique spirit, with particular attention paid to depicting the accuracy of current locations and future constrictions.
ILLUSTRATED MAP
We began by establishing a vibrant color scheme and overall theme, and then moved onto noting the primary landmarks throughout the city that should be depicted. We worked with City officials to establish a timeline for new and upcoming constructions that should be noted on the map and worked to strike a balance between how much detail was sufficient. We brought in Illustrator and Motion Graphic Designer Stefano Cattaneo to facilitate this vision with illustrations that included iconic local landmarks such as the Green House, the park, the hiking trails, ATV sites, etc, and a charming cast of characters quickly emerged to accompany each location. Through this project, we created a versatile set of characters and artwork that could be repurposed for numerous other projects throughout John Day. We imagined murals adorning bare building walls, posters decorating the library, and colorful street banners lining the main street. This project resulted in a versatile collection of characters and artwork, ready to serve a multitude of purposes across John Day. We envisioned these creations gracing bare building walls in the form of murals, adorning the library as posters, and brightening the streets with colorful banners, weaving a vibrant, consistent narrative throughout the town. A town that adopts a cohesive visual style in its artwork, banners, and murals is recognizable and memorable to both residents and visitors. It instills a sense of community pride and ownership, enhancing the town's appeal and fostering a shared sense of purpose among its inhabitants. Additionally, a well-designed and visually pleasing town becomes a draw for tourists, positively impacting the local economy and encouraging business growth. The consistency in visual elements simplifies communication, reducing confusion, while simultaneously adding an aesthetic touch to the town's environment.