Navigating the Park

Trailhead Development and Design Panels help visitors navigate the park safely while protecting dune resources.

Mapping and Navigating the Park

I oversaw the contract for kiosk hardware fabrication while designing the original display panels using Adobe Suite. My work combined contract administration with creative execution to enhance visitor engagement at Indiana Dunes National Park.

"Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs".

I designed the initial layout for the park’s orientation map panel and captured most of the photographs featured in its final design, ensuring a cohesive and visually engaging experience.

Bulletins

I designed display cases with a custom magnetic backing to streamline monthly updates, allowing safety and programming information to be easily refreshed. The arrangement of ranger photographs was carefully crafted to immerse visitors in the national park experience, reinforcing a sense of place and connection.

Mapping and Navigating the Park

Constructed the layout to be used for 22 different trailheads. Utilized Adobe Illustrator to create maps and InDesign for the panel layout. Took most of the photos with a Canon EOS 7D and enhanced them in Adobe Photoshop.

Three-Panel Trailhead Displays

Trail Maps: Crafted using Adobe Illustrator.

Photography: Personally captured high-quality images for design integration.

Design Tools: Panels designed using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Design Layout: Ensured uniformity and consistency across 27 trails and locations.

Content Management: Gathered content information that guided park visitors with safety messages and trail topography info.

Design Standards: Designed the trailheads with NPS branding and Harpers Ferry standards, in collaboration with myself and staff.

Contract Officer Representative: FAC-COR for the creation of custom hardware for secure installation of 27 signs.

Printing: Partnered with GPO for precise, high-standard prints.

Interpreting the National Park with Waysides

Creating the Visitor Experience

Waysides are very important for telling the story of the park's resources. Indiana Dunes National Park has over 27 waysides throughout the park, which are maintained and updated regularly.

Century of Progress Waysides

Prescribe Fire Waysides

Visitors often encounter evidence of fire, whether from a controlled burn or a wildfire. These mobile waysides were developed to explain the burned areas.

Karner Blue Wayside

Resource protection is imperative for all national parks. This wayside was developed to emphasize the importance of staying on designated trails to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Wayside Interpretive Signs for National Park – Design and Implementation

"Developed comprehensive wayside interpretive signs for a national park, enhancing visitor experience through informative and visually engaging displays while maintaining the park’s brand identity.

The project included:

Conceptualization and Design: Utilized Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create visually appealing and informative designs that aligned with the national park's brand identity, ensuring consistency in color schemes, typography, and logo usage.

Content Creation: Authored and edited interpretive text to effectively communicate historical, ecological, and cultural information, ensuring accuracy and engagement while aligning the messaging with the park's tone and style.

Production and Printing: Managed in-house printing, ensuring high-quality production and cost efficiency, adhering to environmental and preservation standards.

Installation: Oversaw the installation process, collaborating with park officials to strategically place signs for maximum visitor interaction and accessibility, while ensuring the installations complemented the natural and cultural landscape.

Project Management: Coordinated multiple aspects of the project, from conception through implementation, demonstrating strong organization and project management skills.

This project exemplified a holistic design approach, integrating visual storytelling with educational content, while faithfully representing the park’s identity and enriching the visitor experience."

Developed and designed a set of five waysides to tell the story of each unique house. The wayside development and layout were created using Adobe Suite.

Let's Put a Spin on Those Waysides

Developed interactive wayside interpretive signs for the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, enhancing the visitor experience by actively engaging them in learning about pollinators in the park. As the first of their kind at Indiana Dunes National Park, these waysides were specifically designed for the younger school groups that frequently visit the area.

Conceptualization and Design The resource management team approached me to create waysides focused on pollinators. After learning where they would be placed, I proposed making them interactive to better suit the audience. The team embraced the idea, leading to a successful design, development, and procurement process.

I also administered the contract as a FAC-COR, managing all phases from pre-award to post-award. This included conducting market research, estimating costs, defining the scope of work, overseeing progress, evaluating outcomes, and inspecting the final product.

Content Creation I served as a liaison between subject matter experts and the contractor, gathering and refining content for the waysides. I also oversaw the layout and design, ensuring each panel was visually compelling and educational.

Installation I coordinated with park officials to oversee the installation process, strategically placing the signs for maximum visitor engagement and accessibility while ensuring they harmonized with the natural and cultural landscape.

Project Management From conception to implementation, I managed multiple aspects of the project, demonstrating strong organizational and leadership skills.

This project significantly enhanced the trail behind the Douglas Center, integrating visual storytelling with educational content to authentically represent the park's identity while enriching the visitor experience.

Pollination - Flip it

Pollinator Out Door Book

Where are the Pollinators? - Rotate it

Plants and Pollinators - Spin it

Singing Sands Park Guide

Singing Sands Park Guide

Objective: The primary aim is to develop and produce an engaging, informative, and visually captivating 24-page annual publication, the Singing Sands Park Guide, to enrich the visitor experience.

Content Creation:

Text Writing: Collaborate with a team to compose clear, engaging, and precise text to highlight the park’s attractions, rules, and essential safety information for visitors.

Photography: Capture stunning photographs that showcase the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and amenities. These visuals will enhance the aesthetic appeal and thematic consistency of the guide.

Graphics and Design:

Map Integration: Design a detailed map of the park, featuring hiking trails, key areas of interest, and visitor facilities. The map must be user-friendly and easily accessible.

Illustrations and Graphics: Develop custom graphics and illustrations using Adobe Illustrator to depict various elements like flora, fauna, activity icons, and wayfinding symbols.

Layout and Composition:

Utilize Adobe InDesign to create a cohesive and professional layout, ensuring perfect alignment and distribution of all design elements and text. - Use Adobe Photoshop for high-quality editing of images and creating complementary illustrations that maintain consistent color schemes and typography styles throughout.

Collaboration and Production:

Engage with the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to secure high-quality printing services, ensuring adherence to environmental standards and project timelines.

Oversee revisions and proofs to guarantee accuracy, legibility, and visual appeal before the final production phase.

Delivery and Impact: - Provide both printed and digital versions of the guide to meet modern visitor preferences for accessibility and convenience. Evaluate the guide’s effectiveness through visitor feedback and make annual content adjustments to address evolving informational needs.

Developing Messaging

This Singing Sands serves as a resource guide for our service rangers and the 2 million visitors we welcome annually. I created the original layout, which is used as a template, and I add design elements and written content to enhance it.

Create park messages to address park objectives related to the protection of people and resources.

Singing Sands Park Guide

A Little Design Campaign with a BIG Impact

Role and Responsibilities:

Campaign Development: Created the logo for a program that promoted hiking park trails. The campaign included logo development, brochures, webpages, social media banners and event pages, stickers, and completion check off list for participants.

Concept & Layout Design: The 1966 Hiking Challenge honors the park's National Park System designation in 1966 with 19 hikes spanning 66 miles. Its logo reflects navigation and direction, featuring Bauhaus typography—popular at the time—and landscape imagery highlighting the park’s varied terrain.

Graphic Design Excellence: The 1966 Hiking logo and campaign exemplifies design excellence, seamlessly blending visual appeal with program recognition. Its engaging layout and thoughtfully crafted graphics have contributed to the program’s immense popularity, drawing visitors eager to experience the trails. The logo resonates so strongly that guests frequently request it as a patch or hiking medallion, underscoring the brochure’s success in fostering connection and enthusiasm for the park.

Visitor Engagement: The program’s popularity inspired visitors to form a dedicated hiking group, extending the experience beyond the initial challenge. It evolved into a meaningful initiative that strengthened community bonds and promoted well-being.

Content Creation & Digital Oversight: Created the content and manage the digital experience across multiple platforms, including the website, social media, NPS App, YouTube, and geocache.

Delivery Management: Oversee the delivery of all digital and visual content, ensuring consistency and engagement across all platforms.

Hiking Challenge Logo

The 1966 Hiking Challenge was created as a tribute to the park's designation within the National Park System, featuring 19 hikes that total 66 miles. The shape of the logo symbolizes direction, inspired by navigation tools. The font used is Bauhaus, which was popular at the time of the park's designation. Additionally, the landscape imagery depicts slopes and elevations, representing our diverse habitats.

1966 Hiking Challenge Brochure

The brochure was designed as a checklist for visitors to track their progress on the hikes. Once all 19 hikes were completed, visitors would return to the park visitor center to receive a sticker.

Hiker Checking One Off the List

Park Ranger Penny checks off the completion of a hike on the 1966 Hiking Brochure, which has become one of our most successful and well-attended programs. Visitors often inquire about obtaining the logo as a patch for their apparel and hiking medallions.

Hikers Showing Their Swag

This program gained such popularity that visitors formed a group to continue hiking beyond the required challenge. It became a heartfelt initiative that fostered community health and camaraderie.

Exhibit Design

Role and Responsibilities:

Exhibit Development & Leadership: Spearheaded the creation and execution of the exhibit "61: Celebrating Indiana Dunes as the 61st National Park" with less than 90 days' notice, collaborating with one other designer.

Concept & Layout Design: Developed the trail concept and designed the exhibit layout, showcasing diverse park locations through an innovative, immersive experience.

Graphic Design Excellence: Alongside another designer, crafted over 60 unique graphics for each exhibit stop, effectively telling the park's stories.

Space & Visitor Engagement: Transformed a 6,500 sq ft space with a blend of design exhibits, art, and interactive elements like a sand pit and lifeguard stand.

Content Creation & Digital Oversight: Lead content creation and manage the digital experience across multiple platforms, including the website, social media, NPS App, YouTube, and geocache.

Delivery Management: Oversee the delivery of all digital and visual content, ensuring consistency and engagement across all platforms.

Comprehensive Representation: Curated 12 distinct exhibit stops with diverse storytelling to encapsulate varied park experiences.

Team Collaboration: Coordinated with a South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority for installation, functioning, and completion of the exhibit.

Exhibit Entrance Panel

The entrance sign proudly proclaims the Indiana Dunes as the 61st National Park, welcoming adventurers to a land where nature's beauty meets a rich history, inviting all to explore its diverse landscapes.

Beach Pit with Lifeguard Chair

How do you capture the essence of the dunes without sand? This exhibit stop features a truckload of sand, accompanied by a lifeguard and chair, offering visitors a unique taste of the beach experience right here in the heart of the park!

Dune Succession Trail Stop

This exhibit stop brings to life the ecosystems fashioned by the retreat of the glacier that shaped what is now Lake Michigan. Visitors will explore a captivating blend of photos, paintings, and a taxidermy owl, all accompanied by immersive narration that tells the story of this remarkable trail. It's an artistic journey that showcases the beauty and complexity of nature's transformations.

Smores Anyone?

This exhibit stop invites visitors to experience the charm of Dunewood Campground, featuring a beautifully arranged campsite complete with a cozy setup and a faux-lit fire that flickers like the real thing. It captures the spirit of outdoor adventure, allowing guests to envision their own memorable nights under the stars in this tranquil haven.

Park Parcels Brought Together Through Graphics

Unified Park Property Logo Design

Developed a cohesive set of logos to unify the park's non-continuous properties, establishing a distinct graphic identity that enhances recognition and connectivity across all park locations. These were designed with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Key aspects of this project included:

Brand Identity Creation: Designed a series of logos that reflect the park's unique characteristics, ensuring each logo aligns with the overall brand identity while highlighting distinctive features of individual park parcels.

Strategic Placement: Implemented the logos on banners at park parcel entrances, creating a visually consistent welcome experience and improving wayfinding for visitors across various locations.

Integration Across Platforms: Incorporated the logos into park guides, maps, and online media, ensuring a seamless and recognizable presence in all visitor interactions and promotional materials.

Merchandising Success: Transformed the logos into hiking medallions, which were made available for sale in park stores, providing an additional revenue stream and memento opportunity for visitors.

Integration Across Platforms: Incorporated the logos into park guides, maps, and online media, ensuring a seamless and recognizable presence in all visitor interactions and promotional materials.

Merchandising Success: Transformed the logos into hiking medallions, which were made available for sale in park stores, providing an additional revenue stream and memento opportunity for visitors.

A Walk in the Park

National Park Art Walk Event Creation

Conceptualized and executed the inaugural Art Walk event at the National Park, enhancing cultural engagement and community interaction through an innovative fusion of art and nature.

Key components of the project included:

Event Creation: Developed the concept for the first-ever Art Walk, crafting a unique experience that highlighted both artistic expression and the natural beauty of the park.

Community Collaboration: Coordinated with surrounding art communities and local artists to feature diverse works, fostering connections and collaborations that enriched the event.

Visitor Activities: Designed engaging activities for visitors, including interactive art stations and guided walks, enhancing the event's educational and recreational value.

Marketing and Exhibits: Executed a comprehensive marketing campaign to promote the event, including the creation of exhibits with designated event stops featuring audio interpretation to deepen visitor engagement and understanding.

Jr. Ranger Activity Book: Developed a Jr. Ranger activity book designed to engage younger visitors, encouraging family participation and learning through art-themed activities.

Successful Outcome: The event was widely regarded as a success, attracting a large number of visitors and receiving positive feedback for its innovative approach and execution.

This project not only celebrated artistic talent but also strengthened ties between the park and the local arts community, setting the stage for future cultural events within the park."

Art Walk Marketing

This vibrant flyer invites you to explore the Art Walk at Indiana Dunes, where creativity meets the great outdoors. Experience a delightful fusion of art and nature as you stroll through captivating exhibits, engage in enlightening ranger talks, and participate in hands-on activities that celebrate the beauty of our park. Join us for a unique adventure that sparks inspiration and appreciation for the natural world!

Art Walk Station

This stop on the 1-mile loop is a vibrant hub of creativity and engagement, featuring captivating art displays and hands-on art activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in an interactive wayside complete with audio interpretation, while a knowledgeable ranger is on-site to share fascinating insights about the historic Chellberg Sugar Shack. Experience the perfect blend of artistry and storytelling as you explore this unique destination!

Art Walk Wayside

The Art Walk had five stations, each station had a wayside that showcased the artists source of inspiration in the park, it also include an audio interpretation of the cultural resource of the farm, cabins, or area. The waysides were displayed on the trail next to the paintingThe Art Walk featured five engaging stations, each highlighting the artists’ inspirations from the park. Accompanied by audio interpretations of the cultural significance of nearby farms and historic cabins, the waysides were displayed along the trail next to the vibrant paintings, creating a seamless connection between art and nature.s.

Art Walk Map and Activity

The Art Walk Map and Activity flyer offers an exciting exploration of the walking route, highlighting each station filled with artistic activities. This engaging flyer features a fun crossword puzzle, encouraging visitors to seek out clues at each site. Once they've pieced together their answers, they can proudly share them to earn a coveted Jr. Ranger sticker!

Get Outdoors!

Embrace the great outdoors! Grab a kayak, lace up your hiking boots, and dust off those binoculars for an exhilarating birding experience. Gear up for an adventure that celebrates the beauty and excitement of outdoor activities waiting for you!

Outdoor Adventure Fest Branding

This campaign was developed to celebrate all ranger-led activities throughout the park and surrounding region. The campaign was formatted into vibrant banners, eye-catching flyers, engaging social media collateral, and informative brochures, all aimed at inspiring visitors to connect with the park's natural and cultural offerings.

Spread the Word

Got it, Jeffrey! Here's an improved version incorporating the park website and NPS App:

Project Statement:

As the Visual Information Specialist at Indiana Dunes National Park, I lead the digital media team in creating engaging content across various platforms, including the official Indiana Dunes National Park website and the NPS App. My work ensures that all materials adhere to the Department of the Interior’s guidelines while meeting accessibility standards, fostering inclusive and impactful visitor experiences. By combining strategic oversight with creative direction, I shape a cohesive digital presence that connects audiences with the park’s natural and cultural heritage.

Website

Web Author and Supervisor: Creating content for over 2.5 million annual digital visitors while ensuring compliance and accessibility standards are met.

Facebook

Content Creator and Supervisor: The Indiana Dunes National Park Facebook page reaches over 3.4 million viewers, serving as our most popular platform for informing visitors about programs and events while driving park revenue.

Instagram

Content Creator and Supervisor: Our Instagram account has a reach of 458 k.

NPS App

Content Creator and Supervisor: The Indiana Dunes National Park section of the NPS App has 266k user and continues to grow in popularity and functionality.

Photo: Working as a Combat Artist in my Washington, DC studio, teaching my daughter how to use a mahl stick to steady her hand as we complete a painting together.

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