The problem:
I discovered the Travis Audubon society through KUT, and reached out for a potential art and design opportunity. Collaboration through email gave way to the organization needing 20-25 botanical illustrations for a permanent installation at their Blair Woods Sanctuary. Through a site visit and meeting with members, we clearly defined what there needs were. Being a non-profit organization, the Travis Audubon Society relies on community engagement thus making visibility a crucial need.
Research:
Because I wanted to find the best way to showcase the flora at the Blair Woods Sanctuary, I gathered information of appropriate and easy to interpret styles regarding the tradition of botanical illustration. This led me to Alice Tangerini who has been, and still is, the first and only botanical illustrator at the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian. Due to her accurate renderings of botany and her long standing position at the Smithsonian, she serves as the perfect reference.
Brainstorm
Using Alice Tangerini as inspiration, I tried out several different styles. After finding a few sketches that I felt best fit the needs of the Travis Audubon Society, I sent them to my contacts for feedback and critique.
Iterate:
There was one design they liked best- watercolor with micropen outline. However, they need the arrangements to be deliberately detailed in order to be recognizable on the trail. I’m currently in the process of sketching each design and submitting it for approval.