Summer Reading 2024

For summer 2024 the summer reading theme was “Adventure Begins At Your Library”. The Buena Vista Library tasked me with creating collateral, logs, prizes and artwork in support of the program.

I developed illustrations, print materials and posters to capture what “adventure” means to Chaffe County.

The Monarch Crest illustration which became a central visual motif through all of the summer reading materials. It features a lino-cut inspired design with the three prominent peaks Clover, Aetna and Taylor seen left to right.

A snip of this illustration was on almost every poster.

Deliverables

  • Program logo
  • Adult Reading Log
  • Teen/ YA Reading Log
  • Youth Reading Log
  • Early Reading Log
  • Adventure Map
  • Fourteen Original illustrations
  • Over Forty original posters
  • Three 24 x 36 signature Event Posters
  • Six sponsored event posters
  • Raffle tickets and prizes

Program Logo

For the logo we wanted to reinforce our new brand. As such I kept within brand guidelines and crafted a logo featuring the 2024 catch phrase and our signature aspen leaf icon.

Illustrations

Early on we were inspired by fantasy imagery and wondered how we might implement it in our visuals. I decided that the best solution would be an illustrative one. I started with an “adventure map”. The map would be on the inside of the 11 x 17 Youth reading log.

It featured four real adventures in the Arkansas Valley which corresponded to reading challenges and prizes.

This set the tone for the rest of the project visually. 

Local Peaks

We decided that on the theme of “adventure” we would use the summer reading materials to educate patrons about Colorado geography and adventure history. 

I developed illustrations for several notable peaks to be featured in our materials. These peaks became representative of the challenges in the adult and YA logs.

Mt of The Holy Cross

 Capital Peak

 Mt Bierstadt

 Mt Sneffles

Reading Logs

Working closely with the library director and event coordinators I came up with visuals for the four reading logs. Adult, Teen, Youth and Early Reader.

Each log has its own unique personality and unique challenges appropriate for each age group. 

Each reading log also was given its own illustration of a famous Colorado adventure. The cover features an image of the adventure and a short description detailing a handful of facts about the place. 

This adds depth to the program but also furthers the library’s place as an institution of education.

Signature
Event
Posters

In partnership with several local businesses the library hosts at least three signature events throughout the summer.

Each required its own 24×36 poster. In some cases I use my original artwork from the reading logs. These posters would set the tone for the remaining 40+ event posters.

The posters follow the brand guidelines which I developed earlier in the year, while still maintaining their own visual signature unique to 2024 Summer Reading.

Calendar &
Water Bill Insert

In order to drive attendance to summer reading events the library sends out a calendar with the May water bill.

This calendar needs to be very concise and advertise the signature events of the summer. Past years calendars have been functional, but somewhat difficult to read.

The water bill insert has proven to be a key part of the library’s ability to market its services. It reaches patrons who might not necessarily participate in library events throughout the rest of the  year.

I developed some clear imagery for the key signature events and made sure to incorporate those on the back side of the water bill. See the proof versions

Final Results

Ultimately a public library is a product of the community in which it exists. The 2024 theme “Adventure Begins At Your Library” was perfectly suited to the patrons of Chaffee County.

The illustrations, reading logs and educational nature of material all display my great pride in being a Chaffee County resident. Locals will be excited to see venues and adventures they recognize. Visitors will become educated on the Buena Vista area by participating in the summer reading program. 

Not only do these solutions effectively stay within the new library brand, but they strengthen the unique personality of the small town library. 

They position the library as an educational institution with an expertise on the local area. It’s a great example of how the brand guidelines I developed are to be implemented.  I couldn’t have been happier to see how this project came together.

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Contact

Think we could work together? Questions about my rates or about a project? Drop me a line!

I make sure my clients receive a hands on approach with solutions catered to their specific design problems. You can contact me via email Cuttsandcouloiurs@gmail.com