About

Overview

As part of CBU Campus Recreation’s ongoing effort to promote student engagement through outdoor adventure programs, I was responsible for designing illustrated marketing materials for one of the most popular trips of the Fall 2024 semester, a backpacking excursion to Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach, California.

My role focused on creating visually compelling advertisements that captured the scenic beauty of the destination while maintaining a consistent visual identity. The design emphasized a coastal landscape to reflect the trip’s unique environment and was also adapted into a custom sticker given to participants as a memorable keepsake.

Illustration

To kick off the creative process, I conducted research by exploring beach-themed destination posters and revisiting my own photography of Crystal Cove. One particular photo stood out as the ideal reference for the project, capturing the essence of the location. I began by sketching the initial composition based on this image.

Once the sketch was finalized, I transitioned to Adobe Illustrator to refine the design, carefully crafting the details to bring the scene to life. To add a personal touch, I incorporated the background elements into a graphic representation of a backpacking pack, symbolizing the students' adventure at Crystal Cove and serving as a memorable keepsake and visual cue.

Results

Once completed, the illustration was featured across multiple on-campus platforms, including digital displays on televisions, printed A-frame signs, and promotional art boards in high-traffic areas. The visibility of the campaign generated strong interest, with trip sign-ups filling quickly. Students responded enthusiastically to both the adventure and the custom sticker, which became a popular keepsake. The design was well-received and played a key role in driving engagement and contributing to the overall success of the event.