Starved Rock Hikers
Starved Rock Hikers was founded by a group of locals dedicated to enhancing the hiking experience in the Starved Rock area. The organization continues to foster a strong community of hikers, offering curated adventures while championing the preservation of these natural wonders.
Service
Art Direction, Illustration,
Print, Garments
Client
Starved
Rock Hikers
Year
2024

Starved Rock Hikers, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, commissioned me to create a custom map of Starved Rock State Park, designed in a unique art style to highlight the park’s trails and key sights. I also created sketches of major landmarks like canyons and waterfalls, which were integrated into the map and later used for branded garments sold at the park’s visitor center. My artwork was then extended to various other deliverables, including stickers, jigsaw puzzles, and park-themed merchandise like mugs and water bottles.
The Map
After designing a custom map for Camp Aramoni, I was approached by Starved Rock Hikers to create something similar for Starved Rock. I hand-drew and colored the map, then layered in design elements and sketches to spotlight the park’s major attractions. Inspired by the maps found in classic fantasy novels like The Lord of the Rings, I aimed for a rustic style that captures the park’s timeless charm. Once approved, the map was printed onto large wooden panels, turned into jigsaw puzzles, and sold as posters throughout LaSalle County, the Starved Rock visitor's center, and on the Starved Rock Hikers website.

