Title: Willimantic Reads! Presentation & Card Deck

Challenge: Design a set of engaging, visually compelling materials aimed at increasing literacy and sparking excitement about reading among children in Willimantic, CT.

Process: Inspired by a previous project that creatively reimagined traffic signs, I sought to transform a universally recognizable symbol into an engaging design to connect with children. I chose street signs, which children in the downtown area pass by daily on their way to school. My goal was to turn these familiar signs into something fun and educational. I started by researching the community, sketching ideas, and gathering inspiration. After creating several iterations, I sought feedback to refine the designs. I then developed a physical card deck, and the final illustrations were featured in a slideshow projected on the side of the Willimantic Public Library, offering a fun, public-facing way to engage the community.

Impact: The project successfully generated excitement about reading in the community. By using street signs as a familiar and playful motif, the design resonated with children and drew them into the reading initiative. The collaboration with the local library helped strengthen community engagement while promoting literacy in a creative and accessible way.

Tools/Techniques: Pencil, paper, Adobe Illustrator