HOW DO WE LEARN? IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO INCLUDE THE RIGHT INFORMATION, IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT HOW A READER WILL PROCESS THE INFORMATION IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT FROM THE INITIAL DESIGN PHASE. THAT IS WHEN EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING IS SUCCESSFUL.

CHALLENGE
When Yellowstone National Park approached me about redesigning their Junior Ranger program, I happily accepted. The books were dated and confusing, and they needed to be elevated to maintain the high level of educational standards the park hoped to provide but in a fun way that would make kids want to learn. There was an added challenge that one book had to accommodate 3 age levels.

STRATEGY
I introduced icons for each level, and created a structure to make it clear which activities were meant for which group. With a tight timeline from conception to completion, it was imperative I work as project manager, which included schedule and task creation, traffic and version control, art director from sketch to final stage, and sometimes editor as well. (Art by Tom Newsom. Icons and patches by Scott Wulf.)

SOLUTION
The finished product is fun and educational. Feedback from Yellowstone and the kids using it has been extremely positive. The workbook helps them further explore and learn about the park, and they love collecting the patches.

CHALLENGE
When David Neil, co-creator of The EcoSeekers, asked for my help in creating a YA historical fiction series his sister Dee was going to write, I was a tad skeptical. Leading the creation of a book series from scratch with such a lean team was a daunting prospect.

STRATEGY
I was fortunate to be on board as a collaborator and creative director from the very beginning of this project, and was therefore able to guide and shape the look and feel of the series.

SOLUTION
An award-winning series (including The Benjamin Franklin, Moonbeam, and Mom’s Choice Awards) that has garnered national attention (Good Morning America), and is not only taught in schools, but also sold in the National Parks.