I interned with the Clay County Tourism Department near Kansas City, Missouri, right after earning my BFA in 2019. During my time there, I worked on several major projects. I enhanced the department's website, designed ads and billboards, photographed landmarks and notable destinations with a model, and created various campaign materials. One of my favorite tasks was compiling "tours" for specific themes around the county. Below are a few of my favorite projects and their outlines.
Facing the challenge of an unresponsive web developer, I leveraged my Photoshop skills and knowledge of HTML and CSS to make essential updates to the Visit Clay website, guided by my manager. I created visually engaging, on-brand cutouts for buttons and headers, and embedded maps to specific destinations, ensuring the site remained user-friendly and appealing. While the site has evolved since my internship, many of my illustrations are still featured throughout.
Current Website
My Illustration for Mural Tours
Crafting these tours was hands down one of the coolest parts of my internship. We had an initiative to provide tourists with curated lists of activities, from epic bar crawls and mouthwatering BBQ tours to vibrant mural explorations and even spine-chilling destinations just in time for Halloween! I had the incredible opportunity to photograph these hidden gems and add my own creative flair by illustrating intricate details for these tours, making each experience truly unforgettable.
Along with doing work for the tourism group, I worked with the Smithville Lake Parks Department to create 2 years of guides. These guides detailed campgrounds, events, boating docks, slip prices, and featured many of my hand illustrated patterns and icons.
Another exciting aspect of my role was photography! It wasn't just about snapping shots; it involved a whole process. From coordinating with models and securing model release forms to liaising with businesses and scouting diverse locations, I ensured everything was set for capturing captivating images for various purposes, be it for print or digital marketing materials. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to photograph a range of events, including a 4th of July concert and a memorable ribbon-cutting ceremony at the courthouse. Each event presented unique challenges and opportunities, allowing me to showcase my skills and creativity behind the lens.