PROJECT
Charity:Water Illustrated Diorama
The water crisis doesn't have time to be put in a post pile. So, we created a Surprise + Delight free-standing diorama with the goal of creating a captivating scene that inspires brands to partner in the collective goal of ending the world's water crisis in our lifetime.
The brief
Clean Water "Surprise & Delight" Box
The creative brief was to illustrate a 3-piece set, along with a panorama background and box label, that would then be laser cut onto wood and sent to key decision makers at potential brand partners.
Cutting through the everyday noise, the aim was to create a captivating scene that provided a fun & engaging way to raise awareness about the water crisis, inspiring recipients to become partners.
charity: water is a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe water to people around the world.
This project was inspired by a real water project in Madagascar where a young girl, Sylvia, and her community now have access to clean drinking water.
Color Story
Refreshing blues meet vibrant brand yellow with earth & skin tones woven in to create an optimistic and hopeful representation of clean water arriving to villages around the world.
Sketches & COLOR STORY
Behind the Illustrations
I began the process by creating a mood board of Madagascan patterns and a photo compilation of Sylvia and her setting. After landing on photo inspiration and a pattern for her dress, I explored color stories - landing on a refreshing blue primary color. I then color-matched her skin and hair tones as well as the jerry can for the classic charity:water yellow. Then, I started on sketches using the photo inspiration.
Process Sketches & Swatches
Illustrating Sylvia
For Sylvia, I wanted to stay true to her character- her vibrancy, her Madagascan heritage, and the impact of clean water on her life.
behind the design DECISIONS
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Traditional Madagascan pattern on the bottom half of her dress
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Confident stance & warm smile
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Holding clean water
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Refreshing & vibrant blue color palette to catch the feel of the water and charity:water yellow woven in as an optimistic accent
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Keep space buns to remain youthful
Packaging
The label and box top were the first impression. To make it a box people wanted to open, my mission was to introduce the concepts of clean water and Madagascar that they would experience once opening the box.
IDEATING THE FIRST IMPRESSION
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Fluid shapes and bubbles to introduce the theme of clean water and prompt curiosity
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Traditional Madagascan pattern woven throughout the design
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Intentional use of negative space
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Designed jerry can in place of traditional logo
Full-Color Illustrations
Creative Summary
This was a dream project for me- to work with one of my favorite companies towards a mission that greatly impacts the world. Even if I'm only the smallest part of it, I'm so grateful for the chance to work with the charity:water team of incredible visionaries that dreamed up this project and trusted me with bringing the visual narrative to life.
“Thank you so much for your work. We are in love with Sylvia and you've nailed the brief!"
ELLIE S., CHARITY:WATER