Valley Library
From Then to Now: Valley Library's 25-Year Journey
Project Detail
Valley Library Graphic Design
Role
Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Campaign Strategist
Duration
October 2024
(2 weeks)
Tools
Illustrator
Procreate
Brief
The Valley Library's 25th-anniversary campaign used nostalgic designs blending historical and modern elements to highlight its transformation while aligning with OSU branding.
Overview
The campaign emphasizes the evolution of the Valley Library from 1999 to 2024, targeting students and visitors with a blend of nostalgia and modern appeal. It aims to connect the past with the present, showcasing historical photos, artistic renderings, and library-themed graphics.
Solution
Incorporated a cleaner, less distracting background to enhance focus on the main content. Vibrant, modern elements complemented vintage imagery to create a balance between nostalgia and clarity.
Research
Target Audience
Individuals aged 18 – 65+
Young Adults (18 - 25)
Older Adults & Seniors (46–65+)
Adults (26 - 45)
General Public
User needs
Clear storytelling on the library's journey
Eye-catching and engaging visuals
Balance between historical and modern elements
User goals
Feel connected to the university’s history
Appreciate the library’s transformation
Engage with the campaign through nostalgia
User frustrations
Overly cluttered or visually confusing designs
Lack of context or clarity in the messaging
Highlight the Valley Library's transformation over 25 years while maintaining visual clarity
Need & Solution
Appeal to a diverse audience (students, adults, seniors) with varied design preferences
Incorporate vibrant, modern elements and nostalgic, historical imagery to create a balanced, inclusive visual appeal
Goal
Showcase the library's significance in the OSU community
Integrate library-themed graphics and imagery of library activities to emphasize its central role in education and community building
Celebrate the Valley Library’s 25-year milestone with a visually engaging, memorable campaign
Use a clean design with a simplified background that focuses attention on the central content, featuring a blend of historical and modern photos.
Design
Design System
Font
Color
Nostalgic
Tone of Voice
Inclusive
Celebratory
Vibrant
Mockups
Procreate
Banner Design
Illustrator (1st draft)
Illustrator (final design)
Installation
Design Features:
A simplified orange grid background aligned with Oregon State University’s branding, enhancing readability and focus. The photo selection balanced modern and historical images, showcasing the library’s inclusivity and evolution with vibrant photos and diverse activities.
Improvements:
The cleaner design improved clarity and user engagement. Updated imagery emphasized diversity and relevance, connecting the library’s legacy to both current students and the wider community.
The design conveys a welcoming tone with clean and minimal typography that focuses on the library's history and role in the community. This version emphasizes timelessness and approachability, appealing to a broad audience while reflecting the library's commitment to serving its users over the years.
Design Features:
The background included textured patterns with text, illustrations, and elements like leaves and butterflies, creating a nostalgic and artistic tone. Historical photos and a warm, muted color palette reflected the library's evolution since 1999, but the textured background slightly detracted from the clarity of the bold tagline.
Feedback:
The busy background was distracting, pulling focus away from the central content. The reliance on primarily historical photos also lacked a strong connection to modern-day students.
Discovered
A nostalgic design resonates with the target audience, especially when paired with engaging visuals and contextual messaging
Learned
Simplifying the background boosts focus and engagement, while blending nostalgia with modern design strengthens the connection
Takeaway
The project emphasizes user-focused design, clarity, and storytelling to create campaigns that connect historical and modern contexts