A complete environmental graphics system for Zoo Knoxville's new rhino habitat, delivered on a tight opening-day deadline.
The brief. The new Rhino Reserve needed a cohesive graphic suite across the whole exhibit footprint: guest education, wayfinding, architectural graphics, donor recognition, and environmental banners, all ready for the grand opening.
The approach. Inside the viewing building, I designed the interpretive displays, including Happy Healthy Rhinos, Rhino Rangers, species ID boards, and an interactive Polaroid-style wall, plus vinyl window graphics for the entry, exit call-to-action, and a keeper door with a QR-linked schedule. For donors, I created the plaque graphics and the Neely Family monument signage, matching exact RAL colors to the site's physical materials, along with a 6-foot baobab tree measuring stick that became a favorite photo spot. Six large biome banners were redesigned to move legacy branding into the new Southern Savannah design language, with custom textures and a palette pulled from the exhibit itself.
Production. I managed print specs, materials (ACM, exterior vinyl, custom-cut acrylic and stencils), and installation work orders across zoo operations and outside vendors.
The outcome. Permanently installed throughout the exhibit and delivered on time for opening day, the system was praised internally for unifying educational messaging with the architecture.
