Design For Nature
Visual Media, Art & Design for Conservation
Humans are visual learners who learn best by seeing and doing. As a graphic designer, artist and educator for conservation, I try to leverage art and visual media as a tool to convey complex natural science or conservation knowledge. Through positive storytelling and interpretive signage and design, we can build more positive attitudes towards wildlife, nature and conservation of our shared Earth.
Graphics Design
Interpretive Design & Didactic Signage
In 2018, with the help of an amazing team of volunteers from around the world, I designed and opened Cambodia’s first and only Nature Discovery Center. This interpretive learning space featured interactive, hands-on learning displays on wildlife and conservation science topics. Explore the gallery below to get a better idea the fun and exciting ways we used graphic design, digital media and exploration-based learning principles to engage with students and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Interactive Portfolio
Download the Interactive Fauna in Focus Portfolio to see some of the interactive documents, graphic design & programs developed during my time as Project Director for Fauna in Focus International.
Master Plan Document
Download the Fauna in Focus Master Plan for a sense of my style, writing, and graphic design approach. Of course this is all within the Fauna in Focus branding. Below you can find branded content for Fauna in Focus, as well as other projects I have worked on over the years.
When you can’t bring people to nature, bring nature to people.
– Earthman Dan
Interior Design & Architectural
Nature Discovery Center
In 2015 I designed a proposal for Cambodia’s first Nature Discovery Center. This sprawling facility housed classroom, office space, a wildlife studio, film cinema, and a large interpretive visitor center. Though never brought to life, the plans were well-developed.
Centre ValBio Educational Pavilion
In partnership with Stony Brook University and Centre ValBio. A simpler concept for an outdoor education pavilion. This interactive learning facility will be developed near the entrance of Ranamofana National Park, Madagascar. The site includes interpretive signage, hands-on activities and biofacts, interactive media and touchscreen kiosk displays and a tree planting station.
Pilot Nature Discovery Center of Cambodia
In 2018 I worked with the dedicated team at Fauna in Focus to design and open Cambodia’s first Nature Discovery Center. The center opened in 2019, and saw thousands of visitors each year during our pilot phase from early 2019 to late 2020. The facility included both indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and a wide selection of interactive activities, didactic signage, digital media and hands-on materials. See design concepts and final installations below.
Ammo Jewelry Gallery & Classroom
In 2019, I assisted with simple interior design, 3D modeling and visualization for a local artisans office and gallery. This space served both as a classroom for training courses in sustainable and upcycled jewelry production, and also as a gallery and showroom for customers.
Grasshopper Adventures Offices
From 2016 – 2017 I worked part time with an eco-friendly and socially responsible bike-tour company. While my primary jobs were related to graphic design, web-design and promotional film-making, I also assisted with interior design and planning for a major rebranding effort. This included an overhaul of multiple Grasshopper Adventures shops and offices across SE Asia.
