Problem

Solution

The goal of this project was to create a common language between 9 animals featured at the OKC Zoo. Using the symbol system, we were to create a poster for the zoo and a letterform utilizing on animal.

I developed a set of insect symbols and utilized them to create the poster and letterform. This required simplifying the insects silhouette and using common elements between them. 

Research

To gain a better understanding of the insects I was developing a symbol system for, I researched some basic facts for each of them

Wasp

Habitat: meadows, orchards, woodlands, urban settings

Life span: 12-30 days

Diet: Nectar, insects, honey, human food

Length: 1.5-7.7cm

Weight: 0.07-0.5g

Species: 103,000

Interesting Fact: Are not native to North America.

Ant

Habitat: soil, leaf litter, decaying plants

Life span: 1-2 years

Diet: Leaves, fungus, nectar, fruits, vegetables, lizards, amphibians, insect eggs

Length: 0.15-5cm

Weight: 0.001-0.005g

Species: 20000

Interesting Fact: Breathe through their bodies

Beetle

Habitat: every habitat 

Life span: 1-2 years

Diet: plants, insects, carcasses, pollen, dung

Length: 0.03-17.78cm

Weight: 70-100g

Species: 103,000

Interesting Fact: they communicate using pheromones, sounds or vibrations.

Symbol System

I was able to create a cohesive symbol system by using a common language between all the different insects while retaining simplicity. 

Letter Form

Poster

The poster went through many variations in my pursuit to create a post to encourage views to visit
the insect exhibits at the OKC Zoo. This process came with changes in color, typography and over
all design.

Final Design