Giant Bugs at Main
Exhibit Support Design & Illustration
I designed the full suite of promotional and exhibit‑support materials for Giant Bugs at Main, a large‑scale bug installation displayed at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Branch. While another company produced the physical bug sculptures, I created the illustrated and branded pieces that accompanied the exhibit — including signage, print materials, and visual assets used throughout the branch.
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The project earned a 2026 PR Xchange Award in the Exhibits/Virtual Exhibits category (Over $15M budget) and was also featured on a local news segment, where my illustrated bugs appeared on air as part of the coverage.
The Challenge
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Support a large, immersive installation with cohesive, kid‑friendly design
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Create illustrated and branded materials that complemented the physical bug sculptures
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Ensure all pieces were bold, readable, and engaging for families
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Design print‑ready assets for various formats and installation surfaces
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Build a visual system that tied the exhibit together across the Main Branch
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Provide visuals strong enough for press and broadcast media
The Approach
I created a set of bright, expressive illustrated bugs and supporting graphics designed to match the playful tone of the physical installation. The goal was to make the exhibit feel cohesive — ensuring that the signage, print pieces, and promotional materials felt like an extension of the sculptures themselves.
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Each design was crafted with high‑contrast colors, friendly shapes, and kid‑forward visual cues. I adapted the illustrations for multiple formats, including posters, directional signage, and exhibit labels, ensuring clarity and consistency across the entire space.
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The visuals were also prepared for media use, which allowed the illustrated bugs to be featured during a local news segment covering the exhibit.
Key Features
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Illustrated Bug Characters, custom illustrations designed to complement the physical sculptures
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Exhibit Support Materials, posters, labels, signage, and promotional graphics
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Environmental Storytelling, visuals crafted to enhance the visitor experience
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Award Recognition, winner of the 2026 PR Xchange Award
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News Feature, illustrated bugs showcased on a local broadcast segment
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Community Engagement, designed to delight families and encourage exploration
We added illustrated panels to the book cart displays to draw more attention to them and boost circulation. The bright, character‑driven designs helped make the carts feel inviting and encouraged customers to stop, browse, and check out more materials.
We added an illustration to the back panels as well so the display felt engaging from every angle, creating a full 360‑degree experience for customers browsing the cart.
This was the illustrated sticker we handed out during the exhibit. A small, take‑home moment that extended the playful bug theme beyond the installation and gave visitors something fun to remember the experience by.
These are the coloring pages I illustrated for the exhibit. This photo shows a mix of freshly printed pages and ones that visitors have already colored, capturing how families interacted with the artwork throughout the event.
News Feature
Award Recognition
The exhibit was also highlighted on a local news segment, where my illustrated bugs were shown on air as part of the coverage. This broadcast feature expanded the reach of the project and showcased the playful visuals to an even wider audience.
With 236 entries and a panel of 19 judges, Giant Bugs at Main won the 2026 PR Xchange Award in the Exhibits/Virtual Exhibits category (Over $15M budget). The award was presented at the American Library Association’s annual conference at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
The Outcome
The exhibit support materials helped unify the installation and create a joyful, immersive experience for families visiting the Main Branch. The bright illustrations and playful signage enhanced the physical sculptures, contributed to the exhibit’s national recognition, and were featured on local news — amplifying the project’s visibility and impact.