Mission Blueshores.
Campaign Spreading Global Awareness
Adobe Illustrator, Vinyl Cutter
March 2024
I developed a campaign aimed at raising awareness about marine pollution, overfishing, and the environmental challenges facing Hawaii’s Kamilo Beach. Known as "Trash Beach" due to the debris carried there by ocean currents, Kamilo Beach served as the perfect backdrop to emphasize the hidden threats that plague marine ecosystems.
My goal was to bring attention not only to the visible damage but also to the less apparent environmental issues beneath the surface and along the shore. I hoped to inspire responsible travel and conservation-minded tourism, encouraging visitors to small, remote locations like Hawaii to take proactive steps in protecting fragile ecosystems.
To convey this message effectively, I created three experimental posters that told a cohesive and impactful story about the ongoing environmental damage. Each poster used a distinct approach to showcase different aspects of the issue, from the accumulation of trash on the beach to the devastating effects of overfishing. Through the integration of striking visuals, bold typography, and innovative materials, the designs were intended to provoke thought and spark conversations. The campaign aimed to educate and empower viewers, urging them to consider their role in preserving the ocean’s health and the beauty of places like Kamilo Beach for future generations.
One of the posters used clear vinyl to depict the paradise of Hawaii from a distance. Still, upon closer inspection, it revealed the clear trash scattered across the beach, symbolizing how easily pollution can be overlooked. Another poster alluded to overfishing, showing how fishers consume more waste than fish. I photographed a fishing net with trash stuck in between, using a blue shower cap to represent the water and add a surreal, yet impactful, touch. For the final poster, I focused on how blind we can be to the pollution in our oceans, using plastic rings from drink packaging to create circular frames that offered different perspectives—from the ocean floor to the shore—highlighting the pervasive nature of pollution.
I also designed merchandise for the campaign. The design utilizes soft, sandy tones against the green fabric, evoking Hawaii’s natural beauty while maintaining simplicity. The minimal approach ensures the logo stands out while keeping the focus on the overall message of the campaign. Its placement allows the shirt to be versatile, whether worn casually or at an event supporting the cause.
The back of the t-shirt delivers a bold message: Leave it better than you found it. This statement serves as a call to action for responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Designed for both style and comfort, this t-shirt is a wearable reminder of the importance of sustainable practices and the collective responsibility to care for the planet.
The brochure I designed resembles a crumpled piece of trash. While the exterior mimics discarded waste, the folded layout ensures the content inside remains clear and accessible. Inside, it highlights the most common types of trash found on the beach and how long they take to decompose, emphasizing the lasting damage caused by pollution. It also includes information about how Kamilo Beach's location and ocean currents contribute to the accumulation of debris.
