Adams County Branding
Boosting Adams County’s tourism by creating a quilt barn-inspired icon system and rebrand that highlights their exciting diversity of activities.
Agency: LPK Brands
Clients: Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau, The Nature Conservancy of Ohio
Adams County is a tranquil place where nature meets a slower pace to life. A gateway to Appalachia nestled a long the Ohio River, one of Ohio’s most rural counties filled with eco-tourism. Cincinnati Museum Center, The Arc of Appalachia and the Ohio Nature Conservancy have spent decades preserving the land as a vital corridor for bird migration and a refuge for native plants. The objective of this project was to promote the many activities the county has to offer — showing its abundance to nearby Columbus and Cincinnati markets.
Adams County’s barn quilt heritage started with artist Donna Sue Groves who wanted to honor the memory of her avid quilter mother by founding National Quilt Barn Trail, inspired by old barn advertisements and the artwork of the Pennsylvania Dutch. She created a series of barn quilt panels and the county embraced a driving tour that connected many of its cultural assets. “Adding to the serenity and charm of a lazy rural drive amidst the foothills of Appalachia, the ‘clothesline’ of quilts highlights the adventure with its colorful display of unique artistry dotting the countryside.” — OhioTraveler.com
After sketching 8-10 ideas I combined and revised 3 concepts for presentation with clients and key stakeholders.
First round logo designs were paired with tagline written by a copywriter and shown in context of marketing materials. Web and an annual visitor’s guide were key to each concept, but I developed additional marketing concepts like passports stamps to increase “collectibility” of a day trip’s experiences and craft ideas inspired by county artisans.
Once the Quilt Barn concept was approved I developed a series of icons around Adams County’s activities, food and culture using the triangular style reminiscent of quilt barn art.
