Ontario Nature is seeking a talented graphic designer or illustrator to create six welcome and interpretive signs for trails at our nature reserves. Successful applicants will have a passion for nature, and the ability to translate natural themes into compelling imagery that inspires and provokes thought and emotion in visitors to our reserves. We are looking for modern visuals with minimal text and eye-catching designs that depict Ontario’s native species and landscapes.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization representing more than 30,000 members and supporters and 150 member groups from across Ontario. Since it was established as the Federation of Ontario Naturalists in 1931, Ontario Nature has been a champion for nature in Ontario. Ontario Nature owns 24 nature reserves across the province where we invite people to come explore and connect with nature.
Project Description
Four outdoor welcome signs (approximately 4’ by 5’) for nature reserves using similar template and branding that includes information about the nature reserve and a trail map
Two outdoor biological interpretative signs (approximately 18” by 18”): one on salamanders, one on alvar ecosystems
Conceptualize and produce visual content for interpretive signage that will include combinations of illustrations, photos, text and design elements
Apply Ontario Nature brand standards to all projects.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Demonstrated desire to connect people with nature through visual design/communications
Past work with interpretative sign design
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite or skilled painter/illustrator
Able to create visuals depicting Ontario’s flora, fauna and landscapes
Able to work within tight deadlines
Able to collaborate with biologists and communications staff to ensure proper messaging and brand adherence
Proposal Guidelines
This Request for Proposal represents the requirements for an open and competitive process. Proposals will be accepted until 5p.m. September 14, 2015.
Evaluation of proposals will be conducted from September 14 to 18, 2015. If additional information or discussions are needed with any bidders during this window, we will notify them.
The selection decision for the winning bidder will be made no later than September 23, 2015.
Notifications to bidders who were not selected will be completed by September 24, 2015.
Project Timeline:
Project planning phase and collaboration with Ontario Nature staff to be completed by November 1, 2015.
Design of six signs to be completed by February 1, 2016.
All proposals must include proposed costs to complete the tasks described in the project description. Pricing should be listed for each of the following items in accordance with the format below:
Four nature reserve welcome signs using similar template and branding that includes information of nature reserve and trail map.
Two biological interpretative signs: one on salamanders, one on alvar ecosystems
Bidder Qualifications
To ensure consideration for this Request for Proposals, your proposal should include all of the following criteria:
Overall proposal suitability: proposed solution(s) must meet the project description and needs included herein and be presented in a clear and organized manner
Experience: Bidders will be evaluated on their experience as it pertains to the scope of this project. If subcontractors or partnerships are to be used please outline who will contribute to which portion of the job.
Previous work: Bidders will be asked to provide 3 examples of their work. These will be evaluated based on overall fit to the project.
References: Please provide three references or client testimonials
Value and cost: Bidders will be evaluated on the cost of their solution(s) based on the work to be performed in accordance with the scope of this project
Technical expertise and experience: Bidders must provide descriptions of relevant software experience and expertise.
Each bidder must submit an electronic copy of their proposal to the email address below 5 p.m. on September 14, 2015:
Email: Megan Anevich at
megana@ontarionature.org
With the subject line “Graphic Designer – Nature Reserve Welcome and Interpretive Signs”