DNREC graphic designers win national award
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced the Division of Parks and Recreation’s Marketing and Creative Services team was presented the 60th Graphic Design USA InHouse Design Award. The design team’s series of posters to commemorate division projects was chosen from among more than 5,000 entries into the InHouse Design Award competition.
The team was recognized for the designs of commemorative posters to mark Division of Parks and Recreation capital projects and special events. The Delaware State Parks Commemorative Poster Series, the three posters highlighted in the award, were created in 2022 and 2023, and are the latest in a series of 15. The posters include the Jason Beach Historical Marker Dedication at Trap Pond State Park by former creative services team member Orlando Short, the rehabilitated World War II Tower 3 at Delaware Seashore State Park by Jamie Fritchman, and Fort Delaware State Park renovations and additions by Sarah Sellers.
“We are thrilled that DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s Creative Services team was recognized for this prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to the creativity, dedication and passion of our in-house artists,” said Shawn M. Garvin, DNREC secretary. “The commemorative posters serve as visual tributes to the division’s capital projects and special events, capturing the essence of our beautiful state parks and the memories they create.”
Most entrants are private corporations and brands, large institutional nonprofits and educational institutions, which further highlights the talent of the three-person creative services team. The only other park, recreation or natural resources entity to receive recognition during this year’s awards was Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department in Florida.
The creative services team provides crucial services for the Division of Parks and Recreation and is behind many of the visual elements featured in Delaware State Parks. Team members produce projects like park signage, educational materials, digital design assets, banners, posters, advertisements, reports, decals and forms. In 2014, the team began to produce commemorative posters to give to guests at special events. The series has proven so popular, the posters are now sold in select park gift shops.
Graphic Design USA has been a source of news and information for graphic designers and the broader creative community since 1963.
Photo captions: DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation graphic designers Jamie Fritchman and Sarah Sellers show their national award-winning designs, which are part of a series of three commemorative posters that won the 60th Graphic Design USA InHouse Design Award this summer. Not pictured, Orlando Short, who also designed one of the commemorative posters in the winning series. DNREC Photo
This commemorative poster series, designed by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation’s Marketing and Creative Services team, was awarded the 60th Graphic Design USA InHouse Design Award this summer. DNREC photo
