My Work At Twycross Zoo
Here is some of the work I have been doing at Twycross Zoo, from signage to hand held maps to social graphics and more
My First Project - What Got Me The Job!
For my application to Twycross Zoo, I received an exciting design brief: create a visual identity for their new multi-animal habitat, set to launch in Spring 2025.
The challenge was to develop a name and logo that captured the wild, immersive feel of the new space while aligning with the zoo's existing brand. And to design promotional materials, including social media assets for Instagram posts and stories, to build excitement before the launch. I also developed engaging and educational signage, using fun facts about the new reptile and insect residents to inspire and inform visitors.
This project was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate my creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to work within brand guidelines by utilising Twycross Zoo's vibrant colour palette and playful branding.
🦎🐍 What I Did
In response to the Twycross Zoo design brief, I created a full visual identity for the new multi-animal habitat, named "Creeping Kingdom." My process began with an initial logo sketch in Procreate, where I envisioned a bold and playful snake intertwined with the typography to symbolise the theme.
I then finalised the logo and designed the habitat signage in Adobe Illustrator, using the zoo’s vibrant brand colours to make the designs pop.
To create the social media graphics, I used Adobe Photoshop, ensuring all designs were eye-catching and maintained brand consistency while adding a unique personality.
Designs Mocked-up
I created these mock-ups to demonstrate exactly how the 'Creeping Kingdom' identity would work in real-world applications, from in-zoo signage to social media posts. This allowed me to show how visitors would experience the new habitat. It also helped me verify that the colours, typography, and layout were effective across different formats and environments before finalising the designs.
My Work After…
🐳 💦 Wet ‘n’ Wild Rebrand
The "Wet 'n' Wild" splash park at Twycross Zoo needed a brand refresh. The original branding was over a decade old and no longer aligned with the zoo's updated, modern identity. My goal was to create a vibrant and cohesive look that felt fresh and exciting for visitors.
I kept the original blue and orange colour scheme, as these contrasting colours are a great fit for a fun, water-themed area. To integrate the splash park with the zoo's broader identity, I incorporated a penguin silhouette into the new logo to tie into the nearby penguin enclosure and a design element used on other zoo signage.
In addition to the main branding, I designed new health and safety sign “warning slippery surface” that is both clear and visually appealing. Another sign I created is a rules and closing-time sign with a clever, removable panel, allowing zoo staff to easily update the closing time as needed. This project demonstrates my ability to not only create a compelling visual identity but also to design practical, user-friendly solutions that meet a brand's needs.
🐆 Designing for the world’s rarest big cat? No pressure!
The previous signage for the Amur leopard habitat was outdated and weathered, so I took on the task of creating a new design that would capture the animal's beauty and fit with Twycross Zoo's new brand identity.
My design process began in Adobe Photoshop, where I created a multi-layered background with a leopard pattern and applied textures and filters to give the piece a dynamic, dimensional feel. Once the background was complete, I moved the design to Adobe Illustrator to add the text, ensuring it was clean, readable, and perfectly integrated with the visual elements.
The most gratifying part of this project was seeing it installed and receiving spontaneous positive feedback from both the public and my colleagues. This type of subtle, yet sincere, appreciation for my work is what motivates me to continue to create and strive for excellence in my designs.
Why Is Signage Important?
Zoo signage is a critical part of the visitor experience and designing it is a key responsibility of mine. The signs serve multiple purposes: they identify animals, provide educational facts and communicate important safety regulations, such as prohibiting the feeding or touching of animals.
My role is to make these signs both engaging and functional, despite the challenges involved. This includes ensuring readability for all ages, from young children to adults and guaranteeing durability against outdoor elements. .
🌴🦧 Soft Play Jungle Rebrand
The “Soft Play Jungle” was in need of a major refresh. After six years, its original branding no longer aligned with Twycross Zoo's modern identity. My task was to create a new look that was fresh, engaging for kids, and consistent with the zoo's overall visual.
I developed a new colour scheme for the space, using a jungle-inspired palette of greens and a bright orange with a beige background to keep it kid-friendly.
For the new logo, I integrated the typography directly into the graphics. As seen in the design, I put the letters scattered but uniformed, with the 'F' serving as a tree trunk and i also created a connection between the 'F' and 'U' to have a playful and organic feel that perfectly fits the theme of the soft play area.
In addition to the main logo, I designed all-new signage for the area, including price signs for different age groups, a rules of play sign, and a height ruler to ensure a safe and fun experience for all kids.
This project demonstrates my ability to not only design a strong brand identity but also to create practical, user-focused solutions for a busy public space.
Other Digital Work 🌱
Here are some other digital work that use the Soft Play Jungle branding..
Vet Quest - The Map & Graphics
🩺 🩹Designing for the next generation of animal experts!
I had the opportunity to design Twycross Zoo’s latest trail map “Vet Quest” a fun and interactive experience that lets kids explore what it’s like to be a zoo vet.
From stethoscopes to X-rays, the map takes young visitors on a hands-on journey through the world of veterinary care with clues, activities and mini-missions woven into the layout.
My goal was to create a visually engaging, easy-to-follow map that balances clear way finding with playful illustrations and space for interactive tasks including designs like callouts for new food spots and animal enclosures across the zoo.
I also designed the clue signs placed around the zoo that guide kids through the Vet Quest experience, helping them collect information and complete their activity sheet.
On top of that, I also created a set of social media graphics to help spread the word and build excitement around the launch.
Social Posts
A Here is a couple social posts that i did for the launch of Vet Quest, i created these in photoshop
The Signs 🩻
Here are some of the signs i created which give the answers that need to be filled in on the map to receive your zoo crew badge!
Directional Signage
I designed and created new directional signage for the François' Langur enclosure, using vinyl graphics applied directly to the glass.
The signs serve two main purposes:
-The first sign, with its playful "Can't see me? I might be inside!" message, helps visitors easily find the animals in their indoor habitat.
-The second, two-part sign directs guests to both the langur's outside enclosure and the Aldabra tortoise's indoor habitat.
This project demonstrates my ability to create effective, user-friendly signage that improves the visitor experience and solves a common problem in a fun, engaging way.
🐅 Animal Experiences
Ensuring the public is aware of our animal experiences is vital. These opportunities not only help us secure crucial funding and provide positive guest experiences, but they also allow visitors to get up close and personal with animals they wouldn't normally encounter.
However, safety remains paramount. To manage this, I have designed circular safety signage (which can be seen on the left). I have also created enclosure signage—like this example for the Aldabra Tortoise Experience—to clearly notify guests when an experience is taking place.
I also created a dynamic daily experiences board to be placed in the main plaza, right at the zoo's main entrance. This board informs the public about all the experiences happening today and clearly indicates whether they are available or sold out. If an experience is available, guests have two convenient booking options: they can book in person at Guest Services (located right next to the board) or book online by scanning the QR code.
More To Come!
Whilst you wait check out my other work