Ellen Morris
MFA Graphic Design Student, Radford University | Class of 2021
For my MFA thesis project, I decided to utilize the skills I've learned as an artist and graphic designer to create a fundraising campaign for the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center (SVASC).
The campaign includes a series of paintings highlighting actual animals from SVASC, as well as a large outdoor mural located on the shelter’s building.
Take a look at the mural development process below!
Measure it.
Working on a project at this size, means that measuring the dimensions of the mural location is one of the most important things to get right. You never want to have to go back and start from scratch because of one wrong measurement!
Photograph it.
Every great illustration, starts with a great photo reference. To ensure I had the highest quality photo to work from, I visited SVASC and took photographs and video using my GoPro Hero 4 action camera.
Design it.
Once the best photographs are chosen, I use Procreate on my iPad Pro to illustrate digital paintings of each animal. These illustrations are then combined to create a mockup design of the mural. This mockup is sent to the client for approval.
Digital Illustration Mockup
“As part of our Gives Back program, we’re grateful for the chance to donate to fundraisers that have touched us.”
- The GoFundMe Team
Because I volunteered to do this mural for a non-profit organization, I was responsible for funding the project.
With help from friends, family, caring strangers and the generous donation from The GoFundMe Team, I raised a total of $900 for supply costs.
Finished Mural!
Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center - 1001 Mt Torrey Rd, Lyndhurst, VA 22952
In The News:
I’m honored to have had my thesis project and personal story recognized by both local and national news networks.
Local artist honors animal services center with mural
- Kayla Brooks, WHSV
Virginia artist emphasizes vulnerability and mental health
- Associated Press