More Poppy People

Challenge

Building on the success of the Poppy mobile library truck illustrations, the Omaha Public Library wanted to expand what had become a beloved cast of characters. The original “Poppy People” illustrations captured the heart of the OPL community, but there was an opportunity to expand the cast — a bigger cast, and even more intentional representation of the ages, ethnicities, and genders that make Omaha, Omaha.

Solution

Wheelhouse reached out to our brilliant illustration partner Jason Walton — making his Poppy People debut — to help create six brand-new characters. Each was designed to deepen the inclusive spirit of the original series, with even more personality, quirkiness and community connection baked in. The goal was the same as always: that someone, somewhere, sees a little of themselves and smiles.

Then OPL shared some news: the illustrations would be used on their first new library card design in 15 years. Born on the side of a truck, the Poppy People are now headed into thousands of wallets across the city. If that’s not design doing something, we don’t know what is.

Results

The illustrations have become a living visual system — from a landmark library card to branch walls, to rolling through every corner of Omaha on a solar-powered, Wi-Fi-equipped mobile library named Poppy. A visual language for what the library has always stood for: a place that belongs to everyone.

Good design that keeps growing.

 

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Services

branding, illustration, creative direction, strategy

Collaborators

Strategy & Creative Direction: Cathy Solarana
Illustration: Jason Walton