Request For Proposals Artist-Designed Badges for 'Home Park’ Campaign

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Friends of Columbus Metro Parks seeks proposals from local artists to design a series of distinctive logo badges representing each of Columbus' 22 Metro Parks. These badges will be central to our "Home Park" campaign, which aims to strengthen community connections with our park system. The badges will be featured on merchandise, passports, and other campaign materials.


PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

  • Create 22 unique badge designs, one for each Metro Park (see Appendix A for list of the parks)

  • Design style should be vintage-inspired with retro emblem aesthetics

  • Each badge should capture unique features/character of its respective park

  • Designs will be used across multiple applications (e.g., patches, stickers, shirts, etc.)

  • Format deliverables in vector-based files suitable for various reproduction methods


DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

  • Shield/emblem shape consistent with sample National Park badges shown in Appendix B

  • Incorporate park name and city in the design

  • Use muted/pastel color palettes aligned with natural themes

  • Include simplified iconic imagery representing each park's distinct features

  • Maintain consistent design system across the series while making each unique


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Portfolio demonstrating relevant experience

  • Initial concept sketches for 2-3 sample park badges

  • Project timeline and detailed budget breakdown

  • Local artist/studio credentials

  • A brief statement about your interest in working on this project

  • Submit the above to friends@metroparks.net no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET


SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Understanding of park system and community connection goals

  • Design style alignment with vintage/heritage aesthetic

  • Technical capability for multi-format reproduction

  • Local connection and commitment to project

Appendix A: Visual References

These National Park badges exemplify key design elements we seek:

  • Clean, simplified illustrations of natural landmarks

  • Balanced composition within shield/emblem format

  • Thoughtful use of limited color palettes

  • Integration of text with visual elements

  • Vintage-inspired graphic style

  • Ability to work across multiple applications (patches, prints, etc.)

Note: These examples are provided for reference only. Artists should create original designs that capture the unique character of Columbus Metro Parks while maintaining a similar aesthetic quality and production versatility.



APPENDIX B: LIST OF COLUMBUS METRO PARKS & CITIES, LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

  1. Bank Run Metro Park, Lockbourne, OH

  2. Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Galloway, OH

  3. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Reynoldsburg, OH

  4. Blendon Woods Metro Park, Columbus, OH

  5. Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, Carroll, OH

  6. Clear Creek Metro Park, Lancaster, OH

  7. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, OH

  8. Great Southern Metro Park, Columbus, OH

  9. Heritage Trail Metro Park, Hilliard, OH

  10. Highbanks Metro Park, Columbus, OH

  11. Homestead Metro Park, Hilliard, OH

  12. Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville, OH

  13. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, Columbus, OH

  14. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, West Jefferson, OH

  15. Quarry Trails Metro Park, Columbus, OH

  16. Rocky Fork Metro Park, Westerville, OH

  17. Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Columbus, OH

  18. Scioto Grove Metro Park, Grove City, OH

  19. Sharon Woods Metro Park, Westerville, OH

  20. Slate Run Metro Park, Canal Windchester, OH

  21. Three Creeks Metro Park, Groveport, OH

  22. Walnut Woods Metro Park, Groveport, OH


Submit proposals via email to friends@metroparks.net no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET