Background
I had the opportunity to work with the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery’s nonprofit organization, FISH (Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery), on two projects. The first was a poster design for their Summer Solstice event, followed by a series of custom illustrations for enamel pins to be sold in their gift shop. This collaboration was an exciting chance to gain real-world client experience while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Enamel Pin Design Mockups
Challenge
A key challenge in this project was navigating client communication and managing my own expectations. The goal included producing enamel pins and event materials to sell in their “FISHop’. This project presented an opportunity to gain experience in collaborating with a client, incorporating feedback, and adapting to shifting project outcomes.
Results
These projects gave me valuable experience in client collaboration and applying constructive feedback. Initially, I selected pin colors based on realistic animal references, but the client noted that these choices appeared too muted for enamel pins. They encouraged me to use brighter, more vibrant colors and even suggested referencing stuffed animals for inspiration. This guidance helped clarify their vision and improved the final outcome. The final poster was displayed at the hatchery and used to promote the Summer Solstice event. The experience taught me how to better interpret and implement client feedback while maintaining my own design voice.
