Yao Wu's Geziwo Park Series Wins Silver A' Design Award

Illustrations Merge Nature and Fantasy in Award-Winning Art

The Geziwo Park Series stands out as a commercial illustration project inspired by the scenic and cultural landscape of Geziwo Park. The series is a testament to the fusion of humanistic themes and natural aesthetics, taking viewers on a fantastical journey through three distinct yet interconnected parts. The first segment, 'Night of Fantastic Animals,' sets the tone with moonlit forests and fluttering birds, creating a gateway to an enchanting world. The subsequent 'Dream' section bathes the park's landmark buildings in vibrant hues, symbolizing the melding of modern technology with ancient culture. Finally, 'Voyage' plunges into the depths of the ocean, where mermaid sprites swim and ships sail into the horizon.

Yao Wu's approach to this illustration series is both artistic and practical. The long scroll format is versatile, allowing for various size applications and commercial uses, including postcards and posters. The technical prowess is evident in the giclee-printed illustrations, each measuring 3.84m by 0.76m, showcasing the intricate details and vivid colors that bring the park to life.

The design team, led by original designer Wu Yao, included a talented group of illustration, graphic, 3D, and font designers who contributed to the project's success. The collaboration resulted in not only the primary illustrations but also the creation of four IP characters and a suite of vector graphics and text designs, enhancing the commercial viability of the series.

Conceived and completed within a span of just two months, from June to August 2023 in Beijing, the Geziwo Park Series required extensive research into the park's natural, architectural, and cultural attributes. This groundwork ensured thematic consistency and visual unity across the three stylistically varied parts of the illustration.

One of the main challenges faced by the design team was maintaining a cohesive style throughout the three-part series. The task of integrating different artistic expressions while preserving a unified narrative thread was a significant hurdle that the team overcame with skill and creativity.

The Silver A' Design Award is a mark of distinction, recognizing the Geziwo Park Series as a top-tier design that exhibits professional excellence and innovation. The award celebrates the series' technical and artistic achievements, which evoke a sense of wonder and admiration in its audience. Yao Wu's work is not only a visual feast but also a demonstration of how art can encapsulate the spirit of a place and its stories.