Vehicle Graphics
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is known for their bus transportation for the city but they also operate several autonomous vehicles, as well. This includes the elevated Skyway trains running though downtown and several experimental vehicles still in testing.
As the head of design for the Authority, I created numerous graphics for the buses and autonomous vehicles. I developed a strong relationship with the vendor handling production and installation. We worked closely on dozens of these projects — especially on the autonomous vehicles.
Role
Art Director, Production Manager
Skills
design, photo editing, vendor coordination, mock-ups
Tools
Illustrator, Photoshop
Olli 2.0
Local Motors’ Olli 2.0 was the first 3D-printed, low-speed autonomous vehicle. As part of its self-driving technology, it was equipped with LiDAR and other sensors that needed to maintain a clear line of sight to operate. This was part of the design challenge, as well as keeping the cabin and its occupants fully visible.
Given these constraints and the shape of the vehicle, the designable area was limited to the perimeter and bottom third of the two sides. Our print and installation vendor and I discussed the most suitable materials, application concerns, and how to create the highest visual impact.
Several design options were shown and the one pictured was chosen for the pattern and its sense of movement. For this design, I chose an exclusive 3M metallic blue film (Satin Ocean Shimmer) and contrasting reflective white film so the Olli would also stand out at night.
When installation began, I was there to address any questions or concerns and make sure the graphics stayed true to the concept, with the white overlapping the blue in just the right places.
The end result makes this unique vehicle even more of a head-turner.
Navya Autonom
In 2019, the JTA received one of Navya’s Autonom autonomous vehicles (AVs) to test under its Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) program. The tagline for the U2C program is “Ride into the Future” and needed to be included in the design for the graphic wrap for the AV. I offered three options and this one was unanimously chosen. The body of the AV had several beveled edges. I accentuated these in the design, making installation a bit tricky, but the end result was beautiful. The graphics are still on the AV today.
2020 Holiday Bus
Each year, starting on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the JTA unveils its wrapped and decorated holiday bus. It includes seasonal graphics, garland and other decorations inside, and the jolliest of drivers dressed as Santa at the wheel.
The holiday bus is a local favorite among passengers and non-passengers who look forward to seeing it around town. I was always excited to work on the graphics and 2020 (despite its challenges) was no different!
Each year, I aimed to make the design inclusive and for 2020, I went with a cookie theme and the title “May Your Season Be Sweet.”
2019 Holiday Bus
As I began to develop concepts for the JTA’s 2019 holiday bus, I found myself listening to classic seasonal songs when a line in the lyrics to Jingle Bells grabbed me. “Oh What Fun it is to Ride!” became the year’s theme, complete with sleigh bells and a wintry scene. Inside was decked in bells and ribbon to complete the look. The JTA leadership loved this theme for it’s obvious nod to riding public transit. It was even featured in the Jacksonville news.
2018 Holiday Bus
Many religions practice gift-giving during the holiday season so I made this the theme of the 2018 holiday bus. I drew a series of children of varied backgrounds and abilities passing gifts to one another. The gift boxes — with colors representing Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa — were stacked behind the children and “The Season of Giving” received a stylized treatment, bringing the design together.
Pink Ribbon Jax Bus
The JTA partnered with the local non-profit Pink Ribbon Jax to help raise awareness about the importance of getting a mammogram, and the need to help provide mammograms for those who are uninsured or underinsured. As part of this effort, the JTA agreed to wrap one of its buses for the month of October (breast cancer awareness month).
I was excited to work on this campaign for a wonderful cause. It was titled “Get One, Give One” and I found the perfect image to represent this. I made modifications to the clothing, including the addition of a pink ribbon and incorporated it into the overall design for the wrap.
The Pink Ribbon Jax wrapped bus helped get the word out around town, in social media, and in the local news.
Bold City Bash Bus
One of Jacksonville’s busiest times of year is when it hosts the annual Florida-Georgia football game between the University of Florida and University of Georgia. Fans flock to TIAA Bank Field and the JTA is part of the coordinated effort to get them there.
2019 marked the inaugural Bold City Bash, a days-long event leading up to the Florida-Georgia game. In addition to providing transportation on game day, the JTA shuttled attendees to and from key Bold City Bash locations around downtown.
The buses servicing these routes were emblazoned with the Florida-Georgia logo and graphics I created to grab attention and build excitement for riders. Fans from both sides were seen taking photos in front of the bus while it was stopped at points along the route.
