Interpretive Signs for Nature Reserves
Organization: Ontario Nature
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Ontario Nature is seeking a talented graphic designer or illustrator to create
six welcome and interpretive signs for trails at our nature reserves.
Successful applicants will have a passion for nature, and the
ability to
translate natural themes into compelling imagery that inspires and provokes
thought and emotion in visitors to our reserves. We are looking for modern
visuals with minimal text and eye-catching designs that depict Ontario’s native
species and landscapes.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation,
education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization
representing more than 30,000 members and supporters and 150 member groups from
across Ontario. Since it was established as the Federation of Ontario
Naturalists in 1931, Ontario Nature has been a champion for nature in Ontario.
Ontario Nature owns 24 nature reserves across the province where we invite
people to come explore and connect with nature.
Project Description
• Four outdoor welcome signs (approximately 4’ by 5’) for nature reserves using
similar template and branding that includes information about the nature
reserve and a trail map
• Two outdoor biological interpretative signs (approximately 18” by 18”): one
on salamanders, one on alvar ecosystems
• Conceptualize and produce visual content for interpretive signage that will
include combinations of illustrations, photos, text and design elements
• Apply Ontario Nature brand standards to all projects.
Required Skills and Qualifications
• Demonstrated desire to connect people with nature through visual
design/communications
• Past work with interpretative sign design
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite or skilled painter/illustrator
• Able to create visuals depicting Ontario’s flora, fauna and landscapes
• Able to work within tight deadlines
• Able to collaborate with biologists and communications staff to ensure proper
messaging and brand adherence
Proposal Guidelines
This Request for Proposal represents the requirements for an open and
competitive process. Proposals will be accepted until 5p.m. September 14, 2015.
Evaluation of proposals will be conducted from September 14 to 18, 2015. If
additional information or discussions are needed with any bidders during this
window, we will notify them.
The selection decision for the winning bidder will be made no later than
September 23, 2015.
Notifications to bidders who were not selected will be completed by September
24, 2015.
Project Timeline:
Project planning phase and collaboration with Ontario Nature staff to be
completed by November 1, 2015.
Design of six signs to be completed by February 1, 2016.
All proposals must include proposed costs to complete the tasks described in
the project description. Pricing should be listed for each of the following
items in accordance with the format below:
• Four nature reserve welcome signs using similar template and branding that
includes information of nature reserve and trail map.
• Two biological interpretative signs: one on salamanders, one on alvar
ecosystems
Bidder Qualifications
To ensure consideration for this Request for Proposals, your proposal should
include all of the following criteria:
• Overall proposal suitability: proposed solution(s) must meet the project
description and needs included herein and be presented in a clear and organized
manner
• Experience: Bidders will be evaluated on their experience as it pertains to
the scope of this project. If subcontractors or partnerships are to be used
please outline who will contribute to which portion of the job.
• Previous work: Bidders will be asked to provide 3 examples of their work.
These will be evaluated based on overall fit to the project.
• References: Please provide three references or client testimonials
• Value and cost: Bidders will be evaluated on the cost of their solution(s)
based on the work to be performed in accordance with the scope of this project
• Technical expertise and experience: Bidders must provide descriptions of
relevant software experience and expertise.
Each bidder must submit an electronic copy of their proposal to the email
address below 5 p.m. on September 14, 2015:
Email: Megan Anevich at
megana@ontarionature.org
With the subject line “Graphic Designer – Nature Reserve Welcome and
Interpretive Signs”
