During the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to use my spare time to enhance my vector illustration skills and educate others about New Zealand's native birds. New Zealand has a limited range of native animal species, many of which are endangered or on the brink of extinction. For 30 days, I illustrated a different native bird each day and shared them on social media to raise awareness about the country's diverse bird population.
This project was both a personal challenge and a way to engage with the community. As I posted daily, I noticed a growing interest, with followers eagerly anticipating each new illustration. Friends and family began requesting specific birds, and I provided print files for them to display in their homes.
As a strong advocate for conservation, this project resonated deeply with my values. The illustrations garnered interest from schools, which now use them to educate students about native birds. Conservation groups have also adopted the illustrations for their t-shirts and merchandise. This experience not only improved my illustration skills but also contributed to raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts for New Zealand's native birds.
