Summer Bucket List: The Poster I Designed to Save Summer (and Maybe Mom & Dad's Sanity)

 

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Summer Bucket List: The Poster I Designed to Save Summer (and Maybe Mom & Dad's Sanity)

Every parent knows how it goes.

The school year ends.

The kids are excited.

The first few days of summer are magical.

And then it happens.

"I'm bored."

Sometimes it happens after two weeks.

Sometimes it happens after two days.

Sometimes it happens before lunch.

As a designer, I wanted to create something that would help families make the most of summer while giving parents a little help when the inevitable boredom starts to creep in.

That's what inspired my Summer Bucket List Poster.

Turning Boredom Into Adventure

One of the best things about childhood is having the freedom to explore, create, play, and make memories.

Unfortunately, screens often become the default answer when kids don't know what to do next.

I wanted to create something that encourages children to look beyond their devices and discover all the fun activities summer has to offer.

This poster features dozens of kid-friendly activities that transform an ordinary day into an adventure.

Instead of hearing:

"I'm bored..."

Kids can simply walk over to the poster and choose their next mission.

A Checklist Designed for Real Families

When I started brainstorming ideas, I thought about the kinds of activities families actually enjoy doing together.

I wanted a mix of:

• Outdoor adventures
• Creative projects
• Learning opportunities
• Family experiences
• Simple everyday fun

Some activities take a little planning.

Others can happen immediately.

Some are completely free.

Others become special family outings.

The goal was to create enough variety that every child could find something exciting.

More Than Just a Summer Activity List

What I love most about this poster is that it encourages experiences rather than possessions.

Many of the best childhood memories aren't things.

They're moments.

Building a fort.

Catching fireflies.

Making homemade popsicles.

Watching fireworks.

Eating ice cream on a hot afternoon.

Reading a book in a tree.

Having a movie night.

Making s'mores.

Taking a road trip.

These are the memories that tend to stick with us long after summer ends.

Giving Parents a Little Breathing Room

Let's be honest.

Parents work hard.

Summer can be wonderful, but it can also be exhausting.

Keeping kids entertained day after day is no small task.

This poster helps shift some of that responsibility away from parents by giving children a visual menu of possibilities.

Instead of constantly asking:

"What can I do?"

Kids can browse the list, pick an activity, and take ownership of their own summer fun.

It's a simple tool, but sometimes simple solutions are the best ones.

Designed to Be Fun and Inviting

I wanted the artwork itself to feel like summer.

The soft pastel colors, tropical leaves, playful typography, and cheerful layout were all chosen to create an upbeat and welcoming design.

The poster feels bright, happy, and energetic—just like the season it celebrates.

Whether it's displayed in a playroom, kitchen, classroom, family room, or hallway, it serves as a daily reminder that summer is full of possibilities.

Building Memories One Checkmark at a Time

There's something satisfying about checking items off a list.

Each completed activity becomes a small accomplishment.

By the end of summer, kids can look back and see all the adventures they experienced.

The poster becomes more than a checklist.

It becomes a record of a summer well spent.

A visual reminder of family outings, creative projects, outdoor adventures, and special moments shared together.

Perfect for Families, Classrooms, and Summer Programs

This poster has become popular with:

• Parents looking for screen-free activities
• Homeschool families
• Elementary school teachers
• Daycare providers
• Summer camps
• Grandparents spending time with grandchildren

Anywhere kids gather, boredom eventually appears.

This poster provides an easy solution.

Pride: The Poster That Means More Than Any Other

 

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Pride: The Poster That Means More Than Any Other

Some posters are simply designs.

Others tell a story.

This one tells mine.

When I designed this Pride poster, I wasn't just creating artwork inspired by the rainbow flag. I was creating something deeply personal—a reflection of a journey that took me more than four decades to make.

Growing Up Different

I knew I was gay from a very young age.

I didn't have the language for it then, but I knew there was something about me that felt different.

I grew up in a very religious Mormon environment where being gay wasn't accepted. Like many LGBTQ people raised in similar circumstances, I learned early that this part of myself was something I should hide.

So I did.

For years.

For decades.

I prayed for it to go away. I tried to suppress it. I convinced myself that if I worked hard enough, believed hard enough, or was faithful enough, maybe I could change.

But no matter how deeply I buried it, the truth remained.

The Cost of Hiding

The longer I hid, the heavier the burden became.

Living authentically requires energy.

Living inauthentically requires even more.

Eventually, the effort of constantly hiding who I was began to affect how I saw myself and how I experienced life. The weight of carrying that secret became overwhelming. I found myself struggling with depression and realizing that I could no longer continue living divided between who I truly was and who I thought everyone expected me to be.

I reached a point where I had a simple realization:

Whatever happened after coming out couldn't be worse than spending the rest of my life hiding.

That thought changed everything.

Choosing Authenticity

Coming out at 44 years old wasn't easy.

There were fears.

Questions.

Uncertainty.

I worried about family relationships. I worried about friendships. I worried about how people would see me.

But something unexpected happened.

For the first time in my life, I felt free.

Not because everything suddenly became perfect, but because I was finally telling the truth.

I was finally allowing myself to exist exactly as I was.

And with that honesty came something I hadn't felt in a very long time:

Peace.

Why the Pride Flag Matters

For many people, the Pride flag is simply a colorful symbol.

For me, it has always meant much more.

Whenever I saw a Pride flag, I knew I was looking at a place where I might be safe.

A place where I could breathe.

A place where I didn't have to explain myself.

A place where I wasn't alone.

The world can be incredibly beautiful.

It can also be incredibly cruel.

That's why visible signs of support matter.

The Pride flag represents acceptance, safety, community, and hope. It reminds LGBTQ people that there are allies willing to stand beside them, protect them, and help create spaces where they can exist without fear.

I will never forget what that meant to me when I needed it most.

Finding Love

One of the greatest gifts that came from living authentically was finding the love of my life.

In 2025, I married my husband, Josh.

Sometimes I think about how much of my life I spent believing that kind of happiness might never be possible for me.

And yet here I am.

Married.

Loved.

Accepted.

Building a life with someone who makes ordinary days feel extraordinary.

There is something incredibly healing about being fully known and fully loved at the same time.

A Full-Circle Moment

This year, I marched in a Pride parade.

As I walked, I found myself reflecting on how far I had come.

There was a time when I was terrified that anyone might discover I was gay.

A time when I desperately tried to hide.

A time when I couldn't imagine ever being open about who I was.

And now here I was, marching publicly in a Pride parade.

Surrounded by community.

Surrounded by support.

Surrounded by people celebrating exactly who they are.

I had one of those rare moments where life allows you to step outside yourself and see your own journey clearly.

I realized that younger version of me—the scared kid, the scared teenager, the scared adult trying so hard to be someone else—would never have believed this future was possible.

And yet here it was.

Why I Created This Poster

The design itself is intentionally simple.

The word PRIDE fills the entire composition while a soft rainbow flows behind it.

I wanted the message to be unmistakable.

Bold.

Visible.

Confident.

Much like the journey many LGBTQ people eventually take.

The rainbow isn't hidden.

The message isn't hidden.

And neither am I.

For Anyone Still Hiding

If someone finds this poster while searching for Pride artwork, I hope they see more than a design.

I hope they see possibility.

If you're still in the closet.

If you're scared.

If you're wondering whether life can get better.

If you're worried about what people will think.

I understand those feelings.

I've lived them.

And while every person's journey is different, I can tell you this:

There is peace on the other side of authenticity.

There is love.

There is community.

There are people who will embrace you exactly as you are.

You deserve that.

What Pride Means to Me Today

Today, Pride means living honestly.

It means self-acceptance.

It means celebrating the people who fought before us and made our lives possible.

It means being visible so others know they aren't alone.

It means creating the kind of safe space I once needed myself.

Most of all, it means understanding that who I am was never something that needed to be fixed.

It was something that needed to be accepted.

This poster is a celebration of that truth.

And of the incredible journey that brought me here.

Happy Pride. 🌈

Artemis II: A Poster Celebrating Humanity's Return to Deep Space

 

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Artemis II: A Poster Celebrating Humanity's Return to Deep Space

There are moments in human history that remind us just how far we've come.

Moments when thousands of years of curiosity, innovation, courage, and determination converge into a single event that captures the attention of the entire world.

For me, the Artemis II mission was one of those moments.

That's why I created this poster.

Not simply as a piece of artwork, but as a tribute to one of the most inspiring achievements of our time and to the people brave enough to leave Earth behind in pursuit of discovery.

A New Chapter in Human Space Exploration

The Artemis program represents something much larger than a single mission.

It represents humanity's next giant leap into deep space.

For decades, the Apollo missions stood as one of the greatest accomplishments in human history. They proved that humans could travel beyond Earth, reach another world, and return safely home.

Artemis II marks the beginning of a new era.

Watching astronauts leave Earth and travel around the Moon reminded us that exploration is still alive. It reminded us that the frontier hasn't disappeared—it has simply moved farther away.

For a brief moment, people around the world were united by the same feeling:

Wonder.

Watching History Unfold

Like millions of others, I watched the mission with anticipation and excitement.

There is something uniquely powerful about seeing a rocket launch.

The countdown.

The ignition.

The massive plume of fire and smoke.

The realization that human beings are about to leave our planet and venture into the unknown.

As Artemis II journeyed around the Moon, the mission became more than a technical achievement. It became a symbol of what is possible when science, engineering, and human determination work together toward a common goal.

Every orbit, every transmission, and every image served as a reminder that we are still explorers.

Why I Designed This Poster

As a designer, I often create artwork inspired by the things that move me emotionally.

When I began sketching concepts for this poster, I wanted to capture the feeling of optimism surrounding Artemis II.

The towering Space Launch System (SLS) rocket became the centerpiece of the design, rising from Earth toward the stars and the Moon beyond.

The composition is intentionally hopeful.

The bright colors, radiant sky, and upward motion all symbolize progress, discovery, and possibility.

I wanted the artwork to feel less like a technical diagram and more like a celebration of human achievement.

A reminder that we are capable of extraordinary things.

More Than a Mission

What makes Artemis II so important isn't just where it went.

It's where it may lead us.

The mission serves as a critical step toward future lunar exploration, long-term human presence beyond Earth, and eventually missions to Mars and beyond.

Every great journey begins with a single step.

The explorers who crossed oceans, climbed mountains, and ventured into uncharted territory could never fully know where their discoveries would lead.

The same is true today.

The Artemis program is helping build the foundation for future generations of explorers, scientists, engineers, and dreamers.

The Human Spirit of Exploration

One of the reasons space exploration resonates so deeply with people is because it represents the best of humanity.

Curiosity.

Ingenuity.

Courage.

Hope.

Throughout history, humans have looked up at the Moon and wondered what was possible.

Today, we're no longer just wondering.

We're going.

That simple fact still amazes me.

Amaze! Amaze! Amaze! — The Poster Inspired by Rocky from Project Hail Mary

 

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Amaze! Amaze! Amaze! — The Poster Inspired by Rocky from Project Hail Mary

Sometimes a movie comes along that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

That's exactly what happened when I watched Project Hail Mary.

As a graphic designer, I'm constantly inspired by stories, characters, and moments that spark an emotional reaction. While Project Hail Mary is packed with incredible science fiction concepts, breathtaking space adventure, and high-stakes problem solving, there was one thing that stood out to me above everything else:

Rocky.

The lovable alien engineer who quickly became one of my favorite science fiction characters of all time.

A Character You Can't Help But Love

If you've seen Project Hail Mary, you probably understand exactly what I'm talking about.

Rocky is unlike any alien character I've encountered before. He's intelligent, funny, curious, loyal, and unexpectedly heartwarming. Despite being completely different from humans, his friendship with Ryland Grace becomes the emotional center of the story.

What makes Rocky so memorable isn't just his appearance or his unique way of communicating.

It's his personality.

He's excited about discovery. He's endlessly curious. He's optimistic even in impossible situations.

And when something amazing happens, Rocky responds with one of the most charming phrases in modern science fiction:

"Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!"

The Moment That Inspired This Poster

The first time I heard Rocky say "Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!" I couldn't stop smiling.

It's such a simple phrase, but it perfectly captures the wonder and excitement that runs throughout the story.

Every time Rocky says it, you can't help but feel his enthusiasm.

As soon as I finished the movie, I knew I wanted to create a poster inspired by that moment.

Not a complicated illustration.

Not a movie scene.

Just those three words presented boldly and proudly as a celebration of one of the most lovable characters in science fiction.

Designing the Artwork

For this poster, I wanted to keep the design simple and impactful.

The oversized typography immediately draws attention while creating a sense of excitement and energy. The soft green lettering feels friendly and optimistic, while the illustrated rocky alien figure grounds the design and instantly connects fans to the character who inspired it.

I wanted the artwork to feel playful, nostalgic, and uplifting—the same feelings I experienced while watching the film.

The result is a piece that works both as fan art and as a daily reminder to stay curious, excited, and open to discovery.

My Etsy Shop's Unexpected Bestseller

When I first created this poster, I thought a handful of science fiction fans might appreciate it.

I had no idea it would become one of the top-selling designs in my Etsy shop.

Since listing it, I've heard from customers who immediately recognized the reference and wanted to display it in their office, reading nook, gaming room, classroom, or home library.

I think part of the appeal is that the phrase resonates beyond the movie itself.

"Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!" is a celebration of curiosity, discovery, friendship, science, and the joy of learning something new.

Those are ideas that never go out of style.

Believe UFO Poster, Alien Bigfoot Mothman Chupacabra Loch Ness Monster Art Print, Devils Tower Pyramid Stonehenge Easter Island Paranormal

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Believe: Why I Created a Poster Celebrating the Strange, the Mysterious, and the Unexplained

I've always been fascinated by the things that make people stop and wonder.

The mysteries that linger just beyond explanation. The stories that refuse to die. The late-night conversations about what might be out there in the dark.

That's exactly what inspired my latest illustrated poster, Believe.

As a designer, I spend most of my days creating visual stories, and this piece gave me the chance to combine many of my favorite subjects into a single artwork. From UFOs and aliens to Bigfoot, Mothman, the Loch Ness Monster, Stonehenge, Easter Island statues, Devils Tower, and even the legendary Chupacabra, this poster is a celebration of the strange and unexplained.

A Love for the Unexplained

Some people are fascinated by sports. Others by history.

I've always been drawn to mysteries.

I've spent countless hours reading about alleged alien encounters, cryptids, ancient civilizations, paranormal experiences, government conspiracies, and unsolved mysteries. Whether you believe these stories are fact, fiction, or somewhere in between, there's something undeniably fun about exploring the unknown.

Growing up, I loved documentaries about Bigfoot sightings, UFO encounters, and strange creatures reported around the world. Even now, I find myself diving into podcasts, books, and articles about unexplained phenomena.

The mystery is often more interesting than the answer.

My Visit to Devils Tower

One of the central landmarks featured in this poster is Devils Tower, a place I've actually visited with friends.

Standing at the base of the tower is an incredible experience. The sheer size of it feels almost surreal, and it's easy to understand why it has inspired so many legends and stories over the years.

Of course, many people associate Devils Tower with the classic UFO film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which only adds to its mysterious reputation.

When I began sketching ideas for this illustration, I knew Devils Tower had to be included as the centerpiece. It acts as a visual anchor connecting many of the other legends surrounding it.

Roswell: A Bucket List Destination

Another real-world inspiration for this poster came from my trip to Roswell, New Mexico.

If you're fascinated by aliens and UFO history, Roswell is an amazing place to visit. I loved wandering through the alien-themed shops, seeing the artwork, learning about the famous 1947 incident, and experiencing a town that has fully embraced its place in UFO folklore.

Everywhere you look, there are references to extraterrestrials, flying saucers, and conspiracy theories. It's impossible not to leave inspired.

My visit to Roswell definitely influenced the playful alien imagery featured in this artwork.

Hidden Throughout the Illustration

One of my goals with this poster was to create something that rewards viewers who spend time exploring it.

The longer you look, the more mysteries you'll discover:

• UFOs performing an alien abduction
• A classic grey alien peering from behind a tree
• Bigfoot lurking in the foreground
• The legendary Loch Ness Monster
• Stonehenge
• Easter Island Moai statues
• Mothman
• Chupacabra
• Ancient pyramids
• Strange cosmic phenomena and recorded sounds
• Dark forests and hidden creatures
• Black Holes

Each element was carefully illustrated and arranged to create a world where all of these legends coexist.

Designing the Artwork

I spent many days creating this illustration.

The process involved multiple sketches, composition changes, color exploration, and countless refinements. I wanted the artwork to feel bold, graphic, and nostalgic while still packing in a huge amount of detail.

The final color palette uses vibrant greens, blues, and purples to create a supernatural atmosphere that feels both retro and modern.

I also wanted the poster to have the feel of a vintage travel poster—almost like an advertisement inviting you to visit a world filled with mysteries.

Why "Believe"?

The word "Believe" can mean different things to different people.

For some, it's belief in extraterrestrial life.

For others, it's belief in possibilities that haven't been proven yet.

And for many of us, it's simply about keeping a sense of wonder alive.

You don't have to believe every story about UFOs, Bigfoot, Mothman, cryptids, paranormal activity, or ancient mysteries to enjoy them. Sometimes the fun comes from asking questions and imagining what might be possible.

That's the spirit I wanted this poster to capture.

If you're someone who enjoys:

• UFOs
• Aliens
• Roswell
• Area 51
• Bigfoot
• Sasquatch
• Mothman
• Chupacabra
• Loch Ness Monster
• Cryptids
• Paranormal mysteries
• Ancient civilizations
• Stonehenge
• Easter Island
• Devils Tower
• Unsolved mysteries
• Science fiction
• Retro monster art
• Weird Americana
• X-Files
• Disclosure Day
• Abductions
• Mystery

then this poster was made for you.

Creating Believe allowed me to combine many of my favorite subjects into one illustration, and it has quickly become one of my favorite pieces I've ever designed.

The world is full of mysteries. Some may eventually be explained. Others may remain unsolved forever.

Until then, it's fun to keep looking up at the sky and wondering.