11 Years with Parks Canada

Parks Canada represents over 171 National Historic sites, 47 National Parks, 5 National Marine Conservation Areas and 2 National Urban Parks, protecting approximately 336,343 square kilometers of Canada’s natural landscapes.
 
In 2012 K Design Studio was awarded a series of projects from Parks Canada, which continued for 9 years alongside their official distributor Cotton Candy. We provided high-end creative assistance for the start up of their new Brand Experience & Merchandise lines, including product brainstorming, over 100 original illustrations, designs for 1000s of merchandise, pre-production approvals, marketing POS designs, Parka character development, social ads, product photography and website refresh.
 
In 2022 & 2023 K Design Studio was awarded a new contract to design for the Southwestern Ontario Field Unit Division of Parks Canada. The work included a wide range of projects from multi-language brochure series, signage and digital ads.

 

Key Services
  • Custom illustrations for merchandise (over 100 completed!)
  • 1000s of Product designs
  • Parka Mascot styling modifications for master art files
  • Production files for manufacturers
  • Pre-production approvals
  • Social media assets
  • Product photography & editing for ads
  • Website design (2nd site version)
  • Merchandise Onsite Posters & POS
  • Packaging designs
  • Multi-language Visitor Guide series
  • Map designs & illustrations
  • Road & Path Signage
  • Interpretive Panels (Educational Signage)
  • Site specific magazine & news ads
  • Event e-blast graphics

 

The Result

It has been an absolutely incredible experience and journey working for Parks Canada and affiliates, and to be part of their first Official Merchandise program. It has also been honouring to help give back to such an important part of Canada, and help protect our country’s natural wonders.
 
From a small start-up line of products, the merchandise line has now grown to be a self sufficient, and profitable brand line. They have taken on other high-profile designers, and expanded their in-house design staff to help expand the designs and product lines and efficiency of expedition of goods. They are now developing programs not only at Parks Canada shops, but also at major retailers across Canada and museum tours. Mascot Parka now also has her own TV spot showcasing highlights from various National Parks & Historic Sites. Over 90 sites now sell custom illustrated Signature Series product lines, created by K Design Studio. Prime Minister Trudeau has even been interviewed wearing K Design/Parks Canada wear!
 

Parks Canada Shop

To see more of our custom designs/illustrations and purchase your own Parks Canada souvenir, visit your local National Park or visit Parks Canada Shop, the online store for Parks Canada Official Merchandise. Parks Canada Shop is the official merchandise of the true Canadian spirit. Every purchase of official merchandise supports Parks Canada.
Authentic. Canadian. Quality.
 

Other Parks Canada Blogs

Click here to see other K Design posts on Parks Canada: Everything Parks Canada!
 
Click here to see 42 Species Illustrations for Point Pelee National Park: Point Pelee National Park Species
Click here to see more custom design work for Point Pelee National Park: Point Pelee
 
© Product Designs/Illustrations by Creative Director, Kristine Verbeek, Parcs/Parks Canada

Parks Canada Retail Showroom

(Cotton Candy, Mississauga, ON)


 

Parks Canada Southwestern Ontario Site Design Examples


 

Kudos notes

Erika Taves, Brand Advisor, Parks Canada:

LOOKS AWESOME!!!! I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with what your Cotton Candy team, Kris and Gen were able to pull off to get all launched today.

This collaborative effort was fuelled by hard working, passionate, professional and talented people. It was no small feat to pull this one off and everyone deserves a huge pat on the back.
The e-store looks great – good job everyone!
Go team go!

 
Geneviève Garceau, Brand Officer, Merchandise, Parks Canada:

Thank you everybody for your GREAT work!!

 
Nicki Etheridge, Administrator, Cotton Candy:

Thanks Kris for all your efforts and hard work too. It’s been a group effort for sure and I think the final product speaks for itself