When PDX approached me about creating a campaign and language system to counteract the impact of a three-year long construction, I saw a huge opportunity. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi, which finds beauty in the imperfect and impermanent, the project became a way to bring that to life.

The campaign, “We’ll Keep You Posted,” reframes the construction realities as a necessary part of new and beautiful beginnings. Placing light-hearted messaging on giant post-it notes throughout the airport, the millions of passengers that pass through PDX would be treated to a little levity to lighten their days and their journeys.

Leaning into the beauty of the plants and animals found in the PNW through beautiful, simple illustrations as well as the eco-friendly cause behind the renovations in messaging, the result was an informative, human-centered effort that turned pain points into pivot points (and hopefully got a few smiles, too).

CD/Writer- Anthony Roberts

CD/Art- Kelly Wright

Illustrator- Vee Chenting Qian

Client: Port Of Portland