U-Haul Graphics: Hidden Images & Facts Revealed
I am the graphic artist that rebranded and created the U-Haul imaging campaign called "Supergraphics," the iconic imaging of one of the most recognized brands in North America.
I began rebranding the company in 1997 by producing the Venture Across America/Canada (modern series). For over 15 years from 1997 to 2013 I have created a widely recognized educational campaign. My illustrations have displayed great attention to research, accuracy and insight into the concepts of each graphic. In 2013 the program was "retired", I no longer work or represent the company and moved on to bigger and better ventures. U-Haul continues to reprint my graphics and apply them to there fleet each year and are still on the roads today.
The "SuperGraphics" deal with obscure subject matters less known nationally and internationally, yet played an important role in the local area where it was based.
I was the "Art Team", I was the central core of it's making: I researched and worked directly with the scientists and universities for facts, gathering field notes, photos, arranging photoshoots, selecting models, created conceptual drafts, designs, illustrations, and checked quality control for the final printing process. Once the research and final graphic was complete for each State and Province, Public Relations, Web and The Social Media Department helped market the final product.
I was the "Art Team", I was the central core of it's making: I researched and worked directly with the scientists and universities for facts, gathering field notes, photos, arranging photoshoots, selecting models, created conceptual drafts, designs, illustrations, and checked quality control for the final printing process. Once the research and final graphic was complete for each State and Province, Public Relations, Web and The Social Media Department helped market the final product.
The process starts by gathering information, working through published reports and communicating directly with leading scientists in each field. After I have obtained all the facts and material, I create rough concepts and ideas that are drafted and presented to the CEO. The final art is sent out for production, once it is approved by the CEO. The illustration style of the graphics has been dictated by the limitations of the printing process, the changes in the graphics are noticeable over the years as the technology of the industry has changed. In the past the graphics have been created as spot colors for silk screening but the last ten graphics ( #130 - #139 ) were printed digitally on a Durst plotter before the program was retired in 2013.
I have had many people request the whereabouts of a little character I have been hiding in the graphics. The character is known as "Sammy U". The first four graphics I designed (Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, and California) do not have the little guy incorporated in it. It wasn't until the fifth graphic (Arizona) that the character appeared in the artwork. While researching reference I stumbled across a logo stamped in a computer microchip under a microscope. I decided to incorporate the mascot in the graphic and it became a "must have" in every graphic. At the time, my six year old daughter Samantha would tell me where to hide "Sammy U" for each graphic. She has been hiding them for me through the entire series, until she was 23.
I am the only graphic artist that created the entire U-Haul imaging campaign called “Venture Across America/Canada Supergraphics," that also means I am the only person in the world that knows every little fact and detail about each graphic. I share a glimpse of some of the hidden facts and backstories. Many hours of research and conceptual pencil sketches went into each U-Haul graphic before they ever made it to final production. My original sketches have always been more creative and fun but were compromised through a process of elimination from the managers. The end result was usually a more conservative approach.
Steven King is a seasoned graphic illustrator and designer. His many forms of artwork have appeared in numerous published books, packaging, games, and toys around the world. Among Steven’s recognitions, he has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and books including the Adobe Illustrator WOW Book which showcases the world’s best artists and designers working in Adobe Illustrator. Steven is best known for creating the detailed educational illustrations for U-Haul International. Working with leading scientists to create these graphics inspired Steve to make his own picture books to make learning fun while helping children understand science. His first Children's book, "Have you ever Met a Morphosis?" is an educational rhyming children's picture book that brings a butterfly's life cycle to life with a rhythmic writing style and imag- inative illustrations.
I have taken the graphic program to heights never before reached with over the top vector illustrations and highly detailed scientific facts. The series became a highly recognized educational program by teachers, universities, scientists, historians and major art institutes. Among my recognitions as a well seasoned illustrator and designer for the "Supergraphics", I have been highlighted in the "Adobe Illustrator CS6 WOW Book". Techniques from top illustrator artists. A guest on the morning talk show: "Seeing The Need" with –Phil McILveen. A full spread informative story how I created the graphics for U-Haul in The Charlotte Observer: how drive-by trivia come to pass. Not to mention every graphic I created has been highlighted in the local papers.
