I am the graphic artist that branded and created the U-Haul imaging campaign called “Venture Across America/Canada Supergraphics," the iconic imaging of one of the most recognized brands in North America. I am the only person in the world that knows every little fact and detail about each graphic. In 1997, U-Haul hired me to change the old tired program into something fresh. I had created all the graphics for the entire fleet for the “supergraphic” program from 1997-2013. The educational campaign you see on the roads today was a metamorphosis of my creations over time. I was the creator of the new (Venture Across America/Canada) program. I was the central core of its making. I did the research, worked directly with the universities, scientist, historians, geologists, etc., gathered all the facts, field notes, photos, selected models, arranged the photoshoots, create concepts, conceptual drafts, designs, final illustrations and checked quality control for the final printing process.
The birth of a new campaign:
The first graphic I created was #78-Kansas Bee. Just for fun I picked a random starting number to make the public think there were already new graphics out there.
When I first started creating the graphics in 1997, it was a work in progress trying to figure out the development of style and new campaign concepts. I went through many ideas from a Ripply's Believe It or Not - bizarre events concept, Off The Beaten Path of interesting places, The Adventures of "Sammy U" - Magically taking you to new places (like the Magic School Bus), and even a Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? geography lesson concept.
All were good concepts but the game changer was a discussion I had with Joe Shoen about two movies that just came out in 1997: Men in Black (1997) and Contact (1997). Both of these movies gave you a different perspective about the norm, an obscure look at things. Joe was also a big History buff and that's when it all came into place. The "SuperGraphics" would deal with obscure subject matters less known nationally and internationally, yet played an important educational role in the local area where it was based. We ditched the first bee graphic since it did not fit the new concept and the program sort of morphed around those ideas with some style changes.
I went through several campaign titles including: "America's Moving Adventure", "The Incredible Adventures of Sammy U", and then the final "Venture Across America/Canada" was born.
The first graphic I created was #78-Kansas Bee. Just for fun I picked a random starting number to make the public think there were already new graphics out there.
When I first started creating the graphics in 1997, it was a work in progress trying to figure out the development of style and new campaign concepts. I went through many ideas from a Ripply's Believe It or Not - bizarre events concept, Off The Beaten Path of interesting places, The Adventures of "Sammy U" - Magically taking you to new places (like the Magic School Bus), and even a Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? geography lesson concept.
All were good concepts but the game changer was a discussion I had with Joe Shoen about two movies that just came out in 1997: Men in Black (1997) and Contact (1997). Both of these movies gave you a different perspective about the norm, an obscure look at things. Joe was also a big History buff and that's when it all came into place. The "SuperGraphics" would deal with obscure subject matters less known nationally and internationally, yet played an important educational role in the local area where it was based. We ditched the first bee graphic since it did not fit the new concept and the program sort of morphed around those ideas with some style changes.
I went through several campaign titles including: "America's Moving Adventure", "The Incredible Adventures of Sammy U", and then the final "Venture Across America/Canada" was born.
In the Making...
Many hours of research and conceptual pencil sketches went into each U-Haul graphic before they ever made it to final production. Below is a glimpse of rare sketches and renderings that were changed or completely omitted.
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.
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.
#112 Connecticut
In my first drafts for the Connecticut graphic I wanted to give the appearance that the dinosaur was breaking out of the truck. He was considered too aggressive and I was asked to tone it down. After many new drafts the final result was a disappointing textbook style rendering.
In my first drafts for the Connecticut graphic I wanted to give the appearance that the dinosaur was breaking out of the truck. He was considered too aggressive and I was asked to tone it down. After many new drafts the final result was a disappointing textbook style rendering.
#132 Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island was challenging with its "Singing sands" theme. I decided to incorporate a singing woman made of sand in the graphic. The artwork was created by drawing one sand particle at a time to get that "stipple effect". The woman was considered sexually offensive and they asked me to replace her with children.
Prince Edward Island was challenging with its "Singing sands" theme. I decided to incorporate a singing woman made of sand in the graphic. The artwork was created by drawing one sand particle at a time to get that "stipple effect". The woman was considered sexually offensive and they asked me to replace her with children.
#130 Nova Scotia
The final rendering of the ship I presented to the board was armed with cannons along the side walls, I was asked to remove them. Even though the subject matter is a myth the ship design was based on historical research during the 1700's, It was common for most ships to have gun ports at the time.
The final rendering of the ship I presented to the board was armed with cannons along the side walls, I was asked to remove them. Even though the subject matter is a myth the ship design was based on historical research during the 1700's, It was common for most ships to have gun ports at the time.
.#125 Manitoba
It was not uncommon for me to have scientists send me live animals or plants to my office to use as reference for the graphics.
I had a live red sided garter snake sent to me for the Manitoba graphic. (It came in a box, in a drawstring bag, with a wet sponge).
I took many pictures of the snake using many angles to make it look like I used different snakes. After I completed the graphic I gave the snake to my daughter for a pet. She named her "Persephone" (Greek Goddess - Queen of the underworld, Hades). My daughter loved having a pet snake - When my daughter, Sammy did her homework or played video games the snake would coil herself up in my daughters long hair.
More interesting facts...
Some concepts didn't make the cut...
Some concepts didn't make the cut...
I went on many photoshoots with interesting people, locations, animals, creatures, and made a few friends in the making. This Asian elephant made great reference for the Mastodon I created in the New York graphic.
I gained a lot of knowledge working with scientists first hand with their help, notes, research, photos, and rare artifacts.
Concept illustrations before and after...
Discovery Channel - Monster Garage TV Series:
Box Truck Wrestling Ring - S2 - Episode 17
I worked on many “special projects”, including a U-Haul truck used in the Discovery Channel's "Monster Garage” TV Show. A car show that transforms regular cars into outrageous vehicles in just seven days.
Stuart Shoen, (Son of U-Haul CEO) was a big fan of the tv show. He asked me to come up with a truck graphic that would appeal to the host, Jesse James, and the Discovery production team in hopes that they would get it in the show. It worked, the truck sporting my graphic was delivered to Jesse James and loved the idea. The U-Haul truck was transformed into a mobile hydraulic powered wrestling ring.
Stuart Shoen, (Son of U-Haul CEO) was a big fan of the tv show. He asked me to come up with a truck graphic that would appeal to the host, Jesse James, and the Discovery production team in hopes that they would get it in the show. It worked, the truck sporting my graphic was delivered to Jesse James and loved the idea. The U-Haul truck was transformed into a mobile hydraulic powered wrestling ring.
From Illustrator to Author
While working directly with leading scientists on these educational illustrations, I was inspired to write my own picture books to make learning fun while helping children understand science.
Have you ever Met a Morphosis?
While working directly with leading scientists on these educational illustrations, I was inspired to write my own picture books to make learning fun while helping children understand science.
Have you ever Met a Morphosis?