California beaches are a top destination for locals and tourists alike. From dog walkers, to surfers, and sunbathers, many people enjoy the soft sand, salty sea, and rolling dunes of the California coast. However, not many beach-goers are aware of the negative impact humans have on native plants and animals that call these beaches home. One of these species is a beach bird that could fit into the palm of your hand: the Western Snowy Plover. Humans invade their habitat, turning their safe home into a living nightmare. One of the biggest issues is that these birds are so well camouflaged with their natural habitat, that beach-goers would hardly know when a bird, or fragile nest, is right beneath their feet.

For my senior thesis project, I decided to explore different ways that I can use art and design as devices to promote awareness about the Western Snowy Plovers. By employing a cute, bright, and uplifting aesthetic, I hope to elicit empathy in my audience in order to inspire them to take protective action for Snowy Plovers. Some of the mediums that I have experimented with include: branding, informational signage, needle felted art, advertisement mockups, social media content, stickers, and bookmarks. Through my project, I aim to cultivate an ecologically minded society where humans not only care about Snowy Plovers and their habitat, but respect them as fellow residents of this Earth that we all share.