Loretto Community

Campus & property map design

Map strategy & consulting
Road & topographical illustration
Print design

About the organization

The Loretto Community is a non-profit organization of Sisters of Loretto and Loretto Co-members. While some members live and work all over the world, the Community has a beloved historical home in Nerinx, Kentucky that welcomes all kinds of visitors.

Project to-do list

Strategize four distinct maps of their Motherhouse property: their campus, their property & trails, the bookable retreat cabins, and the historic cemetery.
Draw accurate and clear maps of each area, including roads, buildings, land use, and accessibility information.
Design printable and shareable map print pieces, each including clear labeling, a user-friendly key, and easy-to-understand presentation.
Ensure that the final pieces are friendly, welcoming, and inline with the visual brand identity we’d previously created for Loretto Community.
Create fully vector pieces that can be enlarged as needed, from printable handouts to large-scale information kiosks.

Project milestone

Map illustration

Pulling from aerial imagery, previous Community maps, and conversation with the Loretto Community staff, we illustrated clear and accurate map foundations. In particular, we focused on clarity of information, helpful color-coded land use designations, and on-brand color palettes. Then, where appropriate, we incorporated delightful icons we’d created during our previous brand identity project for the Community.

Project milestone

Map layout & design

Building from our colorful map illustrations, we worked with Loretto Community staff to identify clear road designations, building labeling, and helpful way-finding icons. With every decision, we prioritized a welcoming and friendly user experience so no one ever feels lost or confused.

The campus map explains which buildings are which, where to park, and where to find accessible entrances. The property map shows walkable trail information (including mileage) and notes clearly which roads are off limits. The cemetery map helps family members and friends find specific sites they’re searching for. And the retreat cabins map ensures that visitors know exactly where everything is they may need for their stay.

Because the maps and illustrations are fully vector, they can be utilized in as many ways as needed: printed in-house on paper, shared online as digital graphics, and even sent to large-scale printhouses for big information kiosk signage.

The end results are exactly what Loretto needed: practical, super-usable maps with plenty of personality.