Katelyn Betz
Graphic Designer
Brand Support through Illustration
Problem:
The Kansas City Public Library went through a major design rebrand. The rebrand achieved bringing the Library forward into the modern day, but it consistently struggled to achieve a sense of approachability.
There was also a secondary problem - Libraries frequently communicate with people who speak other languages, and may have lower literacy levels. Because of this, they heavily rely on visual communication. This can lead to icon overload, giving any piece a sterile feel.
Solution:
I created a ongoing series of owl characters to represent library topics. This can range from reading, to watching a movie, to helping each other.
I also made sure the owls are simple - I can easily create new ones, often making multiple a day. These owls can easily be replicated, so whenever I put the pen down at the Library, someone else can keep creating the owls as needed.
Why this works so well
The audience for a public library is typically both vulnerable and interested populations. Whether that’s someone looking for help locating housing services, an adult attending a program to learn, or a child learning to read, all of these groups want to feel a feel a few things: Comfortable. Included. Understood.
They want their library to feel approachable and supportive, and the creation of the owl characters has done just that.
The owls illustrate concepts without relying too heavily on words. They can soften the tone, communicate, and create a sense of Library pride all at once.
Promotional sticker
A flyer I designed for people looking for resources. This needs to be approachable, friendly, and also needs to communicate clearly to a variety of populations.
A general promotional Library bookmark.
An event header on the library website for a reoccurring child friendly series called “Friday Night Family Fun”.
The library homepage switches out every month - January 2026 was highlighting the ways in which the library can introduce patrons to a variety of new things.
A flyer for adults looking for help finding jobs.
An event banner on the website for a movie series for both adults and children.
Katelyn Betz
Katelyn Betz
Graphic Designer
Brand Support through Illustration
Problem:
The Kansas City Public Library went through a major design rebrand. The rebrand achieved bringing the Library forward into the modern day, but it consistently struggled to achieve a sense of approachability.
There was also a secondary problem - Libraries frequently communicate with people who speak other languages, and may have lower literacy levels. Because of this, they heavily rely on visual communication. This can lead to icon overload, giving any piece a sterile feel.
Solution:
I created a ongoing series of owl characters to represent library topics. This can range from reading, to watching a movie, to helping each other.
I also made sure the owls are simple - I can easily create new ones, often making multiple a day. These owls can easily be replicated, so whenever I put the pen down at the Library, someone else can keep creating the owls as needed.
Why this works so well
The audience for a public library is typically both vulnerable and interested populations. Whether that’s someone looking for help locating housing services, an adult attending a program to learn, or a child learning to read, all of these groups want to feel a feel a few things: Comfortable. Included. Understood.
They want their library to feel approachable and supportive, and the creation of the owl characters has done just that.
The owls illustrate concepts without relying too heavily on words. They can soften the tone, communicate, and create a sense of Library pride all at once.
Promotional sticker
A flyer I designed for people looking for resources. This needs to be approachable, friendly, and also needs to communicate clearly to a variety of populations.
A general promotional Library bookmark.
An event header on the library website for a reoccurring child friendly series called “Friday Night Family Fun”.
The library homepage switches out every month - January 2026 was highlighting the ways in which the library can introduce patrons to a variety of new things.
A flyer for adults looking for help finding jobs.
An event banner on the website for a movie series for both adults and children.
Katelyn Betz