63 COSTELLO COMMUNICATIONS
The Natural Science Collections Alliance lobbies for federal funding for their member organizations, including research institutions and museums that house natural specimens. “They wanted a communications tool that would make the case for sustained funding,” explains art director and designer James Costello. “The brochure was designed to educate the audience about the value of natural science collections, the importance of preservation and the need for financial support on the federal level.”

As a campaign tool, the piece needed to clearly communicate why the specimens maintained by alliance members are worthy of investment. Realizing the tremendous volume of information that can be extracted from the specimens in areas such as climate, biodiversity and extinction, Costello chose to craft the piece around the collections’ known value to society. The photographs have unexpected beauty, such as the image of a jar of coiled snakes. The facts are startling: Hawaii is identified as “The Extinction Capital of the World.” The result is exemplary. “Coming up with imagery that was provocative without appearing to be morbid or insensitive was the biggest challenge [we] faced when taking on this project,” Costello says. “The client was thrilled with a piece that they felt truly communicated the importance of its mission.” by Dana Rouse

Costello Communications | Art Director, Designer: James Costello | Photographer: Terry Evans | Copywriter: Mary Tobin Client: Natural Science Collections Alliance | Contact: www.costellocommunications.com