Artist reimagines ACRES logo

ACRES’ new T-shirt design features the work of local artist Ian Ruisard. Learn more about Ian and what inspired his work.

About the artist

Ian works as a graphic designer in Fort Wayne. Inspired by his parents, he enjoys exploring natural areas and believes protecting local habitats is important in creating a healthy community.

“My dad was a nature conservationist and birder, and he and my mother really instilled a love for nature,” he said.

Birds in particular hold a special place in his heart. Ian explained that birding and drawing birds bring back memories of his late father, who passed away in 2013.

“I often try to identify birds, but laugh in how great of a contrast my knowledge is compared to Dad’s,” he said.

He enjoys getting out in nature and exploring favorite spots like Fox Island, Metea and Franke Park together with his wife, Elizabeth, and dog, Kiki.

Ian hopes his work helps inspire people to see the value of natural areas and take action to protect them.

“The more we protect habitats and try to get others to appreciate and gain respect for them, the healthier it is for all living creatures, including us,” he said.

About the design

Ian transformed the ACRES oak leaf and acorn logo to incorporate native flora and fauna throughout the design.

“With my ACRES project, I wanted to do something by hand with the logo. I studied what animals are around here and in Indiana to give it a cheery feel,” he said.

His design is teeming with plants and animals like Lady’s Slipper Orchid and Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. A sense of movement brings the logo to life.

See more of Ian’s work online at ianruisard.com.

Thank you, Ian, for sharing your passions and for your wonderful interpretation of the ACRES logo!

Enjoy ACRES new artsy design by Ian Ruisard on a comfy T-shirt. Short sleeve or long sleeve options, available in sizes XS-3XL. Shop online or at the ACRES office.