Get to know Peggy West, the talented botanical illustrator who collaborated with Lettering Works to complete the Rocky Glen trail signage project.

Peggy West at Rocky Glen with three botanical illustrations she completed for the Friends of Rocky Glen signage project

Tell me a little about yourself.

I am a Botanical Illustrator, Master Naturalist, and printmaker with a home studio in Peoria, Illinois. My retail brand, Wild Peoria, is dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation for the “wild things” that can be found in urban and suburban landscapes and to encourage interaction with nature.

Illustration of Wild Hydrangea by Peggy West

What is your background (education, previous jobs and/or experiences that led you to create)?

In the early 2000s, while still working full-time in higher education and corporate consulting, I earned a certificate in Botanical Illustration from the Morton Arboretum which launched my journey into all things wild. I fell in love with printmaking about 5 years later after studying etching at Western Illinois University. In 2014, I moved to Peoria to become part of its growing arts community and to develop my printmaking skills through residencies at the Prairie Center of the Arts. I am enamored with the rich history, physical strength, and problem-solving required in printmaking (particularly letterpress) and the beautiful balance between art and science in botanical illustration. Nature is my muse.

What led you to start Wild Peoria?

After completing a successful collaboration with Lettering Works on trail signs for Rocky Glen Park in Peoria in 2018, I wanted to create an affordable line of creative products designed to get people outdoors. I wanted to help local Peorians see that nature was within easy reach, and they didn’t need a vacation trip or formal garden to appreciate it.

Bluebells in Forest Park Nature Preserve in Peoria, IL

What do you think is most interesting or unique about Peoria's wildlife?

Central Illinois is an amazing place. Geologically, it is the convergence of ancient glacial moraines and river beds creating a unique blend of ecosystems from woodlands to wetlands to prairies. The result is an astounding level of diversity in flora and fauna. In Peoria, you can experience everything from waterfowl in the Illinois River to rare wildflowers in the many woodland preserves to migrating butterflies in our native and restored prairies…all without traveling more than a few miles!

Wild Type Press - You are Beautiful Broadside

What are some of your short/long term goals?

In the short term, I would like to continue to create and print stickers, small prints, cards, bookmarks and other affordable products that keep the beauty and value of nature on the minds of local residents.

In the long term, I have plans to launch a line of artist books, prints, posters and other products with wider distribution under a new brand -- Wild Type Press.

What is one or two of your favorite projects you've done?

The Rocky Glen project (of course)! I think the “Wild” Sticker Series is also a favorite because of its intentionality and timeliness in our current state of lockdown. Be Wild was released earlier this spring, and Live Wild was released as part of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in April. I will be releasing Plant Wild this month in celebration of earning my Master Naturalist certificate.

Wild Peoria logotype + color exploration by Lettering Works

How would you describe the process of working with Lettering Works to establish your branding? What did you enjoy most?

I most enjoyed the collaboration and the openness to feedback. Chelsie really listened to my objectives and strove to fully understand my passions. Even when I seemed to get nit-picky, she handled it with openness and grace.

Wild Peoria Logo by Lettering Works

What value have you received from your logo?

The Wild Peoria logo sticker is my best seller! Local brand recognition has exceeded my expectations. More Peorians know Wild Peoria than know my real name! This level of recognition makes it so much easier to introduce new products and to gain entry into new storefronts.

Why do you think artists should invest in branding their arts business?

A brand does so much more than a business name alone. I could not have achieved the awareness this project required without a solid brand. It not only promotes my retail product line, but also my creative and naturalist objectives. Branding separates you from the crowd and reinforces how you are unique…at a glance. That’s a very powerful thing.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you Lettering Works for helping to enable a wonderful first year for Wild Peoria.