Check Out These Cool Nature-Monument Mashups in New Campaign for National Park Service

Grey New York is doing some fancy Photoshop work to highlight the glory of American nature and monuments in a compelling new outdoor and print campaign for the National Park Service. The agency is using mashups to contrast the diversity of the 407 American destinations overseen by the government agency.

In one, the majestic peaks of Denali National Park blend into the Spanish architecture of San Antonio missions. ("Some parks offer breathtaking views. Others will change your perspective.") In another, the limestone formations of Carlsbad Caverns mirror the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in a dramatic nighttime shot. ("Some parks take us back to the birth of our nation. Others to the dawn of life itself.")

"Visually we're explaining the idea in a quick snapshot," Grey group creative director Sean Crane told Adweek. "We're trying to redefine the word 'park' in North America. We want people to realize it's more than just trees and grass."

The execution, which launched this week, marks the second phase of an initiative leading up to the National Park Service's centennial next August. The campaign aims not only to raise awareness of the country's landmark parks, but also to increase visits to less popular urban sites and drum up interest among younger, more multicultural visitors. In addition to print, the campaign uses digital and social media.

CREDITS

Client: National Park Foundation

Agency:  Grey, New York

Group Creative Director: Sean Crane

Executive Creative Director: Rob Perillo

Creative Director (Art Director): Chris Peronne

Creative Director (Writer): Tony Muller