To show my love for Arizona, the state I called home for 34 years, I set out to design a badge that captures its diverse Southwestern landscape.

My initial idea was a series of badges representing Arizona's three ecosystems: the high desert mountains with pines and lakes, the mesas and iconic saguaro cactus of the Sonoran Desert, and the riparian vegetation and wildlife along the southern border.

I decided to start with the ecosystem closest to home, focusing on imagery that would translate well graphically. This included a mesa, cacti, reptiles, birds, and an antelope jackrabbit. I narrowed it down to three key elements and tied it all together with Arizona’s most recognizable feature: the sun!

The result is a fun and inviting badge, perfect for souvenirs, wearables, and promotional items—and it’s one of my favorites.