Envirographics
Thoughtful art, made for people and place
Large-scale, bespoke narrative vinyl artworks
Like murals, but with an extra layer of storytelling, collaboration and codesign.
*Three descriptions, because we like to make sure people get the message!
Art that’s not just beautiful, but considerate too.
Don’t get us wrong, we love geometric and abstract art and design (and everything in between). And we’re fans of Kandinsky, Krasner and Scher.
When you have a space like a hospital ward, a waiting room or an event, you need art with impact. A piece that tells a story, adds to your service delivery and leaves a lasting impression.
We bet you didn’t know art could say so much, but take it from us, it’s powerful stuff.
Working with Minta gives you an artist-designer hybrid — the best of both worlds, if you will.
Yes, we create beautiful art, but combined with our experience as graphic designers, you’re also getting the best bits of our project management, stakeholder engagement and technician skills (we’re lit up by layered vector files and die lines are like a love language to us).
Envirographics should consider the surrounding environment.
We deliberate over everything from the location and traffic flow to the people who see it, what they’re thinking and how they’ve feeling while they’re in the space.
You might call it human-centred design, but it’s everything to us. And it’s why our projects stand the test of time.
Envirographics are best for infrastructure projects, clinical settings, research facilities and public spaces that require a considered approach.
We work alongside project teams as a partner throughout the project. And it gets the best results.
“We have had nothing but positive comments from anyone that enters our unit on how bright and colourful it is, and many patients and families have enjoyed finding different animals in the illustrations and following the artwork right round the ward.”
“
Whenever I’m in the space, and see the artwork, I’m reminded of that day, and how connected I felt to the people and place.
”
Our approach
Spray paint works well for water towers and corrugated iron (like this weekend project we created), but we prefer our own special set of tools.
Meet Rach
Digital art is our medium.
It involves a more collaborative process, and means you get to see the work and have input as it progresses.
When it comes to install, we work with the best fabricators to triple check the artwork fits the space before it’s printed on vinyl — graphic vinyl, that is, not the kind of vinyl for your record player or couch. It’s professionally installed in hours, not days and days, and you’ll be left with no clean up, no drying time and no paint fumes. Operationally, you’ll find there’s little disruption.
We select vinyl substrates specifically to suit your site. This careful consideration means it lasts longer than an ad hoc artwork, and is more sustainable. Vinyl substrates work for glass, walls and ceilings. Oh, and you best believe they’re perfect for healthcare settings — they tick all the WH&S boxes, can be cleaned and also add to service delivery.
Digital artist, project manager and farm girl at heart
There are few things I love more than combining creative design with practical usage. And as a designer, I’ve always given more thought to design choices than my clients expect with little details like including the lyrics to Waltzing Matilda in a children's play area or the shapes of a logo leaning into key themes for a business.
Perhaps it’s growing up on the land and living in a regional area. We appreciate beauty (it’s all around us, after all), but we also appreciate practicality — and I say why not combine them?
It’s this thoughtful, considered approach that sets Minta apart, and that I know resonates with project managers, hospital administrators and specialist teams.
My background in local government doesn’t hurt, either. When it comes to stakeholder engagement, we’re well versed in managing input and feedback from a range of people and perspectives.
The process
Here’s how envirographics programs come together.
-
You reach out and we discuss the project and space. What outcomes need from an artist, what the program milestones are, and what strategies are already in place for alignment.
-
We’ll provide an initial proposal with agreed program milestones, a reverse brief and visual direction suggestions which can be approved by your project team.
-
We meet face-to-face with stakeholders and visit the space (or view architectural plans if it's an infrastructure project).
Here’s where we bridge the gaps and bring to light aspects that haven’t been considered. We may need to check the space is suitable, and provide a detailed reverse brief for approval.
This part of the process varies in length, depending on the project, the stakeholders involved and whether codesign / cocreation workshops are required.
-
We tie together our research as part of the creative consultation and codesign phase, and present themes, story and the road map for the next steps for your input and approval.
This gives you the direction for artwork, and provides accountability for how we got there.
-
Now we get to the actual artwork component — creating the visuals.
We’ll meet face-to-face to unpack this so you can ask questions and provide feedback.
-
We put the finishing touches on the artwork and check all kinds of technical bits like colours and vector nodes. The signwriter will visit the site for a final measure.
-
You’ll give approval to the final art, and we’ll work on production ready files to be handed over to the fabricators. You'll get to see and approve the final elevations before it’s installed in the space.
Image: Detail of the envirographics at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Read more
When it comes to projects like this you need a trusted partner, and you can be assured that we’re:
Collaborative and open to feedback — we’re not ego-led when it comes to art like this, especially co-creation and programs with a participatory approach
Respectful of your boundaries — we get confidentiality and won’t share as much as a sneak peek without your permission
Organised and efficient — we’ve got years of experience running a full-time design business, and the processes to make working together easy
Transparent about the process — we give you a level of certainty when it comes to budget, variances and delivery dates, not a surprise invoice at the end of the project
Check out similar work
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
P.S. We have a bunch of referees who can speak to our work together on envirographics projects — get in touch and we can share.