What they needed
One of the biggest threats to the natural beauty of Canada are invasive species that come in and devastate native plants and wildlife. Each year, our nation spends more than $2.2 billion to eradicate invasive fish, insects, vines, and much more. The Invasive Species Centre works to spread awareness about how we can all protect Canadian land, waters, and wildlife. They needed a spectrum of materials and custom illustrations to better explain how to identify invasive species—and help stop them from spreading.



How we helped
Blended with their brand. To help spread the word about the spread, we created many eye-catching annual reports and fact sheets. Our work blended beautifully with their existing brand, with rounded geometric shapes and scenic photography to celebrate the natural beauty they’re seeking to protect.
Illustrated the issue. The first step in stopping the spread is knowing how to spot an invasive species. So we designed realistic, scientific illustrations of Asian carps, which are featured in many materials, websites, and museums. We also refreshed the related website, including illustrating a custom map that shows the sobering reality of how these invasive fish have spread across the great lakes for the last few decades.
Keeping the message moving. We created animated videos and social templates full of practical tips for how we can all help protect our ecosystem, from how to handle firewood to how to boat in a new area.
Specifically, the Grass Carps Awareness video was very well received by the Invasive Species Centre and shared both on their socials, website and on Bell Fibe TV. On YouTube it received 104,000 impressions and on Facebook it received 160,000 views. In 2022 it received a SO GOOD Award by the RGD in Ecology and Sustainability design.


Making a difference
Our work in this area has helped raise awareness of a troubling threat. You can spot our designs and illustrations in museum exhibits and information sessions across the country. And our animated videos have been well received and continue to be featured online to help inspire others to join this critical cause. Check out a sample video about Grass Carp.


Invasive Carps
Xenocarp Canada is a subsidiary of the Invasive Species Centre and a platform that shares insights on xenocarps such as how to spot an invasive carp or how to report a sighting. We had the opportunity to create scientific renderings of the species which have been used in museums and marketing alike. We also completed a refresh of their website with an interactive carp timeline and fully animated instructional videos.









“We couldn’t be more pleased with the work done by Design de Plume to bring this vision to life.”
-Rebecca D’Orazio, Invasive Species Centre