Call for Freelance Map Illustrator: Palisades Interstate Park System Map Project

Delivery Date: April - May 2026
Deliverable: An illustrated map of the Palisades Interstate Park System delivered in Adobe Basic Specs: Original art designed to multi-fold into small brochures (specific size tbd). Content must include all of PIPS 20 State Parks and 9 Historic Sites labeled with boundaries defined and highlightable, adjacent townships, and major geographic features.

BACKGROUND Palisades Parks Conservancy is the nonprofit partner of the Palisades Interstate Parks system, a network of 21 parks and 8 historic sites as diverse as its users. We partner with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) to protect the natural and historic public lands of the 130,000-acre Palisades Interstate Park system. We are an independent 501c3 that raises funds and advocates for investment and conservation of the parks for future generations. Through partnerships and programs, we expand awareness, access, and usability of public parks for a diverse range of visitors.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE Create an illustrated map of the Palisades Interstate Park System. The map should be easily legible by the general public, geographically accurate, and include a compass, scale, key and space for 2-3 interpretive blurbs. The map should clearly define the boundaries and interconnectivity of the PIPS 29 state parks and historic sites. This Palisades Interstate Park System was created to protect the Palisades Ridge, a geological feature that is not colloquially well known or regularly referenced. The network bisects two states asymmetrically and spans multiple municipalities, making the PIP territory appear random and difficult to explain succinctly. This map will serve as a visual tool to clearly communicate where the PIPS borders are, create an association between the system and the Palisades Ridge, demonstrate what parks comprise the system, what communities border it, and what major features can be found within it.

TARGET AUDIENCE This is intended as a public engagement and education tool. Many individuals have relationships to specific sites within the PIP system, without realizing the place they are connected to is part of a larger network. People invested in our parks are often not aware of PIPC or PPC and resultingly, do not know what organization to get involved with to deepen engagement and support of the parks they care for.

Submit a google form application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and RFP will remain open until filled. Full job description can be downloaded here.