I chose to illustrate Heid’s because it is a place that means a lot to me. Growing up, my family would stop by there in the summer before heading to the lake and in the winter before visiting Lights on the Lake. Now, as an adult, every visit lets me experience that nostalgia.

For me, Heid’s and Onondaga Lake Park are so connected that I knew I had to capture not just the building but the lake as well. To get the right perspective, I took many reference photos and spent time figuring out the best angle. Ultimately, I decided on this view because it showcases the iconic sign out front while still giving a glimpse of the lake. I also love travel posters, so I used that as inspiration.