I recently created a poster design to celebrate Height Library, a beautiful community library that first opened its doors in 1901. For this piece, I wanted to capture not only the building itself, but also the welcoming spirit and sense of community it represents for Salford today.

Final Artwork

The finished poster design for Height Library.

The Concept

The library’s Victorian architecture was my starting point. I drew a detailed 3D portrait of the building in a cartoon vintage style, inspired by the typography carved into the fireplace inside the library. My aim was to merge historical character with a warm, inviting feel that would encourage people to step inside.

The Scene

• Sunrise over Salford: A soft sunrise forms the backdrop, with silhouettes of Salford buildings to create a strong sense of place.
• Nature & peace: Trees, grass, butterflies, and a dove surround the library, symbolising learning, hope and renewal.
• Warm welcome: Light glowing from the windows gives the sense of an open, friendly community space.

The Process

[Insert process video or progress images here]

In the process video, you’ll see how I:

1. Sketched out the building’s proportions in 3D.
2. Layered textures and details to highlight its vintage character.
3. Introduced type inspired by the original fireplace lettering, spelling out Welcome to Height Library.
4. Added colour, lighting, and atmosphere — from the sunrise sky to the glowing interior.

Textures & Details

Textures were especially important in bringing the illustration to life. From the stonework of the façade to the softness of the grass, each element was layered to create depth and warmth.

Final Thoughts

For me, this poster is more than an illustration of a building. It’s a portrait of what a library means: community, learning, and welcome. Height Library has stood for over 120 years, and I wanted this design to feel timeless while also uplifting and hopeful.