Bringing the Mediterranean to Life: Watercolor Book Cover for the WWF Blue Panda Project

As a designer, every project I take on tells a story, but few have resonated as deeply as my collaboration with the WWF Mediterranean's "Blue Panda Project".

The WWF boat, Blue Panda, is riding the waves across the Mediterranean in a brave and epic mission for years. A boat to unite the voices of people from distant shores and far-away countries, from France to Croatia, from Italy to Türkiye.

When I was approached to design the cover of Blue Panda's guest book, I knew I wanted to capture the vibrancy and beauty of the Mediterranean Sea while staying true to the WWF’s mission of conservation. The guest book would be used by visitors on the Blue Panda —a floating ambassador for marine protection—so the design needed to evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the sea.

I was commissioned to paint the iconic animals of the Mediterranean Sea; including the Caretta Caretta turtles, Mediterranean monk seals, dusky groupers, bottlenose dolphins and seagrass meadows. Watercolor felt like the perfect medium for this project. Its fluidity and organic blending allowed me to mimic the movement of water and the delicate balance of marine life.

The Mediterranean Sea is home to an astonishing variety of species, many of which are endangered due to pollution, overfishing, and climate change. I wanted my illustration to celebrate these creatures while subtly reminding viewers of their fragility and the urgent need for conservation.

This project was more than just an artistic endeavor—it was a chance to contribute to a cause that truly matters. The Blue Panda Project works tirelessly to raise awareness about marine conservation, and I wanted my artwork to reflect that mission. Seeing my work printed on the guest book cover, knowing that it will be held by travelers, researchers, and ocean advocates, is incredibly rewarding. Each signature within its pages represents a shared commitment to safeguarding our marine world.

I’m honored to have played a small role in the Blue Panda Project and I look forward to more opportunities where creativity meets conservation.