(click images to enlarge)
WTC is pleased to announce the creation of a new t-shirt design for this year’s race. Mt. Airy based Preston Thomas is an experienced Art Director with a demonstrated history of working in the graphic design industry. He is currently the Art Director of Preston Thomas Design (web).
Read WTC Race Director, Melanie Wright’s interview with Preston below.
MW: Are you a runner? If so, do you run with any clubs?
Why yes, I am an avid runner. I tell my non-running friends that I have a running problem. The Wissahickon Wanderers and Big Woods Running Club help support my running habits.
MW: Have you ever participated in the Wissahickon Trail Classic? What do you like about the race?
The Wissahickon Trail Classic is one of my favorite local races to run. The WTC provides a snapshot of the wonderful variety of trails in the WISS. The race has big climbs, technical downhills and flowy trails in the meadows. There’s always a good turn out and who doesn’t like a slice of pizza after a run.
MW: Why do you feel that it is important to support the great work of the Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers?
The WRV organization helps maintain this forest treasure located right in Philadelphia and I applaud that effort. Trail running within the city is a true gift and the WRV helps preserve and restore the gift of the Wissahickon. Recently, Outside Magazine published an article about trail runners being “lazy parasites” who don’t volunteer. Disprove that claim and volunteer with the WRV!
MW: What was your inspiration for creating the new design for the WTC t-shirt?
My inspiration for the WTC t-shirt was a combination of nature and trail running. The resulting design creates a visual link between the two: the merger of the Wissahickon trail markers and plant icons.
MW: What originally made you want to become a graphic designer?
The decision to become a graphic designer came about of a dining hall meal early in my college career. An upperclassman was discussing the visual communications program at University of Delaware and something just clicked for me. Ever since, I’ve been drawn to the creative problem-solving that is involved with graphic design. Every project is a new challenge of coming up with the best way to communicate a client’s message visually.
MW: What type of brief or project do you enjoy working on the most?
I really enjoy working on projects with local clients. The bulk of my clients are spread out across the country, so it’s always nice to meet with people over a cup of coffee to discuss a project.