NASA Morale Patches is an ongoing series created annually for the Chief Health and Medical Officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Each patch is designed for the yearly Operational Update conference and serves as a collectible keepsake for NASA leadership and medical staff. The goal of the series is to blend meaningful mission references with artwork that feels bold, iconic, and fun, capturing both the spirit of NASA and the personality of each year’s theme.

Design Process for OH OPERATIONAL UPDATE 2022 Patch

The design process begins with discussing the annual conference theme and gathering reference materials, location details, and any elements the client wants to be represented. From these insights, I sketch initial concepts, refine them into full-color illustrations, and collaborate with the client through several rounds of feedback to finalize the composition, color palette, and overall direction. All artwork is created using Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop, allowing for expressive sketching and precise vector refinement.

Once the illustration is approved, I prepare the artwork for production by converting it into a clean vector file and submitting it to the patch manufacturer. Their team translates the design into a digitized embroidery file and provides a detailed technical breakdown, including stitch type, thread colors, patch dimensions, and finish options. I then review the proof, confirm color accuracy, and request any adjustments needed to ensure the artwork translates clearly into embroidery. This collaborative step bridges the gap between digital design and physical craftsmanship, resulting in a patch that remains visually accurate, high-quality, and production-ready.

Using Procreate to Design the 2022 Patch

Project Six

Project Eight