Case Study
Play for Jake
Foundation
Industry:
Non-profit
Services Provided:
Illustrated & hand lettered
free-standing mural, live painting
Location:
La Porte, Indiana
The challenge
I approached The Play for Jake Foundation with the idea to create a mural in memory of Jake West for an upcoming fundraiser event.
Jake was a beloved son, friend, and student
athlete who tragically passed away during football practice from an undetected heart condition years ago.
The mural needed to serve as a powerful visual tribute, painted partially live during the event, while also being portable and structurally sound as a freestanding piece to be later installed at La Porte High School.
The vision
To create a bold, moving tribute that reflects Jake’s positive, caring energy to remind others to “Keep it Kind” — he was a member of his high school’s Kindess Committee after all. While also sparking conversation about heart health in youth.
The mural had to feel personal to the family, uplifting to the community, and students — while motivating and educational.
The process
Before putting brush to wall, I met with Jake’s mom, and fearless founder of the Jake West Foundation, Julie West.
She shared stories and a heartfelt video that showed Jake’s personality—his goofy grin, his warmth, playful personality, and how much he cared for others.
Step 1: Scope
We defined Julie’s vision, where it’s ultimately going, and how the live event would work.
Step 2: Concept
Sketchers were presented
for Julie to choose her favorite direction.
Step 3: Create
The selected sketch was finalized digitally and sent over for her approval.
Step 4: Launch
After constructing the wall, I painted the mural partially in my studio and finished it live at the fundraising event.
The results
A mural that deeply resonated with the family and community
A live art experience that connected people in real time to the story
A freestanding, high-quality mural structure that transitioned from event to school wall seamlessly
A permanent visual reminder that encourages kindness, awareness, action, and remembrance
Client love
I highly recommend working with Region Design Co. Amanda is a pleasure to work with and I hope to work with her again.
“I couldn't be happier with how Jake's mural turned out. When Amanda came to the Play for Jake Foundation she was able to get a feel for my son and what he stood for. I showed her a video of Jake and in that video it shows his sweet personality and how he cared for others. The colors, the design she created and just everything about the mural shows her talent and her attention to detail. My hope is to see her work all over our community and beyond.”
The impact
This mural became more than a portrait — it became a community symbol of love, awareness, and action. Through vibrant color and heartfelt design, Jake’s legacy now lives on at La Porte High School, inspiring students and reminding everyone how one life can spark real change.
It also showed the power of public art to educate, unite, and heal — especially when created with purpose.
Want to tell a meaningful
story through art?
Let’s create something powerful
for your community together.
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