Preserving the Spirit of the Parks: Our Partnership with Artist Rob Decker
For more than sixty years, we’ve had the privilege of helping our clients turn their visions into tangible works of art. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our most inspiring long-term partners: photographer and graphic artist Rob Decker.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of nostalgia while looking at a National Park poster, you’re likely familiar with Rob’s work. Through his project, National Park Posters, Rob is on a mission to capture the hidden gems and iconic vistas of America’s most treasured landscapes in the classic WPA (Works Progress Administration) style of the 1930s and 40s.
A Legacy of Art and Conservation
Rob’s connection to the parks isn’t just professional; it’s deeply personal. At just 19 years old, he had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study photography under the legendary Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park. That experience solidified a lifelong passion for conservation and the American wilderness.
As highlighted in recent features by Mountain Living and CNN Travel, there is a massive resurgence in the popularity of these vintage-style prints. They represent a "National Park Renaissance," connecting a new generation of travelers to the history of the National Park Service.
Printing with Purpose
What makes Rob’s work truly stand out, and why we are so proud to be his printing partner, is the commitment to sustainability. Rob doesn’t just create art about nature; he ensures the production of that art protects nature.
When you hold a Rob Decker print produced here at D&K Printing, you are holding a product that is:
Eco-Friendly: Printed on Neenah Conservation, 100% recycled paper stock.
Sustainable: Produced using soy- and bio-based inks.
Purposeful: Rob also donates 10% of his annual proceeds to the trusts, conservancies, and associations that support our National Parks, making every print a contribution back to the land that inspired it.
The Art of the Process
Rob’s process is a bridge between the past and the present. He starts with high-dynamic-range photography, which he then digitally transforms into graphic art that echoes the bold, hand-rendered look of the original WPA posters.
Bringing the Parks Home
Whether it’s the rugged peaks of the Grand Tetons or the deep blues of Crater Lake, Rob Decker’s posters are more than just wall decor; they are memories preserved.
We are honored to be the printer behind this incredible project. Next time you’re planning a trip to a National Park—or just looking to bring a piece of the great outdoors into your home—remember that each of these posters started as a vision in Rob’s mind and came to life on our presses in Boulder.
To explore Rob’s full collection and learn more about his journey, visit National Park Posters.
Looking to turn your vision into something beautiful and trangible? Contact Tanner at tannerb@dkprinting.com to discuss the challenges of and solutions to your next project.