Packaging & Modeling...the Finale

So after a very valiant effort, it all ended in tragedy. With all the work I put into developing models, I mismanaged my time with another class and failed to complete my project on time. Not a good look! (& a major, frustrating embarrassment)!) And to magnify the embarrassment, the other two sections joined our class for a "gallery" view of our packages - with comments! I did get some positive feedback - many wished they could have seen the final product and seemed to really understand my vision. Always a bright side, right?

To my misfortune, late work is not accepted. However, the reason I walked away from my career and family to pursue this path is because I really am dedicated to successfully completing this program and becoming a successful designer. So I did it - I completed my final model! Though everyone may not see it, at least I know that it is something that I can be proud of.

Following the section crit on Tuesday, we had to present our models on Thursday and this time I was ready! I received a great deal of positive feedback, but also learned a bit as well. My final model consisted of museum board; of which I adhered onto another material with a metallic finish on one side (not quite as hard as cardstock, but definitely a quality paper).

I used rubber cement to paste the pieces together, however, Professor Leshinsky suggested that in the future I might use spray glue. In my pursuit to address the open flap box, I created a drawer box. It's great for horizontal storage, but to improve upon my design for vertical storage, another improvement might include enclosing the top of the drawer to keep cards from falling forward.

Additionally, I purposefully left some space at the top of the drawer so that the design would not be so specific to my card size and could be re-used for other stationary. However, Professor Leshinsky stated that it would be best to target the design to my specific product. I see his point, but I stand by my design. My hope would be that if someone purchased this product, they would see the benefit in recycling it - it would definitely be a major point in branding the product.

Initially, I had hoped to used fabric to cover the box and Professor Anderson was right; that is a near impossible feat (especially when limited to Sobo and rubber cement). And though I thought I might create a translucent pocket to hold the card design in the front, it really seemed to take away from the design, as opposed to enhancing. In the end, I followed the same design "rule" the original had by incorporating a sample of the product with a few embellishments. However, I was sure to keep it simple to maintain the original "muted elegance."

Overall, I learned a lot about time management, responsibility, and different ways of improving upon my current Foundations Design product, as well as tips for the future. Can't say that it was my greatest week, but definitely a learning one.