Display: First Round

First Round of the display project has not really gone well. I began with a clear vision and as I spent more time on it, began to see a path of getting there. I had in mind that I could display 2 of my boxes of card (remember Packaging & Modeling...the Finale?) It could possibly be museum board covered in the gold paper like the packaging and then with photos from the 2nd Project - Branding. This would allow me to pull in the branding concept that I envision helping to sell the packaging developed. My display for Thank You cards would ideally be found in a Target or Wal-Mart. Typically, they have product displays on the top shelf of an aisle, as real estate is limited. Additionally, it could also function as a counter display in a specialty card & paper store like Papyrus or Hallmark. I thought about my target market and why this display might appeal to them...

I began with shelves that might be supported from behind, but the more I thought about the weight of my product and the actual shelf length, that might not be feasible. So I began thinking of just highligting one box, that would be positioned on a tower shelf...

Alas...good start, but not quite there yet. The display has to be 3-D and my initial ideas were only 2-D. Hmmm...but what can I do with the tower?

I liked the tower idea and began to run with it! I imagine a tower with 4 drawers; one on each side. As a customer opens each one, they see a picture - a "memory" of an occasion as to why they would buy more than just one Thank You card! Additionally, I could see this model on some type of wheel mechanism that would allow it to spin (much like the card or jewelry stands).

Again, great idea, but not on the mark. Professor Lechinsky responded positively to the design, however, there are few things that caused it to fall short. How would I support each drawer? What would this thing look like at full scale - would it realy fit as a counter display, or one of those Target shelves? I incorporated the pictures, but what about the product (how did I EVER forget that?!) I should definitely keep the spinning idea, but it needs more development. *sigh*

*************************************************************************************************

Well, I just realized it is Sunday - so I will update my progress and photos late tomorrow, following my mid-term. More to come...

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.

Packages & Modeling...Continued

I've decided I do not like modeling...okay, well maybe not, but for something that is supposed to encourage the design process, has been leaving me with the feeling of falling short. Okay, so maybe it's not the models, maybe it's my time management PLUS the fact that I'm taking 4 classes and I have projects in 3 of them on a consistent basis...okay, enough whining.

On to the models...

One of the areas I am trying to improve upon with the existing packaging is that it is a open-flap box. In other words, if you were to sit the box of cards upright, there woudl be no way to keep the cards from falling out unless it was sitting between two objects or at least leaning on one side. See?


So on Tuesday, I presented my first model. It is composed of 2-ply chipboard (that's all Plaza had at the time!) and it is actually quite sturdy. I went with the suggested idea of designing an oversized package. I expanded the dimensions based upon the size of the stationary envelope and incorporated a technique we learned during our modeling demonstration with Professor Anderson. By creating small slits, (approximately) equally-spaced apart, I was able to create a top that would fold over. Wrapping the pieces with fabric and covering the inside, my idea was that I would get a chic box that could sit up-right on a shelf that would still be attractive to my target market and hopefully not increase the cost. Additionally, the package could be used to store future stationary as well as pens if a buyer wanted to keep them on their desk.






However, that model was not very well-received. The oversized-box was a bit "too oversized" - my desk crit suggested that I continue with the idea of designing something sustainable or recyclable, but also consider that it shouldn't be an eyesore or impede upon desk space. Additionally, other peer suggestions concluded that I might pursue a "drawer" type of design or if I continued with the fold-over design, be sure to design the internal pieces to match the fold.

Back to the drawing...or rather chipboard, we go...

We were rained out of class on Thursday (I was up at 6 anyway trying to salvage a 1-ply chipboard model that had gone awry the night before), but I did make it in to see Professor Lechinsky on Friday. He seemed to appreciate the direction of where I was going - despite the fact that the model was incomplete. In the midst of a pre-nervous breakdown and panic (i.e. I was trying to line up the inside pieces, cut too much, threw it all down in a tantrum and headed to bed), I began to welcome the idea of a drawer design. This would address my major concern with the current design and assist - in addition to me cutting down the size - in making the design less of an obstruction. Professor L suggested that I try "musuem board" and develop another study model prior to the final. Musuem board actually has two sides...one of which is more of a laminated / glossy finish. This would definitely provide the chic look I am looking for inside the box and it would be more sturdy than the 1-ply chipboard.



Just sad...won't even stand up. *sigh* But it IS a definite improvement in size.

Unfortunately, I was unable to secure the museum board over the weekend (working / catching up on other projects / the quarter-million people attending the rally downtown on Saturday), so guess who's going to have a busy Monday evening?

At this point, I am grossly annoyed with my own excuses, but I am in the process of trying to regroup. I will get better! In the meantime, I have the pleasure of reviewing my classmate Rose's blog...

3rd Project - Packaging (Model)

Sooo...this next assignment is all about packaging...well, it's really more about designing a model. What type of "shell" can I create that is meaningful and communicates the product to the customer upon sight? Obviously this meant another trip to the art store; Sobo glue, a cutting board, chipboard...trying to maneuver that thing on shuttle bus and in the rain; I digress...


In the meantime, I have been working on several ideas. The biggest obstacle for me is that my product already comes in a box:




However, I want to create a design that provides the same functions - compact, keeps the stationary neat, easy to store, provides a glimpse of the card - in addition to being attractive and cost-effective...but not the exact same form. I've been trying to work out a few ideas in my sketchbook; I started out measuring the envelope. Simple enough, right?





Any package I create would need to accommodate its size, as opposed to the card. I thought I might create an envelope type of package. At the art store, I found several sample papers that I would like to use, but one of the considerations of the design is if this package were to be used, it should be durable enough to survive the distribution process. That's where the chipboard will help...and it can always be covered. Additionally, as I started to develop the design, I started to play with the different ways of how it might work:

The folds could be mimicked with the chipboard...but it was starting to feel like a box - something I might not be able to avoid. I realized that triangular folds might not keep the stationary secure, or at least be a little flimsy. I started playing with the shape a decided that longer folds would give me the durability I am looking for. Additionally, I know for sure that I would like to provide a little pocket or maybe the back side of the package have a little plastic window or sheathing to display one of the cards inside. An over-sized top fold with a Velcro snap might work...

However, I definitely want to keep the "muted elegance" that the current package offers. I chose this particular box because it was pretty but did not have that overly done feel. I would want another buyer to be attracted by that as well. Yet, I don't want to be so simple that it turns a buyer off...I thought of including a metallic lining to "dress" it up a bit. We'll see...



The biggest takeaway from my initial crit was that the package does not have to be the exact specs of the product...and to scratch the Velcro. I suppose Velcro does not match the elegance I'm looking for...and it IS common. My professor also suggested an over-sized envelope and that got me to thinking of what other items I could mimic that would attract my target audience of women 20s to 40s...



Maybe a purse; different shapes came to mind...a scalloped-top box (kind of like a gift box)...but I don't want to get too far away from product or create something that would result in an increase in the price. Plus, the product must be secure. I don't want to create something overly complicated.


So I've begun to experiment with other materials; fabrics in particular. I have chosen a couple that coincide with the look and color scheme of the current package.

I think this might give me the look I'm trying to create without losing the product - or increasing the cost. Now, for some modeling...

2nd Project - Branding

Continuing with the "stationary and pens" category, I started thinking about it and what I actually use stationary and pens for. I am a HUGE card person, especially with handwritten "Thank You" cards (my grandmother taught me well). I just want people to understand that when they do something for me, it is truly appreciated and I am grateful enough to take the time to express it on paper. So while shopping in Target, I found it!

Now I must admit, I actually needed some thank you notes and I tend to buy boxes of them at a time. But why? Well for one, yes they are pretty. However, there is also 24 of them in a box for $5.99 - if I buy a single, it's usually $1.5 - $2.00 a piece so obviously this saves me and I have them handy for multiple occasions. Thus began the thought process of the second project...

In the assignment, we were to think of a way to brand the product of choice - to highlight "its unique qualities, its assets and its potential uses." We were to consider our audience and create an ad that would attract them to purchase. In thinking about my audience, typically women write handwritten cards (for themselves, their husbands, and their children), usually 20+ but I decided on ages 20 - 40; I thought about all the various reasons why a woman in that age group would send a thank you card - a gift received for a birthday, graduation, wedding, or having a baby; to thank a friend for being there or hug; to thank someone for caring for them while sick; or even to thank hubby for babysitting or washing the dishes...the list could go on and on. So in my mind, I began to see these "snapshots" of memories that would be displayed and in the end, I could highlight the product and this is what my first design looked like:

I actually used Google Picasa to create the entire ad. They have several coloring options and I used the focal black & white feature to create the ad. Initially, I thought of using Sepia - to match the brown in the cards, but it was too "matchy" and really didn't provide a clean look. Following my desk critique, I removed one of the extraneous photos (mom helping the son...that really didn't fit the action of my target audience) and used Corel to give me a little more control over the photos than Picasa. The major suggestions of the desk crit were to show someone actually writing a card and to highlight the box a bit more. I did find a photo of someone writing that I thought would really highlight the action of writing a thank you, but I chose not to highlight the box. The strategy of thought was to highlight the many reasons why one would need many cards. The box itself is not the focal point, but what is contained in it. My final design is below:


I toiled and toiled with the coloring of the font. I actually created four different drafts, but finally decided on this one. The white lined in aqua actually matched the card and seemed to stand out the best. My final critique comments were that the cards actually seemed to get lost; again, the box should have been highlighted. The action of writing the card seemed to be lost...perhaps less photos would have given me the ability to convey the message without the text getting lost in the photo. I persevere...

1st Project - Postcard

In the first semester project of my Design Foundations course, the objective was to design a postcard that "breathed" the essence or style of my assigned category, "stationary and pens." My first thoughts were of what you do with stationary...typically you write a letter or send a postcard or card to convey emotion.

As I began designing, I thought of using different types of stationary - each a different texture - to represent a different emotion. I produced the first postcard below, however, I began to doubt it the design. It felt very juvenile and the vision in my head just didn't seem to be what I was conveying on paper. So I scrapped it...

So in my second design, I used various colors, textures, and shapes of stationary paper along with words to represent various emotions; and it "felt more designy" - but I am learning just because a design feels a certain way, does not justify the approach of doing it that way. And although the design was pretty and abstract, the biggest lesson from my crit was to choose a focus. Find an object that I felt would represent my category...especially since we are using the same category for the entire semester! Next up...BRANDING!

1st Review...

First and foremost, I love Suzanne Cabrera's recent sketch @ http://anopensketchbook.com/ of the flea market - mostly because I can imagine my last name is in there (it's actually "gyros," but I see it)! I agree, most southern flea markets are filled with just as many food vendors as sellers. Ever have a fried Oreo? - absolute yummy fatness!

Artistically speaking, I love how her sketches put you "in the moment" as she recalls the story. It's an awesome way of telling a story and bringing the reader in. Her sketches are simple (I actually prefer them without color), yet detailed enough to provide a clear description of the subject drawn.

Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the drawings of Tommy Kane & Wagonized, but it was Edgar Cabrera's "Tommy's box: process" @ http://edgarcabrera.blogspot.com and Andrea Joseph's "through your window" of a Converse shoe @ http://andreajoseph24.blogspot.com that were my absolute favorites.

In this first semester of coursework, we are learning the foundations of this "creative/design process." Learning how to sketch your idea, finding a method that works...these are the concepts these designers/artists display throughout their blogs. Edgar Cabrera's drawings document his idea's for Tommy's box and how it should work. You can see his ideas for the box begin to come together...different features, design, and shape. Andrea Joseph's drawing of the Converse detail her method for drawing objects using tracing paper, pencil, & pen. This is particularly useful to me as continue to try and mature in my drafting of objects. Though she claims to lack formal training, she is definitely a teacher in her description of "adding values" and "hatching" to convey texture. I will definitely continue to monitor both of these blogs to see what they post next!