IDENTITY || ILLUSTRATION || WEB || PACKAGING
Packaging is why I buy Republic of Tea products. It's why I purchase most of the books that hop off the shelf and it's probably why I buy most of the makeup in my bag. What can I say? There's a persuasion involved in packaging that transcends a salesperson at your elbow, that burrows into your subconcious and lasts long after you take that lovely robin's egg blue box home with you.
Gemstones is packaging for candy that resembles real semiprecious stones. The product would be marketed in high-end bakeries and gourmet groceries, so the packaging was to appeal to adults. I created a clear geometric form to compliment the color of the candy as well as imply the facets of gems. The form opened when squeezed, almost in the manner of a change purse. The gem then rested in a satin bag with the product name in silver. The tag also displayed a multifaceted theme and explained the product, including nutritional information requirements. This piece won first place in Packaging for an Undergraduate Exhibition.
The Bird Bag was a contest entry. The requirements were to create a bag that consumers would want to keep long after purchase, reinforcing brand and memory of the store to the consumer. I created a bag that became an art piece after use. The bag was printed with Japanese handcraft paper and perforated to allow panes to be punched out, creating a birdcage. Inside were instructions and paper to fold and origami crane. The bird would then be placed in the bag and hung or rested in a windowsill. The bag becomes a useful object and the consumer learns the skill of folding the crane.
I have always been fascinated with books, especially journals where the written word is so revered. Through independent study I learned several different binding techniques and used three of them to bind a collection of my poetry. Each book follows a theme of several of the poems. One is bound with copper wire, the pages parchment, the cover and flysheet of natural earthy fibers to create a romantic feel. Another is a kind of "clap book" and makes loud noise when opened or closed in a certain manner, echoing the more abrupt nature of some of the poems. The last creates an atmosphere of sea, with sand colored pages and inner sheets that maintain the edge of the incoming and outgoing tide. This book is bound with string like that of a net and closed with a sea urchin spine. This ensemble piece won first place in Books for an Undergraduate Exhibition.
I have several other book projects and most especially enjoy special orders and commissions for gift books.
I was commissioned to create an object for a wedding gift. After much research, I decided on a keepsake box to hold tactile memories. The box has compartments for such mementos as shells, rings, ticket stubs. I created a layered effect that features leaves and spirals, gold and silver. The blue signifies love and loyalty. Overlapping handprints of a man and a woman reinforce the bonds between the couple while the soft inside color maintains their innocent delight in one another. The many views of the box show the client the finished product as well as document the piece itself as a work of art and love. A description and explanation of the piece were included upon delivery.