Self Branding design process

Outer packaging

The box is a gift box/shoe box design as it has a separate lid. I created the box by using thick card, the base measures 14.8cm x 10.5cm x 4cm and the lid measures 15.2cm x 11cm x 2cm.

The miniature packaging was inspired for a perfume box shape that I created for A-Level which didn't work as well as I wanted to so I recreated it again and everything fits into place. The measurements when folded up is 3cm x 6cm.

90s pattern design research:

I researched into 90s pattern design and it mainly consisted of shapes and bright, vivid colours. I really liked the very first image of the bright shapes against the white background. I think the black ones looks slightly more dull and I want my pattern to look cheerful. The patterns are randomly placed, they are spread out and are inconsistent.

Designs

This is the design that I came up with. I  made the shapes on Illustrator and used one colour for one shape, that way it will be consistent. I used bright colours that were inspired by the colour clothing people wore in the 90s. I didn't want to use dark colours so I chose colourful/bright ones. I started randomly placing the shapes everywhere and changing the angles so it doesn't look boring. The second image I created was made by repeating the first design and making it smaller. I thought the first design looked too close up and I tried to make it look smaller so it seems like there's more going on. The reason I chose a pink background is so that I am adding to the theme of 'She' so I thought it would be more relevant. 

My second design is for my mini packaging which I have created a very simplistic modern/trendy pattern design. I also used illustrator to create the design first and then repeated it throughout. The second image is of it at smaller size but I think it is too small as you cannot see the pattern. I used a yellow/gold colour as it looked more appealing than a bright yellow and it works better against the white background and isn't as difficult to see.

Bookbinding workshop

In the bookbinding workshop, we learn how to make a concertina (grey), saddle stitch (browny/yellow) and stab stitch (blue).

I found the concertina book to be the most difficult one to do although they were mainly straight forward to make. The concertina was messy as it required glue and I messed mine up as I put on too much glue but it looks completely fine on the outside.

The easiest one to make was the saddle stitch one because I only had to stitch inside centre a few times to make all the pages hold together and make a book.

I like the look of the stab stitch design the most because it looks more interesting and difficult to make which it really wasn't that difficult.

The bookbinding workshop was very helpful to me and in my design practise. Although it was all made by hand, I think I made a good job of making it look quite professional. However, I would need to practise on the concertina books.

Self Branding final idea

I really love subscription boxes such as Birchbox and Glossybox. I thought I could do a subscription gift box inspired self branding. Since I also really love surprises, I would want someone to feel enjoyment when they first open the box to see what is inside. Like subscription boxes, I will put in 5 items that represents me as a person such as what I like and who I am.

I want to make the box A6 since I also want it to be miniature themed because I also really like small things. On the box lid, I will create a 90s themed pattern, using bright colours to show that I am a child of the 90s. Like a subscription box, everything will be wrapped in tissue paper so that it builds up the anticipation of what is inside the box. It will also include a 'product' card and it will say 'SHE is...' and a list of the items in the box and why they are there/what they represent about me.

For the box contents, I have decided to create another mini packaging box but I will try to make it looks somewhat unique and not too generic. On the packaging, I will also create another pattern since I am also keen on simplistic, modern pattern design. I want the design to be in yellow as when 'Huang' pronounced in Chinese can also mean the colour yellow too.

Another item would be a tea bag wrapped in tissue paper to make it more hygienic. I will include a black tea bag since it is my favourite tea and is a very stereotypical British tea. Since I was born and raised here, I wanted to show my Britishness through my love of tea.

I love going on holidays and every time I see an nice setting/scenery, I like to take pictures since it captures the moment forever. I will include a miniature polaroid picture of a holiday picture I had taken so it shows I like going on holidays and that I also love serene photography.

I will include a miniature pencil to show that I am an aspiring Graphic Designer and also because I am an avid learner.

The last item in the box will be a Chinese red envelope so that it shows my background/heritage/culture. Inside the envelope will be a business card in which the client/collaborator would be able to find my contact details.