This project was a nice reprieve from a semester of work, something intellectually stimulating but not so difficult as to make the entire process a problem.

For this project we had to design and print the inside and outside of a matchbook. While matchbooks are not as common today as they used to be, it’s a nice introduction into package design, especially on a small scale as compared to most products.

As with any project, I began by sketching out many ideas. I tried to make a lot of ideas, stretching my brain as far as I could to get the best possible idea.

Visual Research:

I would take breaks in between batches of sketches to do research on matchbook design, looking at retro style designs and the way designs changed throughout the years. I took inspiration from the ideas and the styles used in my research.

I ended up choosing a "Ship Wreck" theme. I wanted something that would stick out from the rest of the students in my class, but something that would give me the opportunity to experiment with a die-cut design.

After sketching and deciding on a design, I hopped onto Adobe Fresco to start over. Using the sketch as a reference, I added a few elements, such as fire, and driftwood, to the composition.

After the first critique, I went back to fix the issues I had with the size of the print, but also added some more details, such as the lightning on the final piece.

I didn’t actually know how to read the lines on a ruler before this project, but in making sure my document was set up right I tried (and failed) to read the centimeter side. My second try, I did some research and actually got my measurements correctly.

I also learned a little more about package design. My experience beforehand was really limited to posters, magazines, and soap dispensers. Each of these have a large canvas, and aren’t difficult to design for based on size constraints. This, however, is a small canvas, and gives a more difficult challenge.