Project Brief
For this assignment, I was tasked to design a matchbook themed around fire in some manner, whether literally or through wordplay like "Burn out" or "Set the world on fire." My design needed to be well planned and executed to showcase perfect craftsmanship: neat assembly and vibrant, high-resolution colors without pixilation. Additionally, I was asked to include two extra elements of my choice to enhance the uniqueness of my design.
Visual Research
Concept
My concept centered on depicting fireflies in a jar. The jar, tinted light blue, displayed firefly silhouettes in a darker shade, their yellow glow shining through the glass. I introduced unique elements in my design: shaping the matchbook like a jar on both the front and back covers and affixing a 3D bow made from a plastic ribbon. Inside the matchbook, the open jar holds the matches while the fireflies emerge and ascend into the evening sky, symbolizing their liberation akin to the matches being freed from the matchbook to ignite in the open air.
Sketches
Evolution of Design
Arriving at this final design took time and multiple iterations. Initially, I conceived an illustration of a single firefly against a dark blue evening sky backdrop, with intricate lighter blue lines on the matchbook's exterior. However, unsatisfied with this concept, I started anew until arriving at the idea of fireflies in a jar.
Process
My Process
My creative process began by studying jar references to create a simple blue-tinted jar, refining its lid to be colored and more complex in shape than it started. Generating multiple firefly silhouettes, I experimented with different sizes and orientations. I included yellow dots to suggest more fireflies without overcrowding the jar. Externally, the matchbook displays a closed jar, while inside, the jar stands open with the matches, and the exiting fireflies contrast in a light purple against the dark blue sky.
Work-In-Progress
Final Thoughts
Through this project, I learned to craft a product with cardstock that was more than just a flat image. I created an interactive item. I would like to explore the possibilities of other interactive designs with cardstock, like business card holders, napkin rings, cupcake wrappers, or small boxes. These ideas excite me, and I'm eager to expand on the skills gained from this experience.
