YCN - greetings card development

Original colour ideas

I originally started by experimenting with any sort of colour that I felt represented the illustration. I felt that these were effective individually, however, it did not allow the cards to work as a set, which I think it necessary if they are to be sold in a pack. Although not many colours were used overall, I still believe that the designs have been made to look busy and out of place in terms of relating to each other. I also don't think it pushes the theme of 'love' well enough, and veers away from any sort of traditional idea of Valentines.

Colour development

I then decided to select three colours, which would be applied to each illustration. These were the colours that were originally inspired by 'Show the Love'. These are much more effective than the original colour choices, and better reflect the theme of love, whilst in-keeping with the target audience, staying fresh and unique.

The chosen type is Georgia, as I feel it contrasts enough with the illustrations to the point that it is effective. I didn't want to push the hand rendered type any further, as this could cause the designs to become too busy, and the main text should be easy to read.  

Other possibilities

I wanted to experiment further with colour, as I wanted to see how effective it would be using a singular colour for the background. I chose a bright pink and red, so that the illustrations would stand out, and also to reflect the context. Two colours were chosen so that there was variation within the set. 

I feel that using background colour has turned out much more effective than the original designs. It simplifies the cards down, whilst still expressing the idea behind it. The illustrations have become much more eye catching, and I feel that these will stand out more within a shop, whilst also working much more smoothly as a set of designs. 

Further colour development

The colour was further developed, as I didn't want to be working with something that was too bright, and I wanted to make sure I targeted both male and females. In order to do this, I toned down the colours. These colours are much more subdued, and nicer on the eye. 

Whilst looking at of all of the designs together, I feel that the two below just do not fit into the sit. It may be that the illustrations are a lot cleaner, and look a lot less hand rendered. I am considering removing these two from the set. By doing this, I feel the designs will make much more sense it terms of coming together as a pack that could be given to those that you love. As they are about engagement, they are slightly less relevant that those above.