DESIGN PRACTICE: YCN - card format and typeface development

Changing the card format and typeface - 8inch x 8inch, Aller display

After further considering my audience, and the brief, I decided that the cards needed to stand out more than they did. One way to do this, would be to change the format of the card itself, to something that is not usually expected, veering away from the usual rectangular design. I therefore decided to make my designs square, which I feel better suits the illustrations, framing them better.

Another change I decided to make was to change the typeface from serif to sans serif.

Aller Display

Although originally I felt that Georgia worked well, after experimenting further, I realised that perhaps a serif typeface contrasted with the illustrations too much, and that this was much more suited. It compliments the phrases and the lighthearted tone much more effectively, and doesn't look out of place.

I also realised that the 'perfect match' card didn't make sense in terms of it being a card that you would send to the person you love. I therefore changed the phrase from "you're the perfect match" to "we're the perfect match".

Card insides

I experimented with both colour insides and keeping it plain. Using colour inside appeared too much, and it would also make it much more difficult to include your own text. A plain white canvas is much more appropriate, and would allow the audience to add their own message easily.

Card mock-ups

I wanted to show how the cards would look once printed, however, after mocking these up I had decided to go with the plain white insides.

Process proposal

For my final designs, as the brief stated they would be interested in seeing different processes used in order for it to stand out in the crowd, I would propose that the cards would feature two processes. The illustrations and also the type of the front would embossed slightly, so that they were raised from the background. This wouldn't be too dramatic, however it would be noticeable. The illustrations and type would then also have a gloss finish. This way, the cards really come to life, and the slight shine would attract potential purchasers.

Gift tag mock-ups

As part of a range, gift tags would be available in solid colours, as well as using the repeated 'love' design.

Gift bag mock-ups

Gift bags would be available that complimented the gift tags, using the pattern and colour in different ways in order to create variety. These would be available as gifts are regularly given to those that we love and for Valentine's Day.

The bags were kept simple, so that the designs placed on them were effective and so that they worked well with the rest of the products. The size of the bag would be standard, in order to fit a range of gifts inside.

Gift card boxes mock-ups

I wanted to look at creating a box that would allow the cards to be bought as part of a set. I kept it in keeping with the illustrations and the colours.

I looked at the possibility of having a heart cut out of the lid so that the designs on the cards could be seen from the outside. The repeated 'love' pattern would ideally be placed on the top so that this was visible to the customers.