Display Model

I tried to create a staircase using a wooden dowel and various board types, but every step I made fell off. The second problem was that the only dowels available were 3' high, which was too short to resemble a staircase or be practical. Therefore I abandoned this idea and went with the pyramid idea. My first model is a pyramid shaped display for Women's Health Magazine and will also hold free food samples. On one side there is an image of a food pyramid, so I could get the idea of what the display would look like if each step was a different level of the food pyramid. This is made out of white foam board. This model was purely for experimentation. I learned a lot about my design after making this model. I know that my next model will be more practical and will convey the pyramid idea much better. I will plan out the dimensions and have different heights for the magazine shelves and the food sample shelves. I found the images below as inspiration:

Blog Review

This week I am reviewing Leah Robinson's blog again. Her object is the GW Hatchet newspaper, and her display idea is to create an actual hatchet in a tree stump, alluding the the George Washington story of the cherry tree. She has made small scale models which helped me understand her concept. Although the "hatchet" concept is very literal, I think it is appropriate for her object. Newspapers shouldn't be cryptic so a subtle concept may not work well in this case. She has experimented with different versions of her drawstring bag from the packaging project. I noticed that she takes time to set up the photographs of her models/sketches/etc. Each image relates to the background and the objects are shown in use. This inspires me to take better quality photographs of my work. I appreciate how involved she is in the design process and I am interested in seeing the final display. You can visit her blog at http://leah-robinson.blogspot.com/

Display Ideas

My first idea for the display project is to create a staircase which will hold free samples of healthy food and Women's Health Magazine. The idea behind the free samples is that they will attract customers to the display..who will then purchase the magazine! The staircase represents health because taking the stairs is obviously healthier than the elevator, but in a more metaphorical way, the stairway represents achievement & working to reach a goal. A spiral staircase can be viewed from all angles and would be visually interesting. 

The first problem is that I am not sure what materials to use. I was advised against using foam core. I have bought a wooden dowel and will attempt to make a model and post my progress soon. My second idea is to create a pyramid-type structure with a similar concept as the stairs, but maybe also incorporate the food pyramid. Models will be posted soon, stay tuned!

Display Inspiration

So far, my first idea is for the display to double as a free sample station of healthy foods that you would find in a grocery store, gym, etc. I'm not sure what direction I want to go in but I found some inspiring displays and bookshelves.

Final Package

The final package is made from black and red mat board, matching the magazine's color scheme. I decided to go with the yoga woman handle, and tested out quite a few sizes to find the perfect fit for everyone. This package can stand on its own as a display and is also a unique bag. I also created a bar code on the back. The design is simple yet effective.

Packaging Progess

The past week I created two models for my Women's Health Magazine package. The first was made of thin chipboard with a clear acetate covering to protect the magazine but also allow customers to see it. I painted it as an experiment, just to see how acrylic paint looks on chipboard. Green happened to be the color I had lying around, but I will be using a red and black color scheme that is associated the magazine. I thought it looked unpolished, so I bought colored board instead. The thin chipboard also seemed a little too flimsy.

 

 Before I settled on the colored board, I also made a model of foam core. The model was sturdy but did not related to my packaging idea. It was too stiff for a magazine package.

Right now I am working on constructing my final package using the red and black color scheme. I am going for a very clean, simple, yet effective design. I have narrowed my ideas down to two. The first incorporating a woman jumping rope and using an actual jump rope as the handle and a bonus that comes with the magazine. The other idea is using a women doing yoga in a bridge pose (see below) as the handle. I don't think the package needs a whole lot of text because the magazine is the focal point, but I will still incorporate "Find Your Healthy Place" and include the title of the magazine, and possibly a barcode on the back.

Blog Review

This week I am reviewing Leah Robinson's blog. I enjoyed viewing this blog because she includes many pictures and explains her thought process in great detail. She also mentions the feedback she received in her critiques, so her readers can see how she is taking the comments into consideration and improving her design. Leah is creating a canvas bag to package newspapers, specifically the GW Hatchet, which would replace the plastic you would normally find. She has made a stencil of George Washington and the definition of transparency, which she says captures the essence of the newspaper. Leah used the "transparent" idea in her branding project and used materials like trace paper to help convey the message. For the packaging project, she will be silkscreen printing the stencil onto her canvas bag that she has sewed. I am confused about the "transparency" definition printed on the bag, because the canvas bag does not seem to be transparent so it is a little contradictory. Maybe it will make more sense when she explains it in her presentation. Leah also mentions that the bag is reusable and offers more protection. I think this is a great idea, it seems like it could actually take off as a trend! I also found it interesting that she showed the silkscreen process; I am not very familiar with it but now I feel like it is something I could do in the future. Leah also seems to be really enjoying the design process. Keep up the good work!