Social Media & Online tools for educators Presentation
Baseball card packaging process book
1. PROJECT 2: Package Design for a Common Product
AMANDA KERN | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL
PROFESSOR TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROJECT & PART A OBJECTIVES ..................................3
PROJECT CHOICES & OTHER CRITERIA ........................4
ADDITIONAL IDEAS ................................................... 5-6
BOOK RESEARCH ...........................................................7
STRUCTURAL ROUGH DRAFTS ................................ 8-12
PACKAGE DIE & MEASUREMENTS ....................... 13-14
INITIAL MOCKUPS ................................................. 15-17
LOGO RESEARCH, ROUGHS & COMPS ................. 18-21
COLOR SCHEME EXPLORATION...................................22
INSPIRATION .......................................................... 23-30
PACKAGE DESIGN SKETCHES ............................... 31-33
WORD BRAINSTORMING ............................................34
TYPOGRAPHY EXPLORATION.......................................35
INITIAL PACKAGE DESIGN ..................................... 36-39
PAPER MOCKUP WITH DESIGN............................. 40-44
PAPER SELECTION .......................................................45
SCREENPRINTING PROCESS ................................. 46-53
FINAL DIE CUT PROCESS .............................................54
PACKAGE ASSEMBLY ..................................................55
FINAL DESIGN ........................................................ 56-59
FINAL THOUGHTS ........................................................60
3. PROJECT 1 OBJECTIVES
Objective 2. If packaging multiple items, they all need to be the same. For example, it is
Design and assemble a package for a common product using paperboard ok to package a set of pencils but not a set of pencils, erasers, and markers
materials and trendy graphics. The package must contain and protect the product in the same package.
and should include an additional special feature. For example, the package could 3. Research the product, the market, and other types of packaging. Don’t limit
also function as a permanent storage container or work as part of the product. your research to magazines, the Web, and books. Visit stores around the
The actual product should not exceed 3 inches in any direction. area that sell similar items, and research materials and suppliers.
4. Brainstorm ideas for the package design.
Many common items are packaged for the mass market in cheap, poorly 5. Select the ideas with the most potential, and move on to the thumbnail
designed containers. For the purpose of this assignment, you should design stages of your design. You should have at least 5-10 different concepts.
a unique package for your product. Think of this package as the introductory 6. Create a series of paper dummies to test your concepts. Modify the die line
container for the product, an anniversary package, or packaging for some other as needed. Remember, at this stage you should be working with the structure
special celebration. Customers are often willing to spend extra money on a well- only—not the graphics. Reference your textbook for template ideas, but
designed carton that provides other features. don’t copy.
7. Once you have decided upon the design you would like to use, proceed to
Select your product carefully, as you will work with it throughout this course. construct it out of Bristol Board or any other paperboard. This dummy needs
You should consider: the size of the product, the need for a package redesign, to be actual size and should be flawless. Pay close attention to the tabs,
and the target audience. You should also select something that you will not mind scores, and folds.
staring at for hours, because you will. All other projects in this course will be 8. Photo-document this piece.
based on this product. 9. Brainstorm possible product names and logos. Select the ones with the most
potential, and move on to the thumbnail stages of the process. You should
Process: Part A have at least 5-10 different concepts.
1. Select a product to package. In order for the product to be appropriate for this 10. Post a multiple-page PDF to the discussion area. The PDF should contain the
project, it must be “generic,” for example: a deck of cards, a set of pencils, name of the product, the brand name you selected, sketches of your logo, the
paper clips, or push pins. It should not be associated with a name brand, product specifics, the unique selling point (what makes that product different
since you will be creating one. You might also choose a toy that has not been from the rest), a description of the target audience, and the retail price.
branded, like the ones you will often find in a dollar store. Include a short paragraph describing your choice for the structural design,
and explain the special feature. Include your structural pictures. Your pictures
should show details of the tuck tabs, dust flaps, and glue flaps.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
4. PACKAGING CHOICES
Initial Ideas
After doing a lot of initial brainstorming I found that it would
be inspiring for me to design either a matchbox/matchbook
package or baseball card packaging.
Other Project Criteria
At the start of this project we were reminded of some of the
additional project criteria that certainly influenced my initial
ideas for this project. As we designed this project we are
required to design the project with these constraints in mind:
- Both the structure and the surface graphics should reflect
the nature of product.
- The package must include at least one lock tab.
- The package must include dust flaps where necessary.
- The package must be more than a standard box. It must
have a special feature.
- The package must be functional. Anyone should be able
to open the package, pull the product out of it, and then
put it all back together without damaging the package or
the product.
- The final package must be able to stand up on a tabletop.
- Take into consideration how this product will be displayed
when designing it. Will it stack? Hang from peg board?
- Surface graphics must contain all required information,
including UPC.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
5. PACKAGING CHOICES
Additional ideas
During the brainstorming process I picked up matchboxes
& books along with a few baseball cards to see what was
currently being done currently in the market.
I also remembered how exciting the Moo cards and stickers
were (www.moo.com). The business cards came in a box that
served as storage but also as a “collector” box that allowed
cards to be collected. The sticker book reminded me of the
matchbook packaging and felt it might be inspiring to mix the
concept of matches and baseball cards.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
6. PACKAGING CHOICES
Additional ideas
I was also inspired by the concept of “collector cards”. I recalled
some of the designer collector cards produced by French paper
and included in magazines like How Magazine. My mind began
to wander to other ideas beyond baseball cards. I began to think
of other types of “collector cards”, perhaps some that might be
inspiring to designers. I also began thinking of things about the
packaging that might excite others. I found myself asking many
questions in the early stages of this project.
Obviously the design would influence this but could quotes be
incorporated in a way that excites people like in fortune cookies
or the dove chocolate candy?
Maybe little inspiring messages could be things people want to
hang onto and make them look forward to the next package?
What additional functionality would be useful? Perhaps
stickers or temporary tattoos could be added to the package
design somehow.
Baseball cards have been known to come with gum, perhaps the
package could function with a special gum compartment?
Could the box become a collector box that comes with cards but
also would serve as a box to store collector cards?
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
7. PACKAGING INSPIRATION
Researching Package design
As I began this assignment I found myself buried in several
inspiring books to see example package designs. Some books
offered pictures of the final product designs while others shared
diagrams to help me understand how various packages were
assembled. It’s very helpful to see examples of the product
designs unfolded to help me take into consideration how I will
mock up my own package design and design two dimensionally
before assembling the three dimensional piece. The little book
of Big Packaging ideas was definitely one of the most helpful
as it allowed me to see the entire creative process of many
package designs.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
8. ROUGH SKETCHES
Initial packaging ideas
I completed a series of rough drafts to help me think through my
ideas for this project. Notes were made alongside the sketches
to help you better understand my logic behind these ideas.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
9. ROUGH SKETCHES
Ideas Continued
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
10. ROUGH SKETCHES
Ideas Continued
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
11. ROUGH SKETCHES
Ideas Continued
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
12. ROUGH SKETCHES
Ideas Continued
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
13. PACKAGE DIE
Creating the die
I decided to move forward with my 7th idea from my rough
sketches to create a collector box packaging. The die was
quite complicated to work with but this is the final die that
ended up working for my mockups. Measurements are included
for reference.
5.625” 5.625”
.375”
.375”
.375”
.375”
.625”
.625” .625”
.625”
3” 3”
.125”
.125”
.125”
.125”
.5625”
.5625”
.375”
.875”
2.125”
.75”
4”
3.5625”
3.5625”
3.75”
.25”
2.5625” 2.5625”
.75” .75” .75”
3” 3”
.375”
.5625”
.5625”
.125”
.125”
.125”
.125”
3” 3”
.375”
.375”
.625”
.625” .625” .625”
.375”
.375”
5.625” 5.625”
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
14. PACKAGE DIE
Creating the die
I hope for the package to act as a matchbox. The following die
was created for the outer “wrap” for the card box.
1.6875” 3.125” 1.6875” 3.125” 1.6875”
4”
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
15. INITIAL MOCKUP
Creating the mockup
I must admit that the mockup was a little more complex than
I had imagined so when it finally came together after several
attempts I was satisfied with the results. Due to the complexity
of the packaging the paper mockup was certainly more fragile
but it helped me visualize how the packaging came together
for the final design. The package will function like a matchbox
where the package will slide into a sleeve. The sleeve will
include a collectible design.
Paper selection
The main packaging I would like to be created out of a nice
brown environmental card stock. I have French paper in mind
and have considered these stocks for the main packaging. The
sleeve paper will be based upon the final design.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
16. INITIAL MOCKUP
Creating the mockup
The package would have a tuck flap that would allow it to be
opened. When opening it would unfold almost like a book.
The inside would include baseball cards. The box could in
turn be used as a collector box to store baseball cards. Unlike
traditional baseball card packages, when the baseball cards are
bought they come in a package that acts as a storage device for
collectors. This could be useful for those on the go that may not
have a place to put them when travelling to and from places.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
17. PAPERBOARD MOCKUP
Constructing the box
I decided to use French Paper Muscletone Kraft 140lb cover
stock for the primary packaging. Due to the weight of the paper
it couldn’t be printed on through inkjet or laser printers so I had
to manually transfer the die. I found the cover stock far more
challenging to fold due it’s durability, however, scoring the bends
deeply helped make assembly a little easier. It came together
very similarly to the original paper mock up. By the end of the
quarter I could envision screenprinting directly onto this box
with a varnish or slightly darker tint of the brown so that it was
a subtle touch that added to the packaging.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
18. LOGO DESIGN
Research & Getting inspired
I began by doing a bit of research into other baseball card
packaging logos. I also did a bit more research into other logos
being created by other baseball organizations.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
19. LOGO DESIGN
Research & Getting inspired
I did a bit more research into major league baseball team logos.
I discovered retro and current logos for many teams.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
20. LOGO DESIGN IDEAS
Rough sketches
I’ve elected to go with the name “ignite baseball cards” for the
brand identity. This name was inspired by the matchboxes and I
found it an inspiring name for baseball cards that would convey
the energy and excitement of baseball.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
21. PROJECT 1: PART B
Process: Part B
1. Finalize your logo designs.
2. Begin the creative process on the surface graphics. Post in-progress sketches
to the discussion board for feedback. When developing the surface graphics,
take all sides and angles of the package into consideration.
3. Make changes based on feedback received from the discussion boards.
4. Prepare a full-color rendering of the surface graphics. Show all sides of the
package. These can be digital or marker renderings.
5. Post a document with the final renderings to the discussion board. Include a
short design brief with your posting.
Logo Comps
I began working primarily with typography for the logo. Knowing my design
will likely end with a typographic solution the logo has to not only relate to
my ideas but stand out against competitors. I initially went with a typographic
solution using cheltenham Ultra. It had a nice strong bold recognizable look
that would be idea for baseball cards. I worked with the concept of the flame
creating the “i” in ignite. Because I anticipated some asking for the “ball” I
left one with a ball in the center of the flame. I tried the broken type effect
that I felt might get related to the energetic and powerful thoughts that come
with baseball. The last concept I worked more with the flame idea to create
a recognizable icon to go along with the type. The type for the last two logos
is League Gothic that has a strong, bold clean appearance that would be idea
with a typographic solution for the package design.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
22. COLOR SCHEMES
Baseball & Retro inspired colors
I spent time early on searching for color schemes that could potentially be used
for this project. All colors reminded me of baseball or gave me a sense of a
retro feel that I thought would be exciting to relate to the typographic design.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
23. GETTING INSPIRED
Going way back for design inspiration
I decided to do a little research to get inspired. First I began
digging up old examples of baseball cards and other baseball
ephemera from the early to mid 1900s. I found many of the
baseball cards themselves were often boring with a photo,
a team name or packaging name, and the players name. As I
looked at other ephemera I began to look more closely at the
typography styles and colors a little more closely.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
24. GETTING INSPIRED
Going beyond baseball for inspiration
In researching vintage baseball design I came to realize that
many baseball cards were created by cigarette companies.
I began to get more inspired by the designs of the cigarette
packaging and cards that were associated with the cigarette
companies. I found the type and decorative elements in line with
what I recognized during the same time periods researched with
baseball cards.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
25. GETTING INSPIRED
Going beyond baseball for inspiration
As I researched baseball cards and then cigarette packaging
I learned that cigarette cards have been pretty popular over
the years. I found many inspirational, including these cigarette
cards making women just as collectable in cards as baseball
players. What is intriguing is that some of the same things that
are popular today seem to show presence in some styles of
design in the past. Notice the rays in one card? The flourish and
decorative borders also seem to be just as trendy then as they
are now. It reassured me that if done well, a collector card could
be valuable for just about anything.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
26. GETTING INSPIRED
Going beyond baseball for inspiration
Researching cigarette packaging I continued to find myself
inspired by typography styles. As I researched I ran into
some matchbook designs that I found to be interesting. Most
were branded to promote restaurants. I began to rethink the
possibilities of a matchbook design with cards.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
27. GETTING INSPIRED
Going beyond baseball for inspiration
I found vintage ephemera very inspiring, especially when it
comes to color and typography.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
28. GETTING INSPIRED
Getting further inspired by typography
As I found myself inspired by typography I thought about
baseball again and the thoughts of baseball tickets came to
mind as a source of design inspiration.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
29. GETTING INSPIRED
Getting further inspired by typography
As I was inspired by typography, I dug further to think of both
the process and the creative possibilities. I’d love to screenprint
or letterpress print the project after the project has been
designed and refined. Thinking of letterpress and screenprinting
brought me to additional typography inspiration.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
30. GETTING INSPIRED
Getting further inspired by typography
One of the most memorable typographic campaigns I’ve seen
to date is the packaging for Chipotle. Yes, it’s bold in it’s use of
typography that speaks to the customer and gets us excited to
actually want to hold the packaging in our hands to see what it
has to say.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
31. PACKAGE DESIGN SKETCHES
Preliminary rough sketches
My initial package design idea would function like a match
box and the sleeve would be primarily focused on typography
similar to the style of letterpress or tickets. Type would be
baseball related to excite the customer with recognizable
things from baseball.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
32. PACKAGE DESIGN SKETCHES
Preliminary rough sketches
My second and third ideas were a little more playful. The
type would almost “shout” in idea two with the type. Again
baseball related typography. The third idea would stagger the
type to where the type almost also became like texture to
the packaging.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
33. PACKAGE DESIGN SKETCHES
Preliminary rough sketches
Two additional ideas used similar typographic solutions on the
box. I have considered either printing “varnish” screenprinted
onto the french paper cardboard style stock so it was a subtle
addition to the package design or perhaps losing the matchbox
sleeve idea from the package design should be considered.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
34. BRAINSTORMING
Building typographic ideas for my design
I feel as though a typographic design is the strongest solution “Baseball was, is, and always will be to me the best game in
for this project. I have brainstormed a series of words, phrases the world.” — Babe Ruth
and quotes that could possibly be used for my project.
“The hardest thing to do in baseball is to hit a round baseball
with a round bat, squarely.”— Ted Williams
baseball centerfield foul
homerun grand slam out “People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll
slugger triple stolen base tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”
big leagues double coach — Rogers Hornsby
walk single manager
balk bullpen base on balls “Hello again, everybody. It’s a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball.”
bunt rain check dugout — Harry Caray
bleachers general admission fair ball
field ticket infield “Holy cow!” — Harry Caray
bench world series play ball
pitcher playoff take me out to the ball “It could be, it might be, It is! A home run!” — Harry Caray
first base wrigley field game
second base umpire national pasttime “Take me out to the ball game,
third base base line drive Take me out with the crowd.
catcher runner Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
lead off hitter major league I don’t care if I never get back,
steal batter Let me root, root, root for the home team,
pickle safe If they don’t win it’s a shame.
outfield strike For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,
At the old ball game.”
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
35. TYPOGRAPHY
Choosing typefaces for my design
I explored a variety of typefaces before beginning the design for
my project. I began by thinking wishfully of using more unique
typefaces from veer. After digging through their site I found
they were a little too costly. I enjoyed Karnak most as I began ITC FRANKLIN GOTHIC (FONT FAMILY)
to come up with ideas for my project. I found many other fonts LEAGUE GOTHIC
worthwhile to consider.
GOTHAM (FONT FAMILY)
FRANCHISE
HEADLINE ONE
GOTHAM (FONT FAMILY)
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
36. INITIAL PACKAGE DESIGN Initial package design
Beginning the Typographic Design
I mixed the concepts of ticket design and letterpress typographic
design for my packaging. Typically almost all baseball card
packaging has a baseball player, logo and a bit of type so
my thoughts were to do something different that wasn’t
a “traditional” design and that in doing so it could stand
out amongst the competition. My hopes were that in using
typography I might draw customers in with curiosity and that it
could work towards my advantage.
Front package
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
37. INITIAL PACKAGE DESIGN
Typographic design process
While designing I referenced typographic design examples
to see how I could create typographic variations that would
emulate the letterpress and ticket styles I admired. Typographic
weight, sizes, and positioning all were things I considered as I
created the initial package design.
Back package
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
38. INITIAL PACKAGE DESIGN
Adding Color to my design
I felt color could add to the design and help give stronger
hierarchy and flow within my package design so I tried a few
different color schemes.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
40. PAPER MOCKUP
Mocking up with the design
I printed the colors designs on paper for a final mockup prior to
screenprinting. My idea did initial involve the package being
within a designed sleeve, like a matchbox. Here’s the first color
comp before deciding on the final colors.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
41. PAPER MOCKUP
Mocking up with the design
When I first added colors to the design I felt as though the first
two color schemes related most to baseball. The red, blue and
grey felt very patriotic and sporty. The blue, yellow and grey also
left me with a sporty feel.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
42. PAPER MOCKUP
Mocking up with the design
Early in the process I knew I wanted to screenprint. I have a bit
of an obsession with French paper and think the Muscletone
kraft paper could lead to interesting screenprinting results. This
is a test print where the color was tested from the paper image
on French paper’s web site. I don’t think we’ll know for sure until
it’s screenprinted if it’s effective enough. Seeing it printed in
person didn’t make me completely eliminate this color scheme.
French Paper sample
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
43. PAPER MOCKUP
Mocking up with the design
As I recalled my initial ideas while applying color I remembered
how inspired I was by retro design and ephemera. I felt this
orange, yellow and green color scheme best represented that
retro feel.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
44. PAPER MOCKUP
Mocking up with the design
After giving the project more thought I began to think that
as much as I liked the matchbox concept that it might be
worthwhile to try the design on the box which was something
I had considered since the beginning. I didn’t want to totally
ditch the matchbox concept but also was a bit concerned
with the complicated nature of the product packaging. I was
most worried before mocking up the design that it might pose
problems on the package sides where quotes where. After doing
a paper mockup with the design I can see that it would work,
however, a bit more spacing is needed between the second line
and the bolded line to ensure that any fold needed wouldn’t
compromise the type. I left the fold lines in this mockup to help
me see any final problem areas before screenprinting. I also
left the design black and white for screenprinting reasons. Final
color will be applied through the screenprinting process. The big
new thing for the packaging is that it allowed for type on the
inside of the card box. Words screenprinted would overprint.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
45. PAPER SELECTION
French paper possibilities
I’ve come to realize that a project goes beyond just the initial
design. Paper choice can leave an impression with a customer
and help the design make a stronger impact than if it were
printed on the first paper stock on hand. I have a bit of an
obsession with paper and ordered a few different selections of
french paper so I had on hand when it was time to screenprint.
I went with a few different natural colored styles that could
work with some of the colors I’ve chosen. I also went with a few
Muscletone Kraft Speckletone Speckletone
different weights of paper. Initially I used the 140lb cover and
140lb cover Madero Beach Cream
though I like it’s durability I think a lighter weight may suffice.
100lb cover 80lb cover
Speckletone Muscletone Smart White
True White Madero Beach 130lb cover
140lb cover 140lb cover
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
46. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Burning the screens
I elected to screenprint this project because I knew the end
result would be more of an impact than a digital laser print.
Screenprinting offers a more original authentic design because
the prints slightly vary based on the nature of the printing
process. It is, however, a very tedious process. After finalizing
the design film was printed on transparencies and then exposed
against the photo emulsion on the screens. To ensure the
screens weren’t exposed before burning the image of the design
onto the screen photo the lights were out with the exception of
the photo sensitive bulbs. No other light could enter the room
while the screens were burning or the screens could have been
exposed which would leave them unusable. An exposing unit
burned the image onto the screen. Each screen took about 11
minutes to burn.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
47. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Rinsing & inspecting the screens
Each screen was rinsed out to remove all the emulsion from the
where the image was burned onto the screen. This is a process
that is critical because if all the emulsion isn’t removed it could
lead losing detail in the final screenprinted image. Knowing
I had type and some details in area of the screen I was a bit
concerned if all the type and detail would hold. I used a 305
mesh count screen which was perfect for the detail I had in my
package design.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
48. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Inspecting the screens
After each screen was burned and rinsed they were inspected.
This photo was taken with the screen held towards the sun
after it was burned. As you can see, the image allows the light
to pass through the screen. As screens were rinsed inspecting
them was often a repeat process to ensure all emulsion was
removed. The detail in smaller type, especially the counters, as
well as the crop marks were what required the most attention.
The crop marks were critical to ensure they were burned into
the emulsion because they would allow for more accurate
registration of the three colors being used.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
49. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Printing the design
I printed the project at Valencia where we’ve got a
screenprinting area set up to print multiple color projects. One
of the challenges in the beginning was ensuring the registration
was accurate. Matte board was squared up on the press to help
ensure the paper was positioned in the same position for every
print. Mixing the color was trial and error. After that the screen
was flooded with ink and then pulled for several prints. I tried a
few paper options that you’ll see in the following pages.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
50. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Printing the design
I started with a light yellow similar to the color design presented
earlier in my process book. Screenprinting requires mixing colors
and it’s an experimental process. The lighter yellow looked fine
on the darker brown paper and black paper but not on the lighter
paper. So the yellow was darkened for the lighter paper.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
51. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Printing the design
The orange was added to the design. At first registration was a
concern but the crop marks lined up well and appears to have
worked out well.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
52. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Printing the design
Green was added to the design. The biggest headache of the
day was the green. It was tough to match the green. Another
issue with screenprinting is that the ink usually dries slightly
darker. I thought the green was close to the original design but
once it was printed I felt it was too dark (as you can see in the
photo on the lighter paper). The green was toned down with
white and in a matter of a couple of minutes the ink had already
begun to dry from the darker green pulled through in the fine
details of the green screen. I had hoped that rinsing the screen
manually with water and a paper towel would be enough to
clear out the dry ink but as you can see, it rubbed right through
the emulsion. After running several test prints (as in the black
photo) it was clear the screen was no longer usable so all the
screens were reclaimed and cleaned.
After being immersed in the screenprinting process for about
seven hours the package design is so close to being printed but
the final screen must be burned again in order to print.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
53. SCREENPRINTING PROCESS
Printing the final color
After recoating a screen with emulsion and burning the image
onto it the next day the green was printed onto the design. The
biggest challenge in using multiple colors in a design that is
screenprinted is registration. The screenprinting table is hinged
so matte board was adhered to the table once the print was
in position to ensure that every print was as close to being
registered with the original design as possible. The process
to print the last color from burning the screen, printing, and
cleaning the screen took about two hours total.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
54. PACKAGE DIE CUT
Transferring the package die & folds
I elected to include as many crop/fold marks onto the print
as possible, however, the die was eliminated. On a laser
print I could have gotten a way with leaving it in but with a
screenprinted project I didn’t want to worry about a slight shift
in the registration or additional ink into the final design in areas
where it wasn’t necessary. So I created a template of the die
and registered it to the marks that were printed and manually
drew the die line. I then scored all fold lines. After scoring I
trimmed the entire package design.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
55. PACKAGE ASSEMBLY PROCESS
Assembling the packaging
The assembly of the package was very tedious given the amount
of folds and places it required glue to adhere the structure of
the box together. Each box took 30-45 minutes to transfer the
die, score, trim, fold, and assemble. I used a few different types
of adhesives throughout this entire process of designing this
project in the mockup phase. I found the Scotch 3M Quick Dry
Adhesive to work best. It only took about a second or two of
holding it in place for it to hold. None of the mockups using this
adhesive that I assembled had any issues days later. It seemed
to really do the trick in adhering the folded areas of the package
together. I did find the final fold at the opening to be the most
challenging. There was little room to work with because the
package was rather small.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
56. FINAL PACKAGE DESIGN
Package design version one
Because I screenprinted I was able to print onto a few different paper stocks.
Though I have a choice, I honestly find something unique about each of the
package design. Seeing the differences of the prints on different paper could
leave choices for the client to potentially offer a series of card boxes. I would
have loved to have had more time to be able to design different typographic
designs and perhaps color variations would have been another option in
a “series”. Here is the first design printed onto French paper (Speckletone
Madero Beach 100lb cover). The paper had just enough texture in it’s
appearance that it added an nice feel to the final product. I loved how the
screenprinting process helped give some type a worn and more original look
than any digital print could have done for this project.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
57. FINAL PACKAGE DESIGN
Package design version one
What makes this package design unique in comparison to other
baseball card packaging is that it acts as a collector box. It opens like
a book and the cards can be stored inside. One challenge I had was
making sure the type on the side didn’t go along the fold where the
box would fold open. Before folding the box, typographically it may
appear to have too much space but I think the compensation for the fold
concern works given the functionality needed. The other side of the box
has a tuck flap that keeps the box closed when tucked into the opening.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
58. FINAL PACKAGE DESIGN
Package design version two
The second version was printed onto French paper (Muscletone
Kraft 140lb cover). Though I loved the durability of the stock, it
was a pain to fold this package! Though the green was darkened
for this version I found it still a bit too light. Yes, green is a
challenge to work with screenprinting. It was the toughest color
to match and get to work. I found this one didn’t photograph
as well as the piece looks in person. I think if the green was
darkened a bit more it’d improve the package design.
In some feedback received in the first project I was told my
package design shots needed to be clearer throughout rather
than softening past the focal point. I increased my f-stop to 8
thru 11 for most of these shots and for the most part I think they
improved the clarity and crispness in the product images.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
59. FINAL PACKAGE DESIGN
Package design version three
Originally a black packaging was never a thought. While
screenprinting I tested one of the first prints against black to
make sure the ink was printing well. I loved the look of the
yellow against the black stock I had on hand. So I printed only
two versions of the black package. I love the contrast the colors
have against the box. They really jump out and grab you. I
suppose this is an ideal example of how sometimes the creative
process can lead to unexpected positive results that may be
perceived by some as a stronger end solution. I’m personally
torn between preferring the first or third version for a final
package design.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010
60. FINAL THOUGHTS
Reflecting on my package design project
I enjoyed this project, though I must admit it was a very tedious process.
Throughout the process I believe the end total lead to 6 mockups of the
package design and 4 mockups of the sleeve concept. I went through 10 exacto
blades and nearly a half bottle of adhesive. If I had more time I’d have loved
to have pushed this a step further and developed a series of boxes where the
typographic design changed.
There has been concern about using the screenprinting process in the package
design due to the time required to print the boxes. I spent over 9 hours in the
screenprinting process and printed about 25 packages. I found this concept to
be a “collector” box and feel a company approaching a design like this would
likely need to ensure the budget would support a package that would be this
different from the norm which in turn would justify screenprinting. There are
many companies that have a more efficient screenprinting process that even
includes the use of machines that allow for a more even application of the ink.
Because of this, I think it’d be an idea possibility. The only printing that may be
more unique would include letterpress, embossing, metallic or varnish printing.
If cost is a concern then I would certainly say that I’d also be concerned with the
cost required to assemble the box.
Concern was also expressed about the typographic design and how appropriate
it would be for card collectors. I suppose only a survey or actually putting the
product out to be purchased would tell us for sure if it would be a success.
I found in my research that most card packaging involved a ball player and
the logo but not much more. In comparison I think the differences would help
differentiate this product from the norm and hopefully in turn help it gain more
attention to ensure it’s success.
AMANDA KERN | PROJECT 2 | 3D GRAPHICS STUDIO: GRDS-730-OL | PROFESSOR | TRUDY ABADIE | MAY 8, 2010