Freelance - Product DESIGN - illustration & textiles

Client: Barnes & Noble
Creative direction: Tom Dolle
Design: Mina Widmer

CASE STUDY

1. Research and Inspiration: The initial phase involved extensive research into the works of renowned literary artists, such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Ernest Hemingway, and Virginia Woolf. Each artist's distinct style, themes, and iconic imagery served as inspiration for the design elements. Additionally, research into current trends in school supplies and popular color palettes was conducted to ensure relevance and appeal to the target demographic of students.

2. Concept Development: Based on the research findings, initial concepts for each piece were I developed: the tote bag, planner, and pencil pouch. These concepts aimed to seamlessly integrate elements from the literary artists' works while incorporating vibrant colors to evoke a sense of creativity and excitement. Sketches and digital renderings were created to visualize the concepts and iterate on design ideas.

3. Iterative Design Process: The design process involved multiple iterations and feedback loops to refine the concepts and ensure alignment with the project goals. I Collaborated with fellow designers and stakeholders and iterative improvements were made based on feedback received.

4. Material Selection and Prototyping: Samples and prototypes were created to test different materials, assess their suitability for the intended purpose, and ensure consistency with the design vision. Iterative prototyping allowed for adjustments to be made to optimize the final product's aesthetics and usability.

5. Production and Manufacturing: Design files were prepared for production, and manufacturing partners. Close collaboration with manufacturers ensured that the production process adhered to quality standards and timelines.

Outcome: The culmination of the design process resulted in a three-piece set of school supplies that blended artistic inspiration with practicality and functionality. Each item featured design elements inspired by famous literary artists, complemented by vibrant colors that added a sense of playfulness and energy. The products were well-received by students and customers, both in-store and online