In-depth case study analysis of a self-assigned project.
This project's aim was to highlight what it means to become a lead designer, freelancer or project manager and follow our own set of directions and paths. The tasks for this project were left entirely open-ended, and all responsibilities, objectives, goals and deliverables were up for us to handle creatively. The main objectives were to manage time effectively, to complete tasks systematically and to outline deliverables to complete according to our skill level. I focused on product design, packaging, branding and motion graphics for this open-ended project.
Since there was so much freedom allowed with this open-concept design project, I wanted to be incredibly precise about what I could accomplish in a specific time frame. I took the time to self-reflect on my capabilities and quickly set into motion what interested me within design. I set personal goals during this project to consistently be ahead of the scheduled time I had given myself by at least a full day, as I wanted to test, see, and push my capabilities and employ highly effective time management skills. My personal goals were to accomplish growth and advance my skills in areas I sought to be highly desirable. Within this project I also sought to use some new media that I had no prior experience with which was soap-craft.
- Graphic toolbox with typography, tone/voice, imagery usage, company logo/wordmark, colour palette, and background.
- Research & market analysis.
- Product series development.
- Product series showcased with 1-5 photos.
- Product die-line including physical mockup.
- Additional collateral: motion graphic (defined to a minimum of 5 seconds to a maximum of 30 seconds).
- Social media mockup.
The brand's primary focus is sustainability, as its values heavily reflect its future goals and outlooks. Investigating materials and resources for the product and packaging helped develop design solutions that appropriately match the brand's core principles. The strategic marketing focus depends on the ability to stand apart from other brands within this competitive market. It relies on how effective the final design can deliver on the company's target demographic and audience. OLVAD sells hygiene products that utilize simple and natural ingredients that heavily consider its environmental impact while balancing its beneficial uses for its consumers/customers. It employs strategies like using a strong colour palette to stand out from some neutral brands to elevate user experience and create a more lasting, fun, and light-hearted impression. It seeks to evoke happiness within its use as the consumers can relate to the product at a psychological level to understand that their choice of purchasing this brand will have or leave a positive impact.
The target audience is primarily young adults who are passionate about their health, active, and care about what products they use while showcasing that they are environmentally conscious. Generation-Z (Gen-Z) and Millennials are the current target demographic as the company strives to stay relevant, new and fresh within these age ranges. It employs marketing strategies through social media and seeks to elevate and connect with its consumers by providing a unique experience when using the product. The natural plant-based ingredients within the product melt over time throughout its life span, and the swirling design produced within the production method helps create a unique style in every pour, meaning no two bars will ever be one hundred percent identical but the formula or ingredients remain untouched. It speaks towards the individualism found within what the company deems as beauty.
Lead designer & creator: Greg Gulyas
Software: Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Blender.
Hardware: Fujifilm X-T4 with 16-80mm lens in a studio environment.
The process for this project was iterative. Initially, creating the brand itself and all assets to configure die-lines and layouts employing mathematical skills was important. Storyboarding and planning various ideas for the motion graphic and then setting out to fulfill all goals and objectives promptly was crucial in nailing all deliverable components. Through research, the creativity and implementation that no two individuals are ever the same was developed when looking into beauty standards and psychology. Furthermore, that research into beauty helped reinforce my goals of trying new media by creating and learning soap crafts. Fundamentally, the colour palettes share a symbiotic relationship with the scents and fragrances used for that specific product within the series, and the pouring technique used came about during the exploration of media.
The results demonstrate professional-level quality for all deliverables within this openly creative project. All deliverables were achieved, and personal goals that were set helped to add to the mock project. Aunique and vibrant atmosphere was considered to showcase the brand's approachability as a new customer within the product photography. The simple composition would speak towards using simple ingredients. The chosen typography in the design would speak to the characteristics found within the brand with its clean sans-serif typeface. OLVAD is a brand that uses colour psychology and principles to relate to its consumers while heavily considering the company's commitment to being eco-friendly in its product and packaging.
Reach out to me at gulyasdesign@hotmail.com if you want to discuss projects, scope, liaise, or if you just wanna chat! That’s cool too!
