Gifting Design

Project Statement

My overall goal for this assignment was to design a gift for Sarah Torchia, who is in visual communication design. After gathering information about her, I was able to relate it to a quote from a designer she looks up to, Paula Scher. “Keep it simple, make it smart” is an idea that I have come to understand as fundamental about design. I have learned that when starting a design, it would be better to start simple and not make it so complicated. Throughout my design process on this project I reminded myself of this quote in order to get to my final outcome. Sarah is very passionate about living life and embracing moments as well as self growth/sentimental objects. I chose to pair the design quote with another quote, “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the Present.” Combining these two things helped me design a gift with a purpose, meaning, and an experience for my recipient.

Process

View detailed project process at Gifting Design: Process

Reflection

This project taught me how to use the meaning of words as an integral part of designing a 3D form. Using a few responses from my mentor I was able to combine them to come up with ideas that were thoughtful and smart. I discovered how to think smarter as a designer by looking at all of the information I gathered at once rather than at separate times during my design process. Taking all the bits and pieces and connecting it like a web gave me a full picture of what I envisioned. After interviewing Sarah, I put myself into her shoes to see how she would actually use the gift. I also took her advice of using material that I am unfamiliar with and created pendants out of resin and also used wax to seal the envelopes. Although I had a few hiccups along the way making the pendants, they turned out clear and clean. They are both types of mediums that I would definitely continue to explore and hope to improve. I have always crafted handmade gifts for my friends because I feel like they are more special and create meaning. Having a project that I enjoyed and could share with others as my last project in the design program is something that I will always remember.