how to: wrap a present

DATE: Spring 08
DESCRIPTION: The objective of this project was to create two different versions of one “How To.”

The first, a universal version that is legible and understandable to any person. My approach for this one was to keep it as basic as possible through color palette, font, shapes, and layout. I created a step-by-step tutorial using only an ambiguous icon to illustrate a present being wrapped.

The second, an idiosyncratic version that is understandable, but speaks the voice of the designer. I needed to reinterpret the same information, but in a more creative way. My approach with this version was to create a new product that required little work of the reader/audience (gift wrapper). I designed my own wrapping paper with built-in instructions integrated into the papers decorative pattern. By using the same elements for the paper design (like the dotted lines, straight lines at angles) that I used for the written instructions, I was able to blend in what would have been an ugly, obtrusive type (instructions) into the wrapping papers own pattern.