THE DRAGON’S HOARD
This project was my undergraduate senior thesis, an exploration of prop design and branding that centered around a fictional fantasy apothecary. My intentions were to design for a variety of physical objects, as well as craft a cohesive brand identity. I ended up designing a logo, logomarks, and 31 different potion bottle labels.
I largely drew inspiration from 1800s typography and artistic printing, inspired by their mix of structure and embellishment. I wanted it to feel classical, yet modern, but still feasibly fantastical.
I largely drew inspiration from 1800s typography and artistic printing, inspired by their mix of structure and embellishment. I wanted it to feel classical, yet modern, but still feasibly fantastical.
PROJECT TYPE
Prop design, brandingYEAR
2023
PROCESS
After getting an assortment of glass bottles, I began measuring them and assessing their shapes to determine what the labels should look like. I wanted them to feel unified, but still distinct from each other.
I wanted to make sure I kept the art style of my illustrations consistent with the theme of victorian-esque fantasy, so I opted for an inked style with emphasis on sihlouette and contrast.
In addition to the labels, I ended up designing a storefront banner as well.
I wanted to make sure I kept the art style of my illustrations consistent with the theme of victorian-esque fantasy, so I opted for an inked style with emphasis on sihlouette and contrast.
In addition to the labels, I ended up designing a storefront banner as well.
EXHIBITION
To make the bottles look realistic, I printed out the labels and aged them by hand using instant coffee grounds and carefully baking the paper. I then adhered them to the bottles, which I filled with shimmery pigments to simulate the magic of a potion.
The final product was shown in the Smith Gallery in Boone, NC as the culmination of my undergraduate studies. I installed the bottles on a tiered plant stand that I decorated with black cloth, lace, candles, and greenery.
While this project was intended to put my design skills to the test, the physicality was one of the most important parts. While I was happy with my designs, I went into this project with not just the intent of making it work, but to bring life to my idea.
