Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo

The Brief

Design an identity, and write a brief for a new print collective, WrappedCo.

Brief Type

Self-Initiated.

Context & Target Audience

Many take something as simple as gift wrap for granted, and forget it not only has a functional purpose, yet it can be beautiful, exciting and creative.

A brief has been written and distributed through social networks, word of mouth and cross-course liaison at LCA.

The brief itself is particularly open, and asks for an A2 print that is suitable for gift wrap. It could be anything, and created in any medium, adding diversity amongst designers to the collective.

Whilst inviting creatives to take part in this project, not only are we collectively engaging with the medium of art, inspiration and thought, we are also sharing gift wrap with others internationally, leading to connections, self-promotion and creative diversity.

Considerations

With this brief there were many considerations, in order to ensure the collective ran smoothly, and allowed others to engage also.

Initially the foundation of the collective and where it will run from is the main consideration, taking into account any set-up costs, materials (i.e. stock) and printing. Furthermore the written brief needs to be fully thought out, to allow for as many submissions as possible, which then will need to be organised within the gallery/store.

In terms of costs of print/selling/shipping the gift wrap, the individual unit cost has been worked out in relation to stock, ink and postage, to allow for a non-profit collective.

The stock, ink and postage itself is continually purchased with the income generated from any online sales, to ensure WrappedCo breaks even.

Solution

WrappedCo is an online non-profit print collective, dedicated to printing and sharing the creative work of designers, illustrators and artists with the public through the medium of gift wrap. Prints can be submitted to WrappedCo, in order to be featured in an online gift wrap gallery/store. Each print will then be printed, wrapped and shipped accordingly to purchase. Submissions take place once a month for a week.

Evaluation

This brief was really something different for me. I began wanting to design my own gift wrap for a present, and ended up engaging with over 25 different creatives, from several courses at LCA, as well as external institutions and establishments. I feel really proud I have successfully managed to encourage a group of talent designers and illustrators, to share their work to not only promote themselves, but inspire others through their work. With over 40 submissions in 6 days, WrappedCo accepts submissions now once a month.

1/9

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo

Gift Wrap

Most take gift wrap for granted, being more interested in the contents wrapped inside. However for some, gift wrap is a piece of art/design which can inspire, stimulate a feeling, emotion or a memory for the receiver.

Contextual Research

2/9

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo Development: Concept

Original Plan for the Brief

This brief initially was to design a series of bespoke and unusual wrapping papers, that are different from those sold in most card and gift stores.

I originally worked on 5 of my own prints based on hand drawn shapes and patterns, however I then decided to expand this brief into a submission brief allowing for other creatives to take part after gaining quite a lot of interest through feedback and discussions.

3/9

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo Outcome: Submissions

Submissions

Full submission guidelines have been posted on the WrappedCo website, as well as being distributed with the brief whilst promoting the collective.

Within 5 days of sending out the brief via LCA cross-course networks, social media and word of mouth, WrappedCo received over 40 submissions from over 25 designers and illustrators.

4/9

Above (Left to Right)

Becky CarltonRebecca HollingsworthAstrid WeguelinBecky Firth

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo Outcome: Submissions

5/9

Above (Left to Right)

Rona RylandsAdele PierceKuljeet KaurRory Blakemore

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo Outcome: End Use

End Use

The above demonstrates how a selection of the submitted prints would look when printed and wrapped.

6/9

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo Outcome: Environmental Signage and Promotion

Environmental Signage and Promotion

To create further awareness of the collective, and allow for further engagement, promotional posters have been designed.

These were circulated online, as well as being printed and posted on notice boards around LCA.

7/9

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo

8/9

Outcome: Online Presence

Online Store/Gallery

WrappedCo has its own online store/gallery allowing for visitors and fellow designers alike to view and purchase the work of the collective.

The home page shows the newest 9 additions to the product page, whereby within this each designer/illustrator has their own page featuring their name, artwork name, contact details, website and course/institution (if applicable).

www.wrappedcollective.bigcartel.com

Danielle Muntyan OUGD603 Extended Practice Brief # 14 WrappedCo

Responsive Design

In addition to the standalone website, visitors can also browse WrappedCo on their smartphone or tablet, which allows for a fully responsive design to be used.

Outcome: Online Presence

9/9