My Favorite Tropical Project*
*that didn't happen.
As any designer, when I am commissioned to create a project, I'm all into it. And, immediately after I the work with the customer is done, I become like a child passenger in a car, asking "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" - meaning constantly checking the website if the project published already.
But, sometimes.... The websites don't go on air, the products aren't produced, or the whole brand is cancelled.
This is a story, of a beautiful product, one of my favorite ones, that unfortunately, didn't materialize.
I was asked to design a juicy tropical pattern for a new liqueur brand, which is produced from cocoa beans. The pattern would consist of exotic fruits and leaves, beans, and a humming bird.
I began with drawing floral elements.
scans of the elements
Then a few birds.
I am drawing and then cutting out the illustrations. It helps me to compare scales better, see shapes, and more illustrations at once.
Once the client approved the style of the illustrations, I begin to assemble the pattern...
And continue... And then try to see the whole pattern.
Warning: This is a FAKE animated GIF.
I move, resize, recolor, rotate and try different compositions between the elements a LOT! This is just a rewind of groups in this pattern, after it was ready. Making it took hours.
Less dense, freshier, more modern birds, remove vintage feeling. - Ok!
With more modern look, I also removed some of the old brownish leaves, and add new fresh smooth palm leaves instead.
This is the style! We are getting there...Few minor changes. - Ok!
A few notes from the art director for perfecting the look
I implement the notes, and also try if we might need a subtle back layer.
And we're done! The customer would like to keep the background layer separate, in order to be able to use or not use it.
Unfortunately, this pattern, developed for branding, wasn't produced, because the product didn't launch. However, it was a tremendous pleasure for me to work on it with the art director and the customer, and I consider it one of favorites.
That's it! Thank you for watching.
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