Tom & Hucks

The design challenge was to create a packaging line that would either be sold in Petsmart or Big5. You could chose an existing product and rebrand it, or entirely create your own. I chose to go with Big5 and decided to create something for kids as I found this to be an area of opportunity giving the fact that most items sold here were geared more towards adults. Walking through the outdoors section, I got inspired to create and design an adventure kit for boys aged 5–10. I began to think of iconic stories to which I could tie in this theme and enrich it. I started to think of American Tall Tales I could recall from my childhood such as: Paul Bunyon, Johnny Appleseed, Davy Crockett, and Pecos Bill. After all, Tall Tales were made-up stories that told about the courage many had while exploring and adventuring to the Wild West. This idea tied in well into my theme. But something wasn’t quite right and then it hit me, of course, Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn.

    Tom & Huck’s is inspired by Mark Twain’s novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn.” Although originally this was meant to be for Big5, I was granted the creative license to push forward with this project as it felt it belonged more in an upscale sports and outing goods store.

    The story takes place in the 1840’s, so naturally I decided to base the look and feel on this time period. I looked into bags, luggage, garments, and typography used during that era to influence my design process. My project quickly became more product based as I wanted to design a messenger bag filled with items a young boy would need to go on adventures. The idea is to encourage boys to get away from technology, get back into nature, explore, and disconnect from reality and take on an adventurous roll with their best bud/s. Inside the messenger bag you’ll find a canteen, binoculars, a compass, a flashlight, a harmonica, and a sketchbook.

*Project was on display at Art Center College of Design's Student Gallery

Inspiration