30 Day Project: Victorian Chocolates
Typography
Concepting
School Project
A series of typography based designs heavily inspired from the Victorian-era style lettering. I admire Victorian style advertisements and how designers used lettering to express their message, using ornamentation, flourishing serifs, and bold sepia tones.
I spent 30+ days researching, sketching, and designing a series of Victorian-inspired chocolate brands (some pre-existing and some imaginative). Each day I brought in a new styling technique, establish a new color palette, and overall emotion of the particular chocolate. This is still one of my favorite projects I’ve done because of the imagination I was able to invest in it.
Project Summary
Influence
This project is inspired by my love for early 20th-century art styles. Victorian lettering, which influenced modern signage and packaging design, is timeless and highly customizable. I admire its elegant combination of ornamental and typographical elements.
Audience
This project targets those who appreciate finely designed packaging inspired by historical typography. Aimed at luxury chocolate brands, it evokes a sense of sophistication and methodical design, appealing to consumers seeking unique, collectible items and sellers wanting to highlight their chocolate's distinctiveness.
Objective
The primary goal for this project was to gain a better understanding and skill in typography design. Before this project, I didn’t have any portfolio pieces pertaining primarily to typography. On top of this, I also wanted to learn how to draw more illustrative elements including the many swirling lines and tails that you often see in Victorian-style lettering. I hoped to gain a better understanding of typography as a whole upon completion of the project.
I researched Victorian lettering from signage, packaging, and modern interpretations. The variations and use of ornamentation with type inspired a strategy for creating a unique yet cohesive collection.
Research
Inspired by the Gothic serif font Copperplate, I created my own narrower font for the typography. Initially considering redesigns for various sweets, I decided to focus on chocolate packaging, developing conceptual brand names to maintain a consistent, darker color palette.
Concept/Sketching
The goal of this project was to improve my typography design skills and add relevant pieces to my portfolio. I also aimed to learn how to draw the illustrative elements typical of Victorian-style lettering, hoping to gain a comprehensive understanding of typography.
Execution
Assessment
The risks taken in this project were worthwhile. Despite some designs not meeting expectations, I learned a lot about typography and decorative elements. Posting this project on my art Instagram for the first time allowed me to engage with the graphic design community, which was rewarding and beneficial.
Future Work
This project was a crucial step in advancing my design career. It expanded my skills and experience in typography, a previously unfamiliar area. The risks taken enhanced my knowledge and appreciation for design. I am now confident in tackling future typography-based projects with greater proficiency and skill.
Advice
For another 30-day project, I would set a schedule in advance to stay prepared and reduce stress. Allocating specific daily work times and extra weekend hours helped me stay ahead of deadlines and manage unexpected delays.
GALLERY
just the designs.
Let’s work together.
If you're interested in working together, please fill out this super quick form and tell me about your project scope/deliverables, timeline, and budget! The more detailed the better.
I specialize in branding, motion graphics, and typography design, but feel free to name your request and I can discuss with you about possible solutions/designs.
Thank you!
Tyler