ABSTRACT
Our senses of taste and smell can evoke visual and emotional sensations and experiences. When the perfect tea is paired with the perfect book, one can be transported through worlds and words of and literature. Book lovers will enjoy diving into their favorite book while drinking a comforting cup of tea. As specialty boxed sets, this project aims to communicate this feeling by pairing select tea flavors with book genres inspired by those sensations. “Herb + Honey : The Infused Library Collection” is a tea box gift collection that carefully curates the aromas of tea with unique experiences within this fictitious tea company. In this collection, different teas are selected to epitomize the essence of varying book genres.
SKETCHING AND ORGANIZATION
Tea and books often go hand in hand with each other, both being comforting and warming to experience.
As luxury packaging, the designs would be more ornate and unique. Magnetic flip boxes convey that idea of luxury and also speak to the flipping of a book when opening. Cylindrical containers uplift the premium factor of the set, allowing it to feel like luxury sets. It also creates a long lasting and reusable component, making it as timeless as many books. Loose leaf tea ensures a premium taste and is packaged in sachets to create an easier and more accessible way of drinking.
I decided that I would create three box sets based around the genres of Science Fiction, Classic Literature and Romance. Each set has their own unique mood and style of image making as well as their own selection of teas.
The full components of this box set collection include three selections of loose-leaf tea sachets, a pamphlet explaining the background of the company and the benefits of the teas, a bookmark with book recommendations of the specified genre, and a gifted stir spoon as a keepsake.
The World of Romance
Romance is soft and light. I wanted the inclusion of florals and layering to reflect those aspects in the imagery. Pastel colors of pink, blue, and yellow became the color palette to give a happier feeling.
The typography reflected those aspects as well, and so I began studying different ways to display the headings and titles.
The final use of typography evolved to be more calligraphic to evoke a more handwritten feeling
Flowers are given as gifts and signs of appreciation. However, romance is not easy, and can sometimes lead to heartbreak therefore being bittersweet. The selected teas are Hibiscus, Rose Oolong, and Chamomile Citrus. Visual appearance plays into this selection as well as Hibiscus, when steeped, creates a very strong pink color.
THE WORLD OF CLASSIC LITERATURE
Classic Literature is sweet, nutty, and earthy. The feeling of worn pages and an old book study. Classic teas are chosen for this selection, them being English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Apple Cinnamon.
This was my initial moodboard for the box set based on Science Fiction. I wanted line graphics and illustrations to reflect the systematic and geometric ideas that relate to ideas in science. I've also pulled inspiration from multiple different science fiction books that I plan to subtly reference in the design.
I realized that the initial color palette was not working in communicating how "science fiction" feels. The light blue, pink, and yellow felt too childish and bright. Adjusting the palette to saturated greens and yellows changed the vibe completely, making it feel more true to the genre.
The final iconography consisted of circuitry and simple illustrations that referenced scientific ideas and known books within the genre.
The flavors and aromas are earthy, bittersweet, and medicinal. The selection of teas are Ginger Peach, Butterfly Pea Flower, and Balloon Flower. An interesting visual aspect of Butterfly Pea Flower tea is that it creates a strong blue color when steeped and when changed of its pH level, such as adding lemon juice for its acidity, the tea changes to a purple color.
This aspect visually relates to scientific methods associated with Science Fiction. This genre shines light on ideas of technology and its advancements, whether it be machinery, transportation, or even medicine. Balloon Flower Root Tea has been known to be used throughout different cultures for its medicinal properties, especially for colds and sore throats.