Fall 2018, I entered a national design competition hosted by Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD). I was given white, 8oz tubes and tasked with creating a brand for a cosmetic product.
VOUS is a brand devoted to meeting the needs of the consumer. An essential aspect of my approach to this project was to enhance users' natural hair texture through thoughtful product and package design. To achieve this, I selected three distinct hair types – curly hair, straight hair, and beard hair – as focal points for my project. The brand name 'VOUS,' derived from the French word for 'you,' was chosen purposefully to convey the message that this product was crafted with the VOUS consumer in mind.
Sustainability played a pivotal role in shaping the essence of VOUS. In pursuit of an innovative, practical, and environmentally responsible solution,I opted for a package design that prioritizes reusability. Unlike traditional paper packaging that is often discarded after use, I aimed to create a package that continues to offer value and benefits to the consumer over time. Embracing a medium new to me, I ventured into the art of sewing and crafted reusable and spill-proof travel bags for VOUS Conditioning products.
Winning this competition came with a few perks.
DID SOMEONE SAY SPAIN?
Awards Ceremony in Manhattan Beach, California
During this ceremony, I was able to mingle with the CEOs and founders of cosmetic companies such as Coola and Eos, and many other prominent figures in the packaging industry.
9 Month Package Design Internship with Mary Kay
It breaks my heart to say I was unable to accept this internship due to other obligations, but how cool is this?
$5,000 of Cold Hard Cash
This couldn't have come at a better time. The week I won, my computer at the time bit the dust. Hello new Macbook Pro!
$25,000 to my University
The winning designer's school (Oregon State University) was promised $25k to help build their design department
All Expenses Paid Trip to Barcelona, Spain
While in Spain, I went on a private design tour of Barcelona, toured packaging and manufacturing companies, and shadowed designers at an incredible package design company, Quadpack.