Question: When you or the designers come up with a new paper design, do they sketch it out, random stamp it, mix components, or how does that work? I love all of our new paper packs and would love to know how an idea makes it to the papers I love so much! --submitted by Terrie in AZ, August 26, 9:58 pm
Answer: Our design process is both organic and structured, believe it or not. It's organic because we're inherently creative people, and we have to be willing to be flexible, open to new ideas, and work with colors, textures, and trends that are of the moment—and also to change if something isn't working. It's structured because we have very tight deadlines to design and manufacture prototypes, create artwork for idea book, shoot it, color correct, then mass produce product, collateral, and catalogs in time for the idea book live date. If it looks simple—wonderful! The truth is that the design process is as complex and coordinated as a ballet. Nothing can "slip" and it has to be a well oiled machine to get all the people and products working in synch.
Design always starts with a kickoff we call "trend boards," where our creative services and product development teams put "genius" on a single board that is the genesis of a paper kit. The team literally goes out and window shops in furniture and clothing stores, takes photos of architecture, fabrics, natural elements, and more. They research color and palette mixes. Their finds and photos get affixed to a "board," and then I review them.
Sometimes the trend board's vision is very clear and I'm able to see its end right from the start; other times, a trend board needs a little more work—sometimes a lot—before I can give it a green light. I try to provide feedback about theme, color palette, and design style even before the first sketch is drawn. The process is iterative: I'm involved in the designs of the six coordinating papers at every step, requesting a floral pattern be larger, or a stripe tighter, or having color dialed down or a neutral warmed. Often, we end up with 10 or so GREAT patterns, and I get to "pick and play" with them, mixing them, paring them down, and determining the final papers that will deliver the very best projects.
Truthfully, I have both awe and gratitude for our art director and product designers who collaborate to produce these winning designs. I may have the vision, but they have the dedication, expertise, and sheer talent to bring it all to life. It's a process fueled by passion!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Paper Process, Paper Passion
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Great description!
ReplyDeleteSTANDING O! for the creative genius and dedicated team behind each beautiful sheet!
You make my life happy and cuter!
I asked the same question! I have always wondered where the balance is in following trends and setting trends.
ReplyDeleteWow! That sounds like a lot of work, but I love all the designs you guys come up with, the hard work pays off. Thanks for giving us a bit of info of what goes on behind the scenes!
ReplyDeleteOK Jeanette - so tell us one of our paper packs that you looked at the Board and went oh yes right away - what an exciting thought! And by the way I think it would be super cool amazing to have a Convention in the corporate headquarters area where we could see some behind the scenes stuff. I know that would be hard in some ways but sure would be cool to see!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your sharing!
AZsMistyGirl@aol.com in Tucson, AZ
So after reading this, I have a better idea of what goes into designing the papers that I love so much.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you a funny story with the Fall/Winter 2010 Idea Book. I didn't like Magnifique at first. The peacock kept throwing me off, I suppose. And then I was shopping on-line with Gymboree about a month later and what do I see? Clothing in blue, white, lagoon, etc. that matched perfectly to your Magnifique...with a peacock on it. LOL I immediately fell in love with Magnifique paper after seeing that clothing line. My (now) up-line got quite a kick out of this story. :)
This totally answered my question I posted - thank you so much for sharing the process on how you and your team comes up with the new B&T papers and matching cardstock.
ReplyDeleteBringing my son home from school an hour ago I was thinking about the design process for Roxy. How you came up with the fun zebra/fern stripes and the hidden cat print in the Desert Sand sheet. What amazing timing.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to know how the designs come about. And I must say that the process works beautifully. This is hands-down my favorite idea book, and I've loved the all, so that's saying a lot!
ReplyDelete