Subscription Box Project
Inspiration photo of a professional sample subscription box from industry
showing patterning techniques and contrast between interior and exterior surfaces.
Students were challenged to build in that "wow" factor when opening the box.
showing patterning techniques and contrast between interior and exterior surfaces.
Students were challenged to build in that "wow" factor when opening the box.
This semester-long project is designed for high school students in a CTE program, grades 11-12, who have completed 1.0 credit hour of graphic design class, or the equivalent of .5 credit of a vector-based computer design course and .5 credit of a raster-based computer design course.
In this project students create a concept for a subscription box service to meet a niche market. Students research the marketplace, identify an area of interest, identify a target audience, brand the service, identify product offerings, learn surface design and packaging techniques, and develop pattern work for packaging and other collateral applications.
Graphic Design Focus Areas
Marketing
Commercial Illustration
Branding
Typography
Color Theory
Color Ways
Pattern Packages
- Linear, X/Y, X/Y/Z
- Hero/Toss
- Diamond
- Ogee
- Low-contrast
Surface Design
Packaging
Hand Skills Developed
Students initially learn how to create linear patterns by hand to develop the quality of their line work for illustration. Next, students learn how to pattern on a grid while expanding their knowledge of sequencing and patterning terminology, including rotations, blocks, slides, and drops. Following that, students learn how to develop toss patterns by hand on an X, Y axis using tracing paper, cut paper, and new illustration techniques to develop their designs before transferring their patterns to the computer for reproduction.
Technical Skills Developed
Students worked to grow their skills in Adobe Illustrator by practicing vector illustration techniques, learning patterning functions, masking, and how to work with dielines for packaging production. Students learn how to prepare files to send to production, including converting type to outlines, packaging and PDF proofing. Students learn the differences between coated and uncoated Pantone colors and how to select colors using Pantone's bridge system for consistency in production between screen and print. Students select palettes for branding and build swatch CMYK and spot color palettes in Illustrator.
Individualized Learning and Differentiation
The basic lesson is scalable based on the individual abilities of students. Students may make patterns as simple or as complex as their skillsets allow, with encouragement for individualized growth through goal setting and feedback. As part of their pattern development, students create a package of four patterns in two color ways, including toss, diamond, low-contrast, and a fourth pattern of their choice. Students in need of identified supports reduce quantity and complexity of work to meet their needs; the PBL format naturally chunks. Students with strong spacial and fine motor skills complete extra lessons on mathematic patterning, X, Y coordinate scaling, translations, and reflections, as well as learn about digital applications in web design and computer programming. The range of student examples shown here represents a broad spectrum, from students on IEPs with special needs to gifted and talented individuals.
Standards Alignment and Mastery
Completion of the project demonstrates mastery of concepts at an individualized developmental level of each student. I work with students one on one, as needed, until the project is complete. Complete Kansas college and career readiness standards are posted on the right.
Community Partnership & Production
The culminating piece of this project is actual production of the finished product. Students create miniature mock-ups the size of an Altoids box, because that is all our printing capabilities can provide in the classroom. However, this method falls short of providing students with closure and the tactile satisfaction of holding a completed product in their hands. Therefore, I researched and found a local manufacturer, American Box Company, in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and partnered with them to produced the students' designs. In our initial year of production, we allocated department funds to purchase the production; however, after seeing the quality of student work, ABC generously offered to produce the boxes at no cost to our program. Students also visited the plant to learn about raw materials, corrugate manufacturing, packaging, and display design. They toured the plant to view the complete production process from digital and offset press printing, to die and laser cutting, folding, and fulfillment.
Production Specifications
Because the student boxes are such a short run, they are treated as prototypes for proofing in production. As such, the Five Panel Folder (FPF) boxes are digitally printed on white, doubleface corrugated F-Flute fiberboard, with a thickness of 1/32". Die cut box dimensions measure 8" x 10.5" x 3.5".
Completed Student Work
Production Videos From Plant Tour
Prototyping machine to laser cut forms for proofing at American Box Company, Bonner Springs, KS.
Die cutting a large-scale run at American Box Company, Bonner Springs, KS.
