Alchemats - Hardware & Design
Pokémon Design Project
This was a project designed collaboratively to showcase my ability to work cohesively with the team. As well as my design process & skillsets. All artwork is my own.
Introduction
The design requested was for a zipper pull. Zipper pulls are the zippers you see on jacket's purses, wallets, etc.
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Each zipper pull is first designed through line art, then 3D rendered for printing into a metal material. Prior to printing, we created which parts of the design would be concave vs. convex.
This is a relatively small design, that would only be about an inch or so in length.
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The process started with meeting with the creative director on shape, potential color, material, posing, etc.
I developed rough sketches, starting with my design for Pokémon Squirtle.
Role: Designer
Software: Adobe, ProCreate, IbisPaint
Process
The project was to create Pokémon zipper pulls and the first character chosen, was Squirtle! Being a fan of Pokémon myself, I already had a rough idea of Squirtle and potential poses I could create.
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I decided to try a rounded shape first, as I considered users gripping onto the zipper.
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I began with some line work and presented my rough sketches to leadership. Together, we worked on the creative process. This included, changing poses, adjusting details, and facial expression. I made all of the edits, as needed.
3D Printing
Each line art, once approved of design, is then sent in for 3D printing or design to decide on height, width, and weight.
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We collaborated on which parts would be concave vs convex. Once decided, the designs would then be printed into a metal material and become available for use as an actual zipper for use on jackets, purses, wallets, etc.
Completed concept
3D mold of product
Final Zippers
Concerns we ran into during the creative process:
For this particular design, the band I initially designed was too thin of a line. Therefore, once manufactured, we risked the zipper pull actually snapping after several uses. My initial concept was for this particular design to be incased in a closed circle.
Solution:
The lines on the top and sides were thickened by "waves of water" and bubbles were then given the perspective of forming past the wave, rather than being cut off. This added thickness proved more durability.
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For participation, I was gifted this set and continued designing zipper pulls, fabric, stickers, and tape for this company.
Other Creative Designs and Products
Original Concept
Completed Design
3D Mold
Completed Zipper Product
This is a customer's image.