BitterSweet Teas

Matcha Tea Set

The objective of the project was to create a set of seven structures containing a set of objects to be sold separately as a kit.

The concept for BitterSweet was inspired by the oxymoron of the two words, bitter and sweet. Matcha is known to be bitter, but with enough honey or sugar, it can become sweet. The idea is meant to see the good out of the bad things and the bad out of the good things. Like the yin and yang philosophy, which is present in Chinese and Japanese cultures, can relate to making the most out a rainy day. A ceremonial tea tradition  requires all of the objects there are to make matcha. This set can be saved for a rainy day. This can make matcha drinkers think of rain as a theoretical object to go along with this set. The concept glorifies what many seem to think of as “bad weather.”

The hand done illustrations which include many textures and patterns, create a whimsical environment for a rainy tea day. Playful phrases are connected to the process of making your own latte, like “turn milk into clouds”. The type treatment is rugged and contrasts with the pale yellow package to show the duality of bittersweet. Illustrations of heavy rain, lighting and clouds are included to replicate the feeling of a rainy day. The representation of rain does not indicate that rain is nor good or bad, but good and bad. The yellow color is used to replicate the color of the spoons and whisk, connecting the packaging more to the items. Die cuts and twist open tabs are used to create a fun experience for the consumer opening the package. 

*SCAD Secession 2020 Award*

*GDUSA 2021 Package Design Award*