Beauty Binder - Client & Design Process With Me

Last year I worked with an amazing client to bring their new product to market. Beauty Binder is an accessory to organize your cosmetics and toiletries. Along with updating my portfolio, I wanted to create this post to show you what my design services can offer. In this case, the client had an idea and concept they brought to me.

I start by creating a mood board and color palette based on inspirational images the client shares with me about the ook and feel of the product they want. This helps guide the entire process but it also helps clients start to really solidify what their product will be.

This was an exciting project for me because I got to apply all my handbag design knowledge to a adjacent application in the creating of this product. Next I worked with the client to create sketches for the sample maker. We went through several iterations before landing on the final design. In this part of the process I help the client visualize what their final product will look like with 2D CAD renderings, in actual colors. This may change a few more times as the sample develops.

Once we land on a final design, I a full tech pack for the vendor to produce a sample run. Below is a sample of that.

The client ended up wanting each file in the binder to be a different color and a different design, so that was quite so challenge to explain in the spec! It goes on for several more pages, but I wanted to show a snippet. Every time we make changes to the sample, I update the spec for the client and sample maker. This no only documents the process for the client but is also important for the client to have at the end of the design process. If you want to change sample makers, or factories in the future, you will need and want your tech pack. It’s full of proprietary info plus it tells other how to make your item; so make sure you have a copy of the final!

I also created a custom logo zip puller for this item which we put on all the zip pockets. Along with that I also created a custom pattern artwork to create the logo lining inside the binder. I love creating custom patterns and placement artwork for accessories as it always makes the special and standouts. It's a bonus service I provide which not every designer out there would. I loved working with this client and am beyond proud of how the final turned out.