THE CONTEST

I started my design process by creating some ideas generation sheets.

Outcome.

 I had two favourite concepts after my ideas generation. The first is my idea of filling a bag with cake and creating words, and the second cutting letters out of a slab cake. After thinking about my first idea, I came across a problem. Using this method I would want to create script style typographic cake. However, the cake would rise in the oven expanding both outwards and upwards, no doubt ruining the legibility of the type. Therefore, I have decided to create my typogateaux by cutting individual cake letters out of a slab cake.

I also explored some possible box designs.

Finals

I have decided to produce the cake which uses has individually cut letters, that make up the main ingredients of the cake.

Outcome

Due to how I have decided to create my typogateaux the top design is best suited to package the cake. I will create the net in illustrator, measuring the front side of the box at A4, so that there is plenty of room for the cake letters. I will also design a front for the box typographically listing the ingredients in the cake.

Below is the digital design process of my packaging, as I had previously produced the cover design this was relatively quick. It was very important that the net was measured correctly otherwise the cake will not fit in the box. In order to fit the dimensions of my cake the box needs to be A4 in size. I carefully used the guides and rulers within illustrator to set up my net and ensure that the dimensions were correct. 

One of the main functions of the typogateaux’s packaging is to protect its contents. Therefore, the box will need to be strong, I considered this when choosing the stock to print my design on. Unfortunately, I could not print on card as thick as I wanted to due to the capabilities of the printer. Furthermore, due to time restrictions I could not use the screen-printing process, because of this I had to print on to a thick paper called ‘Antique’. The stock was not suitable but although the packaging was flimsy, it did work. In future projects, I need to set aside more time for the printing process.

Below is my typogateaux production process, I did not experiment with a practice cake so had to get it right first time. Before I started anything, I thoroughly cleaned all work surfaces and utensils that I would be using, along with my hands to ensure everything was hygienic. 

The first ingredient needed for my cake mix was butter; I used the markings on the packaging to measure 225 grams.  Next, the butter was cut into individual slices and added then placed in the bowl. 

Next, following the instructions collected in my research I added sugar to the mix. Using a spatula, I mixed the butter and sugar until they formed a thick creamy paste.

Adding the eggs one at once enabled me to ensure no shell was accidentally added to the mix, which would have been an unpleasant surprise. Then, using the spatula I continued to blend the mixture until it was lump free.

I then added 225 grams of self-raising flour to the mixture, I should have used a sieve to refine the flower to a light powder before adding, but this was not possible as I didn’t have the utensil. Instead, I spent more time blending the mixture with the spatula, adding milk when the mix started becoming dry. I continued this process until the cake batter was lump free and of a soft consistency.

Producing a good tasting cake was one of my top priorities, which is why I chose to add chocolate chips and marshmallow chunks to the cake mix. I used Terry’s Chocolate Orange and, using a knife chopped the chocolate bar into small chunks, the same was done with the marshmallow and then both were added to the cake batter. Once the chocolate and marshmallow was mixed into the batter, I preheated the oven to 200C.

Next, I prepared the baking tray, as I was producing a slab cake the tray needed to have a large surface area. I used the remaining butter to prevent the cake from sticking to the tray when it is cooking. After greasing the tray I added a thin layer of cake mix and placed in the preheated oven.

I baked the cake for 25minutes and then removed it from the oven and let it cool on the side in the kitchen, this would make it easier to move the cake off the baking tray. However, I encountered a problem when trying to move the cake off the baking tray. The butter that was applied to stop the cake from sticking had not worked, and some parts of the cake were stuck down, due to this the cake had to be divided before being removed. As the cake was only think and I baked it for 25minutes, the sides of the cake had hardened and turned brown. Before I continued producing my typogateaux I cut these parts off.

I then used stencils to help me cut out letters from the cake, this was a painstaking and lengthy process as often the letters would fall to pieces due to the complexity of their shape. One of the main reasons the letters were so hard to produce was their size. To fit all the words inside the dimensions of the box the sizing of the letters was small, the stencils where printed at 155pt adding to the challenge of creating accurately shaped cake letters. Regardless, After hours of cutting all the letters were produced. 

After all of the cake letters had been cut, I added a healthy layer of vanilla icing. To do this I had to make an icing bag, so that I could accurately apply the icing to each letter. I used a freezer bag and with scissors cut the corner off one side of the bag, then after spooning the icing in it was ready to decorate the letters. I then used a spoon to evenly spread the icing over each letter form.

For added decoration I sprinkled icing sugar onto the word flower, to imitate the meaning of the word, I also added sugar granules to the word sugar.

Finally, I carefully moved each letter into the box, arranging them so that the smallest word was at the top and the longest at the bottom. I then placed the cake box inside the refrigerator overnight and transported it to university the next day. 

Unfortunately my entry did not win anything, the competition was fierce and there were some amazing entries. Below are some pictures I took after the judging had taken place.

EVALUATION

Firstly, conducting my research enabled me to generate ideas about what to make. Producing design sheets enabled me to explore possible outcomes and finalise an idea for my packaging and cake. The process of making the cake went very smoothly, having all of the ingredients out and pre-prepared defiantly helped. I faced my first problem when taking the cake off the baking tray, as I had no grease proof paper butter was used to stop the cake from sticking. However, parts of the cake still stuck to the tray, this resulted in the cake having to be halved to remove it properly. Additionally, I also faced problems when cutting out the individual letters.  This was very tedious and stressful as due to their small size the letters often fell to pieces. Although my cake did not win the contest it was still very tasty!

Moreover, I also designed the outer packaging for my cake. As I was transporting the cake from my accommodation to university, I needed a way of protecting it against the weather. Additionally, the packaging would also be aesthetically appropriate and reflect the theme of my cake. The packaging printed well,  and the dimensions were correct so the cake fitted inside perfectly. However, I printed onto 'Antique' paper, which unfortunately was slightly too flimsy, because of this the packaging had to be supported with a book when carrying the cake, otherwise it bent and warped. I should have printed onto the thickest stock possible so that the box was strong enough to support its contents. Despite this, it served well as aesthetically appropriate packaging.

HOW TO...

MODELS 

After I had finished collecting a broard range of research I started exploring possible ways of constructing my packaging, using models enabled me to see the pitfalls of each design and adapt them if necessary. Firstly, I created a model for the sleeve that will hold all the aspects of the project. 

I kept the net design fairly simple, for ease of production, we are working to a tight time scale so I want production time to be kept to a minimum to meet the deadline on time.  I will use card for the stock as the outer sleeve needs to be strong, the main function of the sleeve is to protect its contents when in the post. 

Next, I designed the packaging that will hold the contents of our project, such as the leaflet and posters. Information from the survey showed that it is vital for the packaging of a product to be well presented, and interactive. Therefore, the design will have two main functions. It will need to be the correct dimensions to hold all aspects of the identity, and  fit in the post. Moreover, the packaging need to be visually engaging and in theme with the rest of the project. 

     

After I finished creating my mock-up cover designs I had to select the most functional one, the design had to fit within the dimensions of my cover and hold the contents being produced by other members of my team. I can only progress and start designing the visual aspects of the cover and sleeve after the final has been selected, as the dimensions could change and my design might not fit correctly. I adapted my final design slightly

Next, I created design sheets that explored the visual aspect of my design.

I decided to produce the sleeve first, as I am working with a relatively thick card stock any designs will need to be done by hand. On my design sheets, I experimented with designs that could be produced by hand, such as sleeve with the stencil lettering. Due to the method of production I decided to produce a sleeve with stencil lettering. I first measured the net out, making it slightly larger that A5 so that all outcomes will fit inside it.

I then focused on producing the visual elements of the design, I selected the strongest design from my design sheets and started producing it in illustrator. First, I had to make the template for the design. 

Once I had the template I started digitally producing the visual design for the front and back of the cover. It is important for both sides of the cover to be aesthetically relevant as they will be seen by the audience. 

Firstly, to keep the packaging in theme with the branding I needed to use the exact same font as all the outcomes. Our groups selected 'Franchise' as our display font, a clean, legible uppercase only typeface. 

After playing with the composition slightly I had a final design.

The design, now ready for print, needs to be placed correctly so that the edges of the cover are aligned correctly. The design is being printed double sided on a thick paper stock as the paper needs to be resilient enough to hold all the outcomes. I produced the thicker outside sleeve to protect the cover and hold everything together. 

Unfortunately, we encountered countless problems when trying to align the design correctly. Additionally, due to a lack of time we did not have chance to properly print the cover, we had to settle with a one sided print on an unsuitable stock.

After I finished making the cover, all of the outcomes of the project were finished. When all of the outcomes were placed together it was apparent that there was a strong consistent theme.  Moreover, all of the aspects fit within the dimensions of my cover and sleeve making my packaging a success.

EVALUATION

Firstly, my role in the group was to create the packaging to hold all other outcomes, such as the flyers, calendar and bumper sticker. After reviewing my research I created various models that explored possible outcomes. Producing the models enabled me to see which technique worked best. Moreover, I also decided to produce an outer sleeve for my packaging to fit within, the job of witch was to provide extra protection and hold all aspects of the project together. Both products functioned well, the sleeve was the correct dimensions and the tabs worked well at stopping the outcomes from falling out. However, due to time restrictions I could not print the sleeve on the correct stock, instead of a 150GSM the outcome was printed on paper. The outer sleeve also functioned well, as it was made from thick black card it worked well at protecting the outcomes. 

CRITICISM

KEY NOTES

• My design process could have explored more design variations.
• Communication between the group was good, meaning decisions could be made easily.
• When generating ideas people often had conflicting opinions due to different tastes in visual media, which caused some ideas to be ignored.
• We could have improved our outcome by using more appropriate printing methods and by printing onto the correct stock.