What was your inspiration for the design of this limited-edition tea packaging?
The inspiration for this limited-edition tea packaging comes directly from the narrative-driven nature of my work. My images often gain complexity through emotional connections with those who observe them, weaving together everyday life with subtle touches of fiction. Even though this project exists on a different surface, I didn’t want to let go of that storytelling dimension. Instead, I used the physical structure of the box itself as an active element in the narrative — a container that doesn’t just hold tea, but also holds a moment, a memory.
The illustration embraces an organic and sensitive visual language, connecting natural elements within a nostalgic narrative built around memory. Tea becomes a mediator between home, emotion, and recollection — a quiet ritual that brings us back to places of comfort.
In this sense, the packaging and illustration work together to form a complementary story. It becomes a soft journey through time, leading back to childhood and simple gestures like collecting leaves and transforming them into small treasures. Nature, imagination, and memory intertwine to evoke an intimate moment of discovery.
What was your creative process like for this project?
My creative process began with identifying the emotional thread I wanted to follow — the connection between nature, memory, and the quiet rituals that shape us. From there, I built a narrative that could unfold across the two parts of the box: the top and the underside of the lid.I developed sketches for both surfaces, ensuring that the scene on the top lid and the “revelation” underneath would complement each other. I worked with an organic and sensitive visual language, using strong colour on the top lid to emphasize the action and the spring fields, contrasted with natural beige tones that make the interior scene feel more paused and calm. The beige background was key in grounding the narrative in warmth and calmness, evoking serenity and domestic warmth in the backyard setting. Throughout the process, I focused not only on the imagery itself but also on how the viewer would interact with it — how the story unfolds through the simple action of lifting the lid.
How did the shape of the packaging influence your design approach?
The shape of the packaging was central to the design. Rather than treating it as a simple container, I approached it as a narrative object — a surface that reveals different parts of the story as it is opened, held, or turned.
The round shape and two-part structure were essential to the storytelling. Instead of illustrating a single static scene, I treated the box as a narrative device that reveals a deeper layer of meaning when opened.
The top lid presents a colourful spring field tied to my childhood memories, where people gather leaves. The underside reveals a moment of spring serenity: a child playing and an adult enjoying tea made from freshly collected leaves.
This physical interaction becomes part of the narrative. The circular form reinforces the idea of cycles — nature’s cycle, memory’s cycle, and the ritual of preparing and drinking tea. Its smooth, continuous shape also allows natural elements to flow gently across the surface. The packaging didn’t just support the design; it shaped the entire storytelling experience.
What feeling did you want to evoke in people who see your design?
Ultimately, I wanted the design to make people pause — to feel the emotional connection between nature, ritual, and memory. To sense that tea is more than a beverage; it is an intimate part of emotional life, a gentle bridge between past and present.
I aimed to evoke calmness, sensory pleasure, and tender nostalgia — the feeling of a quiet spring day, the warmth of home, and the simplicity of childhood discovery.
The interior of the box adds depth, guiding the viewer into a memory of serenity and comfort. Together, the two illustrations create a journey through time: from the freshness of nature to the reflective warmth of drinking tea.
What do you value most in design?
What I value most in design is its ability to create connection and meaning. I am drawn to design that carries a sense of narrative — that holds a quiet story within it, even in subtle details. For me, design becomes meaningful when it resonates inwardly and invites reflection.
I value design that honors simplicity while allowing room for emotion. Ultimately, I believe design should not only solve a function but also enrich the experience of those who encounter it. It should feel like an invitation — gentle, thoughtful, and grounded in human experience.
What’s your relationship with tea? Do you have any special memories or favorites?
Tea, for me, has always been connected to moments of calm and presence. It is one of those simple rituals that creates space — a small pause in the day that brings warmth and grounding. My relationship with tea is tied to sensory memories from childhood: the smell of dried leaves, the warmth of the cup between my hands, and the quiet anticipation as it steeps.
Some of my earliest memories involve being outdoors, collecting leaves and plants, and bringing them home as small treasures. Tea naturally folds into that imagery — nature, comfort, and the tenderness of everyday rituals. It embodies both curiosity and care.
