USE FOR
2025 / VISUAL IDENTITY, BRANDING, PACKAGING
Speculative branding for a product line of “WeChat Remedies,” or Chinese superstitions for preventing sickness. Juxtaposing the intricate extravagance of Chinese medicine packaging with cultural humor and awkward translations, these giftable packages transform the care behind the absurd advice into something beautiful.
Deliverables: Three custom boxes, each with an object wrapped in patterned tissue paper, an illustrated instruction card, and a funky seal.
COLLABORATOR: L.ily Nguyen
THE CONCEPT
Unlike the sterile aesthetic of Western medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) packaging uses intricate extravagance to signal healing power and authority. Yet, the herbal concoctions and unpackaged home remedies in a Chinese-American household are often met with amused skepticism and resignation. The challenge was to capture the "believable beauty" of TCM and apply it to our most relatable superstitions, turning silly advice into a sincere cultural artifact.
We began by deconstructing the visual vernacular of TCM—its textural extravagance, dense layouts, and protective seals— then evolved the design beyond replication by developing a "vortex" of hand-drawn illustrations and high-saturation colors, shifting the aesthetic toward a contemporary perspective with authentic textures.
THE PRODUCT
The final "WeChat Remedies" are three premium gift sets that treat superstition with the reverence of a high-end apothecary. By applying sophisticated craft to "silly" advice, the collection validates the affection behind the myths. Each set creates a tactile unboxing experience that feels like a shared cultural secret.
The Collection:
- The Hair Towel: “Never sleep with wet hair.”
- The Slippers: “Always keep your feet warm.”
- The Thermos: “Hot water solves everything.”
FOR U(SE)