Work for Wild Violet

Wild Violet: Illustration & Seasonal Product Design for a Nature-Inspired Brand

This project began as a commission to create custom candle labels for Wild Violet, a boutique brand focused on small-batch, handcrafted goods inspired by the natural world. The brief was to visually reflect the brand’s ethos organic, heartfelt, and artisanal through illustration-led packaging that would elevate the tactile and emotional experience of the product.

At its core, the design philosophy for this project centered around intentional simplicity and emotional resonance. Rather than over-design, I focused on creating illustrations that mirrored the handmade quality of the candles themselves: delicate botanical forms, hand-rendered lines, and a soft, earthy palette that spoke to authenticity and care. This approach allowed the product labels to feel both visually refined and emotionally grounded, aligning with the brand’s identity and target market.

Following the success of the initial product designs, I was invited to extend to do a seasonal series of Mother’s Day cards. These designs needed to carry the same brand tone but also evoke a sense of sentiment and occasion. I leaned into natural motifs florals, textures, and hand-lettered elements to create illustrations that felt intimate handcrafted and celebratory without becoming overly commercial.

From a process standpoint, this project reflects my ability to:
* Translate abstract brand values into concrete visual language,
* Adapt across mediums while maintaining consistency,
* Work collaboratively with clients to refine and iterate designs
based on feedback.

While the project was intuitive at points , I’ve since reflected on how more structured brand strategy such as a defined system for typography and hierarchy could have elevated the designs further. Still, the project has been a valuable early career milestone, proving my capacity to deliver illustration-driven design that communicates, connects, and ultimately sells.

Design Impact:
This work illustrates the quiet power of emotionally attuned design how simple, thoughtful visuals can strengthen brand identity and connect with real audiences. It’s also evidence of how designers can support small businesses by crafting products that are not only beautiful but deeply aligned with a brand’s story and values.