For this speculative retail design project, I was tasked with developing a collection of giftable products for the Barnes & Noble and Paper Source gifting department. The objective was to create 3–4 products that celebrate contemporary reader culture while appealing to Valentine's Day shoppers seeking thoughtful, book-inspired gifts. Today's readers engage with books far beyond the page. Communities like BookTok have transformed reading into a lifestyle centered around self-care rituals, emotional storytelling, aesthetic experiences, and shared recommendations. The challenge was to create products that felt authentic to modern reading culture while aligning with the playful, elevated gifting experience associated with Barnes & Noble and Paper Source.
My concept explored the intersection of romance, reading rituals, and literary escapism. Each product was designed to resonate with passionate readers and gift-givers alike, incorporating themes of cozy reading habits, favorite tropes, emotional storytelling, and the joy of discovering a new book.
The visual direction balanced contemporary retail trends with the whimsical, premium aesthetic expected from both brands. Typography, illustration, and packaging were developed to feel highly giftable, social-media-friendly, and relevant to today's book-loving audience.
My concept explored the intersection of romance, reading rituals, and literary escapism. Each product was designed to resonate with passionate readers and gift-givers alike, incorporating themes of cozy reading habits, favorite tropes, emotional storytelling, and the joy of discovering a new book.
The visual direction balanced contemporary retail trends with the whimsical, premium aesthetic expected from both brands. Typography, illustration, and packaging were developed to feel highly giftable, social-media-friendly, and relevant to today's book-loving audience.
