cmyplay

With the design for the PacMat finalised, I’ve started experimenting with the packaging. I think that the simplest solution is going to be the best. Especially since I don’t see it adding any value further than keeping the set complete and protected until a purchase is made.

The logo came about rather easily and it didn’t require a 27-page document to justify it’s relevance. The packaging is as simple as it looks, a folded paper box with a die-cut window revealing the eyes of the pre-eminent, maze-lurking spectres

In the third update to cmyplay in as many weeks, the cmyplayStore is set to go live soon. While this is not strictly an update to this site as such, it is expanding on the cmyplay online footprint.

After struggling along with a locally hosted ecommerce installation, my PHP skills (which are entirely self taught) finally gave way to the pressures of effective branding and convenient management. The Store makes use of the BigCartel framework. I came across this fantastic service through Nicholas Felton’s ecommerce site.

Because I’m using BigCartel’s system, the products will unfortunately be listed in Dollar amounts. Payments will be made through the ever-useful PayPal system, which I feel is an ideal solution for making internet payments and keeping track of one’s different credit card accounts. Unfortunately, as far as I know, transferring money is not yet available for South African members.

As you can tell from the images above, the first product to be launched in the cmyplayStore is the Transparent version of the PacMat drinks coaster. I’m currently working out the kinks with the packaging. I’ll be posting more about that later this week.

These are the latest prototypes of the PacMat drinks coasters. The design has been revised: the size has been reduced from 100mm x 100mm to 90mm x 90mm. The corners have also been curved for a more pleasing form.

In these images and the ones in previous posts the edges are decidedly rough looking. This is a result of the articles being prototypes as well as because of the refraction of the edged through the material itself. In hand, the finished articles will be of a much higher quality finish.

I’ve done some research into alternative materials and processes for this product. As yet, I am convinced that the current process makes the most sense.

I am however having trouble finding a viable means of packaging the product. I’m looking into using a simple paper carton package. One that I can hopefully have two-colour printing done to it.

I now need to make a complete set, fully coloured, that I can use to approach a retailer with. I hope that this will help in drumming up some demand for the product. Otherwise, I’ll need to explore other avenues of distribution for the PacMat.

I picked up the second PacMat drinks coaster prototype today. This one has the character painted out.

I’ve decided on the materials to be used in the final version of the set. Next stage is the packaging, and I’m torn between environmentally responsible and cost effective. I’m leaning more towards the best design idea at the moment.

In addition to the packaging, I’m getting to a point where I can pin down the cost to manufacture a number of sets. Stay tuned for more.

[edit] Also, Happy New Year! [/edit]

I picked up the first prototypes for a set of drinks coasters that I designed. Above are 3 different examples. The design is laser cut and engraved into perspex. The left-hand example has a different finish to the other two. I bought the material in the center at an art supply store. The shop-assistant got very uppity with me when I asked if she was sure that it was perspex and not acrylic. Turns out it was acrylic.
The example on the right looks to be the best bet. It’s 3mm as opposed to the 1.5mm of the other two.
There are five other designs – Inky, Pinky, Clyde, the Ghost (when Pacman eats a powerpill), and Pacman himself. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll pick up a colour example – being the desired end product.
This started as a self-initiated project to make some coasters that appealed to my own sensibilities, however, seeing these early prototypes made me consider trying to market and sell these.