Handcrafted Apothecary Playing Cards: A Blend of Art and Innovation

Alexander Chin's Award-Winning Design Transforms Intangible Concepts into Tangible Experiences

The design of the Apothecary Playing Cards is a reflection of the designer's desire to create a world where intangible ideas can be harvested into physical totems. The cards are designed to reflect the themes of curiosity and wonder that are inherent in the apothecary's world. The packaging options include raised intaglio engravings, sculpted embossing, and heat-sensitive inks, creating a truly responsive design that fosters a memorable interaction between the brand and its users.

Each card is meticulously crafted, with compositions illustrated on vellum and inked. The images are then vectorized in Illustrator and colored in Photoshop before being sent for printing. The standard boxes feature foiling and sculpted embossing, while the limited edition decks are hand-gilded and packed in custom boxes coated in temperature-sensitive inks. Each deck is then wrapped, dated, and numbered in intaglio sleeves, complete with the artist's signature.

The Apothecary Playing Cards challenge conventional notions of what playing cards should be. The packaging line features multiple variations, including external intaglio labels to increase collector value, sculpted embossing to create a sense of mystery, and color-changing inks that encourage users to investigate the product further. This unusual user experience is a testament to the power of innovative design.

The project was launched in two stages to maximize exposure for the brand. The first half of the project was launched in 2016, with the full Apothecary line produced over the course of 2017 in the USA. The second marketing event was launched in the USA in 2018. The design process involved extensive world-building exercises for each pack, resulting in a richly detailed and authentic product.

The design of the Apothecary Playing Cards is a reflection of the designer's commitment to creating unique experiences between people and products. In a market that is increasingly digital, this project explores the opposite, transforming invisible concepts and ideas into tangible products. The result is a handcrafted set of cards that reflect the curiosity and wonder of the unknown, creating a truly memorable user experience.

For its innovative design and unique user experience, the Handcrafted Apothecary Playing Cards were awarded the Golden A' Packaging Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is a testament to the designer's creativity and wisdom, honoring products and ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology.