Design Process - Fragrance Collection
Creating the fragrance series bottles.
The design of the cologne bottles in the Man Up series served as a foundational element in bringing the project’s concept to life. Each bottle was intentionally crafted to physically embody a “bottled up” emotion—feelings men are often taught to suppress—transforming abstract emotional states into tangible, symbolic forms. Material choices, textures, and forms were carefully considered to evoke the emotional weight of each scent.
This six-part cologne packaging series pairs each emotion with an illustrated garment that challenges conventional norms of masculine appearance, encouraging a more expansive view of self-expression. Informed by historical research into American advertising and the shaping of gender roles through product design, Man Up reclaims the medium of cologne as a space for vulnerability and emotional honesty.
Abstract ideas into digital drawings.
Each of the clothing graphics featured within the cologne bottles was digitally hand-drawn to reflect both the emotional theme of the scent and the unique character of the garment itself. I began by researching visual references tied to each piece—like tailored suits, distressed denim, or high-visibility workwear—and used Clip Studio Paint and Adobe Illustrator to sketch and refine the illustrations with bold line work, texture, and stylized detail.
Although distinctively different in appearance, all of the cologne logos utilize the same Neuzon typeface that is integral to the Man Up brand.
Designing the cologne boxes.
Each of the clothing graphics featured within the cologne bottles was digitally hand-drawn to reflect both the emotional theme of the scent and the unique character of the garment itself. I began by researching visual references tied to each piece—like tailored suits, distressed denim, or high-visibility workwear—and used Clip Studio Paint and Adobe Illustrator to sketch and refine the illustrations with bold line work, texture, and stylized detail.
Containing the message of Man Up.
The assembly process began with creating the colored liquid inside each bottle. I mixed propylene glycol and alcohol as the base, then added custom dyes to achieve distinct hues for each fragrance—each color chosen to evoke the feeling and energy behind the associated emotion and clothing graphic.
Applying the graphics.
To create the visual effect of the emotion being visible through the bottle, I layered several hand-cut labels. These transparent and semi-transparent graphics were precisely trimmed so the illustrated clothing piece could be seen through the dyed liquid, giving the illusion that the clothing—and by extension, the emotion—is suspended within the cologne itself. The front logo text for each fragrance was cut and applied by hand, ensuring every label had a crafted, personalized finish.
Integrating 3D printed design.
Under the guidance of Professor Keary Rosen from Form Design Studio, we created six unique, 3D-printed bottle caps, each custom-colored to complement the bottle’s theme. I then hand-sanded and treated them with inks and dyes to achieve a wood-like patina, adding depth and individuality.
Creating a lasting image.
To complete each bottle, I created a hang tag for each fragrance. Each tag displays the core emotion word—a distilled version of what that cologne represents—and is attached to the bottle with a color-matched string that complements the overall design. These final elements brought a sense of finish and cohesion to the bottles, helping unify them into a compelling six-piece set.
Making the fragrance series real.
The full cologne set presented within the exhibition space. Each cologne was held in an acrylic mirror box and was accompanied by a description card, with a laminated flattened package mounted to the back of the mirror surface behind the boxes.
