"The reflection of you" — Self promotion chocolate leave-behind that showcases the authentic "YOU".
I have developed countless projects across many levels of classes and across disciplines through my academic career. Project development is exciting for me because I labor over it until the construct is just right. A strong project offers a student in a given timeframe the opportunity to develop a deliverable that not only aligns with the class objectives and curriculum but also gives them a sense of achievement and purpose.Over time I have realized that giving students projects that either intrigue them, expose them to a new environment or technology or allow them to introspect themselves or their belief systems or mental models almost always brings about a high level of learning.
Like a good fusion dish, a good project maintains loyalty to the original premise while providing flexibility for students to add themselves to it. With the right guidance and true passionate talent, this may also result in globally accepted award winning work.
The results have been overwhelming and as varied as the students I have taught. Graduate and undergraduate students have developed chocolate packaging as evidence of their knowledge in 3D packaging, concepts of printing, color modes, software knowledge for creation and understanding of die lines and foil stamping. The other more complex layer of their project has been the cultural representation by various students across, languages, music, colors, textiles, geographies and popular trends. The chocolate flavors have also been a deliberate choice in reflecting their personality. This project has been a success in more ways than one.
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| Designer: Maria Tamayo, Colombia |
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| Designer: Ava Kassel, Mexico |
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| Designer: Meiqi Yuan, China |
Such has been the case of my chocolate packaging leave behind project. I asked students to develop a leave behind in the form of chocolates for prospective employers. And evidence of their skill and passions, their life experiences and their motivations.
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| Designer: Makumbi Muleba, Zambia |
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| Designer: Zaynah Smith, United States |
