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Mysterious Makeup Box - Crowd Design

Dear Insane Children, 

I posted this over on Instagram but figure there are a few of you here on Patreon who might also be interested in the discussion... 

Feedback Time! Comment below on these design concepts for the Mysterious Makeup Box Set.

We're working on the art and design for the box which contains the makeup box-set. The items in the box set will have their own box artwork - based on the "Alice and Flamingo" image by Joey.


A simple reference image for this is presented in the first picture (top left). For the box set artwork - what style do you prefer? Style (A) is simple - just the butterfly wings and "Mysterious" brand name. Style (B) adds a subtle pattern to the mix. And Style (C)... well... Yan and I like (A). And we want to further simplify this presentation by removing the Chinese "奥" character from next to the "Mysterious" brand name. We also want to remove the artwork on the box sides - and just leave the sides empty.


We're going for a "less is more" approach because we think this lends an air of maturity and quality to the product presentation. When we look at existing brands in the makeup space we see that it's usually the cheaper (quality/cost) brands which tend to go really splashy on the box artwork. Higher-end brands tend to be minimalist in terms of colors and density of visuals.


Put simply: The "Insane" box would work well if we were making another "Out of the Woods" card game. For a makeup line which we hope to position mid-market, we think the more subtle approach works better.

But, hey, maybe we're wrong! YOU tell us what box style you prefer! (A) (B) or (C)? We look forward to your comments and feedback. And will use your input to guide the next steps towards making this project a reality.

Credit to @alexceeart for the excellent design work.
 

PS: The comments over on Instagram are really blowing up. Seems the voting is heavily leaning towards (C). That's not what Yan and I thought would work best - but then that's the point of opening this conversation up to you, the fans. 

We look forward to your comments! 

From Shanghai with Insane, 

-American & Yan

Mysterious Makeup Box - Crowd Design

Comments

I must admit i like c but the simpler designs are more appealing to me

Ken

A

C is gorgeous!

Julie Arutyunyan

A

C is really gorgeous

I vote c

If your going for something that is minimal in design but not boaring then B is my pick. I love the swirlies I kind of want the box not the makeup just the box.

Jane Moffet

B would be my choice, still simplebut with a tuch of elegance with the background design. A feels just a bit too plain and C is over the top and makes it look a bit tacky and cheap, as in its trying too hard to look expensive.

incredibly unnecessary to be so rude! you'd never talk to anyone like that in person so what makes you think its ok to do that here? things happen, mistakes get made and technology can be a bum sometimes there really isn't any need to be so aggressive about it. you reach out and they'll help you. Have some respect for your fellow humans.

I like A and C:) I suppose it depends on how it all turns out and if you go about making more than one. love how simple A is and C just looks so special (very reminiscent of the vorpal blade❤️ so maybe make a special edition vorpal makeup set as well as the flamingo one? Could be just a brush set with vorpal theme handles? Or like in the shape of weapons ie a hobby horse makeup brush handle! Tea pot kabuki brush!!:3) Sorry lol I get excited at the thought of more merch for this game. Literally my favourite game ever. I tell everyone about it❤️

The link provided also contains an email address which can be used in the event there's something wrong with PM'ing via Patreon. None of this is difficult to find or understand. So the threats and f-bombs don't make a lot of sense. Kinda like how one is able to write comments but not send a PM. Odd.

American McGee

Hey American, this is never2dark2play over on Discord. Nick is having issues with the Patreon system, it's not allowing him to message you here or in the PMs. If you head on over to Discord I can update you.

Hey, Nick. Would you mind PM'ing us with regards to this issue? We can see that your Pledge as declined but perhaps it would be best to discuss this in private? You can follow this link to learn how to PM us: https://www.patreon.com/posts/27088766

American McGee

i suggest you give me my refund of 50$ you owe me OR YOU GIVE ME WHAT I FUCKING PAID FOR WHICH IS THE CHESIRE PLUSH when i first put in my card for it it said CONGRATS you joined and i checked the card and the whole 50$ was taken off it so i KNOW DAMN WELL IT WENT THROUGH but now its like oh no it didint go through there was an issue with it sorry but idk whose fault this is but im giving only 2 options #1 i get full refund of my 50$ OR i get what i paid for in the chesire plush bundle

B is just right. C is too much and will take the cost away from better quality makeup I feel.

if you will develop this box? Will you send them to Russia?

i like c!!!!

im in love with B, the subtle background is really nice.

B is perfect. A would be acceptable but a little plain. And C is way too much. I'm aligned that C might be good on some other type of item but for a make up set something a little more refined like B would be my preference.

Box "C" is very eye catching. There is something about the red on white with gold trim that is very pleasing. The only thing that is off putting, for me, is that there is too much going on with the white decals. The white background should be a little bit more smooth. I love the gold, but maybe a bit more subtle? It tears the eyes away from the main butterfly decal in red. Overall, very pretty. It's like opening up a treasure. Sigh. Okay, so after writing all of that... box "B" is best. It's simple, elegant, you don't have to change it and I can picture it in the hands of a teenager or any type of adult. Box "B" seems like a better choice to target multiple audiences. ✌ (Edit: Also, do away with the Chinese logo. The decals are fine)

I also want to note if the designs of the makeup products itself are going to be rather decorative I think the simple and elegant design on B would compliment the products better. Design A comes across a little too plain. C I feel would take away from the makeup design.

Manda Rabbit

I like B !!

I love B!! C is just a little too over the top. I like my makeup products to be attractive and their cases to be chic and simple.

Manda Rabbit

c

c

Rain Powers

When are these items going to be on sale?

B!

Chaussette

I like c

C is my first Choice

Out of all of them, I like B the most. A is too plain, and C is too gaudy. I also would prefer if the Chinese character in the brand name and the design on the sides stayed.

I prefer B. Looks more mature and wouldn't put off other potential customers who aren't gamers/fans of Alice. C is too gaudy and would put some people off. B is more elegant and suited to a make up line. Definitely less is more. (Is this the next Patreon award or an item sold on Mysterious? - Sorry been away a while)

DecayingInRed

I like C box.make a good attractive addition to the game.take it.

I love the top of C. I think everything stands out quite beautifully and boldly, but I'm not entirely sold on the color scheme. I love the consistency of B though, and think that if there's some sort of compromise between the two, that's what would really make it for me. I like the red butterfly of C, it screams of blood and conveys a vicious nature that pairs elegantly with the beauty of the curves and swirls on the silver backing. I think the gold just does too much and detracts from this. If "less is more" the gold is just unnecessarily pushing things too far. Here's what I'm thinking; Use the design of B for the base, but recolor it where the butterfly is red, and then make either the backing or plants black, while the rest is silver.

Panda Never Sleeps

As a gamer potentially buying this merch of your game, I'm totally down to more heavy imagery on the packaging. Heck I love it when there are subtle details of the game included! So I'm leaning towards C, but with black and red metallic colors only for a more sleek look (black top lids + red butterfly, red sides, all printed on metallic paper). Keep the pattern subtle and make it a matte gloss! Deff agree with getting rid of the 奥, personally never clicked with me in relation to the game. It would be lovely if the inside was velvety, and I love the brush hair colors! Perhaps (if budget allows) make the tips of the handles tentacle like? It would be so cool... But I get your view on wanting to make it look high end, you will just have to decide on who your main market is and if they are within that mid-level consumer group getting makeup or if they are buying this for the novelty of your packaging/merch.

nopedia

i prefer A myself and i don't see any problem with the Chinese character by mysterious.

I think C is very eye catching, which is why I really was drawn to it at first, but I think for the product and market that y'all are aiming for B or A is my preference. Not to be "that person" but I feel like I'm pretty clued in with makeup trends and launches and have my own humble collection of makeup. So A and B are far more on par with the trends. Everything in makeup in the high end and mid-range is more sleek and minimal in its packaging. Basically, it's thinking "which one would look the most at home on a shelf at Sephora?" And that's A or B. C is fun, and I think especially for folks who aren't as into the crazy world of makeup that C would be appealing cause it screams Alice. But for a makeup box it takes away from the actual product inside. Packaging shouldn't outshine the product, it should compliment it.

LeahLiddell

C is way too gaudy.. I MUCH prefer B. I think people would like B if it had more gold detail. Kind of mixing B & C together in a way.

I like C. But my Partner loves B. She feels that C is too Gaudy. For me, it does speak of the Orient that inspires it. But I can see why she chose B. Its subtle and appealing.

Ooh man I really like C! But I totally agree with your 'less is more' plan... Both would be good to me

Definitely not Adam Driver

Maybe make C (or A/B if they aren’t picked) an exclusive edition? Or perhaps patreon gets the option of an exclusive design and if anyone here doesn’t like that one, let them buy the other option on Mysterious? I would even be willing to pay more to buy A or B in the case that C ends up being picked by the community.

Please please please go with A or B! I completely agree with the less is more approach in regards to makeup, I have so many sets and palettes and the more intricate designs are usually the cheapest chalky drug store formulas while the simplified and clean packaging tends to be associated with higher quality because usually this is the way it is 90% of the time. The artwork for C is very nice, just not so much for makeup packaging, something so detailed tends to scare people away rather than draw them in, of course everyone here, myself included, would love anything put out, but at least personally being so big on makeup and its packaging as well as Alice, I much prefer B if I were given a choice.

And in all honesty, I would like the red to be more burgundy red

Neither, A is so plain if any it looks cheap instead of sophisticated, not good! B is rather nice (if I had to choose now, this would be my pick), but I am not getting any real special vibes from it. C is over the top, but would be beautiful with simple white sides; the gold is just killing it. And imho the Mysterious brand should stay.

Definitely C

C!

C definitely, but also A.

ButtonMashVixen

C

Both B and C are gorgeous and I can see myself really displaying either of these boxes even after the makeup is used up.

C

Also want to add that maybe for B, the intricate details that are hard to see could maybe be shiny in contrast to the rest of the packaging. Gives it a bit of a nicer texture as well easier to see detail

I think since the individual packaging concept is already quite extravagant and with lots of detail, B would be a nice balance for the overall set. Nice and simple though not too simple. Though C is also very pretty and would love to have it for other things.

C

Kate Tildes

Love C

I love B. I think it would just look weird if it was too plain. Perhaps you do something subtle with the pattern, like embossing it. I agree with many of the comments here on C- it's too much for makeup, but keep it for a different product!

Wendy Jaa

CCCCC! It is so beautiful.

I love C and might be a long shot but a music box would be nice would be sad to miss something cause it’s more gender specific. Unless it’s more of a box

Voting B here. I guess the Alice palettes from Urban Decay would be the main comparison, but they were limited editions and most of their palettes are more subtle. And the Wonderland palette was a similar patterned grey on black with logo on the exterior.

I like the subtle background of B, but perhaps with the reduced side content as you said to minimize the "Hey look at me!" feel and give it some subtle elegance. C is gorgeous, but I feel it would be better suited for something like a collector's edition box set of the game itself, rather than a makeup set. I love old box designs so the hinges and embossed plaques really speak to me, but for a makeup set I would prefer something a little less flashy. In fact, maybe you could consider turning C into a jewelry box? I would absolutely be on board for that.

Difyance

B

I like C as well, it reminds me of a treasure chest or something similarly gilded

I understand what you’re saying, but the only way I would say no to C is if you’re going to use it later on for something else . It’s far too gorgeous to pass up!

I agree with ladyvondergeist. B is better for makeup. I'd rather have that permanently on my makeup desk. But C is cool for maybe a super limited edition, or collectors box.

I think C would be great for a collectors box of some kind, definitely not make up....it's too much

LadyVondergeist

I think B is really nice! Keeps it simple but also u have to look at it hard to find the intricate details. (took me ages to notice 😂) I think it fits the Alice theme well with the idea of " things aren't so simple and things aren't always as they seem". Personally I a sucker for discreet and subtle intricate designs so... XD

LadyVondergeist

I love C. I like how pretty it is. I like B also, but I don't like plain. I buy things when they catch my eye so that would catch it.

I am torn between a and B, I like them both. I do not like C at all. While it's very beautiful I think it's too over the top.

C

BadRandolph

I like B best C is just way to much

I love C!

I like B the most. C is to much

I like B the most, it's simply but very classy, C is too much.

C is far too much, and you're right, cheaper brands tends to over-indulge in design. It looks slightly gauche if you ask me. BUT, that doesn't mean elements of it doesn't work. You could combine the metallic butterfly, but in silver, dark red or black on to the simple design you mentioned. Keep the subtle patten of B, but either matte or embossed/engraved. Instead of removing the word myterious, keep only the chinese symbol, maybe put mysterious on the bottom of box along with the legalese.

B with the silver bits done in foil and the pattern done in a matt laminate would be awesome. C way too much.

I agree, less is more. I do not like C at all. The A feels super basic but I'd have to vote for B. Here's why; in B you still have the simplified design but that subtle texture just feels like it brings it to life. So my vote is strong for B

Laura Fowler

Ok, this is gonna be a little long so I’ll try to make it organized. FOR DESIGN: A is very basic, so if you’re gonna do like $10ish A would be the one to go with. B would be standard ($30-$40), but I think the design in the back ground needs to be the rose vines off the C box. Way more Alice then just the loops and swerils. The C box iwould be for like a $50-$75 collector tier that was NOT going into the store at all. FOR CONTENTS: In the A box, I’d expect like maybe 2 eye shadows and a blush, the B box I’d expect a full pallet OR all brushes, and the C box I’d expect all colors PLUS brushes. So the prices would also be set accordingly to content. ALL three of the boxes are pretty, if the Chinese symbol is the word Mysterious then leave it. To honor that part of the dev journey. If that kanji character translates to anything else drop it. I’m assuming these are Alice inspired colors, so like Mad Queen Red, Rabbit White, March Hair (a bronzer), Card White, Caterpillar Violet, etc.

I looove C, it would make such a gorgeous decorative piece, but B is also really good~

I would happily own B but C is by far the most noticeable. On instagram it was the corner of the picture I noticed first but also at the same time to me it's a little too much and while yes I would notice it on the shelf I'm not sure I would want it in my life forever. B could be just as eye catching in person if the pattern was iridescent or metallic (still red though) and would have more lingering appeal in my life

I really love B. I think it's simple, but interesting, while remaining professional. C is fun to look at, but ultimately it's what's inside the box that matters to me.

Saucentric

B

Kizu

I really like b and c but I think b is a nice balance between the things I like about a and c.

Defiantly C. I would reuse that box for other purposes after the makeup was gone.

alexmarie500

I think C is a great design for something else. For the make up I prefer B. It's a good idea to clear the other sides, yeah. But A is for me to boring.

Personally, I like B - it's chic and elegant, and the background pattern adds a nice texture. C just feels way too busy.

I like B, I think it suits a more mature feeling while keeping a bit of an Alice feel

Yes C for me

I seem to be in the minority but I prefer A. I am a bit of a minimalist and prefer simple visual design for packaging. I also have the Urban Decay Alice Collection and thought it was a bit much to look at. I like the idea of having a simple outer box and opening it up to a more visually exciting display inside. C looks more like a special limited edition holiday glitz release package of sorts. A and B seem more translatable to other colors as well for 2nd, 3rd, 4th.... sets of colors.

I like the way c’s colors are set up. I think the red M is more striking on the silver and with less of the swirls around it I think it would look simple enough while still looking unique and interesting. The edging of the silver box is very cool.

I love C, however I would love it more if there were blood splatter over it. It's because the front reminds me of the vorpal blade.

If I wore make up and was a girly girl I'd say A or B, but i'm going to have to go with the flow and it's a C from me too x

C will make more sales since it stand out more and may attract new people to support you. Even if you want to go further with the make up I’ll still say go to C. Elegance is okay but there’s just way too much high top make up brands going for that elegant look. You want to do something unique, and eye catching. The actual make up product can speak for its self in terms of quality. Look at Jeffree star for example some of his packaging designs are diff from others but they still sell out like crazy.

art3mis

While I think A & B are simple & very sheik ……. I am gonna have to go with the big C

Maybe a good compromise would be the red center of A with the gold (or silver) edging of C?

C definitelt

Oh I was so tired I couldn‘t see the differnce between A and B, so I had to have a loog on Instagram! 🙈 I like B the most! It‘s simple but not too simple

I really like C but from a Mysterious brand stand point go with B

Nicole Bartodziej

C for sure

Mix red, black, purple,and silver to enhance scroll work. But C for now.

C definitely, but B if it's decided to go more subtle.

https://pin.it/3mbl4tkjimmxgi

So...modified A for serious steps in branding Mysterious. C for keeping the branding toward Alice.

https://www.urbandecay.com/urban-decay-wende-reveals-the-alice-through-the-looking-glass-collection-/fs-article-6785.html

I love B because of the texture it gives on the box instead of just the butterfly and red background. Its more layered and brings that butterfly image out. I wouldn't even give it a different texture for the dark red undertone.

C for sure. I see so little difference between A and B, but C is gorgeous. I might even simplify C by getting rid of the gold on the sides and making it the same silver pattern.

Hawk Owsley

C is my favourite. If you look at urban decay, their themed palettes tend to be pretty ornate. they did palettes for Disney's Alice and through the looking glass and they had very colorful .packaging

I love C. It’s so beautiful and ornate and it fits with the Alice games and the theme and design of them. Especially if you are doing the makeup as a whole collection set kind of thing, it would make it feel more special and gift like.

B

I'm conflicted. If the intent is to keep this heavily themed with the Alice games, I'd say C is the most representative of what you'd want. The complexity of design compliments everything else that is the insanity of the Alice world and works. However, if you're aim is to bring a real make-up brand to the market for serious consideration, A is your better choice. I'd also go so far as to say, you should nix the Alice art in the box either completely, or make it something of a raised picture on a monotone color, because it will lend a cheap flashy feel once you open the box after an elegant exterior otherwise. A raised design on base color is typically classy, but not gaudy. I personally like the 奥 character, but I don't know the representative associations it can give people who actually know what it means.

Is it wrong to want both "A" for standard box design AND "C" for special product/events? LOL Not trying to make life harder or more expensive. Design "C" is my favourite; and, I don't need more than "A" for standard orders. "C" is gorgeous and makes the product a "gift". Again, "C" seems a bit overkill for standard sells...but, I can't look away. "C" final vote. "A" & "C" if possible for differentiation of special promotions.

As I said on Instagram, I’m immediately drawn to C, but since you prefer something subtle, I’d go with B. I like the subtle design.

Melissa Chanyarlak

My favorite box TOP is C. But I don’t care for the sides at all. Maybe if the entire box was the white vorpal pattern with the red butterfly on top and the Mysterious name on the sides without the Chinese symbol? The top of the Insane box looks very elegant without being too flashy, and the contrast of red to white is very nice. If you went that route I’d definitely drop the other designs from the sides of the boxes (excluding the name).

ImprudentBean35

I like C the best, but I'm also someone who love elaborate stuff

I love the look of C but B is amazing too!

B

Markus

I love C. its absolutely gorgeous I love the design I think it really stands out.

Definitely feel like B is the best of the three

Maknae_Bisou

I love C, but I like the design of B as well.

Summer Hinch

I really love C its gorgeous! That art looks like the vorpal blade in box form! (Vorpal box??)

I also really like (C) but I can agree with the logic of wanting to look nice and makeup boxey. I don't makeup especially not any brand better than anything on sale at walmart but I can say that option (C) is aesthetically pleasing

Honestly. I'm leaning towards B I think it's ornate enough but still will let the products speak for themselves

I absolutely adore C~

I vote C.

C for sure!

Kitty Zee

I think B: Serif I would maybe lighten the background images to make them fade into the red more to make it look more like A. So maybe A+B? C is just too busy if you want to go high end.

Morgan LeFay Dethen

I like the simplicity of B, but I really want the detailed ornate version of C!

Nicole E.

C is incredibly beautiful and flashy. But I almost think that B best suits the whole project. Is it possible or would anyone else thing a subtle giant "A" would be neat where the doors on top close together in the middle?

I agree: Less is more in this case. C is gorgeous, but B is my favorite.

I love B - it's still simplistic but is a bit more intricate which I think is fitting! It goes a bit more with what I saw of the makeup brush designs as well.

I love b! But I do like some parts of c, like the pop of the red wings and the shadows of the designs.

As someone who doesn't use make-up I will answer on behalf of my wonderful wife. C. And by my experience, if she liked C and there were other options she would happily compromise by locking in C.

I love C!

I loove C, but you could always have C for a bit more, then also sell the red one as a cheaper one or something? Or C could be an exclusive one you can pre order, and the red could be the offical one to sell

MaddieTheHatter

C! ❤️

I love a and b - c is too busy for my taste


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