“Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.”
– Jim Henson (Founder of The Jim Henson Company)
Finding My Creative Space in a Well-Oiled Machine
When I joined Plantrip Cha (the Natural Leaf), a lot of the groundwork was already in place. The core of our operation—selling exquisite Vietnamese tea—was already a well-oiled machine. We had the packaging sorted, the type of tin box, and the delicious tea inside was a given.
Yet, I knew there was still so much room for my creativity to shine, especially stepping into the role of lead designer in 2022. I wanted to build on the existing foundation, not reinvent the wheel. But I also had to be honest with myself and admit that my creative playground had its limits. And that wasn’t a bad thing. Those limitations weren’t there to hold me back, they were there to ground me.
All those current-conditions forced me to be more realistic about my designs, especially in a small company where every resource counts. It made me ask the tough questions:
- How can we best allocate our budget?
- What design approach will be the most flexible and effective?
- What visuals and colors will resonate with our customers while also highlighting the amazing teas inside?
This challenge isn’t about compromise, it’s about smart, impactful design. It’s about finding that perfect balance between artistic vision and practical application, ensuring that every design choice we make serves both the brand and our customers. It’s about being creative, but with a clear purpose.
