When I first saw the original design, I could immediately see issues in hierarchy and type sizing—but I was also intimidated. How do you update a product people remember from their grandparents’ craft rooms without losing the recognition that makes it trusted? On top of that, fitting three repeated languages onto one package without creating a dense, overwhelming information panel felt like its own design puzzle.

Before touching the layout, I researched the brand’s history. I wanted to understand why certain choices existed—especially the use of gold and the signature-style logo. Learning about the brand’s “gold standard” philosophy made it clear that gold wasn’t just decorative;
it represented quality and legacy. Instead of removing it, I reframed
it as an accent—allowing it to feel intentional and impactful rather than overpowering.

Discovering that the logo originated from the founder’s signature shifted my approach entirely. Aleene herself became central to the redesign. Incorporating her signature, “With Love From Tacky Lady – Aleene,” allowed me to bring her presence forward in a way that felt authentic and grounded in history. From there, I built a palette that respected the gold, refined the hierarchy, and experimented with layout systems that balanced clarity with character.

This project taught me that modernization isn’t about erasing
the past—it’s about understanding it deeply enough to move it
forward with care.