Likewise, it should be joyful to choose a color that will inspire you in new ways.”
1What is the Matièr?
Matièr is a cosmetic brand, and its name originates from Matière in French (meaning “materials”). The brand slogan says, “Your Artsy Material,” meaning that Matièr offers visually appealing materials that can create artistic look. The products come in a book-shaped package, presenting a subscription service for cosmetics. Colors in each issue are inspired by artistic image, which implies artistic value of makeup.
2What is the brand ideas?
We identified a way to visually display ideas and narratives about the Matièr cosmetic business. As we were in charge of naming, slogan, and palette, we aligned the idea and direction of our client to build a brand image. The book magazine motif shows desirable harmony with artwork that Matièr wants to present. In the future, it will be simple to manage the product cover system along with subscription service.
3Can you tell us about the brand design system?
The overall design for Matièr highlights connection between makeup and art. The typeface for the brand logo is called “jq times.” It is derived from the Times typeface and we added a bold contrast effect to make it look more refined. The logo can be used as display type as well. The Matièr products come in a book-shaped package. Each “issue” is decorated with artistic image or photograph that gives distinct inspiration, and the inspiration is translated into different colors.
There is joy in buying and subscribing for the Matièr palettes as people can expand their collection. Inside the Matièr palettes, there is a linear grid division with typography and graphic design elements that conceptualize lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush. Overall, this presents a palette with a book magazine motif. The colors fit into each linear grid without vacant space in between. There is a place for lipstick in the palette as well. Instead of creating a concave surface, we added a ribbon so that users can simply lift up the lipstick and the package surface stays sleek.
The product package color was inspired by malleable concrete with a wide range of applications. This dark color makes cosmetic shades stand out better. In the same line of thought, the editor’s note is placed on a black-and-white artwork page.
4Can you explain the aesthetics of Matièr?
The main color for Matièr is dark grey, which was inspired by concrete. This color is used for the overall package. Concrete is used in multiple areas as it is a malleable material for contemporary housing system.
Being “malleable” is significant for cosmetic products since they should be used to create different looks. This color is not too light, which makes the cosmetic shades and artistic image stand out better. The dark-colored package and matte finish highlight makeup shades and artwork cover.
The product can fit with the size of bookshelf, and it can be carried without difficulty. The product cover is paper with linen texture from hardcover book, which adds premium quality.
5Benefit to User?
We often find ourselves overwhelmed by too much information from media such as YouTube and it is hard to balance hectic schedules. Each monthly issue of Matièr offers different shades, and there is a tutorial for color combination. In turn, Matièr makes it easier and less stressful for customers to find and choose a cosmetic product. Therefore, people can find that makeup can be artistic process and use it as a way of expressing themselves.
6Benefit to Society?
Matièr embraces the philosophy that considers makeup as an artistic behavior. In turn, Matièr would like to go beyond offering quality cosmetic products, and wants to use its product cover to offer cosmetic products and artworks together. Furthermore, Matièr wants to become a channel for artists so that they can get exposure as artists. Matièr builds an environment for dialogue on artwork and culture, and also for communication with customers. There is a plan to hold cultural events such as exhibition for archived cover arts.
