Wlodarek
Torka z Oźnej
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of southern Poland lies the quaint village of Oźna, known for its pristine natural beauty and fertile lands. It is here, amidst the rolling hills and lush landscapes, that the inspiration for "Torka z Oźnej" was born - a homemade fruit liquor crafted with care and tradition.
Background story
Oźna, a hidden gem in the Polish countryside, boasts a rich agricultural heritage. Its favorable climate and fertile soil make it an ideal setting for cultivating a variety of fruits, including the prized blackthorn fruit, known as "Tarnina" in Polish, locally known as "Torka." This small, dark berry thrives in the region's temperate climate, ripening to perfection during the late summer and early autumn months. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, the blackthorn fruit lends its unique essence to the exquisite liqueur, infusing it with a distinctive character that reflects the spirit of Oźna.
My journey with "Torka z Oźnej" began through an encounter with a dear friend whose grandfather calls Oźna his second home. Inspired by his passion for the region and his desire to share its treasures with the world, I eagerly agreed to take part in this project. Drawing upon my background in graphic design and UX/UI, I set out to craft a label that would not only capture the essence of "Torka z Oźnej" but also pay homage to the rich heritage and natural beauty of its origins.
The concept and designing process
Exploring the essence
The journey began with a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Oźna's cultural heritage as I sought to capture the essence of Oźna's rustic charm. After getting familiar with the story behind Torka and its origin, a few consultations with the client followed. This helped me form the concept of the label which, as requested, was supposed to be simple.
Sketching the vision
I started off simply by sketching and transferring my ideas onto the digital canvas in Adobe Illustrator. I tried to keep the design simple yet rustic at the same time. I aimed to create the label in a way that evokes the essence of a handmade product, infusing it with a sense of artisanal craftsmanship and authenticity.
Designing and the final product
The choice of colours for the label was a delicate balance between boldness and subtlety – shades of gold and earthy tones accentuating the organic beauty of the label's design. Font selection played a pivotal role in conveying the personality of "Torka z Oźnej." Drawing inspiration from the rustic charm of the region, I chose a typeface that exuded warmth and authenticity. I then explored various effects playing with textures, shadows and highlight. When the design was finished, I created a simple mockup in Adobe Photoshop which brought life into the initial vision. I prepared to versions of the label – one with a background and one which is see-through.
Since the "Torka z Oźnej" project hasn't been finalised yet and the product still hasn't been launched for sale, the choice of label version hasn't been made either.