The Subtilis Knife packaging was done for a package design course in Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology. The course brief was to package a fictional or supernatural object for the relevant target audience.
The first step was to shortlist 8 objects that we might find interesting or would like to work with.
I decided to work with the Subtle Knife which has been used in Philip Pullman’s trilogy called, His Dark Materials. The Subtilis Knife is a double edged knife which is crafted by the most skilful and soulful philosopher craftsmen of the 21st century. The keen steel edge can cut through any known physical material smoothly. It can cut through air, ropes and diamonds alike. The ethereal edge searches out gaps in the fabric of space and thus cuts through the fabric of the universe and into others. The sub-ingression created by the knife takes the traveller to a parallel universe. The sub-ingressions are secret unseen windows. Every exit is an entry somewhere else.
The illustration style for the subtle knife has been inspired by the Moiré Pattern which is created by overlapping grids, lines, etc. to create illusions and bring attention to the details.
The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot with the subtle knife by your side. Carve your own story of travel and self-discovery with the subtle knife by your side.
PACKAGING SURFACE ELEMENTS:
PACKAGING CONCEPTS:
DETAILED CONCEPTS:
This package opens in two directions with the aim of highlighting the two major aspects of the double edged Subtilis Knife. The way the box opens also looks similar to opening a window.
The colour palette of greys(silver) and black has been used. Silver signals a time of reflection and a change of direction as it illuminates the way forward. It helps with the cleansing and releasing of mental, physical and emotional issues and blockages as it opens new doors and lights the way to the future. Black colour emphasizes on the mystery and the unpredictable worlds that the knife can take you to. Red is an emotionally intense colour.
Packaging Concept | 2
This package opens in two directions with the aim of highlighting the two major aspects of the double edged Subtilis Knife. The structure is similar to that of a window and the action of opening the box imitates the action of slicing.