More. My goal is to create more. More original art. More products. More tangible items for everyday use. More physical experiences that can live out in the world.

Back in March, I was commissioned by my great friends at Gallery Drip Kaffeetographer here in Bangkok to help them recreate their packaging labels for their Cold Drip Coffee. Their initial idea and concept was centered around me using the Thai alphabet and recreate it in my style. After weeks of practice, I failed. Well, for now because eventually I will be able to create that design. Learning a new language is one thing, but to write it is a completely different story. The Thai alphabet is a very unique and interesting composition. I enjoy the finesse it takes to create it and ensure I could deliver, I needed more time with everything. It will take time, but I’ll conquer that quest.

What I sincerely admired about the pivot during our project was that the owners of Gallery Drip said “it’s okay just bring style.” During this process I learned a lesson that I hear a lot of artists, and graphic designers talk about: work with clients that allow you to bring your style, because that’s what’s unique. However, there was still this shadow of failure following me because I couldn’t deliver the Thai alphabets.

All of those defeated ideas gradually started to fade. I started thinking about the process that Gallery Drip goes through to produce their Cold Drip Coffee and used that as inspiration for the new direction of the design. It takes 12 hours to brew a batch of Cold Drip Coffee. Drip by drip a brewing station funnels water through the grounded coffee beans. Such a simple, timeless but more importantly bold way to brew a batch of coffee. Their customers understand that this is their method and they wait for the final product patiently. I used that thinking as inspiration to create a design that would complement the brewing process and the experience of consumption.

It’s very clear that Gallery Drip wants to focus on the quality of the coffee, and the packaging needed to reflect that as well. I also wanted the design to reflect a level of being bold, yet honor simplicity.

Gallery Drip has recently introduced the Cold Drip Coffee to their customers with the new packaging design. I hung out there earlier this week, working with them on product shots. If you are in Bangkok, swing by and have a few cups of coffee with them. Grab a Cold Drip Coffee as well.

Gallery Drip Kaffeetographer is located on the lower level of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Tuesday through Sunday 11am-9pm. Closed Monday

Written by Reggie Black

Art Direction by Koychanika Trithaworn, Ohohh Huatoh, and Reggie Black

Photography by Reggie Black

Packaging Commission : Gallery Drip 'Cold Drip Coffee'