image © paul smith
I have been getting ready to make space for my framed matchboxes this week and came across Paul Smith’s insta post today of his own vintage matchbox covers. I’ve never really thought what elements make them so appealing. But of course, he points out the obvious, it is the creativity in designing for such a small space.
Paul Smiths’ comments got me thinking. I believe there is another design element to these ephemeral items. Being a cheap and disposable object, the printing is generally simple, sometimes a mere one or two colours, to keep costs down. It is also the quality of the paper stock - rough, unlaminated, honest.
I have been animating graphics for a website, and the simplicity of these designs and colour-ways have been an inspiration to this current work.
