fine and raw
chocolate bars
Case Study
the case
Overview
Collaboration: I partnered with Fine & Raw, a Brooklyn-based chocolatier, to create a unique line of chocolate bars.
Products: Our collaboration resulted in three distinct chocolate bars:
Raspberry
Lucuma and Vanilla
Sea Salt
Partner: Fine & Raw is renowned for its high-quality, raw chocolate creations.
behind
the collaboration
Growing up, Willy Wonka was one of my biggest creative inspirations.
The idea of owning a factory where my wildest dreams could come to life was fascinating. Nothing seemed impossible for Willy and the Oompa Loompas. I envied and admired the freedom that the factory provided. Over my creative journey, I explored various mediums—games, books, chairs, toys—trying to figure out what my metaphorical "chocolate" would be.
I never thought it would actually be chocolate until the opportunity to collaborate with real chocolatiers came along. Wow! I thought to myself, "I am about to make some muthafuckin chocolate, holy shit."
So, of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Move over, Willy—Mr. TOMONOSHi! is here. To this day, the idea of this collaboration existing makes me smile every time I think about it.
In fact, I've been smiling the entire time typing this.
MR. TOMONOSHi! Sea Salt Chocolate Bar
MR. TOMONOSHi! Raspberry Chocolate Bar
MR. TOMONOSHi! Lucuma + Vanilla Chocolate Bar
MR. TOMONOSHi! Raspberry Chocolate Bar
Design
Process
The design process was mostly driven by my taste buds. I would send the chocolatiers a collection of words that expressed what I wanted the eater to think when tasting my chocolate.
Words like "wow," "mmm," "ahh!," or "geez geronimo joe."
They would interpret these expressions and send me samples to taste. Everything was so good that I didn't want the process to end.
However, I did design the packaging.
Looking back at these designs, they aren't great at all.
I should've simplified them.
I don't remember why I was drawing these stiff bears in t-shirts.
God, they're bad.
If I could do it again, I would probably lean into putting the words I sent the chocolatiers on the front in a simple but bold typeface, like Impact. Maybe I should do that as a design exercise.
But at least the chocolate was delicious!
The collaboration with Fine & Raw resulted in delicious chocolate bars that brought immense joy and satisfaction. Despite my current disdain for the packaging design, the overall experience was positive and fulfilling. The journey of creating these chocolate bars was a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.
Man, I really made some MUTHAFUCKIN CHOCOLATE BARS!!
Imagine what else is possible..
Adventure Awaits…
with love + imagination
-MR. TOMONOSHi!