The Meaning Behind The Red Pocket…
Kora & Martin reached out to my studio after seeing my Lunar New Year letterpress postcards on a wildly popular Facebook group called Subtle Asian Traits . The request was a special one, create something subtle and beautiful to honour Martin’s late Father who loved giving Red Pockets (lai see) at every joyous celebration. The results were a gorgeous one of a kind escort wall with a personalized hand lettered red pocket for each guest.
A Commission Like No Other…
This commission was very unique as it had many stages and different processes from beginning to end.
Firstly there was the illustration and design component of the red pocket. Kora provided all the special details she knew she wanted to be featured on the red pocket. The Hood family name in Chinese, their wedding date, and upon debating whether to use a Dragon on the front as the illustration, I suggested perhaps their Chinese zodiacs to represent them, which they were both Tigers, how perfect! Once the final composition of the tigers was approved, I took my sketches in to a digital format ready for print.
There was two elements of printed assets, the red pocket itself, and the insert that told the story of the meaning behind the red pocket. This insert also served as the escort card, letting the guest know which table they were seated at, and had a meal wax seal stamp that let the venue know which meal they were having.
Lastly, Once the printed assets arrived to my studio and the guest list was complete, I got straight to work with the hand calligraphy so that I could ship these out on time for their big day! These red pockets are not only special for the day of, they really do represent the couple and the union that day. I suggested ordering extras not only in case of errors, additional guests etc, but really as keepsakes for themselves to gift to others on the happiest occasions in the future, just like Martin’s father used to do.
I absolutely loved this commission because it combined all of my favourite elements together, illustration, Calligraphy stationery and a nod to my Asian culture as well. It fulfilled a part of me that I didn’t realize needed filling! Congratulations Kora & Martin may your adventure as husband and wife be a long and joyous one!
