Process
Research & Market Observation
To create a canned version of makgeolli, I visited several local supermarkets to closely observe the canned beverage market. I studied how design elements such as graphics, product titles, and nutrition facts etc were typically presented on cans.
Brainstorming (Naming & Brand Direction)
The name MAKK is a bold, modern take on the word makgeolli. It’s short, memorable, and feels international while still rooted in Korean culture. I wanted to share the essence of Korean tradition with younger audiences in the U.S. not just as a drink, but as a cultural experience. Through MAKK, I aimed to introduce the deep flavors and stories of Korea in a way that feels approachable and relevant.
Mood board & Inspiration
I collected visuals that captured the textures and spirit of traditional Korea, such as ceramic glazes, vintage window lattice patterns, and hand-drawn brushstrokes. The color palette was inspired by baekja (white porcelain), the cloudiness of makgeolli, and muted tones, combined with modern accent colors for contrast. These references helped set the tone for a design that bridges the old and the new.
Sketches
Before moving to digital, I explored hand-drawn sketches to experiment with how traditional icons, like rice grains, clay pots, and brush strokes, could be reinterpreted in a contemporary style. Simplified forms and playful arrangements helped guide the early visual direction.
Visual Elements
The pattern was inspired by traditional Korean “changho” designs, it is the lattice framework found in traditional Korean windows and doors reflecting the beauty of Korean heritage. And the illustrations reinterpret figures from Korea’s past through a modern illustration style. Traditional Korean elements such as rice wine bottles and cups, lanterns, and wooden structures were also illustrated and integrated into the design.
Development & Final
<Tight roughs>
<Final>
The pattern and illustrations were used to develop a range of design variations. Through multiple layout explorations, the final design maintains a soft, hand-drawn quality to convey warmth and craftsmanship. For typography, I combined a clean sans-serif with a brush-style Korean typeface to emphasize the harmony between Korea’s tradition and modernity.
See the Makk