Clients: Various (Gillette, Colgate-Palmolive, Diageo, P&G)
Roles: Product Designer, Graphic Designer
Fathom Optics provides the future of packaging embellishments with holographic ink patterns generated by software.
Fathom Optics is a software startup that provides dimensional light fields, or holographic effects, that are created with only standard printing ink. A cost effective and sustainable means that can make brands pop out when seen.
I was one of the original designers within the team to help with all aspects of the company, from creating the actual holographic effects, designing branded graphics, digital development, and client outreach.
Fathom Effects are created with 2 layers of patterned ink sandwich between a clear substrate material. These patterns are generated through Fathom Optics software, which I would tinker with to create catered textured and dimensional effects.
Fathom Effects on Products
Though the company mostly focused on packaging products, Fathom Effects can be applied to any product or spatial. Below is a small showcase of effects and designs that I helped create, usually for food, beverage, and lifestyle brands.
Posters and POP displays were created for a range of seasonal promotions, from lovely chocolates for Mother’s Day to romantic Victoria Secret deals for Valentine’s Day. Rendered spaces were paired with printed prototypes to showcase the spatial possibilities.
Warning : Loud noise at start
Other products, like watches, can also be integrated with Fathom Effects. A few 3D viewers showcasing several concepts: Watch 01, Watch 02, Watch 03. These concepts lead to partnerships with Swatch and Koenig & Bauer, paving the way for Fathom Effects to appear on the SUSI Optics Jazz, a new type of currency.
Example of rough concepts
Fathom Watch Dial Prototypes
Digital Tools for All
Though I created the Fathom effects, anyone can start interacting and using the effects on Fathom’s free online Fathom Designer tool. Upload designs and see in real-time how the effects will look on your packaging when printed. Sharing features were also included so concepts can be shared between teams and clients.
A prototype Adobe plug-in was also built for early users.
Walkthrough of the Fathom Designer online tool.
Branded Samples
Physical sample packs were printed and sent to interested designers so they could see the actual effects in real life. These packs were used internally as well to account and plan for unpredictable color reactions.
