Illustrated Goods
🎨 Cuco
COMPANY
Cuco
ROLE
Illustrator
EXPERTISE
Graphic Design / packaging design / Illustrated Goods
YEAR
2020
Description
Cuco Ilustración is a personal illustration project turned into a series of functional art objects. Focused on playful characters, expressive textures, and vibrant color palettes, the project brings illustration into everyday life through items like notebooks, mugs, posters, stickers, and more.
Each piece is handmade or printed in small batches, preserving the tactile and emotional essence of the original artwork while transforming it into usable, collectible formats.
Timeline
Phase 1: Development of characters and illustrative style
Phase 2: Design and production of illustrated goods (libretas, mugs, prints, etc.)
Phase 3: Participation in fairs, markets, and direct sales via social media
Now: Expansion into new materials and hybrid formats (illustration + ceramics + print)
Background
Born from a desire to share imaginative worlds through accessible objects, Cuco Ilustración started as sketchbook drawings and evolved into a full line of illustrated merchandise.
The brand combines storytelling with visual identity, creating emotional connections through small, everyday items. It serves as both a creative outlet and a bridge between illustration, design, and artisanal production.
Process
Character Design:
Developed a bestiary of cute, strange, and expressive beings with hand-drawn charm.Product Design:
Adapted illustrations to different formats—paper goods, homeware, and wearables—while maintaining consistency in tone and color.Production:
Collaborated with local workshops for printing, sublimation, and screenprinting. Used sustainable or limited-run materials whenever possible.Packaging & Branding:
Designed packaging and visual identity for the Cuco line, including tags, labels, and wrapping with original illustrations.
Research & Planning
Studied trends in art toys, indie publishing, and illustrated merchandising
Defined a cohesive visual system for the collection (color palette, line work, expressions)
Planned object sets that could be gifted, collected, or used daily
Design & Prototyping
Created mockups of mugs, notebooks, and prints to test layout and scale
Illustrated each object individually with attention to symmetry, repetition, and material adaptation
Explored variations in black & white vs. full-color editions
Development & Implementation
Launched collections through fairs and pop-up events
Produced promotional material and social media content to showcase new releases
Managed orders, packaging, and logistics for physical deliveries
Solution
Cuco brings hand drawn art into people’s lives in a joyful, tangible way. The objects are designed to be approachable, emotional, and infused with personal character—making them perfect for gifting or collecting.
Key Features
Illustrated Objects – Notebooks, mugs, tote bags, posters, stickers, and more
Original Characters – Unique designs full of emotion, humor, and fantasy
Small-Batch Production – Handmade or locally produced with love
Flexible Branding – Consistent visuals across products, packaging, and promo
Results
🛍️ Featured in local art fairs and indie design markets
🎁 Strong emotional connection with buyers through storytelling and characters
📦 Sold and shipped to collectors and friends across Argentina
✍️ Served as a base for future mixed-media illustration projects
User Retention
Final Outcomes
A growing collection of illustrated products that blend art and function
A recognizable brand identity built around character design and playfulness
A celebration of handmade joy, drawing, and daily magic through everyday things