7. Smiles by Mail


Recycled custom envelope and original Smiles by Mail stickers


2020 - 2021
In collaboration with Alec Huth
Product Design; Packaging Design; Graphic Design; Marketing


Smiles by Mail was a small busines I co-founded at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to spread positivity and encourage connection, while practicing sustainability and social good. I designed an array of handmade products as well as packaging, which was made from re-purposed paper bags and other waste materials.

First envelopes - made and painted by hand; eventually manufactured on a die-cutting machine in house

Envelopes packaged and ready to mail

Embroidery floss for rainbow car charms
Mothers’ Day car charms and wildflower seeds promotion
Envelopes packaged and ready to mail

Originally, goods were sold on a sliding-scale to ensure equitable access. Products included handmade cards, earrings, car charms, and wall art. Besides product and packaging design, I also built and maintained our website, created graphics and took photographs for social media posts, and partnered with other online small businesses to promote our missions.

Hand spun macrame rainbow earrings, inspired by our rainbow car charms
Handmade recycled paper cards with hand painted ghosts for Halloween
Customers had the option to have hand written notes added to the card and mailed directly to a friend

A photo of the cards used for our Instagram page
Non-profit product; funds raised were donated to non-profits

Mark