To celebrate Harcum College’s 100th anniversary, I led the creative direction, branding, and design for the Scent-ennial Fragrance Collection. This limited-edition perfume line (three scents) was developed in collaboration with Harcum students as part of a chemistry course. The collection served as both a fundraising initiative and a storytelling vehicle, connecting the institution’s legacy, present, and future through scent and design.
Challenge
Translate a student-created fragrance collection into a cohesive, marketable brand experience that:
– Resonated with alumni, students, and donors
– Elevated a small-scale product into a premium commemorative item
– Supported scholarship fundraising goals
– Aligned with Harcum’s Centennial identity
1. Narrative-Driven Brand Concept
Developed a unifying concept for Harcum College: Past, Present, Future to anchor the three fragrances:
– EDITH: honoring founder Edith Harcum (past)
– HaacH: representing Hatcher, the school mascot, and a coeducational Harcum (present)
– Ursa Rising: symbolizing student potential (future)
Image (above): The original watercolor used in EDITH.
2. Visual Identity & Packaging Design
Designed signature perfume cards for each scent, incorporating:
— Elegant typography and refined layouts
— Subtle visual cues tied to fragrance notes (floral, wood, citrus)
— Centennial branding elements for consistency across materials
— Created a cohesive system across all three scents while allowing each to maintain a distinct identity
Read Philadelphia Inquire article on Harcum College's Scent-ennial perfume.
3. Product + Experience Design
Elevated simple atomizers into a branded collectible through:
— Thoughtful naming conventions
— Story-driven copywriting
— Coordinated visual presentation at campus events
— Ensured the product felt intentional, giftable, and memorable
4. Cross-Channel Integration
Aligned fragrance branding with:
— Event promotions (Homecoming, art shows, preview events)
— Centennial campaign materials
— On-site merchandising displays
Impact & Key Takeaways
— Helped transform a classroom project into a compelling fundraising product
— Supported the generation of scholarship funds through on-campus sales
— Strengthened Centennial engagement by offering a multi-sensory brand experience
— Demonstrated how design can translate academic work into tangible, audience-facing outcomes
