The medicinal benefits of Psilocybin have been disputed since the 1950s. In recent years however, the drug has undergone multiple clinical trials in relation to; Anxiety, ADD, ADHD and Addiction and is very near to becoming a licensed treatment for depression. The act of micro-dosing (ingesting sub-perceptual amounts of psilocybin) is also becoming an increasingly popular trend amongst those who can both legally and illegally obtain the substance. The first mushroom dispensary was opened just last year in Vancouver and provides patients with the opportunity to order micro-doses of psilocybin on a prescription basis. Based on this recent progression, it is apparent that psilocybin is on its way to becoming as mainstream as CBD. Sadly though, its benefits are often overlooked by its recreational history.
My aim for this project was to change people’s perceptions of psilocybin from recreational to medicinal. To achieve this, I created a wellness brand named Aura where I explored the future of psilocybin through the mediums of print, packaging and web. Aura educates individuals on the benefits of psilocybin and empowers them to take their wellbeing into their own hands.
The brand offers custom micro-dosing kits, where the customer has the freedom to choose between a selection of three psilocybin dosages. Each dose is tailored to a specific set of well-being needs. The kit contains; one month’s supply of psilocybin, a guide, a personalised pen and journal. The theme of the journal relates to the brands tag line: Small Steps, Big Changes, and helps the customer to break down their large scale problem into smaller more manageable steps. It also prompts them to begin incorporating healthy habits into their routine in order to positively enhance their overall lifestyle.
Interested/proficient in: art direction, branding/identity, human-centred/ experiential design and copywriting. Dissertation title: “A Billion Acts of Courage can spark a Brighter Tomorrow” The advertising tactics of Greenpeace 2008– 2019.
