As part of a project for Erik Fadiman & Jill Vartenigan’s class at Seattle Central Creative Academy, Heather Manning and Cara Patten were asked to create a line of gender-neutral period products.
Inspired by the word “androgynous,” meaning “the combination of masculine and feminine characteristics into an ambiguous form,” Heather and Cara created a brand called “And.”
The packaging for this line of products was created to allow people of all genders to feel comfortable regarding menstruation. The earth tone colors are a thoughtful way of pulling in the sense of nature and a natural course of humanness. Additionally, utilizing the ampersand is a delightful visual and creates a beautiful pattern on the packaging when used repeatedly. Fantastic work, period.
And emerged in response to the question “How might we create a gender neutral brand identity for a line of period products?” Through extensive market research and brand discovery process, the identity of And began to take shape as an inclusive, high quality product line committed to meeting the needs of people with periods and disrupting outdated gender norms in the industry. And, inspired by the word ‘androgynous,’ is for him and her and them and you—And is for all of us.
Gender dysphoria is defined as distress caused by a discrepancy between a person’s gender identity and their anatomy. For some trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people, the experience of menstruation can trigger intense feelings of gender dysphoria, as many associate menstruation with femininity. This association perpetuates harm, as not all women menstruate and not all people who menstruate identify as women. The menstrual care industry plays an important role in redefining gender norms by exemplifying inclusive representation.
