Dutch comic artist Mariëtte Strik recently released Folding Stories, a new collection that reimagines how comics can be experienced. Instead of her narratives finding themselves on traditional paper, Strik transformed everyday cardboard packaging, such as toothpaste cartons, perfume boxes, and matchboxes, into vibrant, intimate storytelling canvases. 

This project grew from Strik’s fascination with packaging design. “One day I glanced at my wall full of boxes (I’m obsessed with beautiful packaging and hang them like paintings), and it hit me: all those little surfaces and edges would make a perfect canvas for a comic,” shares Strik. “So I started collecting small boxes, perfume, skincare, tea, etc., and asked friends and family to save theirs, too. I carefully open and unfold them, and then I just look at the blank white sections until a story starts bubbling up.”