Astronoma — Aaron Mebesius
The best cannabis in the multiverse.
Astronoma
In early 2018, CEO of Grön Confections, (makers of the best edibles on planet earth) Christine Smith began a small venture into a non-edibles cannabis brand. What came from that initiative ultimately became Astronoma – a sleek, fun, self-aware brand, and once-in-a-lifetime design opportunity.
AARON MEBESIUS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PACKAGE DESIGNER
CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH:
CHRISTINE SMITH & FACTURA
The Astronoma Spaceman
Rumored to have visited Earth thousands of years ago, the Astronoma Spaceman exists for one reason: to introduce the people of earth to the wonders of cannabis. His design, reminiscent of 1950's NASA Spacesuits, perfectly balances the aesthetics of fun, wonder, and most importantly–adventure.
Dope Cup Golden Ticket Party
Myth Becomes Reality, The Spaceman Arrives
To the astonishment of all those in attendance, the Astronoma Spaceman made his first public appearance at the Dope Magazine Golden Ticket Party in New Orleans, Louisiana. While partying the night away with the attendees, he also revealed his true reason for returning: the grand reveal of Astronoma's new product line, Meteorites.
What An Adventure
Aside from directing the design of the Spaceman, which was thrilling, the Astronoma Spaceman solved a few key branding challenges specific to the cannabis industry. Perhaps most notably, the suit proved to be a wonderful prop to photograph cannabis with. When paired with the neon-space-themed packaging and out-of-this-world brand tone, the Astronoma brand began to take shape in ways that otherwise would have been impossible. His fictitious role as an interdimensional steward/guide to cannabis as a whole translated easily into informative Astronoma branded cannabis education – all the while still embracing a playful self-aware tone. And, of course, the suit/character always made an impression at dispensary events, big-ticket cannabis functions (like New Orleans), and the Grön Brand Studio.
AARON MEBESIUS:
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PACKAGE DESIGNER
CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH:
CHRISTINE SMITH, FACTURA, & ALICE IN WONDERLAND STUDIOS, BURBANK, CALIFORNIA
Brace For Impact
A Meteorite is a solid nugget of cannabis, coated in THC oil, and dusted with dry-sift crystals. Their extra-intense THC experiences made them instant fans with cannabis enthusiasts all across Oregon. Unopened, the Meteorite box appeared to be entering the atmosphere, while opened, a carefully constructed paper crater held a plastic box containing the physical Meteorite inside. Each Meteorite also came with a custom branded "Operations Manual", whose playful language and cheeky tone further sold an Astronoma branded experience.
AARON MEBESIUS: CREATIVE DIRECTOR / PACKAGE & IDENTITY DESIGNER • FACTURA
Meteorite • Dispensary Poster
Leveraging the Spaceman, Astronoma offered fictitious sci-fi movie posters for dispensaries selling its products. These posters echoed language and taglines found on the packaging, while also promising an unforgettable cannabis-fueled adventure.
Meteorite • Dispensary Signage
Simple, clean, and effective cannabis signage.
Space RSO
Not long after launching Meteorites, Astonoma released 3 ratios of RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), a highly concentrated, extra potent, multi-purpose cannabis oil. The oil's black appearance is an optical illusion, as its true color is actually a very dark green. Nevertheless, an Astronma-level experience awaited any customer willing to partake in the "pitch black bliss".
AARON MEBESIUS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PACKAGE DESIGNER
CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH:
CHRISTINE SMITH & FACTURA
Hello, Darkness
Dark Matter proved a worthy addition to Astronoma's growing library of cannabis products. It was an absolute delight designing its identity, supporting collateral, and supportive Instagram assets. The Spaceman proved invaluable yet again, enriching the brand's tone and flavor by posing with packaging & attending Astronoma branded events.
Despite the popularity of its products, Astronoma ultimately could not compete for the spotlight when compared to Grön Confections. With the launch of GrönCBD on the horizon, and with GrönTHC rapidly growing in popularity, Astronoma was ultimately sidelined.
Nevertheless, for me personally, it was one of the most enjoyable brands to design from scratch of my entire career. Its cheeky sci-fi nature came so naturally, it's almost as if all those years watching Star Wars, Twilight Zone, and Rick & Morty had prepared me for that moment.
And who knows, maybe one day the Spaceman will return... Until then, keep watching the skies – keep watching the stars – keep dreaming of adventure.