Morgan Green ART 448 Senior Capstone Proposal Introduction For this semester’s capstone project, I will be exploring branding, packaging, and marketing. I will essentially focus my project on packaging design based on research related to medicinal mushrooms. My concept is a mushroom-infused coffee, tea, and protein powder company. Incorporating mushrooms into daily drinks is a natural remedy that can help fight cognitive function, support a healthy immune system, reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and more. Although there is a negative stigma about “magic” mushrooms, I believe that this company can create an accessible brand that advises and promotes health to the public. This investigation intends to exemplify how graphic design can reverse stigmas for the greater good. The mushrooms included in this company’s drinks include Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Cordyceps. Each of these mushrooms contains numerous health benefits. Lion’s Mane, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, has been investigated for curing and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Lion’s Mane blocks the receptor for the glutamate neurotransmitter, responsible for neurotoxicity caused by this disease. Reishi can help manage stress, boost mood and mental fatigue, and is anti-inflammatory. Cordyceps can improve athlete performance, combat muscle fatigue, and increase libido. This company intends to educate the public on the commonly unknown health benefits of mushrooms while also counteracting stereotypical stigmas when one thinks of psychedelic mushrooms.