Jeff Koons w/ clever noodle

I served as art director, designer, and illustrator for Popped! A Reading Game Starring Balloon Dog, an educational card game created in collaboration with renowned artist Jeff Koons and the innovative learning company Clever Noodle.

The game is designed to support children struggling with literacy—including those facing challenges such as dyslexia—through playful, engaging, and visually dynamic gameplay. My role encompassed the full visual development of the game: from packaging design and illustration to the look and feel of the cards, rules, and supporting materials.

Inspired by Koons’ iconic balloon dog sculptures, I developed a vibrant design system that merges fine art sensibilities with child-friendly playfulness, ensuring the game felt both inviting and elevated. The bold typography, explosive color palette, and balloon-dog motifs helped transform reading practice into an exciting, confidence-building experience.

This project highlights my ability to bridge art, design, and education—crafting a product that resonates equally with children, parents, educators, and collectors.