The idea for this project began with a simple doodle that I shared with a friend. When he asked what it was, I jokingly called it “Potato Swimming.” My classmates loved it, and it made them happy, which motivated me to keep making more.
One day, our math teacher asked us what we wished had never been invented. When one girl said “Potato Swimming,” the boys in the class started arguing that it was the best thing ever. Even though the teacher threatened to ban the use of school supplies for my drawings, I decided to keep making them at home.
Using my experience in printing and graphic design, I created a series of collectible cards ranging from common to mythic rarities. To make them unique, I laminated the cards and called them “Potato Pack.” The next day, I gave the cards to my friends, and they quickly became a hit, spreading excitement throughout the school.
At recess, I was swarmed by classmates wanting the latest cards, so I got some friends to help manage the crowd, rewarding them with extra packs. The enthusiasm for Potato Packs spread to the teachers, who also became fans. At one point people started copying me and making their own cards. One of them were called Cola Cards, basically a coke with a face on it. Another big one was FazPacks, with their mascot being Freddy Fazbear from Five Nights At Freddy’s. Some students even offered to distribute the cards on the bus and to car riders.
Inspired by the growing interest, I made custom t-shirts for myself and my helpers. Wearing the shirt on the school broadcast drew even more attention to the project. However, a substitute teacher and the assistant principal said we couldn’t wear the shirts anymore.
My teachers, who really liked the Potato Packs, went to the principal to explain how popular they were. The principal was impressed and suggested starting a school club. Three teachers agreed to sponsor the club, and nearly 100 students showed up to the first meeting!
I announced promo codes for free packs at the club. To deal with littering, I started a raffle where kids put their wrappers in a bucket for a chance to win Potato Swimming t-shirts, which significantly reduced waste.
Later, I designed a plush toy version of the Potato, and my sister helped me make it. What started as a simple doodle turned into a big school-wide phenomenon, making a lot of people happy and encouraging creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit.