Showing posts with label Packaging & Merchandising Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Packaging & Merchandising Design. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Packaging and Merchandising Design: Final Project - Promotional Merchandising Item & Display

MER60104 Packaging and Merchandising Design 

Wendy Seto / 0348805
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Final Project: Promotional Merchandising Item and Display



INSTRUCTIONS



PRACTICAL

Final Project: Promotional Merchandising Item & Display

For the final task of Packaging and Merchandising Design, we are required to design a minimum of 5 merchandises and 1 POP display for the brand we have been working on Project 2 that can communicate the relationship of the product and to increase the brand awareness itself in a form of digital mock up.

To begin with, our leader wanted each of us to come up with at least 1 pattern to apply on the merchandises.


fig 1.1 my proposed patterns to apply on the merchandises 13/6/22

Below are the merchandises we were working on and who was in charge:

1. Freezer Bag (Wiceline)
2. Magnets/Keychains (Wendy)
3. Tote Bag (Janice)
4. Gift Box (Wiceline)
5. Gift Card (Dorcas)
6. Pop Displays (Seerat)

I had some images in my head for the keychain in sandwich cookies form.


fig 1.2 keychain designs in 2d 13/6/22

However, it was so hard to make it appear 3D like this macarons keychain I used as a reference. 


fig 1.3 macarons keychain reference

I tried to do a manipulation in Procreate but it just did not work.

fig 1.4 failed keychain attempt 20/6/22

Therefore, I decided to focus with the magnets instead.


fig 1.5 magnet designs 13/6/22

I made these sandwich cookie designs for the magnets but my teammates would like me to try applying my patterns on figure 1.1 first and see how they turn out like.


fig 1.6 attempt #1 magnets with patterns 13/6/22


fig 1.7 attempt #2 sandwich cookie magnets13/6/22

After confirming to use one of Janice's pattern for all of our merchandises, I did more attempts on the magnets.


fig 1.8 janice's pattern 20/6/22


fig 1.9 rough attempts on my ipad 20/6/22

fig 1.10 more designs 21/6/22

My teammates also gave me some ideas:


fig 1.11 dorcas's design ideas 22/6/22

fig 1.12 janice's mock up idea 27/6/22

Based on Janice's mock up, I got the idea of using a cardboard to display the magnets so I tried to find one online and this is the best that I can get.


fig 1.13 cardboard references

Here are my attempts on designing the cardboard with magnets attached:


fig 1.14 cardboard 1 & 2 with my magnet designs 27/6/22


fig 1.15 cardboard 3 & 4 with dorcas's magnet designs 27/6/22


fig 1.16 cardboard 5 & 6 with the sandwich cookie magnets 27/6/22

After discussing with my teammates and did a bunch of revisions, I designed the final cardboard in Illustrator. I had to recreate one from scratch because the one I found online did not come in a good resolution.


fig 1.17 finalizing the cardboard 29/6/22


fig 1.18 final cardboard design 29/6/22

Also created the sandwich cookies in different angles to make it appear 3D.


fig 1.19 final sandwich cookie magnet designs 29/6/22


fig 1.20 final magnets merchandise mock up 29/6/22

Moving on, I have to place these magnets inside the gift box mock up that Janice's made.


fig 1.21 magnets in gift box attempt 29/6/22


fig 1.22 final gift box mock up 29/6/22

I tried to help making a mock up for the freezer bag as well as I think the existing one we have is quite messy and not realistic enough.


fig 1.23 freezer bag mock up attempt by my teammate


fig 1.24 my attempt of the freezer bag mock up for final submission 30/6/22

And here is our merchandises compilation in pdf:


fig 1.25 final project: promotional merchandising item & display.pdf 1/7/22



FEEDBACK

Week 12: For the merch design, please make sure that the identity like colour, design and elements look consistent.

Week 13: A
ll items are good to be submitted. It looks consistent and the design direction is very clear.




REFLECTION

This final project does not require as much work as the previous ones. Also, since we are working in a team, we can get everything done even faster. I am actually really happy with the final outcome, especially with the one I was in charge for. When I first started working on it, I quickly regret the fact that I chose magnets because I realized that it was almost impossible to get a free editable mock up template from internet for the kind of magnet I have in my mind. However, with the desire of not wanting to disappoint my groupmates, I somehow able to execute it pretty well. It was cool and unbelieveable to see how I built the mock up from zero, it definitely taught me a lot of things along the way. Honestly, I do feel like my ability on this specific area has improved a lot this semester. I am at the point where I do not even want to claim the copyright for my first year's mock up work. I used to hate this kind of assignment but now I am enjoying every bits of it. Lastly, I am always thankful for my groupmates, would not have completed this project without them. I will either see you guys next semester or on top! <3

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Packaging and Merchandising Design: Project 2 - Innovative Packaging

MER60104 Packaging and Merchandising Design 18.4.22 - 3.6.22 (Week 4 - Week 10)

Wendy Seto / 0348805
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Project 2: Innovative Packaging



LECTURES

Please refer to this page:
Week 1 - Week 5



INSTRUCTIONS




PRACTICAL

Project 2: Innovative Packaging

This project is a collaboration with the School of Biosciences where we are supposed to work in a group of 5 people. My teammataes are Dorcas (leader), Janice, Seerat and Wiceline. We were given 3 product options from different group of students of the Food Science and have to pick one to work on the packaging. The 3 products are:

1. High Collagen Instant Noodles
2. Okara Cookies
3. Rice Bran Chips

All of the members in our group agreed to go with the Okara Cookies (as highlighted). Mr. Shamsul then scheduled us a zoom meeting with the Food Science students to listen to their product proposal presentation directly.


fig 1.1 food science students product proposal slides.pdf 22/4/22

Later in the week, the Food Science students decided to further develop their product from cookies to ice cream sandwich cookies. They arranged a meeting with us to discuss about it together. The initial product name was Okie but since the product is not just a cookie anymore, the Food Science students proposed a new name which is Soyay. Me and my teammates do not think Soyay is considered suitable for the product, hence we each also proposed some names along with the justifications and made a visual references moodboard for the packaging design.


fig 1.2 name ideas and visual references moodboard.pdf 
29/4/22
(1-Dorcas, 2-Janice, 3-Wendy, 4-Wiceline, 5-Seerat)

We had another meeting to discuss about our ideas and make a conclusion to propose to the Food Science students. 


fig 1.3 brand name and art direction proposal.pdf 29/4/22

After the Food Science students confirmed to go with the name Okashi, we did some research for the brand profile as following:

• Brand Purpose: Vision & Mission (Dorcas)
• Target Market (Seerat)
• Brand Positioning & Values (Wendy)
• Brand Personality (Janice)
• Visual Language (Wiceline)



fig 1.4 okashi brand positioning.pdf 9/5/22

Since we want go with a minimalist art direction, we also did some research on why we are going with minimalism. 


fig 1.5 compilation on all the minimalism packaging research.pdf 21/5/22

Furthermore, we started working on the logo design for Okashi where each of us came up with sketches on the possible ideas.


fig 1.6 logo sketches.pdf 
21/5/22
(1-Seerat, 2-Dorcas, 3-Janice, 4-Wiceline, 5-Wendy)

After some considerations and based on the feedback received from Mr. Shamsul, we decided to finalize one of Seerat's logo. Therefore, we divided our tasks to work further on the packaging design accordingly:

1. Logo (Seerat)
2. Illustration/Imagery (Wendy)
3. Individual Packaging (Dorcas)
4. Box Packaging (Janice)
5. Dieline (Wiceline)

Logo

fig 1.7 final logo in colour by Seerat

Illustrations & Imagery

Below is the picture taken by the Food Science students that I used as a reference to create the illustration:



fig 1.8 product photo by the food science students.jpg

And this was my first rough attempt on Adobe Illustrator which look more like a pudding:


fig 1.9 illustration attempt #1

More attempts on Procreate:
fig 1.10 more illustration attempts

The Food Science students told us that they want to add a partial chocolate coating on the cookie to make it less plain.


fig 1.11 another product photo from the food science students

Our group members have different opinions toward the illustration art style, some prefer the simpler illustration and some prefer the one with more texture. Hence, I added the chocolate coating to both.

fig 1.12 illustrations with chocolate coating on the cookies

Personally, I think imagery is more attractive compared to illustration when it comes to packaging design for food so I decided to take some pictures during our food testing session in the Bioscience lab. With the help of Seerat and Wiceline, I was able to shoot the product in different angles. We also tried to put the ice cream sandwich cookies in stack just in case we need the picture of it as well. I put hearts on the ones that have possibilities to be work on further and showed all of these to Mr. Shamsul.


fig 1.13 raw pictures taken indoor (bad lighting)

fig 1.14 raw pictures taken outdoor (better lighting)

Since the actual cookies are not perfect, Mr. Shamsul wanted us to do some refinement on the defective spaces so I quickly begin working on it in Photoshop.

fig 1.15 masked single product image with minor refinements (filling the holes only)

fig 1.16 masked single product image with major refinements (neater and smoother)

fig 1.17 masked stacked products image with minor refinements (filling the holes on the ice creams only)

We think the image with minor refinements looks better as it is nice and clean but still realistic. We also prefer to stack the single product image rather than using the original stack one because it is less messy. Finally, I modified each of the cookie sandwich's shadow and did some colour correction.

fig 1.18 final imagery 

Packaging Design (Individual & Box)

These are the details provided by the Food Science students about the product to be included in the packaging:


fig 1.19 product details.pdf


fig 1.20 packaging design progression.pdf
(Individual-Dorcas, Box-Janice)


fig 1.21 individual packaging front design.jpg


fig 1.22 individual packaging back design.jpg


fig 1.23 cuboid box packaging front design.jpg


fig 1.24 cuboid box packaging side left design.jpg


fig 1.25 cuboid box packaging side right design.jpg


fig 1.26 cuboid box packaging bottom design.jpg


fig 1.27 square box packaging front design.jpg

Dieline


fig 1.28 dielines by Wiceline.pdf


fig 1.29 cuboid box packaging dieline mock up.jpg

fig 1.30 square box packaging dieline mock up.jpg

Here is our final presentation slides:


fig 1.31 project 2: innovative packaging presentation deck.pdf




FEEDBACK

Week 6: Labour Day Holiday

Week 7: The logo does not always have to represent brand directly, take Apple as an example. Therefore, using a soybean shape as the logo might not be a good idea.

Week 8: Independent Learning Week

Week 9: If you are going with the minimalism concept, the simpler illustration obviously supports better. However, I would suggest to do a survey on general public and see which one do they prefer. You can also ask the other groups for their opinion, but it is always nice to know what people outside of the design school think as well.

Week 10: These pictures are nice, but some refinements in Photoshop will be needed to make it look even better on your packaging design. Apply some colour correcting as well if you think it is necessary.




REFLECTION

This is the first group project that I have ever experienced physically on campus and it was a lot of fun. I got to meet and work together with my amazing classmates (Janice, Wiceline, Dorcas) again and our talented senior whos work I admire (Seerat). It just feel nice when you can bond with your groupmates even outside of class time and I am really grateful to be a part of this group. Honorable mentions to all of them because they deserve it. 

When we first dividing our task and one of my teammate asked if I am willing to do the illustration part, I was not sure at all if I can without disappointing them. The illustration will be very influential to our final outcome and I know for a fact that I am not good enough at illustrating so I might just ruin everything. I also did not know what kind of art style do my teammates like which made me nervous at the highest level possible.

Moreover, we ended up using imagery instead of illustration for our final packaging design. It was nice that I got the chance to apply my photography knowledge for this project. I also learnt a lot about photo manipulation in the process which was really fun honestly. 

Overall, it was a great opportunity to work together with students from different major. It gave me an image on how designers should face their clients and provide solutions for their requirements. We even got to visit their lab and tried their product innovation, not going to lie that I actually really like the taste of their ice cream sandwich cookie. I am a big fan of soymilk and I would definitely buy the product if it is available for sale. In the end, I just want to say congratulations to our group partner from the Food Science students and to everyone who has been a part of this entire project including our lecturers.

Friday, May 27, 2022

Packaging and Merchandising Project 1: Promotional Packaging

MER60104 Packaging and Merchandising Design 2.5.22 - 27.5.22 (Week 6 - Week 9)

Wendy Seto / 0348805
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Project 1: Promotional Packaging



INSTRUCTIONS




PRACTICAL

Project 1: Promotional Packaging

For this individual project, we have to apply our knowledge from the exercises to design a new McDonald's Happy Meal packaging. McDonald's is one of my favourite go-to fast food restaurant since I was a kid and I have a lot of good memories with it so giving the opportunity to design something that I can relate to sounds like a lot of fun and I am lowkey excited. We are assigned to come up with a design that contains information that can educate the target audience which are obviously kids.

When thinking of something educational, I quickly thought of recycling. I grew up in a Chinese family where I have been taught to reuse everything. My parents never throw away things that are still useworthy and I feel like this lifestyle has grown inside me. Kids tend to follow the action of people around them, just like me when I was a child. I remember vividly how I was not allowed to buy a microwave toy back then when I really want one. Instead, my mom gave me an empty medicine box along with markers and sticker labels so I can make my own microwave. She told me that my microwave is a limited edition where no one else can have the exact same one and I liked that idea. This microwave turns out to be one of the most valuable asset that I own and I still keep it in my room until this day. When I say I adore my mom so much, I really mean it. She does a lot of things that never fail to inspire me. My mom turns a damage car tire into a plant pot, scrap paper into lanterns, and even made a pillow from torn undergarments. My dad is pretty much the same, he uses medical plaster packaging as a card holder which is very creative and lame and the same time. Not to mention my 6 year-old little sister who asked me to help wash her ice cream spoon and bring it home so she can use it again. The people around you and what you see they are doing really do influence how you live your life, which is exactly why I want to introduce recycling to kids early on. Below is some research that I did to support my concept and idea proposal.


fig 1.1 concept & idea proposal
8/5/22

I got this idea of making a toy house out of the Happy Meal box because the box is basically forming a cube and based on what I learnt from my dissertation, the yellow arches in the McDonald's logo and the Happy Meal boxes were actually the roof of the first McDonald's restaurant. This makes me see the Happy Meal box as a building. I was wondering if someone actually did make a toy house using the Happy Meal box and look at what I found!


fig 1.2 toy house made out of the Happy Meal box

I was really happy when I saw this, someone actually thought of it and it turns out pretty decent. This also means that this Happy Meal idea can really happen in the future. I also did some further research on the previous Happy Meal boxes and found out some of them also use the 3D DIY concept (I am not sure how to call this lol).


fig 1.3 existing/previously made happy meal boxes with similar concept 

I quickly started sketching my idea out and show it to Mr. Shamsul in week 7.


fig 1.4 sketches 8/5/22

Mr. Shamsul liked my idea. Other than it introduces kids to recycling, it also offer an activity that can facilitate their creativity.

Moving on, at first, I wanted to go with the Japanese art direction like the Studio Ghibli houses as I really like the illustration style and colour scheme.



fig 1.5 ghibli houses for reference

However, Mr. Shamsul said the bottom left sketch (shown in fig 1.4) kinda remind him of the gingerbread house from Hansel & Gretel so maybe I can make something like that to make it more interesting. 


fig 1.6 hansel & gretel gingerbread houses for reference

I did a rough sketch based on Mr. Shamsul suggestion, using the Christmas' colours which are red and green.


fig 1.7 gingerbread house rough sketch 26/5/22

Before I started finalizing the illustration, I went to the nearest McDonald's to get the Happy Meal box so I can study the packaging physically. Also because I cannot seem to find any information about the actual sizing of the box through the internet so I need to measure it on my own.

fig 1.8 happy meal box study 26/5/22

Based on the measurement that I did, the box is assymetrical in some parts. I started off by making the die line with the approximate sizing.


fig 1.9 happy meal box die line process 26/5/22

We also have to design for the fries but I didn't get the one with cardboard from McDonald's so I use reference from internet.


fig 1.10 french fries packaging die line reference

fig 1.11 french fries box die line process 26/5/22

In the middle of illustrating, I realized that the candy cane also represent Ronald McDonald's sleeves so I decided to stick with McDonald's iconic red and yellow as the primary colours for the illustrations.


fig 1.12 Ronald McDonald (the mascot of McDonald's)


fig 1.13 happy meal illustrating process #1 26/5/22

However, I think the colours aren't enough for a gingerbread house that usually comes really colourful. I'm adding green and brown, therefore red and yellow will still dominate the entire design. I also made a sample for each design when being cut out. 


fig 1.14 happy meal illustrating process #2 26/5/22
[top row: illustrations with dashed(cut) lines; bottom row: samples when the dashed(cut)  lines are cut out]

I think it is too crowded to have two windows along with one door together because the Happy Meal box is actually a bit smaller than expected, it would be difficult to cut out if I reduce the sizes as well. Also, having trees on all sides kinda look rigid so I just place it for the front illustration. For the back illustration, I put the message I want to deliver to the target audience and some icons as instructions (reduce, reuse, recycle & cut the dashed-lines).


fig 1.15 happy meal final illustration: roof.jpg 26/5/22


fig 1.16 happy meal final illustration: left.jpg 26/5/22


fig 1.17 happy meal final illustration: front.jpg 26/5/22


fig 1.18 happy meal final illustration: right.jpg 26/5/22


fig 1.19 happy meal final illustration: back.jpg 26/5/22

fig 1.20 happy meal box die line with design.png 26/5/22


fig 1.21 final happy meal box mock up (front & side) 27/5/22

fig 1.22 final happy meal box mock up (back & side) 27/5/22

I had no idea what to do with the fries box design but I tried to think of something that can be relevant to the happy meal box and this is what I came up with:


fig 1.23 assets for fun fries design 27/5/22

fig 1.24 fun fries illustrating process 27/5/22


fig 1.25 fun fries final illustration: front.jpg 27/5/22


fig 1.26 fun fries final illustration: back.jpg 27/5/22

fig 1.27 fun fries box die line with design.png 26/5/22


fig 1.28 final fun fries box mock up (front) 27/5/22


fig 1.29 final fun fries box mock up (back) 27/5/22




FEEDBACK

Week 7: Your concept and idea are good but you also have to think of where you want to place your information, it can be only one sentence as long as it is understandable for kids. The botton left sketch (figure 1.4) reminds me of the house from Hansel and Gretel, perhaps you can make something like that. For the fun fries packaging, it can be anything, make it related to your Happy Meal design.

Week 8: Independent Learning Week

Week 9: No feedback given as we were discussing our group project (Innovative Packaging)



REFLECTION

I would say this project is not that difficult but it took me so much time to make the die-line and do the mock ups. I am not the type of person who can work on something step by step so once I start working on this I do not stop until I finish it. Well, it was also because I do not have much time left since I started in a very last minute, not sure why but I just feel like I perform better under pressure. Overall, I enjoy the illustrating process a lot as I had so much fun playing around with shapes and colours. The part I like the most is when I create the dashed-lines for the space that can be cut out because I have never done something like that before and it was good to know that Adobe Illustrator facilitates the feature. I also love the mock ups that I done for the Happy Meal, still remember how ugly my mock ups were back then in the 1st year of being in this course. It is nice to be able to see my own improvement from time to time, it helps me to understand where I lack of and achieve a better result in the future.