Final Package Layout

Here is the final layout for Taster's Choice Instant Coffee packets. On the right is the outer box sleeve, top left is the carton insert, and bottom left is the individual packet.

Taster's Choice Package Progress

This is the front of the outer sleeve (along with the bottom panel and tab). The single, red travel mug represents the "Taster's Choice" in a world full of subpar and/or overpriced coffees. The color red in general is used to signify that this is Original Flavor. This color association and coordination would continue across different flavors: Green for Decaf, Blue for French Vanilla, Tan for Hazelnut, etc.

Layers Magazine Online

Here is a nice resource for everything Adobe CS. Lots of great tutorials. Best of all, they are free! Above is a tutorial I did over the weekend.

www.layersmagazine.com

Package Design - Humble Beginnings

I want to give the Taster's Choice package a fresh, updated look. My hope is to give it an air of sophistication. While instant coffee is certainly about on-the-go convenience, it shouldn't feel as if you are sacrificing on quality and flavor. The package should reflect that sentiment.

I have to admit, I am having a hard time getting away from that "red Folgers look." I need to separate myself from the preconceived idea of what a grocery store coffee brand is suppose to look like and start thinking more in terms of a quaint, little coffee shop that people stop at to meet up with a friend.

Box Layout for Taster's Choice Instant Coffee Packets

This layout involves two parts, an outer sleeve and an insert designed to hold the coffee packets. The idea is to emphasize the portability of the product: "Tuck this in your bag, and you're good to go."

The overall concept will be a marriage of two seemingly contradictory ideas:

The package itself will suggest quick, convenient, and portable.

The design on the package will suggest "stop, enjoy life, celebrate your day, etc."

A one part layout, again emphasizing convenience.

PANTONE Coffee Mugs

I think these are just great! What a great gift for the designer in your life! (hint, hint)

Here are some mugs with color swatches of different shades of brown printed on the inside top of the mugs, so you add just the right amount of cream to match your particular shade of brown.

Bad Packaging Examples

Wow... where do I start? Death by type. Wait! What about all that unused space around the "drop?" Surely they forgot to mention something!

Okay, that's pretty funny, but it does bring up a good point. You have to think about design from every possible angle, including unintended connotations.