For manufacturers, packaging is the crucial final payoff to a marketing campaign. Sophisticated packaging is one of the chief ways people find the confidence to buy. It can give a powerful image to products and commodities that are in themselves characterless. In many cases, the shopper has been prepared for the shopping experience by lush, colorful print advertisements, thirty-second television minidrama, radio jingles, and coupon promotions. But the package makes the final sales pitch, seals the commitment, and gets itself placed in the shopping cart. Advertising leads consumers into temptation. Packaging is the temptation. In many cases it is what makes the product possible.p.3
A supermaket is as complex and as predatory as a tropical rain forest. p.4
Just because you are not looking at a package doesn't mean you don't see it. Most of the time, you see far more than a container and a label. You see a personality, an attitude toward life, perhaps even a set of beliefs.
the product has been used up and the package is empty, (...) the package becomes suddenly visible once more. This instant of disposal is the time when people are most aware of packages. It's the negative moment, like the end of a love affair, and what's left seems to be a horrid waste.p5
From Hine's Total Package.
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Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Optimum sheet use
Commercial Printing:
To go green with commercial printing, opt for optimum sheet use. Work closely with the printer early in the planning process. Parent sheets of paper typically come in several standard sizes. You can size your projects to make more efficient use of standard sheet sizes by printing two-, three-, or four-up (or more) to use less paper and minimize waste.When making comps, request the use of double-sided, smaller, reused, or recycled paper.Research printing houses that use environmentally friendly inks (also called agri-based inks). These are made from biodegradable organic components, such as soy, linseed, or cottonseed oil.These practices not only help save the environment, they save your client money. So he profits from being environmentally conscious.
Source.
.
To go green with commercial printing, opt for optimum sheet use. Work closely with the printer early in the planning process. Parent sheets of paper typically come in several standard sizes. You can size your projects to make more efficient use of standard sheet sizes by printing two-, three-, or four-up (or more) to use less paper and minimize waste.When making comps, request the use of double-sided, smaller, reused, or recycled paper.Research printing houses that use environmentally friendly inks (also called agri-based inks). These are made from biodegradable organic components, such as soy, linseed, or cottonseed oil.These practices not only help save the environment, they save your client money. So he profits from being environmentally conscious.
Source.
.
Material:::Biodegradable overwrap/Eco-sleeve_CDs/DVDs
NEW!
Wrap your CD or DVD in bio-degradable overwrapIt looks exactly like plastic overwrap, but it won't be living in a landfill a million years from now. MMS now offers overwrap for your jewel box, DigiPak™, or EcoSleeve packaging that is made from bio-degradable material, at no extra charge.Your wrap will come printed with a small notice stating that it is completely bio-degradable, unless you would prefer not to include that information. You can also choose to custom print your overwrap, for an extra plating fee.NEW!100% Recycled Cardboard Eco-SleeveIntroducing the new MMS EcoSleeve series of environmentally friendly cardboard packaging, available in a wide range of designs, with ready-to-use downloadable templates.
Best of all, the new MMS EcoSleeve with 100% recycled board is available at exactly the same price as a regular board sleeve.
http://www.musicmanufacturing.com/green.php#overwrap
Wrap your CD or DVD in bio-degradable overwrapIt looks exactly like plastic overwrap, but it won't be living in a landfill a million years from now. MMS now offers overwrap for your jewel box, DigiPak™, or EcoSleeve packaging that is made from bio-degradable material, at no extra charge.Your wrap will come printed with a small notice stating that it is completely bio-degradable, unless you would prefer not to include that information. You can also choose to custom print your overwrap, for an extra plating fee.NEW!100% Recycled Cardboard Eco-SleeveIntroducing the new MMS EcoSleeve series of environmentally friendly cardboard packaging, available in a wide range of designs, with ready-to-use downloadable templates.
Best of all, the new MMS EcoSleeve with 100% recycled board is available at exactly the same price as a regular board sleeve.
http://www.musicmanufacturing.com/green.php#overwrap
Overpackaging
By Mary Kuhl
Special to The Christian Science Monitor
Here.
The tiny present wrapped inside a slightly larger box, put into a yet-bigger box, and so on, may be a good joke for a birthday or Christmas – but the packaging of many household goods is almost as bad.
One-third of American garbage is packaging materials, according to the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington. And there's not necessarily a good reason for it. Many companies are simply following convention and haven't looked into better ways to package their products, says Terry Grist of the EPA.Overcrowded landfills are not the only problem associated with excessive packaging. Simply manufacturing the packaging uses energy and creates pollutants, says Mr. Grist.Not only is minimal packaging better for the environment, it also costs less to produce. "Companies can save a lot of money when they reduce packaging," Grist says. But to keep excessive packaging from clogging landfills, consumers also need to be alert when they buy products. Here are a few ways to reduce packaging waste:
• Avoid snacks and other foods wrapped in individual serving sizes. Instead, buy bigger bags of the snacks and put smaller servings in paper bags.• Instead of putting a juice box in your child's lunch bag, buy juice concentrate, mix it in a reusable container, and send a thermos with the lunch.
• Make your own "lunchables." Rather than purchasing the prepackaged version, buy a block of cheese, some sandwich meat, and crackers.
• Buy personal hygiene and home-cleaning products in bulk when possible.• Buy cereal in bags instead of boxes, which usually contain bags inside.
• Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of those packaged in Styrofoam trays and shrink-wrap. Fix your own fresh-fruit cups instead of buying cut-up fruit in plastic containers.
• Avoid buying products packaged in blister packs (molded plastic attached to cardboard.) Although sometimes blister packs serve a hygienic purpose (making sure cosmetics or medicines aren't tampered with, for instance), they are often unnecessary.
• When you buy clothing in a department store or boutique, ask that the clerk not wrap the garments in tissue paper.
• Ask for loose stamps at the post office instead of prepackaged books.
• Buy concentrates when possible. Many juices, soups, and cleaning agents are available in concentrate.• Use fewer individual serving-size bottles of water and juices.
• Buy milk and juice in glass or plastic containers, which can be recycled. Some of the waxed cardboard containers with plastic spouts cannot be recycled.
.
Special to The Christian Science Monitor
Here.
The tiny present wrapped inside a slightly larger box, put into a yet-bigger box, and so on, may be a good joke for a birthday or Christmas – but the packaging of many household goods is almost as bad.
One-third of American garbage is packaging materials, according to the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington. And there's not necessarily a good reason for it. Many companies are simply following convention and haven't looked into better ways to package their products, says Terry Grist of the EPA.Overcrowded landfills are not the only problem associated with excessive packaging. Simply manufacturing the packaging uses energy and creates pollutants, says Mr. Grist.Not only is minimal packaging better for the environment, it also costs less to produce. "Companies can save a lot of money when they reduce packaging," Grist says. But to keep excessive packaging from clogging landfills, consumers also need to be alert when they buy products. Here are a few ways to reduce packaging waste:
• Avoid snacks and other foods wrapped in individual serving sizes. Instead, buy bigger bags of the snacks and put smaller servings in paper bags.• Instead of putting a juice box in your child's lunch bag, buy juice concentrate, mix it in a reusable container, and send a thermos with the lunch.
• Make your own "lunchables." Rather than purchasing the prepackaged version, buy a block of cheese, some sandwich meat, and crackers.
• Buy personal hygiene and home-cleaning products in bulk when possible.• Buy cereal in bags instead of boxes, which usually contain bags inside.
• Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of those packaged in Styrofoam trays and shrink-wrap. Fix your own fresh-fruit cups instead of buying cut-up fruit in plastic containers.
• Avoid buying products packaged in blister packs (molded plastic attached to cardboard.) Although sometimes blister packs serve a hygienic purpose (making sure cosmetics or medicines aren't tampered with, for instance), they are often unnecessary.
• When you buy clothing in a department store or boutique, ask that the clerk not wrap the garments in tissue paper.
• Ask for loose stamps at the post office instead of prepackaged books.
• Buy concentrates when possible. Many juices, soups, and cleaning agents are available in concentrate.• Use fewer individual serving-size bottles of water and juices.
• Buy milk and juice in glass or plastic containers, which can be recycled. Some of the waxed cardboard containers with plastic spouts cannot be recycled.
.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Interesting article
ATLANTA, Ga.—Packaging is essential in the marketing and sales of almost every product. Not only does it protect the integrity of the item inside, it also promotes the brand and attracts customers. The average grocery store logs between 35,000 and 40,000 SKUs and nearly 70 percent of in-store purchases are impulse buys. With so many products vying for consumers’ attention, the typical retail environment has turned into a product battlefield. While sustainability is currently top-of-mind for all Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies, shelf impact remains a high priority. Read article.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Project #4 ::: Eco-friendly package redesign
A continuation and exploration of image and type as unifying graphic design elements in a 3D point of purchase environment.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Redesign an existing consumer product packet which is already on the market.
The choice of the product is crucial to the final presentation. Choose something which will inspire, encourage and initiate lofty creative design ideas for this 3D project. I would suggest you choose a product which is in dire need of redesign instead of those packages which are already successful from their point of purchase delivery.
Your final project will be presented on 11 x 17 inches board (flat) AND another version will be presented in 3D (the working prototype).
You must think about the entire construction of the assignment (graphics that run from front to back, top to bottom) The necessary information from the existing "found and redesigned" package/product should still accompany your final design. (logo, ingedients, ISBN# scan, manufacturer, etc)
THE OPTIONS
You might wish to change the logo, copywriting, or even the shape of the "original"consumer product you have chosen to redesign. This is only an option; however, you may wish to stick to the basic information from your chosen productand redesign it. Stay focused on your original concept. Simplicity.
THE STARTING POINTS
A. Do a walkthrough of a supermarket/retail store/speciality shops/hardware stores/shopping malls, etc.
B. Make a selection of several products that you feel might be better designed for public consumption.
- Consider shelf space and interaction between the product and consumer;
- What does it look like from the front, from the side and when it is stacked alongside itself?
- Do some individual testing for yourself. RESEARCH.
C. Think about the point of puchase (POP) approach in advertisement/marketing.
D. What is the proper hierarchy for type on a three-dimensional form?
E. How does color and size of type work along with your images?
F. Is your product necessary, frivolous, important, healthy, comical to our society? Who is your market?
THE SPECIFICS
PRODUCT: You may choose any consumer package which you will redesign.
RESEARCH: Sketches and mock ups must accompany this project.
SIZE: The size is required by the product you redesign (what is inside the package). You are allowed to create another shape or size of the product ONLY if the material inside is comfortable within its new home.
This is an eco-friendly project so you must consider:
1. The amount of paper you are going to use in each package.
2. How packages behave when transported (optimize shape and size)
3. Encourage recycling by adding the recycling symbol in the package.
4. This is a glue free, tape free, sticker free (etc) project, so think of alternative ways to close your package.
October 27 Bring in 3 packages that you are considering to redesign
October 29 Bring in redesign sketches + Work in class
November 3 Work in class
November 5 Work in class
November 10 Work in class & discussion about product's brochure (Project #5)
November 12 Work in class - In progress critique
November 17 Work in class
November 19 Final Critique
* These dates are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Redesign an existing consumer product packet which is already on the market.
The choice of the product is crucial to the final presentation. Choose something which will inspire, encourage and initiate lofty creative design ideas for this 3D project. I would suggest you choose a product which is in dire need of redesign instead of those packages which are already successful from their point of purchase delivery.
Your final project will be presented on 11 x 17 inches board (flat) AND another version will be presented in 3D (the working prototype).
You must think about the entire construction of the assignment (graphics that run from front to back, top to bottom) The necessary information from the existing "found and redesigned" package/product should still accompany your final design. (logo, ingedients, ISBN# scan, manufacturer, etc)
THE OPTIONS
You might wish to change the logo, copywriting, or even the shape of the "original"consumer product you have chosen to redesign. This is only an option; however, you may wish to stick to the basic information from your chosen productand redesign it. Stay focused on your original concept. Simplicity.
THE STARTING POINTS
A. Do a walkthrough of a supermarket/retail store/speciality shops/hardware stores/shopping malls, etc.
B. Make a selection of several products that you feel might be better designed for public consumption.
- Consider shelf space and interaction between the product and consumer;
- What does it look like from the front, from the side and when it is stacked alongside itself?
- Do some individual testing for yourself. RESEARCH.
C. Think about the point of puchase (POP) approach in advertisement/marketing.
D. What is the proper hierarchy for type on a three-dimensional form?
E. How does color and size of type work along with your images?
F. Is your product necessary, frivolous, important, healthy, comical to our society? Who is your market?
THE SPECIFICS
PRODUCT: You may choose any consumer package which you will redesign.
RESEARCH: Sketches and mock ups must accompany this project.
SIZE: The size is required by the product you redesign (what is inside the package). You are allowed to create another shape or size of the product ONLY if the material inside is comfortable within its new home.
This is an eco-friendly project so you must consider:
1. The amount of paper you are going to use in each package.
2. How packages behave when transported (optimize shape and size)
3. Encourage recycling by adding the recycling symbol in the package.
4. This is a glue free, tape free, sticker free (etc) project, so think of alternative ways to close your package.
October 27 Bring in 3 packages that you are considering to redesign
October 29 Bring in redesign sketches + Work in class
November 3 Work in class
November 5 Work in class
November 10 Work in class & discussion about product's brochure (Project #5)
November 12 Work in class - In progress critique
November 17 Work in class
November 19 Final Critique
* These dates are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
how do you want to use your lab fee money?
Hey class,
On Monday you're going to tell me how you want to spend your lab fee money, so here's the list of things you can choose from:
1. Design books from Amazon
2. Mounting Boards and spray mount for each student
3. Printing in CMC lab
4. Print paper for students
5. Thumb Drives
6. Linda.com tutorials or DVD's to share in the class
7. Miscellaneous design supplies
8. Printed books from Blurb.com
9. DVD's or CD's for students
* Just remember that, whatever you guys choose, everybody will get the same exact material. No exceptions.
.
On Monday you're going to tell me how you want to spend your lab fee money, so here's the list of things you can choose from:
1. Design books from Amazon
2. Mounting Boards and spray mount for each student
3. Printing in CMC lab
4. Print paper for students
5. Thumb Drives
6. Linda.com tutorials or DVD's to share in the class
7. Miscellaneous design supplies
8. Printed books from Blurb.com
9. DVD's or CD's for students
* Just remember that, whatever you guys choose, everybody will get the same exact material. No exceptions.
.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Special visitor this Wednesday
Nathan Linkous, a junior who just got in the program is coming to talk to you on Wednesday October 8th, at 2:30. He'll show his portfolios and answer to questions.
You can't miss it!
.
You can't miss it!
.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Project #3 ::: Book jacket
Project #3 ::: Book jacket
Due date: October 20th
Knowledge truly is power for a designer when it comes to fully understanding and researching your subject before starting your sketch ideas. Sometimes the biggest obstacle for a designer is the presumptiom that you know your subject before researching thoroughly.
RESEARCHING your book is IMPERATIVE to a more original and perhaps even a more clever concept. You must understand the nuances of your chosen FICTIONAL book as well as the obvious details and images found withing the storyline.
Assume nothing.
Explore everything.
THE KEY POINTS
1. Read or re-read the book you have chosen
2. Make descriptive notes as you go, even sketches that might be explored later. Don't always go for the obvious.
3. Try to understand what the author is trying to depict through the narrative. examine closely the plot, subplot and characters. Chart events that will assist you in determining your visual direction.
4. DO NOT be persuaded by existing book covers which you might find while investigating you material/book and be very careful of plagiarism (*see University policies on plagiarism and class syllabus).
This assignment is to design the cover, the spine and the back panel of your selected fictional book.
- Images may flow from front to back or they may be treated as separate artwork with a continuing theme or use of typeface or texture (however, think that the finished design will be displayed flat and as one printed piece).
- Think about the synergistic relationships found in image and type as you begin this assignment.
- Spend some time at a bookstore or library for your insiration.
- Use everything for your ispiration: cd covers, theatre posters, archival/modern books.
- You may wish to illustrate, photograph or collage materials to create your book covers.
* Original imagery is mandatory for this assignment. You cannot grab images or material from the internet. You might wish to download fonts from resources on the ibternet however. Be resourceful and original.
THE PROCESS
You'll have to come up with at least THREE different final concepts on your sketchbook before using the computer. Think about imagery and fonts and sketch them all.
THE APPROACH
Once you have chosen your book cover to redesign, then you must write down your concept approach regarding how you plan to carry out your visual concept. This is know as a Creative Brief. You'll have to attach it to the back of your boards (like you did with your logos). Keep it simple. Your written brief and your finished book jacket must tell the same story.
THE SPECIFICS
1. THE BOOK
Choose one title from any of the CLASSIC FICTIONAL books which are listed down below.
2. THE CREATIVE BRIEF
A written description detailing the theme (or themes) you wish to visually depict. It's not the story itself, but it's your concept's description.
3. THE TEXT INFO
Copy and copywritting is a must for this assignment. There is usually a brief written description of what the book is about on the back cover of the book. This text type needs to be integrated into the design of the overall book jacket as well.
4. RESEARCH
Sketches and written information will be handed in along with the finished design as well as your focus/them sentence.
5. SCALE/SIZE
Everyone will have the same size book jacket. The entire size is 13"x8" on the 11"x17" white board/backed on the white or black board. (See specs below for details)
6. OTHER INFORMATION
You might want to wrap an actual book with your newly redesigned book jackect on it and place it among other books in a library or bookstore just to see how it holds up to its surroundings.
* Finished jacked should be printed on 11" x 17"then mounted to the white or black heavyweight board to be turned in.
** Your name or logo should appear on the backside of the board.Your name or logo should appear on the backside of the board.
Due date: October 20th
Knowledge truly is power for a designer when it comes to fully understanding and researching your subject before starting your sketch ideas. Sometimes the biggest obstacle for a designer is the presumptiom that you know your subject before researching thoroughly.
RESEARCHING your book is IMPERATIVE to a more original and perhaps even a more clever concept. You must understand the nuances of your chosen FICTIONAL book as well as the obvious details and images found withing the storyline.
Assume nothing.
Explore everything.
THE KEY POINTS
1. Read or re-read the book you have chosen
2. Make descriptive notes as you go, even sketches that might be explored later. Don't always go for the obvious.
3. Try to understand what the author is trying to depict through the narrative. examine closely the plot, subplot and characters. Chart events that will assist you in determining your visual direction.
4. DO NOT be persuaded by existing book covers which you might find while investigating you material/book and be very careful of plagiarism (*see University policies on plagiarism and class syllabus).
This assignment is to design the cover, the spine and the back panel of your selected fictional book.
- Images may flow from front to back or they may be treated as separate artwork with a continuing theme or use of typeface or texture (however, think that the finished design will be displayed flat and as one printed piece).
- Think about the synergistic relationships found in image and type as you begin this assignment.
- Spend some time at a bookstore or library for your insiration.
- Use everything for your ispiration: cd covers, theatre posters, archival/modern books.
- You may wish to illustrate, photograph or collage materials to create your book covers.
* Original imagery is mandatory for this assignment. You cannot grab images or material from the internet. You might wish to download fonts from resources on the ibternet however. Be resourceful and original.
THE PROCESS
You'll have to come up with at least THREE different final concepts on your sketchbook before using the computer. Think about imagery and fonts and sketch them all.
THE APPROACH
Once you have chosen your book cover to redesign, then you must write down your concept approach regarding how you plan to carry out your visual concept. This is know as a Creative Brief. You'll have to attach it to the back of your boards (like you did with your logos). Keep it simple. Your written brief and your finished book jacket must tell the same story.
THE SPECIFICS
1. THE BOOK
Choose one title from any of the CLASSIC FICTIONAL books which are listed down below.
2. THE CREATIVE BRIEF
A written description detailing the theme (or themes) you wish to visually depict. It's not the story itself, but it's your concept's description.
3. THE TEXT INFO
Copy and copywritting is a must for this assignment. There is usually a brief written description of what the book is about on the back cover of the book. This text type needs to be integrated into the design of the overall book jacket as well.
4. RESEARCH
Sketches and written information will be handed in along with the finished design as well as your focus/them sentence.
5. SCALE/SIZE
Everyone will have the same size book jacket. The entire size is 13"x8" on the 11"x17" white board/backed on the white or black board. (See specs below for details)
6. OTHER INFORMATION
You might want to wrap an actual book with your newly redesigned book jackect on it and place it among other books in a library or bookstore just to see how it holds up to its surroundings.
* Finished jacked should be printed on 11" x 17"then mounted to the white or black heavyweight board to be turned in.
** Your name or logo should appear on the backside of the board.Your name or logo should appear on the backside of the board.
Your name or logo should appear on the backside of the board.
CLASSIC NOVELS:
Approved book title choices
1. Catcher in the Rye/Salinger JESSICA
2. Atlas Shrugged/Rand
3. The old man and the sea/Hemingway
4. For whom the bells tolls/Hemingway
5. A farewell to arms/Hemingway
6. The invisible man/Ellison LIZETTE
7. The great Gatsby/Fitzgerald SHANE
8. The sun also rises/Hemingway
9. The Scarlet letter/Hawthorne SARAH KIM
10. A tree growns in Brooklyn/Smith
11. Of mice and men/Steinbeck BARRON
12. The fountaubhead/Rand
13. Adventures of Huckleerry Finn/Twain
14. Our town/Wilder
15. A raising in the Sun/Hansberry
16. The pearl/Steinbeck
17. Moby Dick/Melville
18. Death of a salesman/Miller
19. The grapes of Wrath/Steinbeck
20. The red badge of courage/Crane
21. Billy Budd/Melville
22. Franny & Zooey/Salinger
23. The sound and the fury/Faulkner RORY
24. Cannery Row/Steinbeck
25. Call of the wild/London
26. Uncle Tom's cabin/Stowe ROBERT
27. The house of seven gables/Hawthorne
28. Leaves of gras/Whitman
29. The last of the Mohicans/Cooper MIANDRA
30. Lolita/Nabokov
31. Wise blood/O'Connor
32. A good man is hard to find/O'Connor
33. Tender is the night/Fitzgerald
34. Giovanni's room/Baldwin
35. Streetcar named desire/Williams
36. The age of innocence/Wharton LAUREN
37. Frankenstein/Shelley JUSTIN
38. Travels with Charley/Steinbeck VICKY
39. Ulysses/Joyce SARAH MALLARD
40. The deerslayer/Cooper
41. To kill a mockingbird/Lee HEATH
42. Lord of the files/Golding KATIE
43. The bell jar/Plath CRISTY LEE
44. The unbearable lightness of being/Kundera
45. Lonesome dove/McMurtry
46. The count of Monte Cristo/Dumas ANJELI
47. Cry, the beloved country/Paton
48. War and peace/Tolstoy
49. Don Quixote/Saavedra MERIELEN
50. Around the world in 80 days/Verne VENKAT
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