I've often thought that markets aren't always about what you sell, but how you box it. Sort of a MadMen approach to things. It's something I was never that good at when I was doing markets. I had a hard time thinking outside the plastic cube. Better packaging would have really helped me bring my A-game for sure.
I've been spending more and more time over the last year thinking about how things are packaged and wondering, if just maybe, it's something I like to do long term. I have the graphic design and branding background, but haven't worked much with spatial design in terms of products. With that in mind, I ordered a copy of The Packaging and Design Templates Sourcebook. Today, I pulled out my giant stack of scrapbook paper that I've accumulated in the last few months. (Aside - just how much wallpaper did I think Smith would need? We could have wallpapered a Blythe-size Taj Mahal with this stack) Then I started trying out the templates and testing the patterns. I bought a fancy ceramic blade and some Japanese glue with the hopes that would make me an instant success.
I was feeling pleased as punch with my little pillowbox, coincidentally from Cosmo Cricket's Circa 1934. But I was feeling lonely, so I coerced Mr B into giving it a try for just one box...
Therein lies the mistake. Like all hobbies that have come before, he quickly showed me up by tackling one of the hardest templates in the book. A mega-curvy swoopy box.
Go Mr. B. We're having a lot of fun, but I'm suddenly realizing that perhaps he's destined to be the packaging engineer in the family. In the mean time, I'm hoping the little boxes will be just the ticket to hold extra goodies during swaps.
What about you? are you lured by fancy shaped boxes? Have you found yourself sipping a particular brand of tea because of a trapezoidal box? Do you have a favourite goto box pattern? Or am I alone in this strange packaging obsession?
I'm really bad at packaging too - although I love the design process.
ReplyDeleteHaving working in the manufacturing industry for a company that makes packaging (you know those weird shaped pieces of polystyrene on the ends of all of your electronic equipment), I learned that my mind doesn't handle 3d very well at all.
I remember seeing a doco years ago, where it was explained that there were differences in the brain that affected things such as spatial thinking / multitasking etc.
I'm all thumbs at this sort of thing & hate wrapping presents cos I always seem to stick the sticky tape to myself!!! The boxes look great - do you recommend the book for complete clutzes like me??
ReplyDeleteMy presents always end up being wrapped in whatever piece of wrinkled tissue paper or newspaper I can find when leaving the house! I'm always pleased if I'm giving a DVD and find a bit of wrapping paper that's already held a DVD, because I don't even have to fold it (and can sometimes reuse the sticky tape too).
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm saying I'm not a packaging fan.
I knew I absolutely was a sucker for packaging when I would buy supermarket items I didn't even really like because of the packaging...
ReplyDeletebeing aware of my problem is the first step.
Super impressed with the mega-curvy swoopy box. I often feel that things are over packaged these days, but it's almost forgivable when its that cute. I guess it's ok if it can be re-used
ReplyDeleteI like playing around with packaging, I have a huge stock pile of small boxes that "will come in handy for something" Today I emptied a Fold Back Clip box and told myself to put it in the recycling - it's sitting next to me now :(
ReplyDeleteLook forward to seeing some more creations from the book :)
Jacqueline.
that looks really awesome! I love packaging, I'm such a sucker for anything in a great looking package.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Anna - the packaging gets me every time! Love me some cute packaging!
ReplyDelete