DIY Packaging

Hey! I decided to show you guys how I do my packaging. I need to add a picture of the final result in my listings on Etsy, I think it might help. But here you go!

I designed my hangtags in Adobe Illustrator. I measured the bags that I use, figured out how much space I needed for the front and back and positioned as many as I could onto one page. I use a presentation paper so it has a little bit more weight and looks a little sharper. Don't forget to flip the back! You'll be folding it over.

Then I cut them out. I've got a small paper cutter, but a ruler and an Exacto knife work just as well. I just eyeball it when cutting, just make sure that the sides are even.

Then I fold and staple! I use a bone folder, just because I have one. The side of pen will work fine, too. I like to make sure the fold is nice and sharp, it just looks better that way. Then I put the pins in and use two staples.

And tada! Sorry for the language ^_^ This particular order was a little larger so I put all the buttons in one package. Usually there's just a couple.

I don't know if that helps anyone, I just felt sharing. And if anyone needs some design work done, packaging or anything, I'd love to talk!

Fun with Packaging!

So I'm in a graphics class right now that focuses on the design of packaging.  We've been concentrating on branding and logos for one product with two different demographics.  After refining these ideas came the mock-ups for the actual package design for said product.  Being the opportunist that I am, I chose to do my own product.     

My comic book buttons are my best selling product so I came up with a brand name and some packaging.  I'm testing it out now in my shop and each button order is going to be shipped in these:

   

I decided to call them RESCUED! since they were taken from old and forgotten comics.  I'm really happy with how it all turned out.  They were made from the covers of real comics, so all of the comic book is used and non goes to waste.  I'd love to know what others think about it!

The Creative Process

So being a graphic design major in the BFA  of it all, it was ingrained into my head to sketch sketch sketch, and have thumbnails encompass my whole being before even touching the computer. Damned if my teachers aren't right.  I'm in a time crunch right now actually working for my mom. She's going to a lunch this weekend and needs business cards to pass out.  Her shop, Donna Pool Designs gets all kinds of business...and a cards are must for this event.  So here's what I've got so far:

These are super-simple sketches just to get an idea of placement for the cards and the overall layout.  I googled business card design and just saved some really cool ones that I found.  Research and gathering influences is a must for me.  I need to see what else is out there...what it is...why it works...why it sucks.  All that stuff builds into a unique design.  Along the same lines as these sketches are some for a logo for her business.  I'm going to build these designs into a whole new aesthetic for her online shop.  Please excuse the rushed nature of the sketches....again they are meant for rough ideas!  I just play around with whatever is in my head and they all kind of evolve with each thumb.  And like some, I draw something I know I'm probably going to hate, but getting it down on paper might mean that I can come back to it and make into something awesome later on.

 

I called her today after sending the sketches and we narrowed the card design down to the second row and the logos, if numbered going left to right, 3,4 and 6.  If that makes sense ^_^   I would love feedback!  These need to be 100% done by at the latest on Thursday.    More detailed and specific sketches come next...then color!  I'm a busy bee!

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So I gave all of those sketches to Mom and I played around with the designs she liked:

She really like the top left the most, so I worked with that one and played with color and composition.   She really liked a lot of elements from each of the cards so she went to her friends in the Cafemom Etsy Moms group and got some opinions from there.  They liked the bottom two and different things about them.  So we brainstormed a little more and came up with the final version!  I took the second one's logo in the middle and the third one's information on the bottom.  Together they make sweet business card love.  And I extended the line on the top of the logo to bring it all in.

  I'm pleased.