Box Bottle Bag – A collection of great package design

Hello. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Diana, and I’m a Valencia Community College – Graphics Alumni. I’m hoping that here I will be able to inspire and educate students and designers alike through my postings of information and experience I have gathered along the way.

I recently purchased a book that really got my design buds going. When I got it in the mail, it was like Christmas. I was so giddy with excitement. Box Bottle Bag by Andrew Gibbs design from thedieline.com.

Cover of Box Bottle Bag

This book showcases the best package design from around the world. One of the unique attributes of this book is the way it’s categorized; not by packaging type, but packaging style. It’s broken into six chapters: Luxe, Bold, Crisp, Charming, Casual, and Nostalgic. Each distinct style represents the current state of package design.

A redesign focused on giving the brand personality and making it fun for consumers

Besides showcasing 211 pages of wonderfully crisp high resolution photography, each package design also includes the design firm/ad agency, client, designer, illustrator (if applicable), copywriter (if applicable), and font used in the project. I think this is a great example to see how important fonts are in package design. Many times they are the only element used in some packaging, and thus set the whole tone for the project itself.

If you’re wondering why Andrew Gibbs used a barcode for the cover, hear what he has to say when asked what he feels is the trend now in package design.

“I think one trend that I am starting to see this year, and expect to grow, are barcodes, in two different ways. Novelty barcodes, I see the use of them expanding, especially with the launch of vanitybarcodes.com. Also QR Codes; in Japan, they are the #1 two dimensional barcode, and I expect them to take over here in the coming years and being included on more consumer products.”  – Andrew Gibbs

There is everything from food, soaps, wine, bags, cleansers, perfumes, and sweets displayed in this book. Which brings me to a package design done by a student. When you see it in the book, you have to do a double take and ask “REALLY – a student project?” The quality of this finished piece created by Jesse Kirsch is quite incredible and it’s an all around sophisticated piece.

Melt - Gourmet chocolate shop

Package design is among a sea of design mediums, but one I believe strongly is here to stay. You don’t have to wonder if this medium is going away due to advances in technology. As long as humans eat, drink, bathe, clean, and have fun, there will always be package design. I HIGHLY recommend this book for all who love design. It will not disappoint.

Simple & smart design by giving the illusion of fruit dropping into the water

Earbudeez - great visual impact by creating characters for each bud color

Also for more inspiration, check out the 2010 Dieline Awards winners.