Packaging Design | Illustration
Crate and Barrel
100 Layer Cake Collaboration Party Collection
Overview
This collection of party decor and accessories was a collaboration with 100 Layer Cake. The products represented an elevated perspective on party decor with a sophisticated palette and gold foil embellishments.
Problem
To create a party supply destination where customers could pick up the tableware Crate is known for as well as unique accessories to complete the party setup.
Role
Lead designer and illustrator responsible for developing concepts, creating illustrations, designing layouts, constructing mockups, presenting concepts, and production
Process
Research
Concept Sketching
Design
Illustration
Mockup Construction
Stakeholder Presentation
Iteration
Production
Solution
I created product illustrations for the packaging in the form of simple line drawings to help shoppers identify what was included with each product. The dark merlot, blush, and warm gray paired with gold foil to create a mature but inviting palette for the products as well as the packaging.
Tools
Adobe Draw (iPad)
Illustrator
Duration
2-3 months
Product Illustrations
Illustration was the visual strategy for this collection because it provided a unique elegance to the packaging where gold foil printing could be utilized more heavily in the design. For practical reasons, the design timeline did not align with the product development timeline in order to schedule a product photo shoot for the packaging.
I used a combination of Adobe Draw on my iPad and Illustrator on my desktop to execute the detailed product illustrations. Using line drawings allowed me to align more closely with the visual style of both Crate and 100 Layer Cake. In addition, it provided an elevated overall look and feel, especially with the use of the gold foil.
In-store Display
The collection display in-store created a mini party hub within the traditional tableware section. A small sign describing the collaboration with 100 Layer Cake was nestled among the products.
Takeaways
This project provided me with an opportunity to work on a collection alongside an external collaborator, something I had not done prior to this project. I was able to challenge myself to communicate both brands with the design and work directly with 100 Layer Cake for direction and approvals.
While much of the creative decisions were made prior to my involvement in this project, I enjoyed solving this design problem with even more parameters than I typically had.