Getting a design brief with a limit on printed colors may seem like a negative but it doesn't have to be. Sometimes one or two color printing makes more of a statement than four. These limited color palettes have a boldness, contrast, and liveliness that would otherwise be smothered by an open color range.
Student Spotlight: Frank Lloyd Wright
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Metallic inks, foil stamping, and metal substrates are trending on The Dieline. Traditionally used to convey luxury and status in packaging, metallics (such as gold) are now being used across all categories. Our favorite new trend is the less obvious combination of metallic foil on kraft/cardboard.
Etesian Gold Premium Olive Oil
Siraya Harvest Series Packaging
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From casual to classy, cardboard and kraft substrates are on the rise. Sustainability is behind some of these design choices but it seems that brand character and personality are playing the major role in choosing a cardboard or kraft material. We have complied a well-rounded collection of recent posts that use the substrate effectively.
Honey Concept: Mieles del Desierto de los Andes
Siraya Harvest Series Packaging
We categorize each package design by its substrate here on The Dieline. The paper & board category is the most popular, but we have seen a substantial increase in the wood category. While it is most common to see bottles packaged inside of etched wooded boxes, we have noticed refreshed as well as unique approaches to wooden packaging.
Student Spotlight: Uncle Willy's Wonky Crank Arms
Student Spotlight: Sharmini Subramaniam
Student Spotlight: LEGACY Whisky
We have noticed an increase of patterns in general but specifically graphic & geometric style patterns. The graphic patterns are stylistically expressed as motifs like symmetrical florals, vintage tiles, and futuristic digital designs. From liberal coverage to the underlying treatment, pattern placement seems to be a major variable.
Carosello Records “RITRATTO” Box
Leckerlee’s
Hilliard’s Beer
Jonathan Adler Cottonelle Toilet Paper Roll Covers
Student Spotlight: Melvita
Ausonia
Student Concept Packaging: Nue Galley
Sarmentu & Sarmentu
Rebost de l'Empordanet
Student Spotlight: Always Tampons
Gradients never stopped being used, they just stopped being used correctly. This once taboo design element can now be seen as a good design choice. From a faint color variation to the progression between two colors, gradients can be enjoyable instead of being the design downfall. While there is still a fine line, the treatment has value and is currently trending!
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Although it’s no new concept, there have been a lot of Stripes being used in package design lately. From subtle details to a package-wide pattern, stripes have appeared across all packaging categories. This popular trend is showing up in fashion and interior decorating as well. Stripes are sometimes used, like color, as a form product/brand distinction.
Student Spotlight: Unpackagable
Sequential packaging is used to represent systems, levels, and orders within a group of products. This numerical method allocates the product into an easily distinguishable category, which facilitates the selection process. In most cases there is no actual data behind the number chosen it simply becomes the identifiable system of the brand.
John & John Potato Crisps
Seattle’s Best Coffee Relaunches With New Level System
21 Drops
There is great quality in “homemade” packaging. The ability to see the time and effort put into packaging increases the value of the product. Etsy store owners have been doing this for years as an added bonus and even marketing their packaged products as “ready to gift”.
“Tactile design produces an emotional response that many think is missing from digital, and in response some designers are reverting to a tactile approach.”, Marissa Winkler of Landor Associates focuses on Tactile design in her article 2012 Trends In Design.
b. Handmade store: Decoylab
c. Device Printshop Holiday Gift
d. Designed by Christine Schmidt for Yellow Owl Workshop
e. Handmade store: Willow Ship
f. Handmade store: Felt and Found
g. Handmade store: PataPri
h. Handmade store: One Fine Dae
i. Designed by Susie Kirkwood for Pear Tree Jams & Preserves
j. Handmade store: Sadie Designs
k. Italian Picnic Basket Invitation
l.Handmade store: Knot & Bow
m. Handmade store: Depeapa
o. Stranger & Stranger Christmas 2011
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Wake up world there are package designs for you to enjoy! We couldn't help but get excited about these energetic designs. The bright bold colors, graphics, and typography help turn up the volume. The 2012 Olympics branding is another great example of this invigorating trend.
Student Spotlight: The Smallholder
Student Spotlight: Lady of the Dead
Latte Design Experimental Ice Cream Project
Crumpled City JUNIOR by Palomar
