January 2013 What's Up

Happy New Year! We are pumped for 2013 and can't wait to see what exciting things it brings. We all had a great BIG holiday break and enjoyed times with friends and family. We hope that you did too! Let's get this year kicked off with our first What's Up of 2013:

Java Tea Co
Barbara is a BIG tea lover, and she found a small west coast tea company called Java Tea Co.  By supporting their small company through the Kickstarter Program, she received three different teas packaged in hand-labeled tins.  We loved the logo, packaging, and amazing smell delivered with these teas.
 

 AU
Chava recently went to Mexico and shared some great items with us.  Among them was this beautiful package design for AU Olive Oil.  AU is the symbol for the element gold in the periodic table, and the package itself resembles a brick of gold.  This is to convey the value and pureness of the product.  “AUsome” share, Chava!

 
Old Spice
We are all familiar with the iconic Old Spice buoy bottle.  Yes, it might seem dated, but vintage brands have been on the comeback trail for a while now.  Old Spice has some great marketing strategies that are getting noticed by the younger target markets.  From ridiculous commercials to tag lines such as “If your Grandfather hadn’t worn it you wouldn’t exist,” we are all enjoying their latest campaigns.


 

Argo Tea
Did we mention that Barbara LOVES tea?  And she’s making us all fans!  This Argo Tea was very colorful and eye catching on the retail shelf.  We liked that it was packaged in glass bottles, which gave the impression of a higher end product than those in plastic bottles.   We liked the icons and images used in the design, and the flavors are unique and piqued our interest to try them all.  Well done, Argo! 

Moonstruck
John shared the packaging design of an Oregon based chocolatier, Moonstruck Chocolate Co.   We were impressed by how much fun and whimsy they achieved in their mostly one color designs.  And we loved how the illustration continues around all four sides of the package.  It takes a really special design to make us hesitate before we devour the chocolate inside, and this one did.

December What's Up

It's our last What's Up of 2012! In just a few short weeks, we'll be closing up the office to celebrate the holidays with our friends and family. But don't worry – we'll be back and ready to get hard to work in 2013. Just in time for our next What's Up meeting. Happy holidays from the entire team at BIG. But first...What's Up December!

 

Nest Learning Thermostat
Chava had recently purchased the innovative Nest Learning Thermostat for his home.  Our team was impressed by both the package and the product inside.  And Chava was excited because he was not only able to easily install the thermostat himself, but the mobile app allows him to make adjustments when he is away from home.  Nest has really thought of everything, and we appreciate that in a company.  To learn more about this product, check out www.nest. com.

Absolute Tune
Chava found this AWESOME package for Absolute Tune, which is marketed as a “Sparkling Fusion” between vodka and white wine.  It is showcased with a unique double design label.  The beautiful outer wrap unzips to reveal a second gorgeous design underneath.  This bottle is faaaanccyy!  And a perfect way to celebrate NYE or any special occasion.

Starbucks gift packages
Ying spotted these holiday gift boxes at Starbucks. The advent calendar packaging was very creative, as was their entire holiday display.  It creates an urge to impulse buy; even if you don’t drink coffee!  Our team discussed how consistently strong Starbucks is with their retail packaging and gift items throughout the year.   Well done (extra hot, with whip)!

Caterpillar shoe package
As you can see, this is no ordinary shoebox!  John shared this packaging design from Caterpillar that gets its inspiration from a bulldozer’s track.  We liked the detail of the corrugate band and the minimal use of materials.  This look is sure to set this item apart from the other work boots on the shelf!

Speck
Check out this peggable Speck package that Ed found at an Apple Store.   A button on the back of the clamshell allows you to slide the product out without damaging the outer package design.  We also liked the look of the printing (done at a local print house);  the varnish really adds a layer to the package design to help it to stand out.

November What's Up

Are you getting as excited for Thanksgiving as we are? BIG staffers sure do love to eat, so this is one of our favorite holidays. Because really, what's better than a day with friends and family and a spread of delicious food?



Arizona Beverages
Ed shared this contest-winning design for Arizona Beverages’ 20th anniversary.  Artists from around the world submitted illustrations for their Cherry Lime Rickey flavor. We agree that the final design is a BIG winner!



Stiga
Check out these COOL ping pong paddles Ying shared.  The paddles were offered in vibrant colors, and then they took full advantage of the look with the coordinating clear package.  This is a great example of packaging giving a product the competitive edge.



Campbell's
Campbell’s released a limited edition label design series celebrating 50 years of Andy Warhol’s iconic work.  We LOVED LOVED LOVED these soup cans.  How could you not???



Simply Bliss
John thought this Simply Bliss ice cream package design was simply beautiful.  The layout and use of quality imagery will help this brand get noticed in a very competitive market.  And it made us all want ice cream, so job well done!




Biotherm Homme
When Chava brought in this package from Biotherm Homme, we were impressed with the metallic printing and use of product image.  But wait, there’s more!  Instead wasting paper on an insert, the product instructions have been printed on the inside of the package.  There is perforation to make it easy to open and read. Somebody is thinking INSIDE the box for a green solution, and we think that rocks!



Pop Tarts/Clif Bar
Barbara found these limited edition products with a seasonal look. These brands are already dressed in their holiday best. 



Orbit
These mini-packs of gum are perfect for those times you don’t want to carry a purse but want to keep away the yuck mouth.  No more finding gum stuck in the pocket of your jeans after washing.

Last Minute Creative Costumes

Halloween is a day away, do you have your costume picked out yet? If your answer is no, don't start freaking out just yet because we have some easy and creative ideas that you can pull together lickity split.

 

Old man from "Up"

How cute is this "old man?" No matter how old you are, you can pull this one off with some PVC pipe, tennis balls, balloons, bow tie, cardigan, corduroys and glasses. This has been a hit on Pinterest, but the original photo is via Auburn Soul Photography.

 

Mortons Salt Girl

I especially love this costume.  A yellow dress or coat worn with white tights and some yellow shoes (or black if you can't find em!) and paired with a white umbrella and some salt as a prop – and you are set.

 

Pixel Person

Our office is geeking out over this get up. A square template, some scissors, fabric and paint is all you need! And most likely some patience.... 

 

Here are some other great ideas from the web we gathered for you:

• 10 Last Minute Halloween Costumes
• 3 Last Minute Costumes for Epic Procrastinators
• '90s Halloween Costumes: 9 Ideas For Last Minute Nostalgia 
• 30 Clever Last Minute Costumes 
•  

And, if you just need a good laugh, check out these hilariously awkward Halloween photos.

October What's Up

Why hello October, you are here already? The holiday season has officially begun! We're all getting very excited for Halloween and can't wait to share our costumes with you. Like last year, we'll be heading out to a team lunch to show them off. But don't worry, we'll show them off on Facebook as well. Make sure you like our page so that you don't miss out!

 

2012 Nike Women’s Campaign
John shared the 2012 Nike Women’s Campaign, which features first-person outlooks on how sports and fitness has shaped women’s bodies and attitudes. We loved the visual impact of the ads, which communicated both strength and beauty.  They matched the visuals with content that also packs a punch.  Well done!

 

Tout Sweet

Chava recently visited Tout Sweet, a patisserie in San Francisco.  The shop’s clean, vibrant design is upstaged only by the amazing treats behind the glass.  Tout Sweet has creatively designed to-go boxes and bags featuring the compound formula for sugar, which is super nerdy cool. Since SOMEONE (named Chava, but we won’t point fingers) didn’t bring us any samples, we think a field trip is in order!  

 

Boom Chicka Pop

Get your sunglasses! These bags of BOOM CHICKA POP are screaming to be grabbed off the shelves.  Barbara saw them from several aisles away!  Once you’ve adjusted your eyes to the bold and bright packaging design, you can check out the clever messaging on the bag.  We were glad we gave them a closer look.
 

Somebody call security! This aisle display BIG designed for Norton is bound to make a scene.  Check it out at Staples stores near you.

September What's Up

Fall is almost here! You know what that means...lots of candy consumption in the BIG office. Which also means, we will probably see some candy packaging at next month's What's Up meeting. Stay tuned for that, but in the meantime, check out these great finds from the BIG staff!

Ugmonk
We shared in the full consumer experience when Chava opened the newest promo from Ugmonk. Enclosed in a birch wood package were a 4th anniversary T-shirt, a collector’s card and limited edition letterpress block. Wow, what a cool promo!

 

Giada/Target
Target is carrying a line of specialty foods by the Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis. Jason shared that her brand and display had a strong shelf presence.  We liked how the lighter color pallet made this packaging stand out from the more established brands.

Stafidenos Raisins
Check out how this raisin box goes from good to GREAT! Stafidenios created a dual-purpose package that first holds their product, and then can be easily transformed into a figure. Not hard to see the added value that this package design brings to the product. We bet Ying has already started a collection!

ID Gum
It seems like Stride comes out with a new line of gum every week! And that’s why we pay attention.  ID gum is a new brand targeting the teenage market.  We all liked the look of the in-store displays, the creative artwork on each package, and the magnetic closure.