What's Up: June

Happy June! Summer is officially upon us, and we're enjoying the sunshine and lighter evenings. It also means two of our favorite things: art and wine! Want to join BIG at the 2013 Art & Wine Festival (Aug 3 & 4)? Mandatory training for all NEW volunteers will be held Thurs 7/18 or Tues 7/30 at 6pm. If you're interested – make sure to visit our Facebook page and leave a comment for more info. We'd love to see you there!

 

Boombotix Rex:
Check out this innovative new product made right here in the Bay Area.  Barbara recently sponsored Boombotix Rex on their Kickstarter program and we can totally see why. This rugged little speaker is water resistant and shatter proof, and comes with a “No matter what!” warranty.  The exterior packaging mirrors the speakers unique shape, and has a satin feel.  Well done, Boombotix!

Lagranja 360 Wine:
Chava found the Lagranja 360 brand of Spanish wine at Trader Joes.  We found their use of imagery on the label engaging, and had fun trying to guess the messaging behind them. (What’s black and white and read all over?)  And from what Chava says, it’s a great wine for the price.

Campbell’s Go:
Ed came across Campbell’s new ‘Go’ soup pouches both online and at his local market.  This convenient, single serving product uses minimal materials, can be opened without a can opener and goes right into the microwave.  The idea behind the design was to use various faces and speech bubbles to give the product a fun personality.  What do you guys think?  Are the faces fun or creepy??  

Wavy Lays:
Brands we know and love are always updating their look. Barbara immediately spotted the new Lay’s refresh for Wavy chips, but not because she liked it.  The hierarchy of the product name outweighed the brand, overall making the product look like a generic.  Sorry Wavy Lay’s, but we found this refresh to already be stale.

Kiyu Taro snacks:
Do you crave certain flavors when the weather changes?  Kiyu Taro snacks seem to think so.  We like how the product images are integrated in these watercolor inspired designs.   The bright single packages stand out against the natural look of the exterior carton.  Good find, Ying!

What's Up: May

Why hello May, you sure did creep up on us. Summer is fast approaching, and we're all looking forward to the warmer temps and vacations! Check out what our team found for this month's what's up meeting:

Cyndi noticed that Tazo Tea has had a total brand make over. The team felt that the change might be too drastic, since it will be competing on a shelf full of lesser known brands. Tazo is one of the few brands with significant equity in the tea industry, and we felt they should have better protected it What do you think? Would you recognize the new packaging?

Gillette continuously develops cool new looks for their ever-changing line of products. John felt this was a good example of packing that is successful without being expensive. Nicely done!

Jason came across this package design for Goal Zero’s portable speakers. We felt that the structure design and printing were well done for an off-brand product. Again proving that successful packaging just has to be smart, not expensive. Good find!

Check out this package for Aura Tea that John found! We LOVED how their logo was mimicked in the structural design for the TranquiliT package. The result is a beautiful, clean design that is sure to stand out in a very competitive market.

Retro always seems to be in style! Check out the Mike & Ike throwbacks Barb discovered in the candy aisle. The vintage look held its own on a shelf packed current designs for sweet treats…but only while supplies lasted. Not sure it will last long here in the studio either!

Lasting brand equity lives in products like Liquore Strega. Chava remembers this bottle always being a part of family celebrations, and the brand is connected to great memories throughout his lifetime. We are sure Chava is not alone in his fondness for this brand. The logo, bottle and art have had minimal changes since the origin of the product in 1860.

What's Up: April Fools Edition

When it comes to packaging, we know that bad things can happen when you don't use BIG. You could end up with eighteen different fonts, incredibly wasteful packaging, or marketing with more messages than the evening news. In the spirit of this April Fool's Day, we thought this month it would be fun to share What's WRONG.

John found this eco-friendly banana packaging. And not to mention, the use of cellophane wrap gives the customer a full view of the product. An example of good packaging? Now that's bananas!

Chava knows his hair care products (although we are pretty sure this one has never touched a hair on his head.) But we all agree that the illustration of a gorilla with post nasal drip totally sells style!

Ed loves type, but even he would say this is too much of a good thing! John found this plant fertilizer with too much to say and too many ways to say it. How many typefaces do you count?

Barbara snagged these mesh hair nets for obvious reasons. We're not sure what we love most - the modern photography or the quantity callout. It all meshes so well doesn't it?

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.