Whalebird Kombucha Can Illustration & Design
Overview
For this project, I had the opportunity to showcase my skills by crafting a fresh and captivating illustration as well as a striking can design exclusively for Whalebird Kombucha. To ensure a harmonious visual experience, I utilized the icons, typefaces, and wordmarks that were thoughtfully provided. The end result is a design that pays homage to the brand's essence while captivating the target audience through a vibrant neon aesthetic that highlights summertime and night life.
Exploration + Discovery
During my exploration, I made it a point to visit various supermarkets, including Whole Foods, to observe and analyze different can and packaging designs. As I wandered through the store, my attention was drawn to illustrations, simple shapes, and typography used in these designs. This helped me analyze what truly captures attention in a busy supermarket environment - is it the logo, the contrasting elements amidst the bright colors, or the vibrancy of the packaging?
While embarking on my journey to various supermarkets, I was intrigued by the distinct packaging styles exhibited by each. In order to address this captivating phenomenon, this was my solution - the creation of a high contrast can featuring a captivatingly dark background. By setting a dark background, I could successfully captivate the viewer's attention with an array of vibrant and succulent colors, stimulating a delightful and radiant experience for the summer.
Thumbnails, Sketch + Wireframe
In my creative process, I begin by creating multiple versions of a centralized logo using a combination of Art Deco icons. This choice effectively captures the essence of celebration and perfectly complements the beverage it represents. Once I have finalized the concept during the thumbnail stage, I use Adobe Illustrator to refine the line art and incorporate additional decorative elements.
Inspired by the original Whalebird design, I introduce captivating wave patterns towards the bottom of the illustration. This wireframe shows the general placement of each element and creates a hierachy between illustration, logo and other necessary information. While maintaining a recognizable layout inspired by the original can, I introduce a slightly different approach to the flavor.
Dieline, Nutrition, + Design
All of the indispensable components were positioned within the defined red boundary, ensuring they would not be lost. The faint, dotted line accurately depicts where the packaging would be creased at the upper and lower edges of the can.
In addition to crafting the design, the dieline and fold lines required consideration, specifically pinpointing the locations where the packaging would be cut after printing.
Deliverable - Final Design
The final design of the Whalebird Kombucha can incorporates a vibrant neon logo depicting a majestic orca leaping over a blueberry. To further captivate the viewers, Art Deco shapes have been integrated, guiding their gaze seamlessly towards the brand name. Furthermore, intricate decorative motifs adorn the flavor profile, evoking a delightful sensation associated with savoring this unique blend. In addition, the design encompassed the creation of numerous small symbols symbolizing essential elements such as hibiscus, blueberry, black tea, live culture (to be refrigerated), probiotic, raw, gluten-free, and plant-based characteristics.