Studio Calico Needs Great Packaging
My first job in packaging taught me that it's commonly the last thing a company considers when developing a product. And that's a shame. Because it's often the difference between what gets sold and what stays on the shelf.
That can be a little corny because it's true. My first packaging design was put into production about three years ago, and let's just say I've come a long way! Most of my early designs were purely structural, protecting parts like sensors and car trim as they make their way to the assembly line. I moved on to in-store displays, exhibit design, and even high-end packaging within the first year.
That can be a little corny because it's true. My first packaging design was put into production about three years ago, and let's just say I've come a long way! Most of my early designs were purely structural, protecting parts like sensors and car trim as they make their way to the assembly line. I moved on to in-store displays, exhibit design, and even high-end packaging within the first year.
Design in the Details
As with many designers, I've been the "creative one" as long as I can remember. I drew up T-Shirts for every group so much as near me since Boy Scouts... through Atlanta Junior Rowing Association... and to college clubs and events like GT Equestrians and Football Gamedays.
I'm currently enrolled in a user experience (UX) class through Springboard online, working to improve my understanding of the end user in products and interfaces. It's here I'm learning that the details can be worked out starting from the roughest prototype-- that iterative design proves the most efficient and effective if done properly. My UX learning can be seen at uxrs.weebly.com (I'm two weeks into a 2-3 month course)
I'm currently enrolled in a user experience (UX) class through Springboard online, working to improve my understanding of the end user in products and interfaces. It's here I'm learning that the details can be worked out starting from the roughest prototype-- that iterative design proves the most efficient and effective if done properly. My UX learning can be seen at uxrs.weebly.com (I'm two weeks into a 2-3 month course)
Strategy & Coordination
At my current job, I'm the go-to. And I mean that. Every department lead from production to books to stickers comes to me when they need in-store displays, packaging, or fresh die-lines done quickly.
Down below: Concepts from my early professional work....
Down below: Concepts from my early professional work....
Keeping up with the Cool Kids
Design is always on my mind. I'm reading about it constantly in my spare time and it influences my decisions at work. I'll be watching the cyclic trends of colors just as sharply as I'm looking at the structures and materials that differentiate the best in packaging from the rest.
Making it Look Good
I've worked specifically as a product photographer in the past, and built showroom samples for ceramics and hardware. I know what looks good, and what can make it look even better. I've built my own light-boxes for everything from footwear to tile to tabletop decor.
The Software
I've been working with Adobe CS since I first laid eyes on it in 2006. My highschool AP art class allowed me the freedom to try out this new medium, and I produced some truly hilarious works. I've since graduated to near photo-real renderings, catalog-worthy photo-edits, and even fantasy concepts brought to high-resolution. I've worked with Solidworks for solid and surface modeling since 2008, and have used it professional for dimensioned diagrams, assembly instructions, bills of materials, and more. I regularly use both Macs and PCs, and the standard Microsoft Office as well (though Google Docs is quite nice for collaboration).
Making: Samples & Prototypes
Right now, I'm the go-to for complex mockups. Boxes, effects like foiling, and new product development...
I build prototypes and samples myself for most of my projects. This helps keep designs simple and manufacturable.
I build prototypes and samples myself for most of my projects. This helps keep designs simple and manufacturable.
The Materials
While I'm currently working almost exclusively with paper goods, I have experience in some more exotic media. I've designed steel shipping containers, assembly line parts, air-release dies for ceramic tile, large-scale mosaics, and even soft goods like socks.