If you’ve been following me on twitter you are well aware of what I’ve been up to the past few weeks. Today I’m launching another (mini) blog called Daily Design Bits. This blog will feature frequent short posts of all the ‘shiny things I find on and off the interwebs’. Hop on over there and explore (and grab the feed so you don’t miss anything)! You can also submit cool things that you find if you want them to be featured!

Daily Design Bits is powered by Tumblr – which so far has been an AWESOME platform to work with! I’ve got some great content queued up for your viewing pleasure! I’m still tweaking things and setting things up – so if you find something that’s broken shoot me an email and let me know!

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!

Pics I snagged at target:

Advertisement announcing the new retro throwback packaging:

Really….really retro Mountain dew packaging! Way before my time!

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Check out the progression of the Mt. Dew logo from the 70′s to today:

Check out this mid 90′s Arabic Mt Dew can:

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I used to buy glass bottles of like these at the gas station when I was a kid!!! And….anyone remember mellow yello???

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Not sure why anyone would want this…but apparently Mt Dew code red has chap stick…

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And last but not least…there are aparently other ‘perverted’ flavors of mt dew out there (besides the red and orange crap…) who knew! I’m totally a purist when it comes to Mt Dew – original only please!!!

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What do you guys think?

Are you digging the retro packaging? Is this just a silly marketing ploy or is it cool? Chime in and let me know what you think!

Hitachino Nest Beer

Love the owls on these beer labels!

Trouble Brewing

Love the illustrations on these labels. Look out here comes trouble! Designed by Stranger & Stranger.

1836 Classic

I love the swashy type on this beer can!

Hoegaarden

Quite possibly one of my favorite beers! An interesting Destijl style redesign of the classic packaging. Designed by Christopher Ritter.

Heineken Beer Package

Love this packaging concept for a beer carrier for Heineken. Designed by Luis Luna.

Astor Beer

This is a student project by

Nelson Beer

Love the illustrative approach to this package design.

Carlsberg 900

Ultra premium beer that comes in handy….1 packs? I like the black label and how it contrasts with the color of the beer.

Brew Dog Beer

I like the grungy approach that the brew dog labels have.

Guinness

A classic…what else can I say?

Cider Beer

I love the simple playful typography of this cider can!

Tokaido Beer

I’m definitely fascinated by public transit system maps, and love that this packaging has a subway map integrated into the design! Designed by Lisa Llanes.

Bard’s Beer

love this re-branding by Minneapolis based design form Hunt Adkins

Great Divide Beer

Love the emphasis on type and the little quirky silhouettes on the labels. If I saw Yeti beer at the store I would totally buy it!!!! Designed by Cultivator Advertising & Design.

Liten Ljus Lager

Simplistic Swedish beer packaging. Makes me want to go get drunk in an IKEA store!

Pipeline Organic Stout

I like the ripped paper feel on the labels

Bar Beer

Interesting name for Taiwanese beer

Peroni

This is the crappy Italian beer I drank while studying in Italy. Its hilarious to me because the name essentially means blue ribbon. Which makes me think of PBR.

Nova Schin

There’s even beer (non alcoholic) for pregnant women…

What is your favorite beer packaging?

Leave a comment and let me know!

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The third in a series of posts on yummy packaging! (Check out part 1 and part 2 if you missed them!) This time we take a look at something we all cherished from our childhood – CEREAL!!!

Doves Farm Organic Chocolate Stars

Love the retro-like illustrations and clean type on this!

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Dorset Cereals

Love the die cut in this packaging! I’m also digging the simple slightly muted color schemes and straight forward typography!

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Me & Goji cereal

I never thought of cereal coming in a tube

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Jordans Cereals

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Kashi Black Currant & Walnut

I saw this at the grocery store the other day and almost bought it. Made from 100% recycled paper and printed with vegi inks. Cant get much more ‘green’ than this. Theres just something about the color of unbleached and not-inked up paper that is nice.

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Another interesting student take on Kashi packaging

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Retro General Mills Packaging

I dont really remember any of these designs, probably because they were made before i was born

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Starbucks Oatmeal Packaging

Not cereal persay but still breakfast! Love all the little details and geometric patterns!

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Archer Farms (target brand) Cereal

Interesting rounded ‘steamline’ packaging

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Berry Crackles

Now this is just scary, what kid would want to eat cereal that looks like it has a drugged up squirrel on the box??

If you know if any other cool cereal packaging leave a comment and post a link!

I just finished up a project that involved designing for packaging.  I’m primarily a web designer so switching gears to print design was interesting to say the least.  Check out these tips and tricks that I picked up during the process.

#1 Think about color

Since I’ve been working mostly in web design my brain operates in RGB and hex codes. It’s difficult to get used to using pantone colors, or remember to create CMYK documents. If you start working with an RBG file and then convert to CMYK you get all sorts of funky color problems – its always best to start out working with the correct color space.

#2 Think in 3d

I also had a hard time with this. I was trying to figure ot how the box for the packaging would fold up. For some reason my brain could not compute this process so I had to make a paper mock up and sketch from that. If you are having problems coming up with a design for the container itself check out this sweet book!

#3 Flat is boring (make it pop!)

Have you ever looked at toy packaging? There is absolutely nothing flat about this packaging. They all use tons of cheezy effects to get your (or your kids) attention – but some do it well. I had to learn how to use glow, drop shadows and highlights (sort of) tastefully.

#4 Illustrations!

One of the constraints of this package design was that they didn’t have an product photos. Since this was the case I created some simplified and cute illustrations of their products.

#5 Print, Print, Print

You should always try to print your designs out and look at them from a distance. I tend to work really zoomed in illustrator and indesign. Its always a good idea to look at a printed piece (even though colors may not be completely accurate). Looking at a printed piece at 100% also gives you an idea for the level and intensity of detail needed to stand out from a distance.

Other Suggestions?

Do you guys have any suggestions for switching gears to print design? Leave a comment and let me know!

I know I’m not the only one out there that walks into a convince store and randomly buys an energy drink based on the cool packaging…admit it! You do it too! This is the second post in our series: Mmmmm Packaging! This time we take a look at some sweet energy drink packaging.

Bomba Energy Drink

Bomba Energy design by Valentine Associates:

Love the shape of these bottles. I’m a sucker for anything that looks out of the ordinary. Would you guys buy something that looked like a grenade?

Rubyy

Not sure I would buy this – but this is pretty atypical packaging for an energy drink.

Rubyy Blood Orange Energy Drink, has been coined “the first ultra-premium luxury energy drink”. It was launched this year by Maurice Kanbar (the founder of Skyy Vodka) and Chris Huddleston.

Mt Dew

Quite possibly the original energy drink (to me at least…I grew up drinking mt dew). But not the package has been changed….still not sure what I think.

Bloom

I like the simplicity of the packaging, and the playful punctuation. Clever idea to put the flavor as the bottom of the exclamation point. Designed by CBX

Burn Energy Drink

Theres just something about the tall skinny can that alot of energy drinks come in…but check out the typography of the ingredients on the back!!! Design by Ergo ID.

Suso

While these vector graphics are probably a dime a dozen, I like the design combined with the bright colors. This drink would catch my eye in the store.

Fuelosophy

I’m really digging the combination of a subtle gradient and the textured look of the arrows on this packaging. This packaging evokes the feminine in a subtle way.

Design by Hatch

Jolt

Remember Jolt cola? Well they have been rebranded and now they have a variety of energy drinks in an interesting metal can.

NOS

This is another drink that caught my eye….but not really because of the design, but rather the color of the packaging. Its bright and definitely stands out on the shelf. Tastes like crap though

Battery Drink

Again not the best design, but an interesting concept.

WTF? Who came up with these ideas?

Here are a couple of…interesting and hilarious drinks. Not sure if they are real, but damn…i could go for some Strawberry Scissor-kick Chuck Norris Energy drink right about now.

…just incase you wanted some drugs in your drink?

For the patriot in us all… Patrol energy drink!

Last but not least…BRAWNDO!!!!! The Thirst Mutilator

This….well…is just freaking hilarious! Check out the Brawndo site….and watch the hilarious videos. Great viral marketing and social marketing!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Do you know of any other cool, or hilarious energy drinks?

Check out part 1 in the series: Mmmm Packaging Part 1 – Coffee

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The first in a series of posts on yummy packaging! This time we take a look at some lovely coffee packaging. Quite possibly my favorite area of packaging!

Bull Run Roasting Company

I’m loving the hand stamped quality of this packaging designed by Jeff Holmberg. This approach makes every package unique, and gives it a hand done feel. It also has a slightly industrial bend which I’m diggin as well!

Images via The Dieline

Stumptown Coffee

Love this cost friendly concept for Stumptown Coffee by Fritz Mesenbrink that includes slits for color coded cards that contained information about the coffee blend, grower information and location. Clever idea!

Images via The Dieline

Artemis Coffee

Love the Art Deco style of this lovely simple coffee packaging by Watts Design. Something about the shapes of this design remind me of A.M. Cassandre’s Pi Volo and Dubonnet wine postsers.

Milano Coffee

I’m enjoying the hand written feel of the Milano ‘signature’ on the package. The color coding of the different roasts contrasts nicely with the silver color of the bag. Designed by Demo Graphic.

Calistoga Bakery Cafe

Designed by Vrontikis for Calistoga Bakery Cafe.

I’m definately falling in love with this packaging for a few reasons. 1 The bold colors. I like my coffee to be dark and bold, and this color scheme just brings that back for me. 2 Simple illustrations! Love the beans…they also lead your eye around the packaging and to the information on the other panels. 3 The type is visable but blends in nicely with the illustrations.

Grind Coffee

Grind Coffee, a spectacular senior thesis by Talia Cohen of Rhode Island School of Design.

This packaging stands out to be because of its type heavy design and the scale. The coffee is arranged on a scale from 1-6 based on the boldness and darkness of the roast. Very nice student work!

Intelligentsia Coffee

Designed by Planet Propaganda.

This packaging has a slightly retro feel. Also  i’m in love with their logo. How could you not love a flying cup of coffee in the morning (or this could be a sign that you NEED more coffee in the morning lol)

Gorilla Coffee

Designed by One Trick Pony.

I love the fact that one trick pony managed to combine an illustration of NYC and a gorilla! Look closely and you can see it. I’m also quite partial to the black and red color scheme due to a somewhat unhealthy obsession with constructivism from my college days.

Taxi Cafe

Designed by TAXI.

Very simplistic but effective packaging. Read the copy I love it when design is allowed to show a sense of humor!

Ugly Mug Coffee

I posted about ugly mug coffee a while ago when I found it in the grocery store, but its worth pointing out again. I love the fact that they feature pictures of sleepy people and big bold type.

Ugly Mug Coffee is designed by Young and Laramore.

Starbucks Pikes Place Roast

Now i know from my Starbucks vs Dunkin Donuts post that this is a touchy brand for some. But you still have to admire the simplicity and retro-ness of the cup they came out with to show off their pike place roast.

Illy Coffee

Illy coffee’s little red and silver can will always have a special place in my heart. I used to drink illy espresso at home when I was studying abroad in Italy.  The design of these cans are so simple, but so effective and iconic – whats not to love (except the fact that they are suppppper expensive here in the states)

MMMMM Packaging Series

Check out the rest of in this series of posts on packaging:

MMMMM Packaging Part 2: Energy Drinks

MMMMM Packaging Part 3: Breakfast Cereal

MMMMM Packaging Part 4: Beer

Let me know what you think!

Know of any other cool coffee packaging out there? Leave a comment and let me know! Thanks!

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This Thursday (Dec 18th) 6-8 pm est I will be co-hosting Design Community Twitter Hours ( #DCTH ) along with Chad Engle. What is this DCTH non-sense? Its a weekly time period where you can get answers to your design related questions via twitter.

Who:

Designers like you and me!

What:

Design related questions that you need answers to.

When

Thursdays 6-8pm Eastern Time

Where

Twitter!

Why

There is a need for more collaboration and communication within the design community. This already happens via twitter. #DCTH is an attempt to harness this community and utilize it!

When you post and ask questions this thursday be sure to shoot the tweet to @chadengle or @nebrow or have it contain the hashtag #DCTH that way I/Niki can track and be able to find what you are asking us and reply! Topics can include anything that has to do with design, web or print, your life, schooling, work, anything really. I look forward to seeing you all this Thursday at 6-8pm (est)

I was at dunkin donuts the other day and noticed that they beat Starbucks in a ‘national taste test’. This prompted me to ponder where I get my coffee and why. I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve noticed that designers tend to be snobby about their coffee (or their symmetrically designed energy drink of choice *).

Not going to lie here…im not that big of a Dunkin fan, but I do think their design is interesting. I’m a sucker for bold round fonts. But I’m also a sucker for pretty much every package design Starbucks has pumped out (and i prefer their coffee).

Starbucks

Starbucks is constantly changing their coffee packaging line to keep things fresh (pun intended?) However the changes are not drastic enough to confuse the consumer. Their design is highly illustrative which I’m sure appeals to all the designers out there. This illustrative style is carried out in the artwork they display on their store walls and the in store displays.

Pike roast vintage cup

love the texture…kinda looks like letter press

The christmas cup this year

nice type and grid based package

Love these illustrations!

A nice simple coffee mug

Another recent noticeably new design venture for Starbucks in the gold card. Very simple design – with a nice foil stamp on the printed material.

Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin Donuts has a very noticeable and friendly…almost web 2.0 logo – and much like starbucks they are literally everywhere in the Boston area. I think what dunkin lacks in sophistication they make up for by being iconic. You can almost spot the dunkin donuts colors and logos from a mile away! (or maybe its just that they are literally everywhere ) Since dunkin is so popular here, everyone is a walking advertisement every morning as they grab their coffee and donuts and head to work.

Iconic logo…and a colorful donut!

iced coffee packaging

love that this design plays off the nice rounded type of the logo.

not so crazy about their latte cup

apparently they beat Starbucks in a taste test….i think it was rigged

I am after your opinion, dear readers

Which coffee chain’s logo/packaging/branding is more appealing to your designer eyes? Which coffee do you prefer? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

My boss sent me a picture of Coca-Cola’s new holiday packaging. I kinda dig the christmas ornament-like shape of the bottle. I’m also a sucker for all things mini and cute! Click read more to see more pics!

What do you guys think?

Do you like this holiday packaging? Or do you think its a waste of time/energy/money/resources/plastic?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Pics via laughing squid on flickr