summary
This project is all about designing a set of packaging for a fictional product line, focusing on three specific packaging types: pillow-shaped, box-shaped, and cylinder-shaped. The idea is to pull together everything we’ve learned in the course so far—things like working with dielines, using consistent design elements, and creating both physical and digital mockups. We’re also sharpening key design skills like typography, layout, branding, and color coordination while making sure each package fits its unique form and purpose. Think of it as creating a cohesive "family" of packaging that works together visually and functionally, while showing off our growth as designers.
goals
When I began this project, I felt unsure about the direction I wanted to take. Initially, I toyed with the idea of creating toy packaging for toddlers or perhaps focusing on a clothing line. However, as I progressed, I decided to narrow my focus to a toddler brand centered around fabric-based products that emphasize softness and quality. The brand, Silky Fish, is all about creating a tactile experience for young children, showcasing silky, soft materials that feel comforting and gentle. As I completed the project, I ensured that the branding, design elements, and packaging all reflected this focus on softness and quality, with visuals and textures that align with the brand’s core message.
ideation
crazy-8s (quick sketches for ideation)
These sketches serve as the foundation for exploring ideas related to logos, brand names, packaging designs, and product types.
moodboard
The moodboard on the left focused on a baby brand, featuring soft pastel colors and essential products for parents with infants. The one in the middle was centered on an aquarium brand, showcasing items like filtered water, fish food, and aquarium setups. Lastly, the moodboard on the right represented a hair salon, highlighting hair-related products such as foils, shampoos, and dyes. Ultimately, elements from the first two moodboards influenced my final concept. I combined the idea of a brand aimed at younger audiences but shifted the focus from babies to toddlers. Instead of creating a fish-based brand, I incorporated the fish motif as a playful theme for the toddler brand, resulting in "Silky Fish."
logo design
sketches round 2
I enjoyed exploring the ideas in my sketches, and it was challenging to decide which direction to take. Among the class favorites were "Chunky Chicken," "Barking Paws," and "Silky Fish." All three featured animal-themed designs and two-color logos, which helped me realize a bit about my personal style. I gravitate toward incorporating mascots into brand logos because I feel it makes the brand more engaging and lively. Additionally, I like using contrasting colors in the logotype to create visual interest and make the brand name stand out. These preferences were highlighted and refined during critiques and workshops, where feedback helped solidify my direction and design choices.
final logo
The "Silky Fish" logo was inspired by the playful themes in my moodboards, combining soft, child-friendly designs with aquatic elements. The hand-drawn fish outline and rounded font create an approachable and fun feel, perfect for a toddler brand. The orange and green color palette is vibrant yet calming, appealing to both kids and parents. Its simplicity and bold design make it versatile for packaging, ensuring it stands out while reflecting the brand’s focus on softness and quality.
dieline file creation
When planning products for my brand, I explored dielines for the box, pillow, and cylinder shapes, considering both their functionality and how they fit the brand. I selected the pillow shape for socks, as this type of packaging feels soft and aligns with the brand's focus on comfort. For the box, I chose one with a die-cut window that allows customers to see and feel the fabric, emphasizing the tactile quality of Silky Fish products. Lastly, I used the cylinder for face cloths, as it provides a sturdy, reusable option that doubles as storage. These dielines were chosen with both the product experience and brand identity in mind, ensuring consistency and appeal.
dieline artwork development
november 21st progress
At the start, I debated between creating sensory blocks with different fabrics or focusing on socks. For the initial pillow-shaped dieline, I used the logotype without the logo mark to experiment, as it felt more fitting. While I hadn’t finalized the second font, I knew I wanted a rounded style to complement the logotype and reflect the brand's playful vibe. Though the early stage was rough, it provided a solid starting point.
december 3rd progress
In the second round of progress, I finalized my decision to focus on the sock product over the sensory blocks and incorporated more of the logo by creating a pattern that featured elements of it. The layout and design for the pillow-shaped packaging were nearly complete, though the typography and word placement still needed refinement, and the UPC was too large. During this phase, I also began working on the cylinder packaging, aiming to make it stand out from the pillow shape. For the cylinder, I chose face cloths as the product and designed the package with the logo prominently covering most of the front. However, the type was difficult to read due to the light green color on the patterned background, and the UPC size was incorrect here as well. These adjustments highlighted areas to improve for the next phase.
december 5th progress
During the final progress check-in, the pillow-shaped packaging was nearly finished, with only minor adjustments left. At this stage, I added more personality to the brand by creatively incorporating the fish tail from the logo, allowing it to playfully extend beyond the logo. I also began working on the box packaging, drawing heavily from the layout of the pillow packaging to create a cohesive and consistent look across the product line. For the cylinder, I simplified the design by removing the pattern, making the text easier to read. However, the UPCs still needed resizing to meet the correct specifications.
digital 3-d mockups development
For this project, I used a new tool called Pacdora, and I really appreciated how straightforward and user-friendly it was, especially for creating mock-ups. I designed on a dieline provided by the site, which made applying it to the corresponding model seamless and accurate. I also loved how easy it was to make adjustments. Pacdora offers pre-made models and scenes that you can customize, including the ability to change the background to a solid color, gradient, or image. Additionally, it provides short animation features, which are great for creating polished promotional videos.
tangible 3-d mockups
I decided on the cylinder for the tangible mock-up because I had the perfect physical packaging available and didn’t want it to go to waste. The tangible version effectively mirrors what the digital mock-up represents, bringing the design to life. Additionally, I chose the cylinder because it allowed me to achieve the cleanest and most polished result, both in terms of craftsmanship and presentation.
Final Work
dielines
Videos
mock-ups
My final design choices reflect the core values of the Silky Fish brand: softness, comfort, and a playful, approachable style for toddlers and their parents. The packaging design across all three formats—pillow, box, and cylinder—demonstrates a cohesive visual identity, with recurring elements like the fish pattern and the vibrant yet calming orange and green color palette. Each package type was carefully tailored to its product: the pillow packaging for socks ensures a soft and lightweight feel, the box packaging features a die-cut window that invites customers to touch and feel the product's fabric, and the sturdy cylinder packaging for face cloths adds a reusable and practical aspect.
These thoughtful design choices not only enhance the user experience but also align with a strong marketing strategy. The playful yet clean design appeals to parents who value quality and aesthetics, while the tactile emphasis reinforces the brand’s unique selling point of soft, high-quality fabric products. Together, the designs effectively communicate the brand's personality and create a memorable customer experience, building trust and loyalty.
knowledge gained
Through this project, I learned a great deal about both technical design skills and my personal approach to branding and packaging. Technically, I gained experience working with dielines, creating mock-ups using Pacdora, and balancing typography, layout, and visual elements to ensure a cohesive and marketable design. I also discovered how small details, like incorporating the fish tail into the packaging or adjusting colors for readability, can elevate a brand's personality and functionality. Beyond the technical aspects, this project shifted my mindset about design. I realized the importance of thoughtful storytelling in creating a brand and how every design choice must align with a product’s purpose and audience. It also gave me a clearer understanding of how my love for playful, mascot-driven branding can be a unique strength in my future career. This project reaffirmed my passion for design and opened my eyes to the potential for creative problem-solving in real-world applications.