Branding and Packaging Case Studies
Branding and packaging play a crucial role in the success of consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. These elements aren’t just cosmetic additions, they are strategic tools that directly impact a brand’s ability to stand out on the shelf, connect with consumers, and drive those sales!!
In a highly competitive marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with choices, effective branding and packaging can make the difference between a product’s success and failure. It’s about conveying value, building trust, and influencing purchasing decisions.
CPG brands must start with, and continuously leverage, quality branding to remain relevant and competitive in today’s fast-paced consumer landscape.
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Let’s take a look at some of our branding and packaging case studies for CPG brands…
MONARCH: NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRIT
Services provided:
- Brand Strategy
- Visual Identity
- Packaging Design
- Creative Direction
Objective: To create a conceptual, non-alcoholic aperitif brand that’s meant to be enjoyed simply with no end result in mind.
Brand Inspiration: Although ethereal in design, the intention for this not-so-boozy libation is to enjoy where you are. It is a moment of bliss created by nothing other than the partaker’s willingness to embrace it.
For the brand’s inspiration, we set our scene in a garden where you see a butterfly gently flap its wings and float around the flowers. It is a reminder to stop and appreciate the moment. The brand’s visual identity is an ode to this scene. Each flavor takes on a specific theme with a specific flavor profile – allowing you to be fully present when partaking.
Branding:
- Simplicity: Monarch’s essence lies in its simplicity. No lofty promises, just an invitation to revel in the present.
- Mindfulness: The brand’s very soul encourages mindful living, an antidote to our hectic world.
- Nature’s Elegance: The garden and butterfly evoke nature’s grace, harmonizing with Monarch’s calming presence.
- Indulgence in the Now: Monarch is more than a beverage; it’s a moment of bliss, born from your willingness to embrace it.
- Music and Experience: The Monarch playlist enhances the experience, offering a sensory journey that aligns with each flavor.
Packaging:
- Ethereal Design: The packaging design mirrors the garden scene, creating a tangible connection with Monarch’s inspiration.
- Flavor Themes: Each Monarch flavor carries a unique visual theme, enhancing the anticipation and enjoyment of the drinking experience.
- Present-Centric: The packaging communicates the brand’s focus on the present, encouraging a pause in the chaos.
- Uncomplicated Luxury: Monarch’s packaging embodies luxury without pretension, celebrating simplicity.
- Invitation: The packaging is an open invitation to sit back, sip slowly, and savor the moment.
HI, SKIN
Services provided:
- Visual Identity
- Creative Direction
- Social Assets
Objective: To elevate the existing Hi, skin brand by creating a seamless experience that blends the interior design of the studios with all other customer touchpoints.
Brand Inspiration: From the terrazzo floors to the bold color palette, and even the fun music, this place is completely unique to any other facial studio. Taking inspiration from the one-of-a-kind interior design of the studios, we developed an identity that carries this uniqueness throughout all brand applications.
Branding:
- Unique Interior Design Integration: Elevating the Hi, skin brand meant seamlessly merging the distinctive studio interior design with all customer interactions. Step into a Hi, skin studio, and you’ll dive headfirst into an unforgettable experience.
- Studio-Inspired Identity: Our branding journey drew inspiration from the inimitable studio aesthetics, crafting an identity that extends this distinctiveness across all brand touchpoints. In collaboration with the innovative minds at Willa Creative, we elevated the brand experience, inviting individuals not just to greet their skin but to forge a lasting relationship with it.
- Playful Brand Personality: Our brand personality and messaging embrace a playful and welcoming tone. The use of circles, lines, and negative space layouts mirrors the very elements that grace the physical studio space, weaving the studio’s essence into every aspect of Hi, skin.
MAGICDATES
Services provided:
- Visual Identity Design
- Product Naming
- Creative Direction
- Packaging Design
Objective: To reimagine and revamp the brand identity and packaging design by telling the unique story of MAGICDATES through its authentic values and voice.
Brand Inspiration: MAGICDATES draws its inspiration from the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture, where the date holds a cherished place in tradition and nostalgia. Founder Diana Jarrar’s own upbringing in Damascus, Syria, and her deep-rooted connection to both Syrian and Palestinian heritage serve as the brand’s wellspring of authenticity. By fusing the allure of dates with the power of storytelling, MAGICDATES not only honors ancient culinary traditions but also invites consumers to embark on a sensory journey, where every bite is a taste of culture, love, and cherished memories.
Branding:
- Authenticity: MAGICDATES embodies the authentic values and traditions of Middle Eastern cultures, celebrating the timeless appeal of dates.
- Cultural Connection: The brand leverages Diana’s background to connect with consumers through the rich heritage of Syria and Palestine.
- Storytelling: MAGICDATES uses its packaging to tell a unique story of culture, love, and food, fostering a deeper connection with customers.
- Emotional Appeal: The brand taps into nostalgia and fond childhood memories associated with dates, creating an emotional bond with consumers.
Packaging:
- Immersive Experience: The packaging design aims to immerse consumers in the brand’s story and inspiration.
- Artistic Collaboration: Zeindee Designs, an illustrator, collaborates with the brand to create stunning ingredient artwork featured across all product variations.
- Homage to Homeland: The packaging design incorporates layered landscapes inspired by the beauty of the Middle East, particularly the homeland of the sweet treat’s origin.
- Mosaic Patterns: Mosaic tile patterns adorn the packaging’s gusset, paying homage to the region’s artistic traditions.
- Line Differentiation: To help consumers easily distinguish between product lines, the original line features a daytime scene, while the chocolate-covered line showcases a night scene.
GWELL
Services provided:
- Creative Direction
- Content Strategy
- Social Media Content Creation
- Imagery Direction
Objective: To create a curated social media direction that accurately reflects the brand’s personality and appeals to its target audience.
Brand Inspiration: Gwell draws its inspiration from the profound belief that well-being should be an everyday privilege, not a distant aspiration. Founded on a personal journey of resilience and self-discovery, Gwell embodies the spirit of inclusivity, authenticity, and approachability. It aspires to disrupt the wellness industry’s high standards and unreachable price tags, instead offering functional snacks infused with humor, relatability, and a dash of playfulness. Gwell’s vibrant color palette and down-to-earth imagery reflect a brand that celebrates the beauty of individuality and promotes accessible wellness for all. In every bite and interaction, Gwell aims to inspire others to live better and embrace a balanced, wholesome lifestyle.
Branding:
- Brand Identity: This encompasses the overall personality,values, and mission of Gwell, which revolves around promoting wellness and making it accessible for all.
- FounderStory: Highlighting Fawziyya’s personal journey and the origin of Gwell’s products, which adds a human touch to the brand and conveys authenticity.
- Target Audience Segmentation: Understanding and catering to two distinct audience segments, health enthusiasts, and aspiring health seekers, is a critical part of the branding strategy.
- Uniqueness: Emphasizing Gwell’s unique approach to wellness compared to other brands in the industry, characterized by a laid back attitude.
- Playful Color Palette: The use of colors in branding to evoke a light-hearted and approachable image.
AFTER HOURS
Services provided:
- Brand Strategy
- Visual Identity
- Creative Direction
- Product Photography Art Direction
Objective: To reimagine the idea of a ‘spiritual’ brand – stepping away from the boho, witchcraft, new age brand directions that overwhelm the market, and instead imagine an entirely different approach that speaks to an audience looking for a unique experience.
Brand Inspiration: Basic Ritual Supply Co. draws its inspiration from the captivating duality of simplicity and boldness. Like the serene surface of a calm lake concealing the depth beneath, our brand combines straightforward accessibility with unapologetic uniqueness. We’re driven by the spirit of the ’90s, where nostalgia meets modernity, and where the ordinary transforms into something extraordinary. Our identity celebrates individuality and empowers practitioners to express themselves freely, all while making the world of crystals and candle magic refreshingly basic, approachable, and absolutely unforgettable.
Branding:
- Unveiling the Duality: Basic Ritual Supply Co. artfully balances the abstract and practical aspects of spirituality. Our brand makes the esoteric accessible.
- Simple and Iconic: Brand identity hinges on ‘basic’ elements. Typography, colors, and icons prioritize simplicity while incorporating distinctive details.
- 90s Nostalgia: Infused with ’90s nostalgia, our visual identity captures attention and resonates with individuals who embrace uniqueness.
- Color Palette: Our palette blends primary colors with vibrant accents, creating a harmonious yet attention-grabbing visual tone.
- Typography System: A clean sans-serif font is complemented by occasional script fonts, underscoring the brand’s duality and approachability.
BASIC RITUAL SUPPLY CO.
Services provided:
- Brand Strategy
- Visual Identity
- Packaging Design
- Creative Direction
Objective: To create a conceptual beer brand that creates a unique experience for the alternative target audience.
Brand Inspiration: After Hours Alcoholic Beverage draws its inspiration from the laid-back vibes of the California beach lifestyle. It’s all about embracing the alternative, youthful spirit that comes alive when the sun sets and the night begins. The brand is punchy, captivating, and designed to resonate with those seeking unique experiences. With a conceptual approach that speaks to potential partners and a packaging that features vibrant beach-inspired graphics and bold typography, After Hours aims to be the go-to choice for those seeking a taste of the after-hours adventure.
Branding:
- Lifestyle Branding: The brand is centered around a California beach lifestyle, appealing to a youthful and alternative audience.
- Youthful Appeal: Designed to attract a young and alternative audience.
- Conceptual Branding: The brand is conceptual but has garnered significant attention.
- Attractive Visuals: The branding is captivating and attention-grabbing.
Packaging
- Vibrant Label Design: The label design is vibrant and eye-catching.
- Beach-Inspired Graphics: Graphics on the packaging draw inspiration from California beaches.
- Bold Typography: Typography on the packaging is bold and distinctive.
- Shelf Appeal: The packaging stands out on the shelf and attracts attention.
- Alluring Visuals: Visual elements on the packaging are alluring and enticing.
SHOFER
Services provided:
- Visual Identity Design
- Creative Direction
- Website Design
- Social Media Content Creation
Objective: To build a brand identity and lifestyle around Storica’s newest wine, a fruity, dry rosé.
Brand Inspiration: Inspired by the vibrant and mystical tapestry of Armenian culture, SHOFER Rosé redefines the world of rosé wines. It celebrates the rich heritage of Armenian winemaking, blending tradition with a fresh, modern perspective. SHOFER invites wine lovers to explore a global community connected by a shared respect for ancient wine traditions, all while savoring the refreshing, red-berried flavors of Armenia’s finest grapes. With a timeless style and an immersive design, SHOFER Rosé encapsulates the essence of Armenia’s wine culture, inviting consumers to embark on a sensory journey with each sip.
Branding:
- Brand Identity: SHOFER Rosé aims to establish a strong and unique brand identity that sets it apart from other rosé wine brands. The brand identity is deeply rooted in celebrating Armenian culture and heritage.
- Cultural Celebration: SHOFER Rosé positions itself as a wine brand that goes beyond style, focusing on substance by celebrating the vibrancy and mystique of Armenian culture. This cultural celebration becomes a central element of the brand’s identity.
- Heritage Respect: The brand values ancient winemaking heritage while presenting it with a fresh, modern perspective. This respect for heritage is a core tenet of SHOFER Rosé’s identity.
- Typography: The brand employs a classic thin-weighted serif font for a timeless and elegant style, consistent with the label design. The typography creates a cohesive and recognizable look for the brand.
- Color Palette: SHOFER Rosé’s color palette prominently features rosé pink, aligning with its product and creating a visual connection with the wine itself. Additional colors from the label design are used to maintain consistency.
- Logo Variations: The brand has developed four distinct logo variations, including a unique handwritten script version. These variations add versatility and character to the brand identity.
- Illustrative Elements: Elements from the label illustration are integrated into the brand and website design, reinforcing the idea of a journey to Armenia through the wine. This immersive approach adds depth to the brand identity.
EMBER & BEAM
Services provided:
- Brand Strategy
- Visual Identity Design
- Digital Marketing Material
- Print Marketing Material
- Packaging Design
- E-commerce Website
- Design and Development
- Social Media Strategy
- Creative Direction
- Brand Consulting
Objective: To create a memorable candle brand that stands out in an increasingly saturated market.
Brand Inspiration: It draws its inspiration from the untamed beauty of Colorado’s rugged mountains and lush forests. Rooted in the belief that candles should kindle joy and make any place feel like home, the brand exudes simplicity, sincerity, and timelessness. It aspires to encourage customers to savor life’s simple moments with all-natural ingredients and candles named after specific times and places. The visual identity, characterized by a classic serif font and muted earth tones, mirrors the brand’s honest and inviting nature, ensuring a memorable and heartfelt experience for all who encounter it.
Branding:
- Design Inspiration: Draws from the rugged beauty of Colorado’s mountain terrains and dense forests.
Logo: Features a classic serif font, offering a warm and inviting feeling. The stenciled effect in the letters adds a touch of nostalgia. - Color Palette: Utilizes muted earth tones, echoing the natural world.
- Typography: Classic and inviting fonts complement the brand’s sincerity and simplicity.
- Messaging: Sincere, Down-to-Earth. Emphasizes natural ingredients and encourages customers to cherish simple moments.
- Candle Naming Strategy: Each candle is named after a specific time and place, inspiring customers to savor the present moment.
Packaging:
- Concept: A memorable, branded experience that resonates with the brand’s essence.
- Visual Elements: Incorporates branded details and captures the simplicity of life’s moments.
- Color Palette: Aligns with the muted earth tones of the overall brand, creating consistency
UNWRAPPED LIFE
Services provided:
- Creative Direction
- Packaging Design
- Package Sourcing
Objective: To design a packaging solution that reflects the brand’s mission of being free from single-use plastic without compromising quality.
Brand Inspiration: Unwrapped Life is a beacon of hope in the beauty industry’s sea of excess. Rooted in a profound commitment to sustainability, it’s a brand inspired by nature’s purity and the belief that true beauty starts with conscious choices. Unwrapped Life empowers individuals to embrace clean beauty without compromise, challenging the status quo with products that are as environmentally responsible as they are effective. Their inspiration lies in the simplicity of nature and the elegance of minimalism, as they redefine luxury, proving that the true essence of opulence resides not in extravagant packaging, but in the radiant results of their plastic-free, eco-conscious offerings.
Branding:
- Eco-Conscious Branding: Unwrapped Life positions itself as an environmentally responsible brand committed to reducing plastic waste in the beauty industry.
- Clean Beauty: The brand focuses on clean and natural ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to product quality.
- Luxury Perception Shift: Unwrapped Life challenges the conventional notion of luxury being associated with extravagant packaging, aiming to redefine luxury through product quality.
- Minimalist Branding: The branding leans towards minimalism, emphasizing simplicity and sustainability.
- Embossed Logo: The use of an embossed logo on the tin lid adds a premium and branded touch to the packaging.
Packaging:
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging is designed with sustainability in mind, with a focus on minimizing waste and being fully recyclable and compostable.
- Custom Inserts: The custom insert in the sliding box enhances product presentation and secures the tins.
- Color Coding: Differentiating product variants with colored bands on the outer box and inner tray aids in product identification and adds visual interest.
- Matte Finish: The choice of matte finishes on the kraft material contributes to a sophisticated appearance while maintaining recyclability.
- Reusable Tin: The design of the reusable tin is a key component of the packaging, allowing customers to use it repeatedly.
HUSTLE & CASHFLOW
Services provided:
- Brand Positioning
- Visual Identity
- Web Design &
- Development
- Print Design
- Digital Marketing Material
- Ad Design (Digital and Print)
Objective: To create a progressive financial brand and an educational platform that inspires millennial and BIPOC womxn to take a hold of their finances and build the life they desire. This brand will provide educational content that is current, approachable, and visually vibrant.
Brand Inspiration: It draws its inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of pop culture, the rhythmic beats of music, the unstoppable force of female empowerment brands, and the personal journey of its founder, Nyibol. With a mission to empower millennial and BIPOC womxn, this brand’s vision is a fusion of modernity and timelessness, captured in dynamic typography and bold colors. It symbolizes the evolution of personal finance, aiming to be a relatable best friend in the financial world rather than a traditional banker. Hustle & Cashflow thrives on celebrating individuality, embracing feminism, and inspiring confidence on the path to financial independence.
Branding:
- Brand Vision: Empower millennial and BIPOC womxn to achieve financial independence. Pop culture, music, female empowerment, and the founder’s personal story. Relatable, approachable, like a trusted friend.
- Visual Identity: Modern, feminine, and empowering. Bold color palette. Dynamic typography. Unique brand imagery. Unapologetic bold serif in the wordmark. Abstract letters in the wordmark.
- Target Audience: Millennial and BIPOC womxn. Focus on Canada. Addressing gaps in financial education and representation.
- Competitor Analysis: Existing brands use sterile content, dry copy, intimidating language, and gimmicks.
- Core Message: Hustle & Cashflow is the modern womxn’s guide to personal finance.
Testimonials of the work:
Branding for a Nutrition Brand:
“Working with Here and Now Creative Co felt super natural, personal, and specific to what our brand is all about. I feel like we got more value than we paid for.”
Branding for Investment Company:
“This was the first time I had ever worked with a branding and strategy company, and we loved that they were an all-female team. What really stood out about Here and Now was that they listened and heard us out. It was a wonderful experience.”
We also felt that they were really creatively inspired. They didn’t show us anything that we had already seen before. Everything stemmed from their own design and impressively captured who we were as founders.”
Branding for Skincare Company:
“Here and Now did everything professionally. They never took over, and they only tried to guide me — they listened to everything I wanted and implemented it well.”
Branding Services for Snack Company:
“I loved their reassuring energy and confidence. I felt like they were really going to make sure I got what I’ve envisioned. They were SO patient and great at taking feedback. Big branding agencies often have a lot of ego attached to their process. I loved that they’re a small team and I got to communicate with both of them every time. They were a small agency with tremendous skills and expertise!“
We’re delighted to provide branding and packaging solutions tailored to consumer packaged goods brands. Our goal is to deliver practical, effective solutions that enhance your product’s identity, is results-driven, and chock full of market appeal. Let’s work together to make your brand stand out on the shelf and ultimately increase those sales!.
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