GDR 272-319

Packaging Notes:

Shown in these pages are some great examples of smart packaging and different ways to interpret concepts or ideas.

The Penguin Books are very clean, simple and elegant designs.  They also embrace vibrant colors, but in a limited sense.  Their books also embrace simple iconography with one illustration or one image or even occasionally just text.  Sometimes the connection between what the book is about and what is on the cover is easily seen (The Later Roman Empire) while other times, a bit more of interpretation is required (Books v. Cigarettes).

New Directions takes on a more modern practice.  There designs are more non-traditionally based using handmade elements.  It gives the covers a more one-of-a-kind feel.

Zone Books uses hardly any imagery - more patterned and typographic based designs.

McSweeney embraces a more package based approach — they're more complex designs that seem to interpret what the material is about and come up with a more interactive package design.  Their designs also seem more like collector's edition type designs.

Pocket Canons seem to be aiming at summing up the novel in one image - you could look at the cover and know what you are getting yourself into when you pick it up to read it.

The books that I respond to most in these pages are the ones with an interactive element.  I would like to try and incorporate something along these lines in my design.

Fast, Cheap and Out of Control does not have one overlying message or one interpretation — it was described by its director as low-concept.  Therefore, it leaves itself open to interpretation and maybe more room to explore package designs.

In order for ones product to grab the attention of consumers, it must be unlike anything else.  It must jump off the shelf and be completely original.  I need to reanalyze my initial sketches and come up with more out of the box ideas.

Packaging can be a ton of fun and the most successful packages interpret their products and present them to the consumer in a nice, easy to understand manner.  One must look at all aspects of their product in order to deliver the best design possible.