Need a good exercise to freshen up your illustration skills? Why not create animal food packaging? By adding a pet-themed item to your portfolio, you can not only show off your illustration, typography, and packaging skills, but you may also find something in common to talk about with your interviewer. Who knows..you may find yourself as successful as the firm Bobbye Chochran + Associates which won two American Graphic Design awards from Graphic Design USA magazine for their packaging of Lincoln Bark.
If you have a puppy anything like my husky, brainstorming attributes for your packaging will be easy and fun. Simple adjectives that come to mind are energetic, friendly, cute, personality, funny, wild, messy, playful—my packaging would likely be more whimsical with vibrant colors and natural fiber paper. I would want to design something that stands off the everyday grocery store shelf and stands out in my portfolio.
Another reason why this project would be beneficial to your portfolio would be the dimensionality of package. What shape should your package be? Is there an opportunity to do several packages in a branding suite? The slide show features different shaped paper bags, information packets, and tags for plastic wrapped treats. Keep in mind your budget and resources since you will want product samples to photograph or even to bring to an interview.
Pets add a lot of fun to our lives and bringing a piece to an interview that is relatable for many is a good idea. If you do not own a pet, take a look at some local shelter websites for inspiration. You may decide to become a pet owner after this project, if so remember to consider adopting from a shelter as many homeless pets have to be put down each year.
Some places to adopt animals or volunteer near Winston-Salem:
The SPCA of Greensboro is where I got my dog. He came with all of his shots updated, neutered, house trained, and with a tracking chip. The staff was very friendly as well.
http://www.triadspca.org/contact-us.html
The Humane societies are an initially cheaper option and you can find just as loving pets. Generally pets are spayed/neutered or the service is offered for a very affordable price.
http://www.forsythhumane.org/
http://www.davienchumane.org/
Petsmart stores also have adoption days. Visit the link below to see events of the Winston-Salem Petsmart. The next adoption date at this location is 2/22/2013 – 2/24/2013 for PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend.
http://stores.petsmart.com/Store/Details/414
Comments