The Packaging Process
- Conceptual Development.
- Sketching and Drafting Ideas
- ArtiosCad Dieline Creation
- ArtiosCad 3D render
- Zund Cutter testing of prototypes
- Graphics Creation using Adobe Illustrator
- Printing Package in the 8-color VersaObject CO-640 Inkjet Press
- Cutting Packages in a Zund Cutting Table
This year’s TAGA package was an experience from conception to production. Through various trials and attempts, we are very proud to present our Circus Tent Package!
The beginning of the packaging process starts with conceptual development. As a group, we brainstormed possible packaging solutions. The question we asked was: How can we effectively hold all of the required materials while still being functional and innovative? This challenge was further intensified by the circus theme we wanted to adhere to. This led to several inspiration boards, with one thing dominating them all – the iconic striped circus tent.
Having decided on the circus tent, we went on to sketching and drafting. Seeing that a circus tent has two main parts, the top and sides, we decided to create a two piece package with a base and lid. The challenge was figuring out how we could reinvent a standard box with a lid. If you think about a circus, all of the action is on the inside, so how can we convey that through a package? You open it up! And that’s what we did. We realized that the sides of the box could fall down when opened to reveal the inside contents. From there, we saw that the walls of the package could double as folders to store the journals if the journal was split into four sections.
The next step is creating the dieline in ArtiosCAD and looking at 3D renders. Several prototypes were created in ArtiosCAD and cut out on the ZUND cutting table to ensure that our vision works out. We had to make sure that the base and top fit, that the journals fit, as well as try out different top styles and window cut outs. The curtain window cut out we ended up with was selected to showcase the journals’ graphics and to entice the audience to explore what lies within!
Once the structure was completed, we moved onto the graphics. Using Adobe Illustrator, red stripes were added to the package based on the style sheet. We tested many different colored stripes, but ultimately, red is the classic circus tent color, so we stuck with it. The little brown curtain was made to really sell the effect that our package is a circus tent. For the top, we made sure that the stripes met at the top to make the tent effect more realistic.
To print our package, we used the inkjet flatbed printer. We decided to add a gloss coating to the red stripes to enhance the quality of our package and give it a little extra pop! As a team, we printed, cut, assembled, and filled the packages.
Our packaging reflects TAGA’s values of innovation, education, and print excellence, and it enhances the annual conference experience.
- Brainstorming
- Discussed possible themes with all members of TAGA
- Circus theme
- Researched designs based on the circus and decided to go with a two-piece, circus tent inspired folding carton.
- Drafting
- Reevaluating
- ArtiosCaD
- Prototyping
- Illustrations and graphics
- Test printing
- Final edits
- Assembling