How I made a package that screams, "YES! These six tealights are worth eight bucks!"
PROJECT SCOPE
Packaging Design, Physical Prototyping, Digital Mockup
CLIENT
Bee Hive Candles
MISSION/CHALLENGE
This Washington-based candle company needs a new package design for their "six pack" of tealight candles. These are hand-poured, hand-finished, and 100% beeswax.
The client needs a package that fits the level of quality of these candles and is also suitable of their high price point: $7.95 is a lot for six tealight candles compared to standard wax tealights.
OUTCOME
I designed a from-scratch custom dieline, chose a new color palette, and replaced the client logo with a more upscale typeface for retail shelf readiness.
I also fabricated the physical prototype myself, from printing and cutting the dieline to dye-sublimating custom branded ribbon for the package.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION
The physical prototype is on display at MATC. Making the display case is a huge honor, and sets a standard for future designers to look up to.
DESIGN APPROACH
My approach to this design was to create a shelf-ready package that spoke to quality and craftsmanship. I wanted it to be clear when compared to other options that there is a reason these candles are priced at a premium.
In addition, I wanted the packaging to reflect the eco-conscious approach of the client as much as possible. No plastics. Fully recyclable.
THE NITTY-GRITTY
Creating the physical prototype for this package was a maker-designer's dream come true.
The box is two layers--a sliding "beehive" outer sleeve with a waxy finish, and an inner "honey" gloss box. The box flap features custom dye-sublimated ribbon (to be swapped for a more sustainable option in production).
For surprise elements, the box flap has a tiny bee cutout for a delightful little detail when the box is opened. I also added a gloss hexagon bee element to cover the ribbon ends where they come through the top flap and carry the bee theme through.
The packaging is printed on both sides. The inside of the inner box carries the brand's signature bee stripe in honey and black. The inside of the outer box features a repeating bee pattern, as though they are inside the beehive.
The tealights themselves are wrapped in sustainably produced brown parchment paper to solidify the artisanal, hand-crafted feel of the product.
