As a packaging designer at Just Play LLC, I worked on the existing brand “Knotz”– a DIY Plush kit. Working on Knotz was all encompassing and included working within the existing brand guidelines, while also updating the packaging to reflect changes in the brand as it grew larger.
Each kit comes with a blind bag, capsule, instruction manual, and ruler. In addition to designing the elements for the product packaging, I also worked to design PDQs and Sidekicks for in store and packages for online exclusives.
My chief responsibilities on the Knotz team were to design the instruction manuals for new characters, create illustrations of the characters in the “Knotz” style for the Blind Bags, Instruction Manuals, and toss patterns, and help to retouch product photos to use on packaging.
Other aspects of working on the Knotz brand included assisting in styling the products for photography, building mock ups for Toy Fairs, roadshows, and pitches, and logo exploration for future products.
KNOTZ: PACKAGING
AND BRAND IDENTITY
Packaging Direction from Just Play LLC
Branding, Packaging Design, Illustration
Besides outer packaging, and retouched product imagery, a chief part of my job was putting together instruction manuals on how to make each character. To do this, I would watch about a 1 minute video of the characters being built by the product designer, then I would dissect each step and illustrate them in the established style . Next I would design the layout, including the numbers, copy, and translations to be easily accessible in the alloted panels.
Instruction Manuals
The packaging was meant to be used to frame the illustration. I wanted a pop of color on the side of the box, while keeping the front clean but fun.