The Power of Illustration in Packaging

When it comes to selling a product, dynamic and eye-catching packaging is the go! Packaging illustration is a subtle art and there are many considerations to think about to make it look good. Packaging comes in many forms, it can be slick, fussy or minimalistic, complicated or simple. The role of packaging is vast, it protects the product, sells the brand and can be a beautifully crafted object. Packaging is the love note that tells the customer, “this is for you!”.

Whilst the best packaging tends to follow the principle of “form follows function”, there are numerous subtleties and considerations involved in the perfect packaging. Each element should reach out and connect with the customer, and illustration is the ideal tool for this engagement.?

Culture plays a huge role in influencing illustration for packaging. In Japanese culture where packaging takes inspiration from the nation’s culture, history, traditions, and philosophy, every detail is highly considered and placed in harmony. Japan combines cultural tradition and new ideas to create packaging that is more than just a vessel for the product. It is part of the consumer's experience.

In Scandinavia, another industry leader in innovative packaging, it is typically recognised for its simplicity, clean lines and neutral colours. Pure and minimalistic is the trend, whilst respecting nature and the ecosystem.?

Sustainability, a cultural value which is becoming prominent around the world, is now playing a huge role as consumers are wanting to see brands doing the right thing. This means the materials sourced and printing methods are also a big consideration when illustrating the perfect packaging.

Turning our focus towards packaging trends and predictions for the near future, it is clear that the last two years have had a huge impact around the globe. Following the pandemic, many companies and creatives have turned to illustration to reach out and reconnect with the world, and encourage us to dive back into life. The pure nature of illustration and its expressive form brings playfulness and joy into packaging, taking us off to magical places.?

Illustrator Camipepe has turned to the healing powers of nature to inspire consumers, and, through the use of bright colours and bold shapes, they are pushing us to embrace the fun side of life. These illustrations are guaranteed to make you smile and lift your spirits in seconds.?

Florenza Palama leads the way with fun, flirty illustrations for packaging and branding alike. Her pastel shades and intricate line work sets the scene for those who want a more Renaissance feel.?

Through carefully selected memorabilia Carols Nazatto builds up stunning collages and visual poetry and takes the viewer into unexpected worlds with both a contemporary perspective and a link to the past. These stunning pieces will dress your product and create an irresistible look.

For centuries artists have drawn on themes linked to nature for inspiration and self-expression.? Through these hand-drawn and highly detailed black and white drawings Artist, Mira Nameth demonstrates the powerful ways in which her illustrations create beautiful gift ideas and timeless packaging.?

Artists are becoming braver and more experimental when combining colour combinations and we are seeing colours sat side by side never witnessed before.? Mono Blanco is a great example of breaking the mould when it comes to bold colour combinations and unusual crops. Gustavo Magalh?es not only pushes the boundaries of colour, but conjures up real-life scenarios and escape routes for those wanting to be transported to a different universe, enabling the packaging to connect with customers on a more personal level.?

Unconventional typography is having its moment, and we have some talented typography artists here at Artistique. Bobby Haiqalsyah is a notable typography artist with many successful packaging projects under his belt. Through Bobby's carefully crafted letters he reestablishes the connection for like-minded letter lovers, to memories of that special someone or special place. For a more hands-on approach, Anya Felch uses paper cutting and collage illustration to create whimsical lettering and landscapes.

For Artistique’s full range of artists please visit? https://www.artistique-int.com and to commission please contact Helen Biles [email protected]?

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