Packaging Collaboration 603

Packaging Collaboration Brief: To produce a repeat pattern for fruit juice packaging in collaboration with a Graphic Designer Process: I sketched up the compositions, then paper cut them and scanned them, then I turned them into repeat patterns on Photoshop Outcomes: 3 paper cut repeat patterns Reflections: I was asked to undertake this project my someone on Graphic Design, and I made sure that I put what I learnt from the last collaborative project into practice. I thought carefully before undertaking this task, as I knew I didn’t want to push myself further than I could work, especially this close to the end of term Therefore, I was very honest about my time limits, I said that I was really eager to work with her, but I would need her to provide the ideas, I would then do the artwork, send it on and then just have her finish the designs without my input. I feel that setting this out from the start meant I wasn’t trying to fit to schedules and outcomes which were difficult for me, and I could easily produce and finish the artwork without much stress.

By really clearly finding out what the intended outcomes were, I was sure that I wasn’t wasting any time by making unneeded work. I also sent over very rough images to see if it was how she wanted before investing time in perfecting it. This was a really good way to approach it so that I was using my time effectively.

Megan Ojari || LAUIL603 || Packaging Collaboration

Some things I struggled with initially was making the pattern flow. I sent these initial images over, but my partner said they were too linear in the repeat. She also thought the orange needed to be more orange, but still contrast with the carrot, and that it was too busy on the apple print.

I was really glad that I asked for feedback at this stage, as I agreed with what she said and was easily able to rectify it. I think the clear, quick and honest communication made the whole transaction a lot easier.

I feel that the successes of the project are the flowing pattern which create a harmonious composition across the design, and the technique I learnt in second year about how to make a repeat pattern was really useful and made the process easy. By increasing the amount of objects in the initial repeat block, this was a lot smoother. I like the aesthetic of the outcome, and think the paper cut effect was definitely the right decision.

My partner had a few issues with putting the tiles together, meaning I had to revisit them a few times to tidy up the edges, I think this was due to how I saved it as a PNG, but I need to make sure I resolve this so that I don’t have to keep re editing things, as I imagine this can be frustrating for my partner. I also would have altered the colours slightly. My partner said she was happy with them so I didn’t edit them further, but the mint and lemon could have been brighter.

Megan Ojari || LAUIL603 || Packaging Collaboration

Overall, I have really enjoyed this collaboration,I think it was due to being honest with each other about what we were expecting, being realistic with time frames, and not being afraid to ask for changes and communicate what the issues were.

I think both our communications were very strong, and we worked well together by reacting quickly to each others emails and messages. Also, by being prepared from the start to say no, I made sure I didn’t get overwhelmed in the work I was creating and resent the project This really taught me a lot about communication and time management, as well as the need to ensure my files are professionally finished. My partner was very nice about it and accommodating, but I need to ensure in the future everything is sent perfectly the first time I send finals.

I’m really pleased with her mock-ups of the products, and I feel proud that I was part of this project.

Megan Ojari || LAUIL603 || Packaging Collaboration