The Design Force Newsletter
In the toy and game industry, a brand’s packaging is often the first – and sometimes only – chance to connect with consumers and motivate their purchase decisions. Yet, too many manufacturers treat package design as an afterthought – a last step once the product is finalized, … Read More
Conversations with clients – especially those navigating brand licensing – often uncover some of the most pressing challenges in package design today. Whether working with licensors or licensees, one issue keeps rising to the top: how to handle co-branded package design when two powerful brands come together. The trend … Read More
For toy and entertainment brands, launching a licensing program can seem like a natural next step – a way to extend the reach of a beloved IP, open up new revenue streams, and grow the brand into categories beyond toys and entertainment. But licensing is not a … Read More
When most people think about style guides for licensed toy and entertainment brands, they picture character art, logos, and maybe a color palette or two. Those are the headliners. But behind every successful licensed product line – whether it's a line of collectible figures, school supplies, or … Read More
This month’s issue of BOLT! features an article I had written for the Toy Book’s BIG February 2025 Toy Fair issue, which I feel will benefit our subscribers, since it identifies trends in toy packaging for 2025. As an expert in package design for the toy and entertainment … Read More
In the high-stakes world of the toy industry, packaging is a strategic brand asset that differentiates products, captures consumer attention, and drives purchasing decisions. While parents may make the final purchase, children exert considerable influence on what gets chosen. Therefore, packaging that actively engages kids at retail … Read More
As experts in the development of packaging for the toy and entertainment industries, we’re continuously refining our design approach and our philosophies on what defines great package design. Let’s face it, the marketplace and consumer shopping behavior are ever-changing. You need to evolve or risk becoming stagnant. … Read More
With a growing trend of retailer-exclusive product offerings in today’s toy and entertainment landscape, brand owners are challenged with balancing the creation of a distinctive package design system for their core product lines with the development of unique designs for exclusive product offerings that resonate with specific … Read More
The toy retail environment is highly-competitive and visually chaotic, with countless brands vying for the attention of consumers with countless purchase options. Therefore, building a strong and memorable brand identity is vital for success. Package design plays a significant role in shaping that identity, serving as the … Read More
In the competitive landscape of professional sports, brand licensing is more than just a revenue stream – it’s a key strategy for driving fan engagement, especially among younger audiences. Professional sports brands understand that children represent the future of their fan base, and through well-conceived licensing strategies, … Read More
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Look for Bolt in your inbox on the first Tuesday of every month.
Look for Bolt in your inbox on the first Tuesday of every month.