Bolt!

Creating Distinction Between Core and Retailer-Exclusive Packaging Feature Image

Creating Distinction: Core vs. Retailer-Exclusive Package Design

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

examples of visually consistent Crayola arts and crafts packaging

Building Brand Identity Through Consistent Toy Package Design

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

Header image for article about how pro sports licensing engages kids

How Pro Sports Licensing Drives Fan Engagement Among Kids

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

Licensed Package Design Trends: Captivating Consumers at Retail

Licensed Package Design Trends: Captivating Consumers at Retail

There’s no denying that the toy aisles within our favorite mass retailers are among the most visually-chaotic and ever-evolving environments for consumers to navigate. Every toy and entertainment brand is vying for the attention of parents and children alike within this highly competitive retail landscape. Maintaining their … Read More

The Licensed Product Packaging Program Development Journey

The Licensed Product Packaging Program Development Journey

Creating a licensed product packaging program for toy and entertainment brands is a complex and multifaceted process that requires a deep understanding of the brand's essence, its target audience, current market trends within the brand’s key categories, and some expert insight into consumer shopping behavior. The goal … Read More

designing toy packaging from a shopping behavior perspective

Designing Toy Packaging from a Shopping Behavior Perspective

The toy industry is constantly evolving with new trends, technological innovations, and consumer preferences. One of the most significant keys to the success of toy brands at retail is package design. Arguably, package design plays more of a vital role in the toy industry than in any … Read More

header image for July 2024 newsletter

The Appeal of Entertainment x High-End Fashion Brand Collabs

In the ever-evolving world of brand licensing, one of the most exciting and impactful trends is the collaboration between entertainment brands and high-end fashion labels. These partnerships bring together the best of both worlds: the broad allure and narrative richness of entertainment franchises, and the prestige and … Read More

Packaging Multiple Brands Under a Single Brand Umbrella

Packaging Multiple Brands Under a Single Brand Umbrella

Over the course of the last few decades, our design consultancy has come to realization that package design serves as a powerful tool for storytelling, brand recognition, and consumer engagement. As experts in package design for licensed brands, in particular, we understand the importance of creating a … Read More

Examples of G.I.JOE packaging from the 80s

The Evolution of Toy Package Design Over the Last 40 Years

Being a toy industry veteran with 38 years under my belt, I’ve witnessed a myriad of shifts in toy packaging design strategy, whether influenced by the advent of brand licensing, the quest for sustainability or the need to appeal to the ever-changing shopping behaviors of consumers. And, … Read More

Toy Brand Packaging Redesign header image

Toy Brand Packaging Redesign: When to Do it and Why

In the ever-evolving retail landscape, a brand’s packaging is arguably its most important brand communication vehicle. Quite often, it is through a product’s package that consumers first come in contact with a brand in a tangible way. Therefore, this experience must foster a great first impression. For … Read More