Packaging for toy and entertainment brands, whether licensed or non-licensed, can't be successfully developed without first considering its context at retail. After all, it won't exist in a vacuum in the retail environment, so it shouldn't be designed in one either. Gain insight by conducting a retail audit The … Read More
This past weekend, while digging through a storage unit filled with toy packaging that our company has designed over the past three decades, I came across the package I designed for the original Super Soaker water gun while employed as Art Director for Larami toys back in … Read More
Back in 2019, Hasbro led the charge towards eliminating plastic from their toy packaging, with the goal of becoming completely plastic-free by 2022. And, they’re well on their way to meeting their goal. With other toy manufacturers following suit in the effort to reduce the impact of … Read More
As many of you already know, I have a penchant for innovative structure design. At Design Force, Inc., we view package structure as a powerful brand differentiator – yet another opportunity to build visual brand equity. As brand marketers and package designers, this opportunity should never be … Read More
Brand owners in the toy and entertainment industries are acutely aware that today's kids are sophisticated, brand-savvy and connected at an early age. Their purchasing power continues to rise at a staggering rate and they now have a heavy influence over household purchase decisions. They're comfortable spending … Read More
It may not be appropriate for all licensed brands, but there's no denying the desire that can be generated among fans of certain entertainment properties when licensed apparel is designed with a discreet, subtle approach. I'm not just talking about products designed with a limited color palette … Read More
There's no denying the value of establishing standardization for a well-designed consumer product style guide. It's essential to maintaining the property's visual aesthetic across all consumer products in every category. Without guidelines for standardization, each licensee would be free to develop their licensed products as they choose, … Read More
In a conversation I had recently with a prospective client, I was asked what the potential revenue generation would be if they were to invest a particular dollar amount on a licensing program style guide for their brand. Initially, I found this inquiry to be peculiar. But, … Read More
Smart brand owners know the value of developing a well-conceived packaging program for their consumer product and licensed brands. They know their retail categories intimately. They're diligent about market research. They study how consumers interact with their products in the retail environment. And they understand that establishing … Read More
It has been said that consumers vote with their wallets. Their votes are now being cast for brands that engage and entertain; that create rich environments in which they can share experiences with like-minded fans. Entertainment properties are already in the forefront of engagement. The question is: … Read More
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