Lullabellz Trial Task
OKAY. SO I DIDN’T GET THE ROLE.
…But, that’s not the end of the world! Why? Because what I gained was invaluable. Knowledge, experience, and most importantly; Feedback!
First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS to the person who got the job, from what it seemed like via interview you will be working with some really lovely people! Secondly, thank you to the girls at Lullabellz who set the task pre-interview… Although I wasn’t successful; I thought the idea of setting a creative challenge for a creative role was really fun, engaging, and allows those participating to show off their skills!
Alreet, from the beginning: The task was to create product packaging for hair tools, provided was a few prompts and the logo… Deadline: 1 week.
So, I started off with a mood board; I compiled a few images of products from hair industry competitors i.e. Babyliss, Lee Stafford, Uni Wigs, Webster Wigs, etc. From there I took into consideration developing trends in product packaging such as geometric, asymmetric, colourful, luxurious, etc. Then, looked at popular culture trends in relation to Lullabellz target audience such as social media, make-up, fashion, etc, and finally explored the Lullabellz brand and scoped through their current aesthetic and product packaging… My oh my, what a mouthful! aha
From this, I had a few ideas regarding what I felt would work best for the brand and consumer. Using my experience as a design manager from previous projects an occurring theme that always pops up is ‘Experience’. What does the consumer gain from this product packaging? How will it attract and engage with the consumer through product packaging? How will this product stand out on a shelf next to its competitors?
Okay, so now we have a clear idea on what avenue I’m going down for this… it’s time to answer the questions. The experience for the consumer should be an enjoyable one; one that allows it to memorable, engaging, and exciting! Just like how Apple has designed their iPhone boxes to play to the senses (the soft, silk texture of the box, the ‘new’ smell, the sound the box makes when upon opening and closing etc) I wanted to provide an experience through this product packaging that would not only adhere to branding needs but also to the consumers’ senses. It will stand out and encapsulate its audience through…. DESIGN!
I sketched out a plethora of possible ideas before coming up with my final - looking at interaction design and playful qualities I could incorporate. Referencing my mood board and understanding the glam/boujie nature of Lullabellz I went with a geometric, luxury theme!
Think pink, girly, and #Instaworthy… I went with a standard rectangular design with curved edges that waterfall down into the lids inward lip that slots perfectly within the beveled box, attached to the lid are two walls that will hold and showcase the product, I designed this so upon opening the box through a horizontal slide-out motion, the product will be held in place with the lid and will remain in place, thus reducing the amount of packaging used whilst creating a fun ‘reveal’ experience!
The net was created via illustrator and since I had 6 days left I wanted to go one step further and create my very first 3D Mock Up from scratch! - For this, I used Blender (and COPIOUS amounts of YouTube and forums) to help me achieve what I wanted... This was so much fun and so rewarding! Finding and using this new software stopped me from being able to sleep aha - I just couldn’t stop thinking about possible solutions and possibilities the ‘what if’s…’ and the ‘If I do this…’ It was challenging and no doubt I had those doubtful ‘what the hell have I done’ moments but… WORTH IT. TOTALLY. FREAKING. WORTH. IT. I put everything in a PDF and I sent it out 1 MINUTE BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON DEADLINE NIGHT.
So, let me run you through design…
The interior of the box is Lullabellz signature pink that features on their website and previous product packaging, on the side a playful/relatable quote in a curvy in trend font in white. The two walls that display and hold the product is in the same pink with a grid pattern, the sharp lines are in contrast to the soft look and provide an aesthetic value that doesn’t take away attention from the product but highlights it.
The front of the box features triangular cut-outs of irregular sizes - I chose to do this to allow the consumer to see the product and make a visual connection to it allowing them to ruminate Can I see myself using this? What size is it? or Will my Girlfriend/Wife/Daughter/Sister like this? As most men do not typically use straighteners for themselves I thought this to be quite handy for them to be able to see the product also.
Both Lid and Box are dressed in pink marble with glints of gold, deep pink ombre that gradients and fades from the tops, and accented with Lullabellz signature pink hue - I was beyond proud and elated with the outcome!
Okay… now. Why am I not bummed out about getting the role? I learned a lot of new things from this from a software perspective and introspectively. How fast and capable I am to adopt new skills, to keep taking risks, and to think outside the box, how I should have more confidence in my work, and how much I freaking adore design! The feedback I was given was constructive and delivered with enthusiasm and curiosity which was actually really nice to hear - it told me they cared for their product and had their audience in mind!
So… what happens now? This has fuelled my drive, and cemented my purpose; To invigorate and tickle the minds through innovative design solutions! I love what I do and I am damn well good at it! Thank you Lullabellz for the experience, learning opportunity, and the wonderful chance of meeting with you!
I can’t wait to see your future designs!! xoxo