JDA INC

I asked ChatGPT to write a song in the style of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Within seconds I got this. What are your thoughts?

"Here's a song inspired by the iconic partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, capturing their flair for vivid storytelling, emotive melodies, and a touch of drama.

"𝗡𝗲𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗱"
(Verse 1)
City lights like diamonds scattered
On the velvet streets of dreams,
A paper boy with a headline song,
Lost in the in-between.
There’s a preacher with a golden smile,
Selling paradise for free,
And the lovers with their shadows,
Waltzing under willow trees.

(Pre-Chorus)
Oh, the air is filled with stories,
That only strangers ever know,
In the corners of the night-time,
Where the neon roses grow.

(Chorus)
On the Neon Boulevard,
Where the lonely hearts collide,
Where the jukebox plays a symphony,
Of every tear you’ve ever cried.
You can wear your Sunday best,
Or the blues you can’t disguise,
On the Neon Boulevard,
We’re all just chasing lies.

(Verse 2)
There’s a girl with a locket swinging,
Holding secrets from her past,
She’s been waiting for a hero,
But those knights don’t ever last.
There’s a drummer in a doorway,
Playing rhythms of regret,
He’s pounding out the heartbeat,
Of the dreams we all forget.

(Pre-Chorus)
And the moon’s a silver spotlight,
Casting shadows on the show,
Where every face is painted,
With a place they used to go.

(Chorus)
On the Neon Boulevard,
Where the lonely hearts collide,
Where the jukebox plays a symphony,
Of every tear you’ve ever cried.
You can wear your Sunday best,
Or the blues you can’t disguise,
On the Neon Boulevard,
We’re all just chasing lies.

(Bridge)
Oh, the night is like a window,
To the places we’ve been,
A kaleidoscope of broken glass,
Turning sinners into kings.
But the dawn comes with the reckoning,
When the glitter turns to dust,
And the boulevard’s a mirror,
Of the stories we don’t trust.

(Chorus)
On the Neon Boulevard,
Where the lonely hearts collide,
Where the jukebox plays a symphony,
Of every tear you’ve ever cried.
You can wear your Sunday best,
Or the blues you can’t disguise,
On the Neon Boulevard,
We’re all just chasing lies.

(Outro)
Yeah, we’re all just chasing lies,
On the Neon Boulevard tonight.

This song evokes the lush, narrative-driven style of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, blending melancholy with a sense of hope amid the hustle of city life. If you have any specific themes or tweaks you'd like, feel free to let me know!"

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁? 𝗜𝗠𝗛𝗢, 𝘆𝗲𝘀.

Your corporate brand color needs to be as consistent as possible across all mediums. Digital isn't all that matters.

Sure, we aren't creating as many brochures but what about packaging, banners, billboards, direct mail, tradeshow booths, etc.? Do people still use printed business cards? maybe?

If you start choosing your brand palette by picking your digital color first, you could be making a mistake that is hard to recover once it is public.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆:
✅ RGB, Pantone, and 4-color process interpret the same color differently., so choose a color that translates in all three mediums as closely as possible.
✅ Pantone can't interpret bright digital colors but it can get close, however, Pantone can't be used on items like banners or billboards.
✅ Define secondary colors for print and digital. The digital palette can take advantage of the brighter hues.

Consistency is key when creating or updating a brand. We identify colors with iconic brands. McDonald's golden arches, Starbucks green, Coca-Cola red, LinkedIn blue, UPS brown....

hashtag

I'm drawn to unique package designs that solve problems, and GoPure Beauty has done that.

This package for goPure AHA Peel makes the most of its space and gives customers everything they need to know about using this product.

✅ The design overall is elegant, simple, and clean.

✅ There is a nice tactile feel to the package which is soft and smooth.

✅ Once you open the box, which I admit is a bit complicated, there are usage tips and visual representations of how much product to use. (Customers are encouraged to save as a reference.)

✅ I was also excited to see a QR code which is the best way to merge digital content with print.

This packaging and branding update kept the environment in mind as well. goPure has a broad product line and they have updated all of their packaging.

Here are some factoids:

🌱 They got rid of plastic jars and bottles

🌱 The glass bottles are clear glass and are painted a color. They aren't colored glass which needs to be sorted with like colors.

🌱 Messaging is silk-screened rather than on a label

🌱 The paper stock is FSC certified which means forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards.

🌱 Since all of the instructions are printed on the inside the box, there is no need for an additional printed insert.

🌱 All parts of the packaging are recyclable.

❤️ AND their products have always been Animal Test Free

I know some of their customers weren't too keen on the update. Change is hard for some people. But, I'm always on board with change if it means it is better for the environment.

Back to one of my favorite hobbies: Guessing what a design brief communicated to create a new package design.

I came across this update from Califia Oat Creamer recently. My guess for the new design criteria included:

• 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽
(𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘥𝘰 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵)

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 "𝗢𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿" 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿.
(𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘜𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘖𝘢𝘵. 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘖𝘢𝘵 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦.)

• 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲
(𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥!)

I know a package update isn't taken lightly by large brands so I know a lot more thought went into this that I'm not privy to.

Overall, I think it is a successful update but I still stumble on renaming the product Unsweeted Oat 🧐.

We all use them. (Well most people anyway.) Now, here's some history behind the emoji. 😉 (I couldn't resist.)

The Daily Heller Print Magazine

The Daily Heller: I [Heart] Hearts But I [Unsmiley Face] Emojis … … Or, how the smiley face gave rise to lazy literacy and artificial images that are designed to convey universal human emotions.

𝗜 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲:

✅ The brand is clear
✅ The design reflects the brand personality
✅ The design attracts a consumer and stands apart from the competition

Just to name a few!

I recently found this impressive packaging design from Maven Genetics. It is a premium cannabis extract.

Two weeks ago I shared another cannabis package from CremeDeCanna in the same product category, and I thought it was well executed as well. but for much different reasons. (I will repost)

👉 BUT...the Maven Extracts packaging is much different because the brand personality is different. The Maven package is:

✅ Minimal
✅ Premium
✅ Simple

👉 Creme De Canna is:

✅ Educational
✅ Colorful
✅ Approachable

Cannabis packaging must stand out online. In addition, since consumers can't pick up packaging in a dispensary, it also must stand out under glass. So a lot must be considered when designing the package.

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟!

The cannabis industry has its own specific design challenges when it comes to packaging. IMHO, I think these two brands are on point.

The anti design trend is a thing.

"...Think stretching text, decreasing resolution, or using styles you typically find on your boss's Excel spreadsheet. It's bad, and that's the point."

I remember the designer David Carson and his lack of respect for good typography. The more unreadable the better. It was a trend for awhile.

Design trends come and go. I like the idea of pushing limits and experimentation.

Could a large brand get away with this. I wouldn't think so but if they want to cause a wave of free PR then go for it.

Brands are normally carefully cultivated and nurtured so to adopt something so outside of what they already have would seem counterintuitive–at least to me.

Could I see a cannabis brand embracing this trend. Absolutely.

Will this trend come and go. Yes. Until the next one comes along.

I bet AI could whip up a great antidesign.

Attached is a link to an article in Dieline if you want to learn more.



https://lnkd.in/gB7GBrUe

Cannabis packaging has it's own set of challenges:
• Required messaging
• Child proofing
• Providing product information concisely
• Promoting the brand
• Education

IMHO CremeDeCanna did a great job maximizing the messaging on a very small package.

What seemed like a pretty straightforward package opened up to reveal a ton of information about the product.

• List of terpenes with the name, potential effect and the aroma
• List of Cannabinoids on inside flaps
• Website address for more information
• The outside of the box had the necessary legal requirement

Shopping for a cannabis product sometimes requires the assistance of an experienced budtender. The inside of the box could be used as a sales tool with the customer.

𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴.

Beverage packaging is complicated for many reasons but mainly there are so many categories and options. Consider the list below. I could go on and do a diagram of just one of those categories with multiple subcategories.

👉 Non alcoholic
👉 Alcoholic
👉 Cannabis
👉 CBD

Let's say a thirsty consumer knew they wanted something non-alcoholic. They also decided they wanted something healthy and low calorie but with a lot of flavor (not flavored water). Guess what, they would have walked right by the BEFORE version of the Zevia product.

𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗮❗️

The primary read on the BEFORE design overpowers the brand name and the consumer reads this first:

𝗧𝗘𝗔
𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗗
𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗘𝗔
𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗡

The words "SWEETENED BLACK TEA" means there is sugar in the product to most consumers.

Then in smaller type.
No Sugar
Zero Calories

Most customers won't even get to read the small type because they have moved on.

The primary read on the AFTER design focuses on the brand and what the product is:

𝗭𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗔
𝗭𝗘𝗥𝗢 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗘𝗔

Then it highlights the flavor of the tea with a beautiful graphic that makes the package have more shelf impact.

, great job on the rebrand and packaging update.

A long term client tested our A+ retail content and we scored, lets just say, really bad.

We went through the usual phases of design grief:
• Denial (our experience can't mean nothing!)
• Anger (what does this AI thing know about design)
• Bargaining (can't we also include some real people in on this assessment?)
• Depression (we knew the day would come when we would be replaced by a machine)

– 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.

After studying the input, it raised more questions rather than providing definitive constructive input. For example:
➡️ Why do identical layouts score dramatically different?
➡️ It doesn't take into consideration context.
➡️ The brand color scored poorly. Not much you can do about that.

Designers solve problems.

Based on the input we received so far, we couldn't determine what design problem was being addressed and fixed by the AI input.

We know this AI train is coming at us fast and furious. We don't want to deny its existence or potential to improve our end product.

However, we only become a wrist if we aren't included in the process of using AI to judge our work.

At this point there is no winner yet. We hope the future is a collaboration though.

I love to find brand updates and try to figure out what the creative brief might have been.

The package on the left is the update. The package on the right is the original. It is a definite improvement.

1) The brand name Blendtopia is much more prominent.
2) Superfood Smoothie Kit is the first read. The font is bolder and it is now lower case which is more approachable and friendly.
3)The ingredients are much easier to read and well organized.
4) It seems the Ready to Blend Nutritionist Crafted is a new call out replacing the SUPERFOOD CHIPS. The new callout is much more important to a buyer in my opinion.
5) The nutritional icons are at the bottom well organized in the blue bar where on the previous package they seemed to be scattered.

So you can't be a backseat designer without some criticisms.
1) I think the photo on the original package is much more inviting. I love the downward perspective of smoothie cup. Even the ingredients look more inviting. But it seems like they purposely didn't want it too look like a smoothie cup, but rather a bowl. Only a guess.
2) I'm not sure what the design detail is adding on the new package in the lower lefthand corner.
3) Sorry, but there are way too many different fonts.

OVERALL though a success!

It is so hard to come up with a great product name. This one is perfect in my opinion. Lil Bucks

A brand and packaging update is always somewhat of a risk no matter what market you are in.

This latest one from has several plusses.

1) The logo update is modern and fresh. It isn't too different from the old one so it won't confuse buyers

2) You can read all of the important stuff without turning the can "MILD FIRE ROASTED WHOLE GREEN CHILES". This reads as a unit.

3) The decorative design in the background isn't too overpowering and adds to the design

4) "A FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 1897" stands out more.

Some minor criticism:

1) The illustration of the chiles on the old can look more realistic and in some ways more appetizing.

2) At first glance, when I didn't see the brand name Ortega, I thought it was a private label brand.

It's been a while since I commented on branding and package design I felt work but after I received my Dad Grass Nightime Formula Edibles, I wanted to share my thoughts.

The first time I saw this brand name Dad Grass I chuckled. I knew exactly what that meant–a lower dose of cannabis (in this case Delta-9). The best brand names quickly communicate what the product is.

The package immediately said quality. From the embossed lid with their name to the gold foil details and the embossed type, it conveyed a premium product.

The inserts I received in the box were equally as well thought out. There was a branded postcard that said: LOW DOSE FULL T**E. LIKE YOUR PARENTS USED TO SMOKE. EST 2020, NO SEEDS, NO STEMS. What a great way to get your customers to promote your product.

The second card certifies the quality and compliance standards they follow to produce the product. This is something this industry needs for Delta-9 as well as regulated cannabis.

I'm a huge fan of QR codes. The one on the bottle had the "Certificate of Analysis" and the code on the card insert went to the testing results page on their website.

If I had one criticism (just so you know I'm not a paid influencer) the "Nighttime Formula" and flavor name were difficult to read. Since I bought this online, it didn't matter but on a retail shelf, it could be an issue.

**pproducts

Dad Grass

It has been a while since I found a product with a package redesign I wanted to comment on.

Then along came Swanson Broth. Do I think it is an improvement? Maybe in some ways, but I think there are some misses.

• I miss the bright blue which was a key to finding the brand on the shelf.
• The back looks like the front. I could see a stock person merchandising these incorrectly.
• I miss the recipe on the back. I love QR codes, but I think this could provide immediate inspiration to buy the product. The QR code could be used for additional recipes.
• The new front is cleaner, but I'm not sure that it is enticing.
• They did make the big red S look like a spoon/ladle which is a subtle but nice touch.


Swanson

Let's say goodbye to 2022 with some subtle humor.

This comes with the help of my grandson Ezra who has very mercurial facial expressions.

To all of my LinkedIn connections, colleagues, and friends, I hope your 2023 is momentous and prosperous.

Like Ezra, let's look forward to the year to come with some optimism if possible.

I came across this candy bar packaging and love the whimsy as well as the simplicity of the packaging. The rainbow of colors and emoji branding is eye-catching and fun.

"Sumptuous Belgian Chocolates, created with love in our Sustainable Facility, enveloped in lighthearted packaging to delight the eyes, heart, mind... and of course the tummy!"

Astor Chocolate

I love branding and packaging and this DTC h**p spirit does everything right. The branding is elegant, the website is engaging, and the collateral inside the box offers recipes and more beautiful imagery. Somehow they made this brown craft one color package a delight to open. Aplós **pspirits

If you think Retail Media can't be revolutionized think again!

Here is my latest blog about a Retail Media platform called SYNQY.

It provides the opportunity for brands to have relevant content at the buy-ready moment.

It lets retailers and marketplaces monetize more real estate on their sites.

I consider it Native Retail Advertising!

SYNQY

Our Front Row Seat to the Building of a Retail Media Platform - What's in Store Retail media is advertising within a retailer’s site or marketplace and their apps. The ads can be brands that sell on the site or something unrelated. Since the pandemic, a lot of shopping has shifted online.

So Baskin Robbins is updating its branding. I think I like it but I liked how subtle the 31 was in their old logo. Thoughts?

Baskin-Robbins Unveils New Logo and Visual Identity From ChangeUp Baskin-Robbins redesigns once again, this time courtesy of creative agency ChangeUp.

Take that Russia! You no longer get to use Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, and Helvetica! Graphic Designers stand behind Monotypes' decision.

Russian Media Say Popular Computer Fonts Blocked Amid Sanctions Over War In Ukraine Russian media say Monotype Imaging, the U.S. company that owns several of the most popular fonts used on computers, has blocked access to its catalogue for users in Russia amid ongoing international sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Cracker Jill joins Cracker Jack. The brand addition is expected to support women in sports.

Frito-Lay

Cracker Jack Gets a Partner in Crunch With Cracker Jill The Frito-Lay snack brand looks to support women in sports.

Changes are coming for m&m's branding.
https://gdusa.com/news/celebrating-the-in-mms

Celebrating The ‘&’ In M&M’s M&M’s is on a mission to make everyone feel they belong. To advance the goal and bring about a visual refresh, JKR developed an identity that can be mixed and matched to inspire moments of sha…

How can your package design be an extension of your brand? Dose & Co is a great example:

1) Live up to your brand promise which is to not use plastic in any of their packaging.

2) This includes using a plastic scoop like all of the other brands and message this inside the lid. Brilliant!

When you live up to your promise, customers feel better about their purchase and they become advocates for your brand.

Dose & Co