I got the amazing opportunity during my internship at Mattel Fisher-Price to design the packaging for the new Imaginext Trolls line. I gained a lot of experience in packaging design, character illustration, working with a licensor, licensed assets, concepting/sketching and more! I created these designs under the guidance of Nick Langswager.
My designs ultimately made it to shelf at Walmart this year as a part of the Fall '24 line, and just received a GDUSA packaging design award.
EXPLORING BACKGROUNDS
I explored different front panel backers to sit behind the product. I started by exploring different ways to use the licensor provided assets and creating some of my own. What would tie into the Imaginext and Trolls brand? What would make the product pop? What could appear behind the product but not be too distratcting?
BLIND BAG EXPLORATION
My first task as an intern involved brainstorming and creating a concept for a Trolls blind bag where you would find a surprise mini figure inside. I explored different concepts from the Trolls movies through sketches and rough renderings.
The concept I was most inspired by was one of having a more "generic" unidentifiable troll in black/white or monochrome looking up at a explosion of rainbow hair to add to the "who's inside" surprise element. We ended up not keeping the Troll face colorless as in the Trolls universe, a Troll loses its color when it loses its joy.
My concept remained strong post-internship and was illustrated by a professional and carried to fruition!
Final concept!
CHARACTER ART
I also got the great opportunity to illustrate the character art that would appear across the Trolls line. The Imaginext brand has a distinct character illustration style, and my task was to recreate Poppy in this style while working with the licensor to ensure the design stayed true to the character.
