SKAGGS Blog

What level of commitment does it take to see a project through from concept to execution? Passion, commitment and even–sometimes–a trip to the Emergency Room!

Regular readers of this blog will know that as part of my involvement with nurturing talented young designers on American and Icelandic shores, I am often asked to lend my expertise and experience to teaching undergraduates the basics of branding and design.

One student’s concept for the Kids’ line.

This year I was honored to be asked to teach an intensive, 7-day course on branding at the College of Arts and Crafts in North Iceland.

Students were tasked with branding an organic haircare product line which we called “PureSense.” The target audiences were Women 18-55, Men 18-35, Kids and Infants. The needs of these audiences would be paramount to the success of the brand. The students each created a Mood Board, Product Logo, Color Scheme, Shampoo and Conditioner Refill Pack and Travel Pack.

Each student had an iMac, a brief and just 7 days to complete the assignment.

23 eager students + 1 color printer + 0 cans of spray-mount/dry transfers = oh my! The deadline was tight and there was a lot to do in such a short space of time. One student was so tired that she cut the top of her thumb off, went to the Emergency Room and came back to present her concepts!

I’m proud to report that each student pulled through with a unique take on the brief. We focussed on environmentally friendly concepts and in this small way I hope to sow the seeds of responsible packaging design that will equip these talented young designers now and in the future.