For this brief, the challenge was to conceptualize structural packaging for a product, emphasizing its unique benefits and distinguishing it from competitors. It required a deep understanding of the target audience and consideration of shelf competition. The packaging had to narrate the brand's concept through imagery, typography, and creative thinking, maintaining consistency across 3 product variants. Functionality was crucial, necessitating precise die-lines measurements and durable materials capable of supporting the product's weight.

I chose chocolate as it is a product that I regularly consume, and my mother makes ceremonial cacao for a living so I have a good idea of the making process. My mother's existing brand ‘Shining Hearts Cacao’ easily became my inspiration for the concept of my brand packaging, which allowed me to work from an existing branded product, and furthermore the existing target market; spiritually inclined people (usually adults) with a want for self-healing and a strong preference for organic and handcrafted products.

(these images are not my own)

I decided to elevate the packaging for a more luxurious and indulgent look and feel, using colours that reflect the ingredients of the ceremonial cacao (as seen below) as well as a unique, hexagonal box shape to set the product apart from the masses. The idea is that these chocolates would be bought (as gifts to others or self) to be consumed in self-conducted ceremony (as instructed on the inner lid of the packaging) as a natural and delicious self-healing substitute. For the three variants, I decided to -instead of having a variety of flavours, as the way the prayer pebbles are made is much too spontaneous- have a variety of uses/intentions, namely; Self Love, Grounding, and Inspiration. Each variant comes with its own set of instructions as well as a related positive affirmation.

This was my first time doing packaging design, and I have since improved a lot, but I am still proud of how I managed to execute such an ambitious and unique design. Conceptualizing and assembling these boxes sparked my love for packaging design and now I find that creating die-lines comes quite naturally, like piecing together a puzzle.