Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

Time and time again we hear design described as a form of problem-solving. Designers are trying to find the best, most effective solutions in their work. When it comes to packaging we’re hearing more and more about the added battle of creating environmentally friendly solutions. Plastic has almost become a bad word! And it’s about time – According to National Geographic 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the oceans every year from coastal regions! To design packaging that is beautiful and eye-catching is not enough. Packaging designers are now more aware that we must consider avoiding material waste, reduce energy usage, and use materials that are easily recycled.

Recently I have come across some amazingly innovative packaging solutions that were designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly…

Puma – Clever Little Bag

Puma’s aptly named Clever Little Bag was designed by Yves Behar. This clever design tackles packaging waste both from production and recyclable perspective. It’s cut down on the amount of cardboard used by Puma by 65% and vastly reduced the amount of diesel and electricity used to produce it. And to top it all of it’s easily recycled and looks great!

 
Monday’s Child

British children’s clothing e-commerce site has taken another approach to tackling wasteful packaging. Their boxes are re-purposeful as they double up as adorable doll houses. By adding this extra experience to their packaging the customer gets more value for money and the packaging life is extended.  

Alter Eco

Alter Eco’s packaging doesn’t look much different from other food products we’ve seen before. But Alter Eco are leading the way for some awesome innovative eco-friendly solutions. They have just recently launched the world’s first compostable, non-GMO, non-toxic wrappers and stand-up pouches. They are still working on better solutions for some of their other products but have vowed their commitment that all their packaging will be fully recyclable or compostable by 2020.

 
It feels like the push for sustainable packaging has just begun. Large corporations like Amazon are being slammed for wasteful packaging as consumers are becoming more aware of the problem. Many people now want to associate with more environmentally focused brands and thankfully more and more brands are following this demand and exploring sustainable packaging solutions.

How I Deal with Imposter Syndrome

Even if you haven’t heard of the term imposter syndrome before chances are you have experienced it at one point or another. Imposter syndrome hits when you doubt your abilities. It’s the idea of feeling like a fraud and that you don’t really deserve your job or your accomplishments. You may begin to think your achievements are more down to luck rather than your hard work and skills. It’s essentially a major lack of self-confidence and self-belief.

Imposter Syndrome is something anyone in a wide variety of industries can be faced with. In creative industries it can be especially hard to avoid as our work is constantly being analyzed, judged and compared. I’m currently deep into job hunting and a few “you’re not the right fit” emails have just landed. I’m trying to stay positive and reflect that in those instances maybe it was not the right position for me and it’s not because my portfolio sucks! But we all have our bad days, on my bad days I feel less confidant and question are my 7 years of design work I worked so hard on actually any good?!

Credit: errantscience.com

Now I’m not the first person to write a blog about imposter syndrome and I won’t be the last but after facing with it myself in recent times I wanted to share how I deal with it and pick my confidence back up…

RECOGNISE THE FEELING AND FACE IT

Note what you are feeling, only then can you address it. Try to diagnose why you are particularly feeling this way at this time.

• Are you like me, currently job hunting and got that “not the right fit” email? Take note that maybe it wasn’t the right fit for me, should I be looking at more specific roles or maybe I should try presenting myself differently.

• Maybe you’re in a new role and feeling out of dept. Recognize that in this circumstance it’s natural to feel this way, it’s not a reflection on your capabilities but more an opportunity to learn, grow and become great in that role.

• Did you get client feedback that seemed far more negative than positive? Feedback is essential in design, don’t see it solely as criticism, it’s not meant to be a direct hit at your profession. Use feedback for what it is and focus on the job at hand and less on your ego. Once you stay focused and deliver from the feedback the likelihood is that your client will be happy with the final result and will be singing your praises in the end.
  
  

TAKE THE COMPLIMENT

You might think being humble is being polite since the complete opposite is to be arrogant but it’s really not! When someone compliments your work and you react with a blasé “oh it’s alright” or say thanks but tell yourself they don’t really mean it… if you keep shutting down genuine compliments in your head you will never believe good feedback. You should not only believe compliments you’re given but remember them and keep reminding yourself of them. When a prospect employer compliments my portfolio or a client gives my a glowing testimonial I remind myself that they didn’t have to say that, they genuinely meant it - CELEBRATE IT!
 

STOP COMPARING

Of course you’ll look at other designers work, you should be, that’s how we creatives keep on top of new trends and open ourselves to inspirations. But be careful about looking at other work with envy in your eyes… “I wish my work was like that”, “they have achieved so much more than I have”, “they have thousands of social media followers”. Did you ever thing these people doubt their work too? Or it’s possible other people are looking at your work and thinking similar things. Besides you could be comparing to a designers work that has many more years of experience than you and you’re just on your journey to their level. Be inspired, work to grow and some day reach the level of designers you admire but don’t compare and bring yourself down.

In conclusion, Imposter Syndrome is a toxic way of thinking. It’s only ever going to slow you down and keep you from your goals. It’s near impossible to avoid but with some internal pep talking and positive thinking you can fight back. There’s no magic solution to get ride of it altogether but I hope what I have outlined in this post will steer you to better practices to tackle Imposter Syndrome.

Hands on Graphic Design

I’ve heard many of my more seasoned design peers reminisce on a time when graphic design didn’t involve computers and they spent their days drawing, measuring, cutting and pasting. Although I’m too new in the game to have experienced this world, the idea of getting hands on and not relying so heavily on my computer fascinates me!

 I have occasionally stepped out of my comfort zone and explored hand-lettering, paper crafting, and some painting. I might be more inclined to get hands on more than many graphic designers thanks to my love of illustration and how I often combine my pen drawings with my digital work.

 But I think I’d like to be more adventurous… my computer could easily be considered an extra limb. I want to get out of that comfort zone more often and get crafty. Some reasons why I think this approach will improve my work are:

 Making things by hand stimulates your creativity on a new level. Simply more movement verses the static state at a computer stimulates brain activity. Not to mention it’s also physically better for you to keep moving. Making things by hand creates a unique outcome that can’t be replicated therefore resulting in a more intriguing and often more memorable outcome. You do also have less control for imperfections but I believe that should be something to be embraced. When something looks handmade and has a few imperfections this becomes a part of the work and can make for a more compelling result.

Personally I also feel a greater satisfaction is gained from work with my hands, it’s a more involved and personal process than picking an existing typeface or drawing with the pen tool. It will certainly have more of a personal stamp on it.

I’m making a pact to myself to make more of an effort to get my hands dirty and push my computer aside every so often! Whose with me?!

If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some hands on graphic designers to note: Beth Collin’s floral creations, paper masters at Lobulo Studio, and hand-lettering Goddess, Mary Kate McDevitt.

New York Botanical Garden brochure series by Beth Collins, Flora Forager - www.floraforager.com

Fanta Poster by Lobulo Studio's - www.lobulostudio.com

Texas Medicine Cover by Mary Kate McDevitt - www.marykatemcdevitt.com

Title Image: Stop animation of a paper sculpture designed and created by me for the Institute of Designers Ireland Awards.

Finding Confidence as a Designer

I remember when I was fresh out of college and embarking on the real world, despite my high grades, I had extremely little confidence in my design skills. I thought this feeling would soon go away with more work experience and it did but honestly it took A LOT longer than it should have.

You’ll often hear people speak of this lack of confidence in business as “Imposter Syndrome”. This way of thinking is triggered by situations like…

• Struggling with a client/project and feeling guilty, disappointed and stupid because of it.

• Seeing other designers work and being plagued by the thought “I’m nowhere good as them”.

• Not believing in your creativity or skills.

“The psychological experience of believing that one’s accomplishments came about not through genuine ability, but as a result of having been lucky, having worked harder than others, or having manipulated other people’s impressions, has been labeled the impostor phenomenon. This common pattern was first observed in highly successful female college students and professionals who, despite their accomplishments, were unable to internalize a sense of themselves as competent and talented. Attributing their successes not to their abilities but to external circumstances or to attributes unrelated to actual talent (e.g., personal charm, ability to read and meet other’s expectations), they reported feelings of being an impostor or a fake.”

(Psychotherapy Volume 30, Joe Langford, Pauline Rose Clance, Georgia State University)

Doubts will always be there and I don’t think even the most successful designers can avoid these thoughts from time to time. So today I want to urge all designers to focus on your successes and work on your confidence. In all honesty, modesty is a waste of time in business, wear your strengths and achievements proudly. Never let fear get in your way and put yourself out there so that the greatest opportunities come your way.

Over time, I've learned a few ways to deal with imposter syndrome and feel confidant in myself as a designer. Sure, my confidence is knocked from time to time, here are some ways I have learned to get myself back up:

1. Accept who you are and know you can Improve
   You are perfect just the way you are even with your imperfections. What you have to offer is unique and it is valuable! From time to time you are going to make mistakes but with some focus you can learn and grow from them.

2. Take an honest look at yourself
   Don’t go overboard bragging about yourself. True confidence is firmly planted in reality. Assess your abilities and work on your weaknesses. Speak confidently about your strengths and at the same time feel confident about how you are improving what were once your weaknesses.

3. Remember Doubt Breeds Doubt
   Don’t doubt yourself or leave the best bits out of pitches/interviews. Modesty will get you nowhere. If you are proud of what you are talking about your confidence will shine through.

4. Embrace Small Victories
   Confident people tend to challenge themselves and compete even when their efforts are just for trivial victories. Small victories feed your confidence and help motivate. Acknowledge and be proud of your successes small and large!

5. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive
   Don’t confuse aggression for confidence. When you’re insecure it can be easy for slip into aggression when you’re attempting to be assertive. Practice asserting yourself and try hard to keep your insecurities at bay.

6. Be Positive
   If you are knocked back, maybe your pitch/interview doesn’t achieve what you were hoping, don’t be discouraged. Hope for the best and keep moving on to the next opportunity with confidence.

Nobody is born confidant. Confidence is your own choice, yes it takes practice and insecurities can be difficult to overcome, believe in yourself and I guarantee you’ve got it in you!

First Impression of your Brand

We have all heard the phrase “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, from judging products to people, but whether we admit to it or not we all do it on some level. Let’s face it; appearances are important when it comes to first impressions. So have you thought about what first impression your brand identity is giving your customers?

“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
- Jeff Bezos (founder and CEO of Amazon)

Firstly, let’s briefly reflect on what is a brand… Your brand is how you present yourself to the world and thus how you are perceived. Think about the personality of your business, this should be the core of your brand. Your brand should be developed around your customers and speak their language. Identify if your language should be professional or more casual? Ensure you reflect this tone across all content of your brand. What emotions would you like to evoke from a customer when they encounter your brand for the first time? It could be comfort, safety, luxury, freedom, happy, giddy, encouraged, etc. The purpose of branding is identifying and consistently applying your business’s mission, personality and values.

In trying to make that long lasting first impression with customers that doesn’t mean your business should try to look the best dressed or look like something it’s not. It means you should make sure the image you put out of your business reflects what it is. Not only is your visual brand identity important to draw new customers in but also to remember their experience with your service so that they keep returning.

In todays world you can bet that before a potential client picks up the phone to contact you they are going to Google your business. So ask yourself when you click into your website what is on your home page, is it instantly clear in your content and visuals what you do? Are you enticing customers? The same goes for your social media pages, advertising, signage, packaging, stationary, etc. Make sure they instantly communicate what you are offering and what customer needs your business is meeting.

Your visual brand identity is vital for first impressions. If you have an effective, striking logo you can bet people will recognise it when they see it again. A strong logo along with complimentary colours, typefaces and thoughtfully selected imagery consistency applied across all marketing materials ensures a cohesive brand aesthetic that is memorable. Don’t make it fussy or overcomplicated or you will confuse your potential customer. Simplicity is often underrated, stay consistent and avoid confusing customers with mixed messages.

As well as the first impression you give with your visual brand identity your content is so important for giving a winning first impression. Do not give unnecessary information or overelaborate your content, keep it concise and to the point, and direct your audience with Call to Action points across your marketing collateral and website. I would advise the best strategy to your content is to be confident and clear about what you are offering, create excitement about the quality, a special offer or unique quality to your service, and finally, be sincere with your customers and listen to their needs.

Conveying your business message with your visual brand identity and content is essential. I hope this blog has helped you to reflect what first impression you are giving your potential customers and how it could be even better!

EVERYONE should start their own business once in their life!

I truly believe EVERYONE should try run their own business at least once in their life, whether it’s something small on the side or a full time venture. It will be life changing!

Starting your own business will teach you so much about yourself, challenge you to learn and open endless opportunities.

In 2016 I started my own one-woman branding design agency, Bells and All. My mother was self-employed, her work-ethic and passion was a huge source of inspiration to me. As many graphic designers do, I had taken on the odd freelance job in the past and thought what the heck, why don’t I do this full time… well I soon discovered it wasn’t quite so straight forward. Running your own business not only requires confidence in your professional field but you also must master skills in business management, networking, marketing, looking after finances, staying productive and much much more. It was overwhelming at first but was also extremely exciting and rewarding. I thrive when I’m being challenged and I learnt an incredible amount from my rises and falls along the way. I am beyond proud to say “I did it”.

Running my own business was something I always wanted to try and I really want to encourage others to give it a try. Even if it’s to figure out that it’s not for you, it’s a journey worth taking. It completely pushes you out of your comfort zone and teaches you so much about yourself. After my experience, I gained a huge amount of knowledge and appreciation for running a business, I’m more confident in my work and in myself overall!

After making the big move from Ireland to New York it was the perfect opportunity for me to step back and decide the next move in my career. I decided to leave self-employed life behind. Reasons being that I miss the buzz of a design studio and the dynamic of working in a team. I also feel after my experience with Bells and All I have a lot more to offer to new jobs with the skills and confidence I have gained.

I was prompted to write this post because I see so many people on Facebook groups and across social media with aspirations to start their own business but who are just too scared to commit to it. At some point you’ve just got to dive in and go for it - GO ON!

“Ever tried? Ever Failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
– Samuel Beckett