fits to a tee

teeccino-family

When our client, Teeccino, wanted to take their herbal coffee and make it good-to-go, we helped them with packaging for a new line of  “tee-bags” – individual Teeccino packets that are easy to keep in a purse or desk, handy for a convenient, easy single serving anytime.

may 31st, 2010 | posted by linda | fresh

don’t give up on green

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One of our clients recently decided to explore the possibility of packaging their products in “corn plastic”,  otherwise known as Polylactic Acid (PLA). Due to the controversy surrounding PLA our client is still debating if the product will make it to the shelf in the “corn bottle”. We decided some additional research was in order on our part to understand the current thinking on the pros and cons of PLA.

We discovered that several factors need to be considered—biodegradability, compostability, fossil fuels used, air pollution produced, the dreaded GMO corn and its entire controversy — these are just some of the issues that are being discussed. It can all seem very complicated and discouraging, but it’s important to stay focused on the progress being made rather than the problems we are encountering. Solutions are being developed and improved upon, and we are much further along in the sustainability movement than we were 10 years ago.

The following articles, the first from 2006 and the second from 2010, are perfect examples of the evolution of a new development.
2006 Smithsonian Article
2010 Green Right Now Article

It’s not a perfect answer yet, and sometimes announcements of marginal or untested solutions are simply greenwashing, so we need to be vigilant and attentive. But if we voice our concerns and stay involved, eventually new solutions evolve for the better. As Eric Lombardi, president of the Grassroots Recycling Network and a leader in the international Zero Waste movement says, “let’s not kill the good in pursuit of the perfect”.

may 26th, 2010 | posted by janet | causes, sustainability

aspen mulling spices

aspen-logo-oldnew-blogAspen Mulling Spices originated in 1970 as a gesture of hospitality at Wax&Wicks, Aspen’s renowned gift shop. Although these spice drinks became available throughout the U.S. and the world, the packaging system was fragmented and didn’t effectively communicate the brand’s unique history and personality.

Foerstel was approached by the Aspen Mulling Company with the challenge of revitalizing their packaging and identity system, and creating an effective brand architecture that included a new line of Gourmet Treats and Bread & Muffin Mixes.

The result evokes the “gifty”, “homey”, and welcoming nature of the Cider Spices experience. The results of our re-branding effort? Better retail awareness and reported sales increases of up to 300 percent! Check out the packaging and collateral below… more »

may 25th, 2010 | posted by holly | fresh

buckle up

avera

Racy little sports car. Seats four. 90 mpg. Under $25,000!

An innovative, green car company, Avera Motors is launching an amazing sports car in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, here is their teaser website to give you an idea of what lies ahead. More details to follow…

may 25th, 2010 | posted by holly | fresh

full circle

00058 Cranberries face

With new biodegradable packaging from Stahlbush Island Farms, these items will now be able to go full circle - from the ground, to the ground. Plus, the debut of this revolutionary new packaging gave us the chance to update all of their packages with a bit of a refresh. Another bonus: our in-house illustrators, Claudia Button and Mark Curtis, enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their talents.

may 18th, 2010 | posted by linda | fresh

power engineers

pwe_10-05_corporate_ads_lo

With a company as large and robust as POWER, it’s often difficult to distill down a marketing message from everything the company does and wants to communicate. For this new series of branding ads, we convinced them to simply focus on the “Look to the RAM” theme we’ve used in other ads and marketing materials. And rather than featuring images of their wind turbines, power plants and transmission lines, we again played up POWER’s laid-back style and sense of humor, using images of classic, obviously-not-POWER-made engineering marvels. With the ram looking on, of course.

may 17th, 2010 | posted by tom | fresh

branding you can bank on

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After a short marketing hiatus, Idaho Trust came to us ready to make some major changes in their collateral and in-branch displays; specifically a more modern look and consumer-friendly way to present a new structuring for their financial products.

Industry research and subsequent brainstorming took us in a fresh new direction that avoided the same old stock images used for most bank marketing presentations. At our recommendation, an integral part of the process was the development of a simple messaging device that would be easily recognized as part of the branded campaign. Voilá! The iTrust campaign was born.

As for the iTrust brand look, we wanted to do something that would stand out, while helping to define the selected financial products. To accomplish this, we paired a vibrant color palette with whimsical icons and business silhouettes, then applied it across the board—to new brochures, banners, posters, countertop displays, and statement stuffers.

more »

may 14th, 2010 | posted by tom | fresh

just another mocha monday

don_10-02_mocha_monday_lo

To kick off Moxie’s new campaign, we collaborated with Donahoe Pace, our agency partner, on some Mocha Monday posters. Nowadays, with “having a case of the Mondays” reaching pandemic levels, taking the suck out of Mondays seemed like a worthwhile effort and a noble undertaking.

So we attacked, head on, with shocking images of the horrific events known to mostly occur on that formerly-wretched day. Sure, we got paid. But our real reward is hearing “TGIM” chants early most Monday mornings rising above the din of the connector traffic.

may 14th, 2010 | posted by tom | fresh

value priced, premium presentation

09-0915 Blueberry layout 2

Treasure Valley Packaging proves that just because a brand is budget friendly doesn’t mean that it can’t be stylish and engaging as well. The TJ Farms Select brand beautifully covers everything from frozen fruit to salad dressings, veggies to waffles, and orange juice to French fries.

may 13th, 2010 | posted by linda | fresh

pedal to the metal

BBB Email blast

Closed course, eight hairpin turns in two miles, driving a precision German car as fast as possible, what’s not to like? Welcome to the Bogus Basin Bacchanalia - the only officially sanctioned hillcross event by the Porsche Club of America, sponsored locally by the Silver Sage Porsche Club. Jeff seemed like the perfect designer for this fun project, being a Porsche lover himself (ask him about his vintage 1968 911). Both he and Tom will be participating in this event over Memorial Day - boys will be boys!

may 12th, 2010 | posted by linda | fresh, people + place
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