Brand Packaging

Package Design’s Rising Stars

In a galaxy of aspiring creatives, these young luminaries shine brightly among a crowded and highly competitive field.

Across the country, thousands of young designers aspire to build a career by expressing their creativity. Day in and day out, they may work in cubicles dreaming up images, words or structures that bring brands to life. Often, they toil in anonymity. They are seldom recognized publicly for the work they do in the launch or redesign of a product’s new packaging.

That is why BRANDPackaging invited its readers to nominate young packaging designers whom they believe to be rising stars. Reputations are gained when a person excels over time. Success in a single, compelling project won’t cement a place in the pantheon of great designers. However, it doesn’t take long for co-workers and clients to recognize the characteristics and talents that point to a potential star.

In its first attempt to collect a compendium of talent, BRANDPackaging received a strong response, identifying a number of young men and women with great potential. They come from companies large and small, spanning the country. Many work in design agencies, some at consumer packaged goods companies or packaging vendors. And while there may be many who are just as deserving of recognition, these are individuals whose peers made the effort shine a light on their actions.

These rising stars share many attributes. First of all, they offer a creative vision expressed through their artwork. They have a way of crafting a brand message into an image or container that tells a story. Often, they are said to be good listeners who ask the right questions. They are efficient. Most importantly, they know how to work with other people.

This month, BRANDPackaging introduces you to a few of these promising designers. We share their photos and the words of those who believe they deserve recognition in the industry.