Suzanna Lakatos

Our June issue of BOLT! explores the intricacies of developing packaging for multiple entertainment brands under a single overarching brand, from establishing visual hierarchy to the myriad of benefits of leveraging a unified approach to package design. If you have thoughts on this topic, please chime in. I'd love to hear from you! https://bit.ly/3VuP4fp

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Recently I’ve posted print designs with CRABS and SHRIMPS, so when I saw that the next Spoonflower Design Challenge is “Crustacean Core”, I thought, hmm, time for LOBSTERS! Public voting for this Challenge opens this Thursday May 9, and I’d love your vote for my new “Lobster Dinner” design! You can link to the Voting Page here: https://lnkd.in/dRDVXCC7 . FUN FACT: The claws of mature lobsters are different, one is the larger “crusher” claw (this dominant claw can be either left or right) that moves slowly and is used to break up hard food; the other is a smaller “pincher/cutter” claw that moves faster and is used to tear up soft food (they can even catch small fish with it!) I wish I had known this fact before I finished my new “Lobster Dinner” print design because then I would have had fun exaggerating that difference...But I see that the claws did end up being different anyway! . . #unblinkstudio #jackietahara #shopunblinkstudio #lobsterprint #lobsterpattern #lobster #seafoodpattern #seafoodart #foodpattern #foodprint #surfacepattern #surfacepatterndesign #surfacedesign #surfacedesigner #patterndesign #patterndesigner #printdesign #artlicensing #patternlicensing #licensingartist #printandpatterndesigner #printandpattern #colorandpattern #fabricdesign #modernfabric #modernfabricdesign #thejoyoffabric Shutterfly #unblinkstudiospoonflower #spoonflower #spoonflowerartist

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Prize pools on sweepstakes are big draws for consumers. The bigger the prize the greater the draw. So when defining your Estimated Retail Value (or ERV) for each prize keep in mind there are other costs associated with those prizes, one of which is, in the US, anything with an ERV over $600 will require a 1099 to be issued to the winner. This means more work to administer the sweeps and more money to mail those forms. Making sure you factor those costs into your total budget will lessen any surprises later on. #yesterlearnings #sweepstakes #promotions #design

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I have a new book in the works titled Hue, Chroma, and Poison Dart Frogs: How Color Changes Everything! The book features interviews with ground-breaking color professionals. (Think Emmy winners, planet photographers, chromatic designers, pigment specialists, iconic architects, color neuroscientists, and more.) Hue, Chroma, and Poison Dart Frogs: How Color Changes Everything explores color as catalyst for change across disciplines and celebrates how color changes lives. Far from being another publication about the basics of color theory, the book presents eminent colorists as they confess their breaks, mistakes, strategies, and successes to open a dialogue about color perception, experience, and ethical responsibility in a complicated world. #colordesign #designbook

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Marshport groceries. Marshport laundromat. Marshport coffee shop. Don’t name your practice after your local town name. If you have, than be distinct. The owners of Katmai Eye and Vision Center, Dr. Sherry Lentfer and Dr. Laura Kompkoff desired for their logo to reflect their town’s Alaskan roots. But it wasn't just about beautiful graphics. The goal was about making sure the logo resonated with the locals who passed by the practice on a daily basis. So why was the logo effective? Despite naming the practice after a local landmark? A logo that depicts a brown bear paw in the shape of an eye with long eyelashes? 3 criteria were met for success: Distinct symbol: Bold and surprising decisions were made to communicate the vision center’s one-stop shop offerings. Depth: The ability to speak to the local folks on a number of levels. Both logically and emotionally. Relevance: The brand expression is attention grabbing for its ties to the natural landscape of Alaska, its wildlife, and the town of Anchorage. Distinct Symbolism → Depth → Relevance In other words… Don't just create a logo → Let the logo show ties to the local community beyond the town name. It's not about just looking good → But being relevant and distinct. Dr. Lentfer and Dr. Kompkoff’s logo tells the nature-based eyewear story in Alaska. The 10 year practice resonates with their community, and they both are filled with joy spending quality time with patients. Like and follow for more insights and updates. 🍒 #eyewear #eyecare #independenteyewear #independentoptical #optician #eyedoctor #glasses #brandstrategy #graphicdesign #identitydesign #communication #problemSolving #storytelling #personalbrand #positioning #patient #medical #experiencedesign #WomenInOptometry

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These physical objects being “crushed” does not define your creativity or your future as an artist, designer, or musician… Well, here we go again with a large portion of the creative community up in arms about a recent Apple ad for the new iPad. I’ve been hearing responses to a recent post on X like… — “Apple's image is built on connections with creative professionals. Those people have an intimate attachment to the tools of their craft. Symbols of meaning and fulfillment. Making an ad with this destruction is unprofessional and offensive on a different level.:)” Or… “I'm a designer. I had tons of crappy clients and this commercial is just plain sad. You must read the room of what's going on in the world right now. I get the message of "all in one" but using the crunch (or pressed) wasn't a nice approach. Destroying instruments where a lot of musicians appreciate is kinda sentimental. The musicians play their instruments because they feel joy and is the only thing they can afford. There is a crisis where we cannot buy the basics such food so probably won't have the $ to buy iPad. It's just tone deaf. Maybe 10+ years ago would've been another way to interpret but right now, 2024, nah. People are desperate and watching these commercials where they are pushing consumers to spend more on technology which are going to replace all art and creativity in a small device... not cool.” — Take things as you may, but… I find the symbolism of “destruction” to have been taken far too literally and rather perceive the visual concept of the ad to be about “compression and integration” through the process of “pressing and forming” so many creative tools into a single product. If this same visual concept were for an iPhone and the items being “crushed” were a fax machine, telephone, radio, keyboard, scanner, Rolodex, modem, monitor, encyclopedia, books, albums, etc. Would everyone have the same reaction? I don’t feel an iPad or any product will ever “replace all art and creativity”, but rather as a tool that may perhaps introduce more people to it. Technology will never stop for anything, and neither will human creativity.

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Is the redesign of packaging driven by the real market need or by the boredom of marketers? 😤 In the latest BRANDERMAN episode, William Caruso and I delve into how some brands sacrifice recognition and familiarity for novelty. Necessary innovation or unnecessary risk? Share your opinion now! #PackagingDesign #ConsumerPsychology #Marketing

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Around the start of the pandemic, we noticed a new dynamic within the brand. More than ever, our community was rehashing their favorite memories with The Hundreds. And they’re reliving these moments by digging for vintage pieces in secondary marketplaces. Many brands don’t survive long enough to see this happen, but we’ve left such a deep trail behind us that there are legions of followers who have filled the journey. Multiple generations have emotional touchpoints with specific product, events, and eras. The Blog years, RSWD/POST/GRND/BDWY, the collabs. And at 20 years old, we are now speaking to a young customer who wasn’t even alive when the brand was founded. For them, the search for vintage 2000s streetwear is more about culture than clothing. We started talking to the eBay team about how we could work together to address this turn. We’d already been quietly amassing vintage The Hundreds (Greatest Hits) in our archive. For us, it was about reference and design process. But, it turned out many others have been hunting also, as eBay disclosed the number of searches and sales "The Hundreds" was fetching on their platform. From deadstock shoes on Japanese online auction houses to Round Two and StockX, vintage has featured in the street fashion ecosystem for decades. Yet, it surprises me that most of the brands that are being traded don’t play an active role in their exchange. Especially considering how particular they are with image and how vigilant they are with distribution. They do all the thoughtful work to set up the art, then let the resellers dictate the rest. The Hundreds and eBay have partnered on an official home for The Hundreds Greatest Hits. We are sourcing pieces directly from our archive room and refreshing inventory on a bi-weekly schedule. Ben and I are personally curating these skateboards, watches, toys, and clothing to tell the story how it was intended to be told. Meanwhile, our community is assured that these items are not only authenticated but meaningful to the future of The Hundreds. On a broader note, we are excited to galvanize the next chapter of vintage collecting. We’re probably a couple years out from striking that mid-2000s sweet spot, but we believe a renaissance of independent T-shirt labels is on the horizon. We’ll see... Nobody knows what’ll happen next, but we can tell you what happened before. Greatest Hits on The Hundreds eBay is now LIVE. ebay.com/thehundreds

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With the Bay Area absolutely scorching under this crazy "heat wave," I was inspired to give my "We Scream for Ice Cream" 2D illustrations an incredibly realistic, drippy melting effect in 3D! As someone who's been a diehard 2D artist forever, seeing my finished artwork pop off the screen in 3D for the first time was like experiencing those jaw-dropping images from the James Webb Space Telescope – a whole new mind-blowing dimension to dive into! But after really immersing myself in this 3D world, I realized something profound: 2D has its own electrifying magic that even 3D can't quite capture. I've come to the thrilling conclusion that it's my personal, signature style that steals the show, whether in 2D or 3D: the way I boldly scratch those lines, the funky shapes I cook up, how I wildly exaggerate those events – that's the real sorcery, with the actual medium playing second fiddle! So hey, what's your take? Do those bangin' 2D illustrations just nail the vibe better than the 3D versions? I'm thinking of turning these wacky characters into actual figurines for my niece. Now asking the experts what’s the slickest workflow to make that fantasy a reality?

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"Sometimes we plant the seeds for trees under whose shade we will never sit." 🌳 Shortly after I started at Walmart, a proposal came to me to build a photo studio in Los Angeles, I said Yes. And... WHAT IF? WHAT IF we dream bigger. Build an integrated Production Studio and Creative Lab. Grow our creative capabilities. Create content at the speed of retail and culture. Tap into the diverse talent right here in LA, a community of the world's greatest storytellers. Create more impact and help more people live more equitably, more sustainably, more beautifully. The bigger dream included a massive Production Studio with space to grow capabilities, natural light fashion studio, shooting kitchen, sound stage, virtual production stage, editing and finishing capabilities. Brand Lab - to build and grow owned, partner and private label brands. Story Lab - to win hearts, minds and spirits. Culture Lab - to put the brand in culture and culture in the brand - collaborating with diverse creators. Innovation Lab - to embrace new technology from virtual production to AI to who knows whats next. Sometimes all it takes is a Spark. And a hell of a lot of teamwork. To all those who made the bigger dream a reality, well done. I hope you kept the yoga studio and the dog run:) #walmart #brand #retail #leadership #chiefcreativeofficer #creativity #inhouse #agency #storytelling #purpose #impact #production #virtualproduction #collaboration #team #dream #cocreation #community #diversity #equity #DEI #sustainability #style #LosAngeles #LA #AI #innovation #spark #dream #whatif #gobig #failforward #thedrum

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You know who is a business partner who doesn't even know it...@traderjoes All good dogs get these. And they are ALL good dogs. Tomorrow we will show you the latest client to get his bag, Hershey! #formaltraditional #interiordesign #petfriendlydesigner #transparency #bespoke #traditionaldesign #artistry #luxurydesign #oldworld #petfriendly #renovation #remodeling #additions #newbuild #designbuild #decorating #commercialdesign

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🍭 Top 3 Takeaways from this week's Sweets & Snacks Expo: 1️⃣ Occasions are the NEW Seasonal While traditional seasonal products aren't going anywhere (pumpkin spice: you *ARE* safe), consumer demands are evolving FAST. Whether it's aligning an LTO with a Taylor Swift album drop or deciding what snack to buy for a Vanderpump Rules Reunion watch party with friends, brands and retailers that solve for occasions in culture will outpace their peers by a mile. A standout example was Jack Link's Protein Snacks Bloody Mary Mixes: "people were already putting beef sticks in their Bloody Marys, so it made sense that we show up at brunch!" 2️⃣ The Better-for-You vs. Indulgence Battle Continues NCA Sweet Insights reports that only 53% of consumers believe BFY confections exist, and just 1 in 10 purchase them frequently (predominantly Gen-Z). Experts confidently state: "Indulgence is not going anywhere," even as consumers cut back on snack purchases citing health concerns. The takeaway? Consumers will never give up indulgence—it will just look different in the future. There's a MASSIVE, untapped opportunity in this space. Standout brands already threading the needle beautifully include BEHAVE and NICKS, both of which highlight indulgence with drool-worthy flavor and texture, and an "oh-by-the-way this is actually better for you" twist. FFUPs also caught my eye with their unabashed "NOT HEALTHY" claims, embracing the pure joy and emotional benefits of snacking without any B.S. 3️⃣ Foodie Influence International flavors aren't new, but what stood out was the expressive brand storytelling in snacking. There were so many founders on the expo floor sharing the flavors of their culture with infectious joy. El Nacho was particularly memorable—their tortilla chips were not only delicious, but their packaging was a vehicle for storytelling with cheerfully rebellious characters. I am an immediate fan (especially of Ms. Mango). Nomad Snacks also drew me in with their journey of international flavors like chimichurri and ramen. Lastly...our team has a few more takeaways in our pocket too spicy to publish here 👀 DM if you want to hear more! #SweetsAndSnacks #ConsumerTrends #foodandbev LPK Emily Dominick Kyle

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Just saw the old Impossible Foods packaging next to the Jones Knowles Ritchie revamped design at Sprouts Farmers Market. I experienced the redesign earlier this year at #expowest - so it was fun to do a little compare/contrast against the old in the freezer: Color: The shift from a unique teal-and-white combination(that felt a little 90's in a good way) to a robust meaty red is different for sure. While I have a nostalgic connection to the old teal, white, and yellow scatter pattern, the new red hue taps into a more masculine and emotionally charged purchasing dynamic. It feels like a bigger play at meat eaters, especially in the larger context of the meat department. Callouts: The redesign significantly boosts the size of the three main callouts, making the essential product info pop even more on the shelf. I’d nudge the white text just a bit bigger for better readability and balance with the larger statement they're connected to. Tagline: The subtle but significant change in the tagline from "made from plants" to "meat from plants" steers the brand in a new direction. This linguistic shift might resonate differently with consumers, again appealing to folks looking for more "meat". Photo-style: Swapping flavor cues for a more distant, stylized look reminiscent of a fashion spread—a big jump visually. They're leaning into creating more of a scene with the cutting board - and it feels more like it's part of a gourmet kitchen. Logo: The logo's had a little work done too—still that tight, condensed sans serif, but now with rounded corners and a taller stance. It fills its space better (especially in this particular format), aiming for more impact without losing its roots. What do y'all think? Yea or Nay on the new? #PackagingDesign #ImpossibleFoods #BrandRefresh #DesignThoughts #Sprouts

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gordan popic & Dexyco 🎧 Excited to share my latest adventure on the Toyriffic podcast with the one and only Michael Rothling! 🚀 In this groundbreaking episode, we dive deep into the vibrant Serbian toy market. 🇷🇸 I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Dexyco buyer, gordan popic 🤝 We explored the ins and outs of toy distribution in Serbia, uncovering some fascinating insights along the way. 🎯 Gordan’s expertise and passion were truly inspiring, making this conversation not just informative but also incredibly enjoyable. 🎉 If you're keen on understanding global toy markets, trends, and the secrets behind successful distribution, you won't want to miss this episode. 🌍💡 Whether you're in the industry, a toy enthusiast, or just curious about international business dynamics, there's something for everyone in this chat! Tune in to discover why Serbia is becoming a key player in the toy world and the opportunities this market holds. 🚀🧩 #ToyrifficPodcast #ToyIndustry #SerbianMarket #ToyDistribution #GlobalTrends #BusinessInsights #NetworkingProfessionals #InnovationInToys #MarketDynamics #PodcastLovers Let's connect, listen, and learn together! 🌟

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"Venom" vector game card illustration for Funko's awesome Marvel Battleworld (Series 4) game. It goes without saying I'm a HUGE and lifelong Marvel fan - loved doing these! #toys, #toyindustry, #toypackaging, #childrenspublishing, #childrensbooks, #childrensillustration, #kidlitart, #kidsbooks, #packagingdesign, #characterdesign, #boardgames

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Most brands only show up for Pride Month. Did you know that true commitment means being inclusive all year? Brands like Levi’s lead the way in year-round LGBTQ+ support. Commitment Beyond Pride It's about integrating LGBTQ+ inclusive elements into your brand daily, not just in June. Levi’s is a shining example. They support LGBTQ+ causes throughout the year, not just during Pride Month. Here are a few specific ways brands can show year-round commitment: 1. Inclusive Policies: Ensure your company policies protect and support LGBTQ+ employees and customers at all times. 2. Ongoing Education: Provide regular training on LGBTQ+ issues for all employees. 3. Year-Round Campaigns: Run campaigns that highlight LGBTQ+ stories and voices beyond Pride Month. 4. Community Engagement: Partner with LGBTQ+ organizations for events and initiatives throughout the year. True commitment means more than rainbow logos in June. It's about lasting change.

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I talk with #consumergoods clients about their brand anchor being a person, a place, or a thing. I'm sure it's called something different but it gets at the point that what you anchor your brand on is going to be one of those three pillars. 👯 Name -- Obvious but it can depend on how much of that person's personality becomes part of the brand. Think Ben & Jerry's versus Stacy's Pita Chip Company, Inc. You know who Ben and Jerry are but do you know Stacy? 🚲 Thing -- More often that not, a thing is a lifestyle. Peloton Interactive is most certainly a lifestyle brand, even though it's "anchored" in the main group of cyclists during a race. 🌄 And Place -- Again, obvious but the trick with place is knowing how to convey the "feeling" of a place versus the "details" of a place. Most early-stage brands start with details that someone who visits the place would know. As they grow, they have to translate that to feelings. A good case in point is Tucson Tamale, who's expanding into Tucson Foods to capture the feeling of Tucson without having to rely on the details. Someone buys a tamale in the Northeast will know of Tucson and probably the Sonoran Desert, but they aren't going to know about their original location on Broadway or their restaurant on Oracle. If you're a place-anchored brand, convey the feelings of the place. That'll give you more room to roam, as it were. (I don't work with Tucson Tamale, just a huge fan of what Todd and Sherry Martin are doing. Here's a good article on their packaging change below) https://lnkd.in/g5DD4nrm

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