Pairing extraordinary espresso with extraordinary packaging is what Espresso Design is all about—and on this installment we’re delighted to function Look Alive Espresso’s brand-new search for restricted releases and extra-special choices. It’s so particular, in truth, every package deal comprises a murals you may ship to a good friend (sure, it’s additionally a postcard).
To study extra, we spoke with Kelly Packard from Look Alive Espresso.
What was the inspiration behind this design?
The thought got here from desirous to carry collectively the issues which have at all times influenced Look Alive: artwork, design, music, and punk/DIY tradition.
At its core, Look Alive is about inspiring the pursuit of success, staying curious, and embracing self-expression. We wished the packaging to mirror that philosophy and really feel extra like opening a small piece of artwork than merely opening a bag of espresso.
Who designed it?
The packaging was designed fully in-house by Kelly Packard, our co-owner and designer. We wished the method to be deeply related to the model itself slightly than handing the mission off to an out of doors company. That allowed us the pliability and artistic freedom to discover, experiment, and hold refining the packaging till it was precisely how we envisioned it.
From first imaginative and prescient to closing product, how lengthy did the design course of take?
The whole course of took about seven months. We spent a variety of time absolutely exploring the idea, working by the structural design of the field and the way the entire elements would match collectively, and thoughtfully creating the main points of the unboxing expertise. There have been a variety of iterations alongside the best way, however that point allowed us to be intentional about each a part of the ultimate package deal.
Inform us about a few of your favourite design particulars.
The pictures is unquestionably one in every of our favourite components. Every espresso incorporates a totally different {photograph} from a photographer we’ve partnered with, with the bottom of the picture doubling as a postcard that may be stored, displayed, or handed alongside. It provides us the chance to repeatedly introduce new artists and imagery and hold the packaging evolving. We love the concept that the espresso may be gone in a few weeks, however the paintings can stick round for much longer.
We additionally love the tear strip. Whenever you open the field, it reveals our signature inexperienced and our tagline “Play For Retains.” It’s this little second of shock, but it surely ties instantly into what we imagine as a model: taking the stuff you care about severely and investing within the issues that make you are feeling alive.
How does the package deal design mirror the corporate’s general branding and messaging?
The packaging displays the identical values which have at all times formed Look Alive: creativity, self-expression, curiosity, and a willingness to do issues just a little in another way. We’ve by no means wished to suit neatly into what a espresso model is “supposed” to appear to be, and the packaging gave us a chance to specific that in a really tangible method.
We wished it to really feel artistic and surprising with out dropping the sense of intention behind it. The field provides us a constant basis, however what occurs inside it will possibly change and evolve. We will function a brand new {photograph}, introduce a limited-release espresso with a hand-screen-printed postcard, or incorporate different surprising particulars. That flexibility permits us to maintain experimenting and bringing new concepts into the model.
In the end, we wished the packaging to really feel like one thing you uncover slightly than one thing you merely open. It’s meant to spark inspiration, spotlight artistic work, and provides folks one thing they may wish to hold or share. In the long run, it feels much less like packaging and extra like an extension of Look Alive.
Are there key parts of the packaging meant to coach the buyer?
Sure. Every field features a label that states the producer, origin, course of, roast degree, and tasting notes, however we additionally use the packaging to introduce the photographer behind the paintings on the postcard. We wished the buyer to have the ability to uncover one thing past simply the espresso itself.
Are any of the packaging supplies recyclable or compostable?
Sure, the outer field is absolutely recyclable.
The place is it out there to buy?
Our 250g containers (and different sizes) can be found instantly by our web site (lookalivecoffee.com) and thru our wholesale companions at cafes, eating places, and different retail areas.
Thanks!
Get your fingers on a field of Look Alive Espresso from their official web site.
The Espresso Design function collection in 2026 is introduced in partnership with noissue.
Supply – sprudge.com
