"Nohpalli"Ā stands for Nopal in NahuatlĀ
In February of 2017, a Mexican start-up specialized in dried nopal powder contacted me for a collaboration. I was hired as a brand design consultant in freelance. I gave the brand a name, and itsĀ visual identity.Ā
This is how I spent 4 months of my spare-time working on it :
I spent several days collecting information surrounding the importance of this specific type of cactus (Nopal), and its place in the Mexican culture, history, society, nutrition and marketplace
It became quite obvious that creating an illustration for the brand would help it distinguish itself from the rest in the market, but most importantly,Ā give the consumer a visual indicator of the product in question. The approach for the packaging sticker was simplicity,Ā efficient andĀ honestĀ visual communication.
The first brainstorming involved several Nopali iconography. Experimentation of shape and color can be seen below.
I did not hesitate to experiment with different textures and techniques (e.g. Pastel Clay)
I then proceeded to experiment with information layout and text hierarchy, because in visual communication, typographic work is as important as illustrations.
As I got closer to the final design, I began focusing on color palettes, directly pulled out from the natural colors of Nopal
I then proceeded to drawing on digital (because why not?).Ā I used an iPad Mini with the Adonit Jot Touch Stylus, the app I used is called Procreate. It is a powerful and versatile tool that has impressed fellow Designers, and facilitated my work in some ways.
Although I ultimately decided to scan the hand-drawn illustrations to add some humanity to theĀ packaging.
I designed a pattern for a screen-printed tote bag. I believe more people in Mexico should be using them to help reduce the use of plastic bags, for grocery shopping for example. The people behind NOHPALLI believe in socially responsible and environmentally friendly consumers.
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