Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer: A Refreshing Design

A Clean and Crisp Packaging Design by Nicholas McMillan

Inspired by the crisp, refreshing taste and flavors of the low-calorie refreshment brewed in S. Georgia, the Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer packaging design sets itself apart as a unique product line with international appeal.

The Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer packaging design, created by Nicholas McMillan, showcases a blend of island and beach-themed typography, while incorporating elements that are easily recognizable by those familiar with Omaha Brewing Company (OBC), the brand behind the product. The clean and crisp white can design is complemented by splashes of color, creating a visually appealing packaging that appeals to a younger market and existing Island Rain enthusiasts.

The design's logo, inspired by island and beach-themed typography, subtly incorporates elements that are easily distinguishable by OBC loyalists, while not being essential to understanding the Island Rain brand. This approach allows the design to strike a balance between attracting new consumers and maintaining a connection with the existing OBC community.

One of the strengths of the Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer packaging design is its versatility. The clean and crisp white can serves as a canvas for the vibrant splashes of color, which not only create a visually consistent design but also help consumers easily identify the different flavors available. This design language speaks to a younger market, while also appealing to those who already enjoy Island Rain.

The production process for the Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer packaging involves the use of shrink-wrapped cans. While the initial design was intended to be printed directly on the substrate, the decision to continue using shrink-wrapped cans was made for the current production run. The specifications for the packaging include a 12 FL OZ aluminum can with a height of 413mm and a diameter of 211mm.

Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer has made its way to international markets, arriving on shelves in Guatemala in September 2020. The design project, which started in October 2019 in Omaha, Georgia, USA, concluded in January 2020. This timeline highlights the dedication and efficiency with which the design was realized.

The Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer packaging design was developed based on extensive research and feedback from test market groups. The objective was to create a product that would stand out from OBC's existing beer products while also competing in a crowded market. The design successfully achieved this goal by combining unique typography and vibrant colors, capturing the attention of consumers.

Overcoming challenges such as creating a design that appealed to both new and existing customers and ensuring cost-effectiveness during production was no easy task. However, the Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer packaging design managed to solve these problems while maintaining a visually striking aesthetic.

The Island Rain Spiked Sparkling Seltzer packaging design, with its clean and crisp white can, splashes of color, and island-inspired typography, captures the essence of a refreshing beverage. It successfully distinguishes itself in the market, attracting a younger audience while also appealing to loyal OBC consumers. This design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2021.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Nicholas McMillan
Image Credits: Nicholas McMillan
Project Team Members: Nicholas McMillan
Project Name: Island Rain
Project Client: Nicholas McMillan


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