Edible Insects: A Packaging Revolution

Transforming Disgust into Beauty: Ghada Wali's Innovative Edible Insect Brand

In a world where insect-protein industries are burgeoning, Ghada Wali, a renowned designer, has taken on the challenge of making an edible insect brand appealing. This article explores the unique properties, design inspiration, and the challenges faced in creating this unconventional packaging design.

Ghada Wali's inspiration for this project stemmed from the intricate beauty of insects. The main challenge was to shift the perception of disgust associated with edible insects to an appreciation of their beauty. To achieve this, Wali used handcrafted illustrations to communicate the aesthetic appeal of insects, thereby creating a visual identity for the brand.

The uniqueness of this design lies in its ability to transform an unconventional concept into an appealing product. The packaging and visual identity concept for the edible insect brand is a testament to Wali's innovative approach. The handcrafted illustrations, rich in color and detail, demonstrate an artistic take on the subject, effectively shifting the association of disgust to beauty.

The design was realized through a combination of acrylic paint, ink, pencil, and scanned digitized copies. This blend of traditional and digital mediums resulted in a packaging design that is both visually striking and engaging. The design not only introduces edible insects to the Western market but also explores their immense culinary potential.

Wali's design philosophy is centered around creating a brand that honestly sells. She believes that a successful brand identity goes beyond visual communication to encompass ethos, ambiance, brand strategy, and consumer perception. This philosophy is evident in the Edible Insects project, where the design not only appeals visually but also resonates with the consumers on a deeper level.

The Edible Insects project was a challenging endeavor, requiring a shift in perception from disgust to beauty. However, Wali successfully overcame this challenge, turning shock into surprise through her innovative design. Her work on this project has been recognized with the prestigious Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2018, a testament to her creative prowess and professional excellence.

In conclusion, Ghada Wali's Edible Insects project is a revolutionary take on food packaging design. It not only challenges conventional perceptions but also introduces a new aesthetic to the edible insect industry. Through her innovative approach, Wali has successfully transformed the association of disgust into beauty, setting a new standard in packaging design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Ghada Wali
Image Credits: photographs used in the moodboad by : Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP/Getty Images
Project Team Members: none
Project Name: Edible Insects
Project Client: Ghada Wali


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