The Ying Xiong Pu beer packaging design, a brainchild of Tiger Pan and Dong Yan, is a testament to the power of cultural symbolism and innovative design. Inspired by the universal appeal of heroism and the enduring popularity of Chinese Peking Opera, the design aims to transform the negative connotation associated with the Chinese culture of actors and actresses into a positive one. The Ying Xiong Pu design emerges as a symbol of heroic dreams, appealing to the inner hero in everyone.
The design stands out for its unique properties. It draws from traditional Chinese Peking Opera, distinguishing characters by gender. The design features a hero, "Bawang," and a heroine, "Daomadan," who jointly star in this heroic packaging opera. This approach conveys a sense of gender equality, a modern twist to the traditional art form. The design incorporates elements of beer ingredients, hops, and wheat, in the characters' exquisite headwear, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection between drinking culture and heroic spirit.
The Ying Xiong Pu beer packaging is realized through spot-color printing on an aluminum bottle, with the upper part covered by aluminum film. The technical specifications include a 355ml capacity, a height of 184mm, and a diameter of 184mm. The design process, which took place from July to September 2017, involved design in Shenzhen, proofing in Shanghai, and production in Beijing.
The design was born out of a need to differentiate the product from other brands using Peking Opera elements in their packaging. The previous packaging design by the client did not perform well in sales, leading to an in-depth study and a subsequent upgrade. The new design successfully sets the product apart, making it a unique offering in the market.
Despite the challenges posed by the intricate graphic pattern and the limitations of current printing techniques, the design team managed to create a visually stunning and culturally rich packaging design. The Ying Xiong Pu design, which won the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2018, is a testament to the team's creative prowess and technical expertise. The award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.
In conclusion, the Ying Xiong Pu beer packaging design by Tiger Pan and Dong Yan is a successful blend of tradition and modernity. It not only sets the product apart in the market but also serves as a symbol of heroic dreams and gender equality. It is a shining example of how innovative design can transform a product and resonate with consumers on a deeper level.
Project Designers: TIGER PAN
Image Credits: TIGER PAN
Project Team Members: Design Director: Tiger Pan
Designer: Longfei Xiao
Designer: Dong Yan
Illustrator: Ping Yi
Project Name: Snow Breweries-Ying Xiong Pu
Project Client: TIGER PAN