I received the Sainsburys Own Brand book for Xmas and it’s a fascinating journey of the output of the Sainsbury’s design studio from 1962-1977. As well as being an exercise in nostalgia, it’s shows just how cutting-edge the design work was and how it set the Sainsburys own brand products apart from the competition. It also speaks volumes for the Sainsbury family in that they saw the value in letting Peter Dixon and his team push a striking modern aesthetic for such a long time. Click here to find out more.

Fuel, Jonny Trunk, Peter Dixon, Sainsbury's

I know this argument is well documented, but I can’t help getting wound up every time we see another ‘classic’ album re-released on some anniversary or another. Okay, Nirvana’s Nevermind is a seminal album – a classic in most people’s books, and it’s even a nice round 20 years old. But wasn’t it the burden of fame, success and ultimately this kind of ’selling out’ that led to Kurt Cobain’s early departure in the first place? Ironically, maybe it was Cobain’s suicide that elevated the album to such status in the first place?… Maybe he saw it all coming.

Purely from a design point of view (being a design-related blog and all that), the released pictures don’t suggest this is anything special at all, and certainly not worth the $135 price tag. And wasn’t In Utero a better album anyway?

That said, the publicity this has created has encouraged me to go back and listen to my Nirvana back catalogue today – and maybe it will introduce their music to a new audience?

Here’s a question – Which album do you think is genuinely worth a re-release, and how would you do it?

Anniversary, Nevermind, Nirvana, Re-issue

The New PUMA Fuseproject Packaging. PUMA and Yves Béhar developed a more sustainable packaging and distribution system in keeping with PUMA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, with impressive stats to support the change. Nice to hear this being mention on Radio2 last night (not that I listen to it on my drive home…) and an interview with the CEA of PUMA. Nice animation too – perfectly paced in my opinion.

Footwear, Packaging, puma, Shoe box

Last month’s Creative Forum featuring Progress Packaging is now available in video form. The next Forum will occur on the 23rd April, where the artist Rob Hart will be coming in to talk about his work – find out more here

Creative Forum, Progress packaging

This morning at our Creative Forum we had the pleasure of the company of Simon and Liam from Progress Packaging, who presented work and brought samples to show us for us to pour over. Simon spoke with passion and experience giving us an insight into the bespoke packaging industry and all who attended left with a lovely gift pack including a lovely tote bag! Photos of the forum, plus information on where to find the video/audio will follow…

Progress packaging

It’s not often you get the chance to work on the design of a global icon. Even more rare that it happens twice — with the same icon. Duffy & Partners POV shares a glimpse of the new Minute Maid branding program.

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Brand, Packaging, Product