Marcella was approached by Lewis Moberly to bring Baileys' first foray into the vegan market to life – Baileys Almande. Launched in 2016, this innovative product called for equally innovative packaging.
The Inspiration: Blossoming with Almond Elegance
The brief for Marcella was to create illustrations of blossoms that seamlessly flowed and intertwined with the contours of the Baileys bottle. This visual metaphor aimed to represent the delicate and natural essence of the product. Feminine petals artfully painted to incorporate almonds, subtly hinting at the key ingredient in Baileys Almande.
An Illustration of Beauty and Sustainability
The flowing blossoms embraced the bottle, symbolising the product's smooth and luxurious taste. The integration of almonds within the petals offered a subtle yet effective reminder of the vegan nature of Baileys Almande. This design not only captured the essence of the product but also resonated with the brand's commitment to high-quality ingredients and sustainability.
A Flourish of Handcrafted Luxury: Petals and Almonds Brought to Life
Marcella's artistic vision for Baileys Almande was not simply conveyed through digital means. To achieve the desired luxurious feel, she embarked on a meticulous hand-crafted process. Each petal and almond were meticulously hand drawn, ensuring a unique and organic quality to the design.
Watercolour’s Delicate Touch: Capturing the Essence of Blossoms
Watercolour paints were then employed to breathe life into these hand drawn elements. This medium's inherent properties allowed for a soft and ethereal representation of the blossoms. The subtle gradations and washes of colour perfectly captured the delicate nature of the flowers, further emphasizing the Baileys Almande's smooth and creamy taste experience.
Ink's Bold Accents: Defining Details and Depth
While watercolours provided a soft touch, the strategic use of ink added definition and depth to the design. Focus was made on outlining the delicate petals, adding saturated colour to the almonds, and creating a subtitle contrast between the flora and the nuts.
A Touch of Gold: Gilding the Lily (or Almond, in this Case)
The final touch of luxury came with the application of gold gilding. This technique, often used in fine art and premium design, added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the packaging. The use of gold highlighted the form of the blossoms and intensified the warm tones of the almonds. This subtle shimmer further emphasised the premium quality of Baileys Almande.
By combining these traditional artistic techniques, Marcella created a packaging design that transcended mere functionality. It became a visual representation of the luxurious taste and premium ingredients found within the bottle of Baileys Almande.