OrcaSong Packaging
Connecting People to the Power of Plants
In alignment with OrcaSong Farm’s mission to inspire, heal, and connect its audience, even those who cannot come to the farm (and to make a product that generated revenue for the farm), we created plant-based self-care products for sale in both ecommerce and traditional retail markets. The land surrounding the farm holds such healing and uplifting properties, and we wanted the packaging of these products to be equally as beautiful and to evoke the same feelings from the users.
The Beauty of the Land
The Beauty in Bottles
1st Product Line: Pure Botanical Extracts
Because OrcaSong was a very small operation, we were able to adjust quickly based on consumer feedback. So with each line of products came a design evolution. The challenge remained to evolve the aesthetic while maintaining a cohesive brand identity.
The first line of products that we released were pure plant extracts. We wanted packaging that spoke to the pure, handmade nature of these products, while also reflecting the higher-end quality that only comes from artisanal extractions. We landed on amber packaging (also necessary to maintain the quality of the preservative-free material inside) that pointed to the apothecary-like nature of these products. Simple, hand-drawn botanical illustrations to reflect the simplicity of the product.
Another mission of the farm and its products is to heal and care for community. This community not only includes people, but also the land, so it is vital that we used sustainably-minded materials in the packaging. We used glass wherever possible, and BPA-free amber plastic bottles where shipping and use prohibited glass. The labels were printed on either recycled Estate paper with water-based inks.
2nd Product Line: Hand Sanitizer, Soap & More
Then the pandemic hit. GIven the farm produces two of the main ingredients found in more natural hand sanitizers, we pivoted to creating our own. The other thing in high demand--hand soap for all of that handwashing. Jumping off of the apothecary feel, I created labels with similar feel and more color, printed Biostone paper for eco-friendlier durability.
Then to feed people on the small island, where food supplies had been interrupted, we started to sell vegetables and eggs through the local food hub. The eggs were a particularly big hit, and they sold out each week.
Phase 3: Bursting with Botanicals
Next evolution in our product line was to blend the extracts in order to create aromatherapeutic sprays that captured the healing and uplifting botanicals grown at the farm. To capture the feeling of those fragrances through the eyes, I wanted the flowers to burst off of the bottles, to where you could almost smell them from the outside. The result was a maximalist surface design which was also an evolution of the bountiful illustrations that were so popular on the eggs.
The brand had gained popularity due to its story and the vibrance of the people who worked there. To increase sales, we decided to bring that same botanical vibrance of the Aromatherapy Refreshers package design to the original soap and the new varieties of soap that we were creating. Because of the new design upgrade, the buyer of a state-wide grocery retailer added the line to its regular offerings.
The next product to be added to the OrcaSong line were pure, hydrosol aromatherapy blends in more sustainable, glass packaging. These were also picked up by the same local grocer as seasonal, locally-made gift items.
