When we think take-out food, the type of packaging that comes to mind are paper bags, styrofoam partitioned containers, and paper-wrapped food. My thesis explores the idea of changing the way take-out packaging is designed and constructed.
The central concept includes the designs and construction of packaging for a chic carry-out style restaurant. Design elements include various packages for the distribution of food and beverages, logo and mark design, as well as general aesthetics. My goal in designing this type of packaging is to inspire take-out companies to explore innovative and eye-catching ways to display their food to the world beyond their “open” sign. Much like the way the fashion industry brands unique shopping bags as a way to market themselves beyond the conventional means, the food industry should delve deeper into marketing their own business with carry-out containers that turn heads and make customers rethink the common perception of the hierarchy of the food industry. The inspiration for my thesis came from a suggested design project from a friend who is possibly looking to open up her own restaurant. Taking this approach toward my thesis will help me prepare for working with clients in my future career, as well as working on design elements I would want to pursue professionally. I was majorly inspired by geometry when creating my packages. The hexagon is my main geometric shape for my packaging and my design work, and from the hexagon, I developed other containers from the sub-shapes of a triangle, rhombus, and polygon. Each of the sub-packages have the ability to interlock into the main hexagonal package, thus making the transport of multiple orders more effortless. The patterns I created also follow the concept of geometry. Each pattern is made from repeating, overlaying triangles. The inspiration for my patterns derive from textiles and patterns prominent during the 1950’s and 1960’s, where geometry was prevalent. The influence of that time period is also present in my overall decor, and would be the over-all aesthetic for the restaurant. With the menu consisting of home-style comfort food, I chose a color scheme that emulates warmth, comfort, and invitation. My restaurant, B’s Eatery, will aim to reinvent how carry-out restaurants package their product and essentially market themselves beyond advertisements and word-of-mouth. |