Dr. Marty Pets
Overview
As Packaging Designer Intern, I contributed in updating over 40 SKUs of high-quality packaging designs to align with both the company’s established brand guidelines and evolving regulatory requirements. I followed a structured workflow to ensure efficiency, compliance, and brand consistency. The main projects I worked on included Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food formulas.
Approach
The project began with a Jira ticket outlining the need to update the 80oz bag design. This ticket included updated regulatory copy requirements, new dieline specifications, and a final deadline.
After familiarizing myself with the ticket's requirements, I went ahead and referenced the existing 80oz size packaging's design to start figuring out how the new 80oz dieline proportional difference in panel sizes. Upon first glance, the older 80oz dieline had a taller and much less wide front/back panels than the new 80oz dieline had. I seemed to have lost a few inches of vertically, but had gained a small amount of width.
While thinking of ways I could modify the placement of design elements while maintaining harmony and legibility, I decided to reference other bag sizes to see how their panel proportions were done in the past. Upon this, I discovered the 48oz dieline had a similar height. I decided this was a good starting point to make the new 80oz panels, proportions-wise. Using Adobe Illustrator, I began adapting the 48oz design to the new wider dieline. This involved scaling elements proportionally, repositioning key-visuals, and adjusting typography and photography to fit the wider layout.
Proof to Print
When the design took shape, a proof was shared in Ziflow for feedback from 10+ stakeholders, including executive level. Each round of feedback/approvals was to ensure compliance with regulations and alignment with brand standards.
After all stakeholders had given their approval, the file needed to be prepped for print. I followed the protocols for outlining type, managing color, and file exporting and packaging. I worked with the Production Designer to complete the file hand off to get sent off to the printers.
I was able to repeat this process throughout the Nature's Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food line. This was a valuable experience and made me excited for more. How cool is it that this finished set of packaging designs will be printed on millions of bags, and filled with over 9 million pounds of dog food!
Rotating view of the Nature's Blend 80oz bag mock ups I updated.
