Splash Redesign: Gone Mad

Developed a limited-edition visual identity for Splash Refreshers, an existing beverage company whose branding and packaging lacked visual appeal and functionality, creating a new brand direction through updated identity and packaging design.

Challenge

The objective was to design custom, tactile packaging for three distinct flavor varieties, each engineered to reflect the brand's identity while establishing a clear visual direction across the product range. I felt Splash's existing pastel palette leaned too heavily toward a candy-like, childish aesthetic rather than communicating the crisp, refreshing qualities of the beverage. Compared to more distinctive brands like LaCroix and Liquid Death, its inconsistent typography and conventional packaging lacked a recognizable identity, causing the product to blend in both visually and functionally.

Research + Process

My design direction focused on creating a product that stood out, not only through its graphic elements but also through its flavor offerings. I felt that most seltzer brands relied on the same familiar flavors, so I wanted Splash to take a more unexpected approach and push beyond conventional choices. From a functional standpoint, traditional soda and seltzer packaging often lacks convenient features for carrying and transporting the product. I wanted to expand on this by developing a unique package structure that made the product easier to grip, handle, and transport. The final design retained elements of Splash's original logo while introducing an entirely new visual identity across the rest of the packaging.

Takeaway

This project strengthened my understanding of packaging production, particularly how products are planned digitally and translated from two-dimensional dielines into physical structures. I refined my ability to organize graphics across multiple panels while maintaining a consistent visual identity across different product variations, including individual flavors. I also gained valuable experience with the physical production process.