Project Overview Production execution for clean beauty brand Cocokind’s consumer product packaging, translating established brand design guidelines into production-ready carton dielines and label specifications across their skincare product line.

Client Cocokind – Clean, conscious skincare brand

Project Details

• Timeline: November 2019 – January 2020
• Role: Freelance Packaging Production Artist
• Scope: Label and carton production for multiple SKUs across product line

Product Line Developed

• Resurfacing Sleep Mask (1.7 fl oz / 50ml jar and secondary carton packaging)
• Raspberry Vinegar Toner (4 fl oz / 120ml bottle with front and back labels, and secondary carton)
• Additional product packaging across skincare range

Project Scope & Responsibilities

Primary Deliverables:

• Production-ready carton dielines with proper fold lines, glue flaps, and structural specifications
• Front and back label artwork prepared for flexographic printing
• Technical file preparation ensuring brand consistency across product line
• Coordination with printing vendors for specification accuracy

Key Responsibilities

• Adapt existing brand design guidelines to various package formats
• Create precise structural dielines for carton manufacturing
• Prepare label separations and print specifications
• Ensure regulatory compliance (ingredient lists, usage instructions, safety warnings)
• Maintain typography, color, and iconography consistency per brand standards
• Generate production files ready for offset and flexographic printing
  

Technical Specifications

Carton Production – Raspberry Vinegar Toner Example:

• Dieline Dimensions: 1.83″ x 2.5″ (approximate flat dimensions)
• PMS Color: 7416 (Cocokind signature coral/red)
• Print Method: Offset printing on SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate) paperboard
• Finish: Matte coating for natural brand aesthetic
• Structure: Tuck-end folding carton with glue flap
• Special Features: Window die-cut consideration for product visibility
  

Label Production – Raspberry Vinegar Toner Example:

• Front Label: Brand identity with product name and key messaging
• Back Label: Ingredient list, usage instructions, brand story, certifications
• Print Method: Flexographic printing
• Material: Pressure-sensitive paper or film label stock
• Finish: Gloss laminate to align with brand aesthetic
  

Resurfacing Sleep Mask Packaging:

• Primary Package: Glass jar with white lid (50 mL capacity)
• Secondary Package: Vibrant blue carton with white typography
• Label Application: Direct print or wrap-around label on jar
• Information Hierarchy: Product name, key benefits, usage, ingredient transparency
  

Brand Guidelines Implementation

Visual Identity Standards:

• Color Palette: Bold, saturated primary colors (cobalt blue, coral red, golden yellow, lime green)
• Typography: Clean sans-serif for brand name and product titles, readable serif/sans for body copy
• Iconography: Hand-drawn botanical illustrations (raspberry, leaves, lotus flowers)
• Brand Voice: Transparent, educational, eco-conscious messaging
• Certifications: Vegan, cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny certification display
  

Content Requirements:

• Bilingual packaging (English/French for Canadian compliance)
• Comprehensive ingredient lists following INCI nomenclature
• Usage instructions and product benefits
• Sustainability messaging (“écoresponsable”, recyclability information)
• Company contact information and website
• Barcode placement and specification
  

Production Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Design Guideline Translation to Production Specifications Existing brand designs needed conversion to print-ready files with proper bleeds, die lines, fold lines, and technical specifications.

Solution:

• Created detailed dieline templates based on bottle and jar dimensions
• Built library of reusable carton structures for consistent production
• Established standard bleed and safety zones for all package formats
• Generated comprehensive specification sheets for print vendors
  

Challenge 2: Multi-Panel Information Hierarchy Cartons required extensive information (ingredients, instructions, certifications, bilingual text) organized across limited space while maintaining brand aesthetic.

Solution:

• Prioritized information based on regulatory requirements and brand importance
• Utilized interior and exterior carton panels strategically
• Maintained consistent typography system for readability at small sizes
• Balanced required text density with brand’s clean, minimal design approach
  

Challenge 3: Color Consistency Across Print Methods Products used different printing methods (offset for cartons, flexo/digital for labels) requiring color management across processes.

Solution:

• Specified PMS spot colors for brand consistency (PMS 7416 for coral)
• Provided color build formulas for process printing when necessary
• Created color matching standards for vendors
• Reviewed press proofs to ensure brand color accuracy
  

Challenge 4: Structural Accuracy for Manufacturing Carton dielines needed perfect precision to ensure proper folding, gluing, and product fit.

Solution:

• Worked from physical product samples to verify dimensions
• Created mockups to test structural integrity before production
• Coordinated with packaging manufacturers on material thickness and tolerances
• Provided detailed assembly notes for production teams
  

Challenge 5: Regulatory Compliance Clean beauty brand required transparent ingredient labeling and compliance with cosmetic regulations across markets.

Solution:

• Worked from physical product samples to verify dimensions
• Created mockups to test structural integrity before production
• Coordinated with packaging manufacturers on material thickness and tolerances
• Provided detailed assembly notes for production teams
  

Skills Demonstrated:

• Structural packaging design and dieline creation
• Brand guideline interpretation and application
• Multi-format packaging production (cartons, labels, jars)
• Print specification for offset and flexographic processes
• Cosmetic industry regulatory knowledge
• File preparation for multiple print vendors
• Typography and information hierarchy
• Color management across print processes
• Mockup creation and structural verification
• Vendor coordination and technical communication
  

Production File Deliverables

Complete Package for Each Sku:

• Carton dieline with fold lines, cut lines, glue flaps clearly marked
• Label artwork with trim marks and bleed specifications
• Color specifications (PMS callouts or process builds)
• Font specifications and usage guidelines
• Barcode files with proper quiet zones and specifications
• Print-ready PDFs with embedded fonts and proper color profiles
• Structural notes for manufacturing
• Material and finish recommendations
  

Supporting Documentation:

• Mockup renderings for client approval
• Proof approval records
• Vendor specification sheets
• Quality control checklists
  

Design Philosophy Alignment

Successfully maintained Cocokind’s brand values throughout production:

• Conscious: Sustainable material specifications, recyclability information
• Clean: Minimalist design aesthetic with transparent ingredient disclosure
• Accessible: Clear information hierarchy and multilingual support
• Authentic: Hand-drawn botanical illustrations and approachable messaging
• Eco-responsible: Material selection and sustainability callouts
  

Results & Impact

• Produced consistent, brand-compliant packaging across multiple product launches
• Enabled smooth manufacturing process through accurate technical specifications
• Maintained brand integrity across different package formats and printing methods
• Supported brand’s transparency and sustainability messaging through thoughtful information design
• Created scalable template system for future product development
  

Professional Value

This project demonstrates expertise in:

• Brand guideline adherence and consistency management
• Cosmetic and skincare packaging regulations
• Multi-SKU production coordination
• Structural packaging and dieline engineering
• Clean beauty industry knowledge
• Flexographic and offset print production
• File preparation for contract manufacturing
• Detail-oriented technical execution