When the decision was made to change Terrapin’s flower packaging from jars to bags, I pitched an entirely new approach for the brand: strain-specific flower packaging.

Challenge: The previous plastic jar packaging was very bland and relied on a tiny consumer label to list the strain for consumers. It didn’t stand out from other products on the shelf or cultivate any personal connection to the consumer. As a result, the packaging design for Terrapin’s primary product wasn’t engaging, memorable, or driving the purchase decision and brand loyalty in any way.

Approach: I started by doing a deep dive into the top 6 strains that Terrapin consistently produced. I researched each strain for their lineage, physical and mental effects, and the descriptions written by consumers on social and review platforms. In addition, I developed a communication hierarchy based on how consumers shopped for flower (dominance, weight, and strain). Using all of this data, I created designs that visualized the most prevalent strain attributes in creative ways that would bring the packaging to life.

Solution: From custom typography to illustrations, the personality and effects of each strain were cultivated into unique packaging. To keep the Terrapin brand at the forefront as well as establish a consistent treatment across each package, I used the geometry from the “wings” in the Terrapin logo to create top and bottom elements. This treatment worked to frame the strain-specific artwork, make the Terrapin “Flying T” logo more prominent, and clearly communicate the strain dominance (Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid) and the product weight.

Result: I pitched the initial designs to internal teams and the enthusiastic reaction was incredible. Immediately, the team began discussing how to better align the agricultural production to support this strain-specific packaging approach. This unique packaging was introduced when Terrapin launched in Missouri, making the brand launch in a new market truly exceptional. The consumer response was absolutely overwhelming.

Role: Creative Director

Photography: Jeremiah Corder