In an earlier blog post, we introduced Travis Cuellar, winner of the ICMAD Young Designers Competition and a contract with East Hill Industries. This year’s challenge was to create the primary and secondary packaging for 6oz clear squeeze bottle intended for personal use. Travis’s winning design was for a children’s body wash he named “Sudz.”
Travis is a graphic design student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). After recently completing a Q&A with his school, we decided to share some of his answers with our readers. We’re excited to know more about this talented student, with whom we will soon be working.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
“Around the time I started going to FIDM I started drawing this character I called Didas Dunhill. It was really a baby and the more I kept drawing Didas he grew into the character he is now and watching him come to life after painting him, illustrating him, and now winning a competition with him I just look at what’s next for the both of us. Thank you Didas Dunhill for the inspiration.”
Photo Courtesy of CosmeticsDesign.com
Did you learn anything from project and process?
“I learned that I can take on any project you give me, and I can adjust to something that I know nothing about. When it comes to package design, a rectangle box is not the same as it was 10 years ago. These companies are looking for designers that go out of that box, so what are you going to bring to the table?”
Can you tell us a little about the Young Designer Dinner & Gala reception?
“People in the cosmetic business are some of the nicest, caring, and coolest people I’ve ever met, they made me feel like family and I can’t wait to start working with these cosmetic companies. I’m glad I was able to attend the dinner it was very inspiring and such a great experience and I feel this is a perfect place for me to start my career.”
Any advice for current and future FIDM Graphic Design Students?
“Find your own style and don’t design the same way as the person sitting next to you.”
For the full article, visit the FIDM blog. Congratulations again, Travis! We’re happy to work with such an innovative young designer.