NOMAD Creatives Menu
Re-Energizing the Energy Drink Project Gallery
The Re-Energizing the Energy Drink Project challenges students to rethink the highly commercialized world of teen energy drinks by designing a healthier, more socially responsible alternative. While traditional energy beverages are often marketed around themes of speed, power, and extreme lifestyles, this project encourages students to explore wellness, focus, hydration, and natural energy through thoughtful branding and design. Using principles of Colour Theory alongside advanced vector illustration techniques in Adobe Illustrator, students will develop a complete visual identity system that includes logo design, packaging, and promotional graphics tailored to a teenage demographic. The final outcome should feel polished, contemporary, and realistic enough to compete on store shelves while promoting transparency, ethical messaging, and healthier lifestyle choices.
Section A (Click On Image To View Larger Version)
Daniel A. – VOID Energy Drink
The healthy energy drink that I created for my CPT is called Void. I chose this concept for this drink because I love stars and the galaxy, and this product was a way to incorporate that through its sparkling, berry-citric taste. A message my brand promotes is that you can have a very healthy drink that still tastes amazing and provides you with energy. Using ingredients like tea extract and vitamins to help with energy boosts. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks with its fun, unique look. It has fruits all around the can, and it is very vibrant and fun, which teens like me love. Modern energy drinks look almost dangerous and strong, like Monster and Red Bull, but mine is fun and exciting. The visual elements that I used to make my product more appealing and effective were the fruits splattered around the can, vibrant colours, a bold logo and flavour and colour contrast. My packaging conveys positive traits through its fun colour and style. It looks cartoony in a way, and it looks very unique and creative, which people love. I also added natural flavour to the can so everyone knows it is healthy and good for you, unlike other brands. My design is unique compared to other typical energy drinks simply because it is fun and exciting. Other drinks look scary and harsh, but mine is fun and simple, which teens love.
If I were to redesign my product, I might add more stars to match the brand, and I would change the brand colour to match it a little more closely. My use of colour was pretty impressive in my opinion because I worked hard to create contrast and depth. But to improve it and better communicate my concept, I could have maybe used more light blues to match my brand. Honestly, there aren’t a lot of changes I would make to the composition of my design, maybe just a different font. I think the most successful part of my design was the logo. I really like my simple logo, and I love the name behind it and what it stands for in the concept of healthy energy drinks. I do believe my concept was fully communicated to the viewer through my simple yet unique design and colourful vibe. During the creative process, I encountered a few mishaps, such as colour picking, font type, and background. The dead space was hard to figure out what to put there, but I eventually found what worked best. I feel that my planning is always very creative and detailed in my head, and when I made my planner, I think I did it well, so I do believe that my process was detailed enough to arrive at my final design. I could have definitely researched the dead space, what to fill it with, and the writing on the front of the can to strengthen my final product. I actually learned a lot about branding and consumer behaviour through this project, like how teens like exciting, fun things, and my design is exactly that. I learned that creating a logo is harder than it looks, and I learned how hard these designers worked. To conclude I really enjoyed this project and I think I did a great job in all aspects of this CPT.
Jonathan B. – biofuel
The healthy alternative energy drink brand I created is called Biofuel. The concept behind the drink was inspired by combining the names of two popular sports drink brands, Biosteel and G-FUEL, while also designing something that looked futuristic and modern. After experimenting with font ideas, I chose a sci-fi-style typography and decided to continue that futuristic theme throughout the can design. The white-and-green colour scheme was specifically chosen to avoid the dark colours commonly used by brands like Monster Energy and Red Bull. Instead, the design promotes health, positivity, and a “looking toward the future” for energy drinks and personal health. Biofuel encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by replacing sugar with stevia, a natural sweetener, and using electrolytes instead of caffeine to provide more sustainable energy. The lemon-and-citrus flavour combination also retains some of the familiar taste associated with energy drinks while making the drink healthier overall. The visual design elements, including the green colour palette, sci-fi typography, assorted lemons and limes, and an ingredient side panel, help communicate wellness and energy in a way that feels different from traditional brands. The packaging highlights healthier ingredients and focuses on long-term wellness rather than extreme stimulation, setting the product apart from many energy drinks currently marketed to teenagers.
If I were to redesign Biofuel, I would improve the product by adding different fruits for different flavours and making the sci-fi theme even stronger throughout the can. I also think the use of colour could be improved by following colour theory more carefully, so the design communicates the concept more effectively. Looking back, I would probably adjust the layout and composition to better match a recognizable energy-drink style, since people who regularly consume energy drinks are accustomed to a certain design culture and aesthetic. I do not think the concept was fully communicated to viewers because the assignment required creating an energy drink that did not evoke the same feeling as a real one. In my opinion, this made the product feel more like a fruit smoothie with added stevia and Gatorade than something that would realistically compete on the market. The most successful part of the design was the side panel, which highlighted the healthier ingredients, including stevia and electrolytes. The biggest challenge during the creative process was designing an energy drink while avoiding many of the common features associated with them. Although many details had to change to fit the rubric, the planning process still helped me create the brand name and logo design. Looking back, more sketches, research, and brainstorming on the original concept could have strengthened the final product, as I believe the original design would have appealed more to actual energy drink consumers. Through this project, I learned that branding and consumer behaviour are strongly connected. Most younger consumers are not primarily focused on health, which is why larger energy drink companies remain so popular. I learned that when designing products for a target audience, it is important to balance health messaging with the style and expectations consumers already associate with that product type.
Nora B. – Oahu Drink
Kethly C. – Klair Energy
My healthy alternative energy drink brand is called Klair Energy. My idea was inspired by a desire for a healthier drink for teens rather than regular energy drinks. Many energy drinks, like Monster and Red Bull, use dark colours, bold designs, and aggressive styles. I wanted to make something softer, calmer, and healthier, but still energizing. My brand promotes a lifestyle of balance, wellness, and positive energy. It shows that energy can come from healthy choices, not only from strong Caffeine drinks or unhealthy habits. My design uses pastel colours like pink and blue to make the drink look soft, fresh, and friendly. The floral, nature-inspired graphics make it feel natural and healthy. The script-style logo makes it look modern and easy to remember. These design choices help encourage teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by promoting a healthier, more positive image. Compared to brands like Red Bull and Monster, my packaging looks less intense and more peaceful. This makes my design unique because it focuses on wellness, mood, and lifestyle rather than on extreme energy and aggression.
If I were to redesign my product, I would improve a few things. I would make the logo bigger so it is easier to see. I would also improve the layout so it looks more clear and balanced. I think my colours and theme were successful because they match my idea of a healthy energy drink. The pastel colours and floral style clearly convey a soft, healthy concept. The most successful part of my design is the colour choice and overall theme, as they make the product stand out from other energy drinks. One challenge I faced was making the design look creative without being too crowded or messy. My planning process was helpful, but I could have done more sketching and tried more logo options before choosing the final design. Looking back, more research on real energy drink packaging and more brainstorming would have made my final product stronger. From this project, I learned that branding is very important because colour, style, and design can change how people think and feel about a product.
Sienna B. – EnerTea
The name of my healthy alternative drink brand is Enertea, as the drink uses tea as its primary source of energy. The concept was inspired by natural ingredients such as fruits and green tea, which provide a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks, which are often high in artificial ingredients and sugar. My brand promotes the message that energy drinks do not have to be unhealthy to be effective; they can be made with beneficial ingredients that provide energy while supporting overall wellness. The design encourages teens to move away from conventional energy drinks by offering a clearer, more natural option that still feels unique and exciting. The pink-to-yellow gradient in the background reflects the strawberry-mango flavour while creating a vibrant, energetic look. The bold typography draws attention to the Enertea logo and helps communicate important information clearly. To emphasize the drink’s natural energy source, I incorporated Camellia sinensis leaves and flowers into the packaging design. The leaf is shaped like an electric bolt to symbolize the energy of green tea, while the flower highlights the plant’s origin and adds more visual interest. Unlike brands such as Red Bull or Monster, which often use dark colours and very aggressive and bold imagery, Enertea focuses more on health, positivity, and natural energy. This is reflected in the packaging, making the product feel more wellness-focused while still appealing to anyone who needs an energy boost. The combination of the natural ingredients, vibrant colours, and unique plant graphics makes Enertea stand out from many energy drinks currently marketed to teenagers and young adults.
If I were to redesign my product, I would add more detail to the background to create a stronger connection to the flavour and ingredients. For example, I could incorporate splashes of fruit, illustrations of strawberries and mangoes, or small botanical patterns to make the can feel more interesting and dynamic. My use of colour could also be improved by incorporating more green tones to better emphasize the drink’s green tea aspect and reinforce the brand’s healthy, natural concept. While the pink and yellow gradient effectively communicates the strawberry mango flavour, adding touches of green would help balance the flavour and wellness aspects of the design. I would also make slight adjustments to the composition by integrating the graphics more throughout the can, rather than just concentrating them in one area as I did. Overall, I think my concept was successfully communicated because the combination of the tea leaf energy bolt, the flowers, and bright colours inspired by the fruits clearly shows a healthy energy drink powered by natural ingredients. The most successful part of my design was the tea leaf shaped like an energy bolt, as it summarizes the brand’s purpose by connecting natural green tea with energy. One challenge I encountered during the creative process was deciding on the colour scheme, typography, and logo style that best represented my brand and the true message. Although my planning process was detailed, much of it occurred in my head rather than through sketches or writing things out. Looking back, I could have strengthened my final product by creating more concept sketches, experimenting with additional layouts, and researching a wider variety of healthy-focused drink brands. Through this project, I learned that successful branding is about communicating a clear message and creating an emotional connection with consumers. I also learned that consumers are often influenced by visual elements such as colour, imagery, and packaging, which can shape their thoughts of a product before they even try it.
Valentina C. – ZHEN Tea
The name of my healthy alternative drink brand is Zhen Tea, inspired by Chinese tea brands commonly found in grocery stores and by China’s reputation for authentic, traditional teas. The general concept of my drink brand was influenced by herbal teas, such as sakura and lemon teas, and fruit teas, which I wanted to combine into a healthier product. The concept for my can design was inspired by the anime character drinks I often found at my local Asian markets, which featured various figures from media, shows, and video games. These designs often made me feel nostalgic, and I wanted to reflect the same feeling through my own branding and packaging concept. My brand promotes a healthy, authentic way of living, showing how authentic tea and ingredients benefit an individual’s overall lifestyle and health. Moreover, my brand demonstrates that there are healthier drink options that provide natural energy, such as tea, rather than unhealthy, artificial energy drinks. The design of my brand encourages teens to avoid energy drinks by using fruit imagery, like lychee and strawberries, to promote natural ingredients and health. My brand offers and visually showcases unique combinations of fruit and tea that pique teenagers’ curiosity, making them less likely to opt for energy drinks. Visual elements that make my product appealing and effective include complementary colours, which grab the attention of my intended audience, and soft hues, which evoke a sense of calm compared to bold energy drinks. The contrasting hues between the background and the fruits/flowers on my product allow these images to stand out, immediately letting consumers know the different flavours in each can. My packaging communicates wellness and health differently from Red Bull or Monster through the portrayal of fruit and my brand’s tagline. It uses fruit imagery to connect my product to natural ingredients, which is not portrayed by Red Bull or Monster, and the tagline allows a direct association between health and my drink. What makes my drink unique is the anime-inspired character and the soft, dreamy colours that aren’t present in Red Bull or Monster’s designs. It contrasts the aggressive advertising of energy drinks and creates a soothing mood for my target audience.
If I were to redesign my product, I would definitely improve the placement of my tagline and the fruits/flowers and also include a white border around my wordmark for better legibility. The colours in my design could be improved by using a larger palette that complements my main hues, such as a colour that harmonizes with pink and green in my second design variant. I believe my concept would be better communicated if I didn’t limit myself to complementary colours alone but also used analogous or triadic colour schemes to create more variety. I would change the composition of my design by shifting the fruits/flowers, character, and tagline down. I noticed that the top of my design is overcrowded, and the right side is emptier than the left, making the overall layout seem messy and unbalanced. The tagline feels awkwardly placed under the wordmark and could’ve been positioned elsewhere, such as on the side or at the bottom. I believe my concept wasn’t fully communicated to the audience, as it doesn’t convey the nostalgia I intended or visually resemble a tea-based drink. I feel that my idea fails to evoke the same emotions as the character drink cans I was originally inspired by, which were a core concept in my overall product. I feel that creating the anime-inspired character on my drink was the most successful because the results were better than I imagined, especially in how I manipulated the background’s negative space to mimic hair. I ran into several challenges during my creative process, such as planning the composition/layout, selecting fonts, and choosing colour schemes. I spent a while struggling to figure out the placement of the fruits and my tagline, and I was never truly satisfied with every outcome
Anthonia E. – Sparkling Sap
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is “Sparkling Sap”; the concept behind it is a healthier carbonated drink. My brand promotes that something can be amazing, nostalgic, and healthy. The design of my drink fits into the current energy drink and pop market, but is brighter and showcases real ingredients on the package. I wanted to focus on nostalgia since most teen shows from my childhood aren’t around today, or, if they are, they aren’t the same. With that in mind, I wanted my drink to have a cartoonish design from the early 200s era. The “SAP” in my logo is shaped like a bubble, along with the other floating bubbles around the can, some with fruit in them, some without. The background colour of my can complements the drink’s fruit flavour. For example, the blackberries and grapefruits are blue and purple, and the background is a gradient of orange and reddish-pink, so the fruits stand out. My design features the word JUICE, which, by definition, is something pressed from fruit. A fruit is healthy, and the fact that my drink is centred around them is very different from other energy drinks. What makes my design unique is that it isn’t as dark as most other energy drinks, such as Monster. My drink is the complete opposite; it’s bright, but not in an unrealistic colourway that hurts your eyes, unlike an Alani.
If I were to redesign my drink, I would include more text so that customers have to guess or imply what’s in it. For example, instead of only putting images of the fruit that flavours the drink, I would also write the flavour underneath the “carbonated juice” label. If I were to change my use of colour, I would adjust the bubbles to match the can’s watercolour so they blend in more and create a more personalized look. I wouldn’t make any changes to my layout because, before finalizing my design, I tested it on a mockup, which helped me decide what to change or keep the same. I believe my design does not fully communicate my concept, as it lacks the words “healthy” or “no added sugar,” which are essential to my message. The “SAP” in my design is what I feel is the most successful aspect; it conveys that my drink isn’t loaded with chemicals, since sap comes from trees. Similarly, the Bublé font communicates that the drink is carbonated. The main challenge I encountered during the creative process was coming up with a name. I experimented with different variations of “Cloud 9” and “Sparkling Sap” because I wanted a name that I could showcase effectively. Although the planning process was tedious, it greatly helped me once I switched to Illustrator, since I only had to transfer my design rather than come up with a new one. I focused on every detail, including the font and dripping effects. One additional thing I would have added to the creative process is actually sketching out my can and roughly placing where everything would go, since one of my biggest issues was the orientation of the items. I learned that branding isn’t just a product or a single item; it’s like the president of a large community. We may only see the president, but we understand the community they represent.
Jesse F. – Volt Drink
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is Volt Natural Energy Drinks. I was inspired to create this drink concept after thinking about making an all-natural drink with lightning imagery in a bottle and a very fruity look. My brand promotes a healthy, more athletic kind of lifestyle. My brand draws teens away from traditional energy drinks by offering a better taste, thanks to tea extract rather than chemicals. My drink is visually appealing because of the colours and images on the can, which make people choose it over others. My brand promotes health by using the colours of everyday fruits and featuring fruit images instead of colours like black, which can make you feel like you’re drinking chemicals. My can is unique because of its colours and logo compared to other drinks.
If I were to redesign my drink, I would make the logo more of an image than a word, as it would be more appealing to people. I could have used colours better by making the can more colourful, so it would stand out more. No, I wouldn’t change anything about the design’s layout. I think my concept was fully communicated to my viewers because I asked my friends what the drink makes them feel, and they said it looks like a healthier alternative energy drink for sports. I felt that the most successful part of my design was the background because it came out exactly as I had planned. A challenge I faced during the process was getting the logo to look good after the image trace failed, so I had to choose a different font. Yes, my planning process was detailed enough to get me through the final stage and helped me reach that point. I think making more imagery of logo sketches could have helped it. I learned that many colours can appeal to different age groups and people, and that more colourful colours can indicate a younger audience.
Bogdan I. – Extropica Drink
The healthy beverage I made is named Extropica, inspired by my passion for beaches and tropical themes. I believed this assignment could let me create an energy drink using my creative techniques and express my adoration for tropical environments and a relaxing island lifestyle. My brand promotes lifestyles rooted in happiness and energy, and in letting go of all worries, sometimes just to relax. This type of lifestyle can attract teens to my drink, while presenting it as a healthier, better alternative to traditional energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster Energy. Another factor in attracting teens will mostly rely on my visuals to catch the attention of individuals looking for something interesting and unique to escape the usual standardized drinks. I like using my knowledge of how and when to use colour theory to my benefit and creating a visual to attract many people. In terms of packaging, my design evokes imagery of health, energy, a natural, positive tropical taste, and a casual tropical day for my customer. Compared to Red Bull or Monster Energy drinks, I will use calm, relaxing images rather than aggressive ones. What makes my drink unlike any other and sets it apart in the energy drink industry is my avoidance of dark, harsh, or aggressive themes; instead, I use a brighter, refreshing aesthetic that makes it feel like a healthy escape rather than just a caffeine-driven boost.
If I were to redesign my product, the improvements I would focus on are my layout and composition, mainly reducing and clearing dead space in my design. I could also improve my use of colour by experimenting with different colour combinations and gradients. Overall, I believe my concept was fully communicated and represented throughout my design, with tropical themes, colours, and imagery clearly reflecting the lifestyle and vibe I want to convey to the consumer. I also succeeded in this design through the composition, visuals, and tropical aesthetic, with beach imagery and relaxing on the beach. While most things went well, I faced several challenges, such as finding a way to incorporate the fruits into my overall design without making it too cluttered or ruining the entire alternative energy drink. One reason my project went so smoothly and successfully was the planning I did. After I planned the entire design, I came up with an initial design and drew it on a separate piece of paper until I liked it, allowing me to reach my final product. A fatal flaw that I overlooked was the amount of dead space I would have and how it would look on Adobe Illustrator. I thought it would have much less dead space, be closer, and overall be cleaner, but I overlooked this small detail. Through this project, I learned that the type of visuals, colours, and imagery I present to consumers can make a product more successful, and that it also taught me the importance of branding, marketing, and product design.
Kevin K. – Xena Pulse
My energy drink brand, Xena Pulse, is a healthier alternative designed for teens who want a clean energy boost without the crash associated with traditional drinks. The concept came from my love of JRPGs, specifically the Xenoblade series, where energy and life are core themes. I wanted to take that feeling of vitality and turn it into a real product, so the whole brand is wrapped around the idea of a “pulse” of natural, sustained energy rather than a quick spike. The message my brand promotes is balance: staying active and focused without relying on the extreme amounts of caffeine and sugar that most energy drinks push. The design encourages teens to move away from brands like Red Bull or Monster by making them feel more like something from a game or a lifestyle they already enjoy, rather than a generic stimulant. For the visuals, I used a bright teal background with a hexagonal pattern to feel futuristic and clean, two character illustrations to add personality and a fandom connection, and a glowing Core Crystal logo as the centrepiece. The typography reinforces this with a bold, angular font that feels sci-fi- and gaming-inspired while remaining clean and readable, keeping the can from looking childish. The teal and soft colour palette signals freshness and wellness, rather than the aggressive black, red, and neon used by Monster and Red Bull, which suggests this is a lighter, more health-conscious choice. What makes my design unique is that it treats the drink like part of a world teens care about, blending branding with something personal rather than just selling raw energy.
If I were to redesign Xena Pulse, the biggest improvement I would make would be to balance the layout, since right now the two characters compete a little with the logo for attention, and the eye does not know where to land first. I would also push my colour use further, because while the teal works for freshness, adding a secondary accent colour tied directly to the “Leftherian Breeze” flavour would make the wellness message clearer and the can feel less flat. For composition, I would give the logo more breathing room and possibly move the calorie and volume info into a cleaner strip along the bottom to make the front less crowded. I think my concept was mostly communicated to the viewer, but someone unfamiliar with Xenoblade might not catch the deeper meaning, so the “healthy energy” idea could be stated more directly. The parts I am most proud of are the logo and the overall colour scheme, which immediately read as clean and futuristic. My biggest challenge was making the characters fit the layout without overpowering the branding and ensuring the spacing felt intentional rather than empty. My planning was solid, but I rushed some of the early sketching, so more thumbnail layouts and a bit of research into how real wellness brands use colour and white space would have strengthened the final product. Overall, this project taught me that branding is less about how loud a product looks and more about the feeling and identity it sells, and that teens respond to products that connect to something they already care about.
Elizabeth L. – Sunny Sip
My healthy alternative energy drink brand is called Sunny Sip. The concept behind the drink was inspired by tropical fruits, real fruit juice drinks you would get on tropical vacations, and the refreshingness of the sunset beaches. The concept was also based on the idea that drinks can still be refreshing and exciting to drink while being healthy, using real fruit juice without excessive sugar or harsh added chemicals to give you the “energy”. My brand promotes a healthy, active lifestyle, reflecting the sunny beach elements in its designs while still appealing to teenagers who enjoy colourful, trendy drinks. Sunny Sip encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by using natural, pure fruit juice as its base and adding electrolytes to support teens’ active lifestyles. The drink provides positive energy through these ingredients rather than through extreme chemicals added to achieve the full energy effect. The design is also a major factor encouraging teens to move away from traditional energy drinks. A lot of teens these days buy drinks that are aesthetically pleasing on the packaging. So I used eye-catching colours like red, orange, and pink to draw the teen’s attention, and also used a good blend of complementary and supplementary colours to ensure they blend well and any important words pop out. The overall design of the can features a sunset beach, which matches the Gen Z aesthetic, and the beautiful tropical scene grabs the buyer’s attention. I also used smooth, clean fonts and a layout to make it look modern and not too busy, which adds to the refreshing, clean taste the drink will give. The look and imagery give the impression of a fun summer drink that piques the buyer’s curiosity rather than appearing dangerous or overpowering, as other energy drinks do. The natural background of the can itself gives the buyer a sense of healthy vibes. Unlike brands such as Red Bull or Monster Energy, my drink’s packaging focuses on wellness, positivity, and hydration, using natural elements like fruit images, a beach, a palm tree, and the sun, and the overall look is not intense but very harmonious. Just by the first look at Red Bull or Monster Energy, you can notice that it is intense and overpowers you with the claw marks and the bull images. What makes my design unique is that it combines a healthy message with bright, tropical visuals that still appeal to teenagers while making the product look safer and more natural. Each element of my design also has meaning, which makes it more special. The water represents the refreshingness and hydration the electrolytes will give; the palm tree and the whole location represent that it is a tropical drink; the fruits tell you what flavour, while adding to the fact that it is real fruit juice; and the sun represents the natural energy, as the sun is Earth’s biggest energy source. Overall, my drink, Sunny Sip, is a Gen Z-aesthetically pleasing, 100% all-natural fruit juice with electrolytes added to promote a healthy lifestyle for teens and help them move away from traditional energy drinks.
If I were to redesign my product, I would improve the overall colour balance and add more detail to the tropical elements. I would add more details to the beach and the palm tree to make it look more realistic. I think I used good colours to represent each flavour while still matching the tropical theme, but one thing that could be improved, colour-wise, is the contrast. I did try to add more contrast by using complementary colours in the words that I put on my can, but I think I could have used more contrast in my design to make it look more appealing and eye-catching. Also, I think the background gradients could have been softer and lighter so that the information and main design of my drink can stand out more. If I were to make some changes to the design’s composition and layout, I would space the elements out more and make the logo slightly larger to make it the main focus of the overall packaging. While designing in Illustrator, I thought the logo, design, and text were evenly spaced, but after applying the design to the can template, the elements looked a little cramped. But I am happy with my final design, and it looks good as it is. I think the concept was successfully communicated to the viewer because the design clearly conveys the tropical colours, a sunset theme, fruit-inspired elements, and a visual identity that makes it clear that Sunny Sip is meant to be the healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. When viewers see the clean, bright-coloured layout, it creates a positive, energetic feeling while maintaining a refreshing, natural look. My concept of healthy, natural fruit juice with an electrolyte drink was well communicated through the design of my drink, Sunny Sip. The most successful part of my design is the Sunny Sip logo and the sun above the words. I think the font and placement of the words grab buyers’ attention and match the overall theme and concept of my drink. Even without the background designs, the logo clearly conveys its purpose and communicates energy and healthiness. The logo is simple, but the font, placement, and small sun on top make it more appealing to teenagers and memorable. It connects well with the sunset and beach images of the can, helping it stand out even more compared to other drink designs. One challenge I encountered during the creative process was making the product look appealing to teens while making it look healthy. I had to think a lot about what teens like and the Gen Z aesthetics to enhance the design. I also drew inspiration from newer energy drinks popular among teens, like Alani and Cove Soda. Another challenge was to use different colours that blend in well. At the start, I also had problems with the colours because the overall design looked too monotone. Then I had to test different shades and hues of complementary colours to ensure the design looks good overall while providing contrast. My planning process was very detailed and thorough, which contributed significantly to my final design. It really helped me organize my ideas and explore all the possibilities for my drink design. From all the designs I sketched, I used a mix to create the best final design. I think without the planning process, I would not have been able to come up with a good and appealing design as I do now. But I think additional sketches of more possible designs, and also adding variations of the existing sketches I did, may have given me more options to choose from for the final design. Also, while planning, I think I could have done more research into existing healthy beverage brands to further strengthen my final product. Through this project, I learned that branding and consumer behaviour are closely connected and that it is hard to satisfy both. Colour, fonts, and packaging design can easily influence how people feel about a product. People often make judgments about it without actually reading the labels, so it was important to ensure the product looked healthy, eye-catching, and trustworthy. But at the same time, I realized that no matter how good the design looked, it may not match the consumer behaviour and appeal to them, so it was important to think about what the target buyer, teens, wanted.
Addyson M. – Palm Pure
My healthy alternative energy drink is called Palm Pure. The idea for my drink was inspired by tropical flavours, coconut water, and the goal of offering teens a fun, healthier alternative to energy drinks. Palm Pure is made with coconut water and electrolytes, which help keep people hydrated while providing healthy energy. Most popular energy drinks use dark colours and intense designs to make the product seem strong and powerful, but I wanted Palm Pure to feel fresh, fun, and positive. My brand promotes a balanced, healthy lifestyle while still providing people with energy and hydration. The design encourages teens to choose healthier drinks by making the product look clean, modern, and refreshing. I used fun tropical colours like pink, orange, blue, and green to make the cans stand out and look fun. The palm tree, sun, and fruit help show the tropical theme and connect to the ingredients and flavours. I also used simple fonts and layouts so the design wouldn’t be overwhelming and crowded. Unlike brands like Monster and Red Bull, Palm Pure focuses more on wellness, hydration, and positivity instead of extreme energy. I think my design is different because it combines healthy ingredients with a trendy style that would attract teens. The merch and advertisements also help the brand look realistic and professional.
If I could redesign my product, I would improve some of the details on the cans and make the flavours easier to tell apart. I think my use of colour could also be improved by adding more contrast between the text and the background, making it easier to read. I would also change parts of the layout to make it all look more balanced. Overall, I think my concept was communicated well because the bright colours, tropical design, and simple design clearly show that the drink is meant to be healthy, hydrating, and refreshing. The most successful part of my design was that all my products matched and connected well as a cohesive brand. One challenge I faced during the creative process was choosing colours that felt energetic while still conveying health and wellness. Another challenge was ensuring the merchandise matched the cans without making everything look identical. My planning process helped me stay organized, but I think doing more sketches and research on healthy drink brands could have made my final design even stronger. Through this project, I learned that branding and packaging are very important because they shape how consumers perceive the product. I also learned that colours and design choices can make products more appealing to teens.
Julia P. – Fresh Harvest
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink is Fresh Harvest Co. I chose this name to emphasize the health benefits of my drink and to ensure consumers know the fruits are minimally processed. My main message when creating my drink is that the drink offers a nutritious alternative to conventional energy drinks by providing sustained energy through healthier ingredients. My drink encourages teens to move away from energy drinks by providing focus and energy with less sugar, fewer artificial ingredients, and healthier nutrients. The visual designs I added to my design to make it more appealing include vibrant colours to engage the buyer, fruits to show they have been added, and different fonts to catch the buyer’s eye. My packaging communicates health and wellness because it is not harsh and does not have a dark colour like energy drinks. My drink not only gives off health benefits, but it also promotes being safe and good for others to drink. What makes my drink unique and different from other energy drinks is that it is healthy and gives you energy; it can be made for all- star athletes, but also for buyers who just want a drink. The sugar levels are meant for both.
If I were to redesign my product, I would start by changing a few colours to create a different perspective and give it a more exciting, showy name to catch the buyer’s eye. My use of colour could be improved by using more of it and a wider range of colours and shades. If I had to change my layout, I would move the fruits around and make them bigger and more appealing. I think my concept was given to the buyer because of the name and all of the fruits. The name “Fresh Harvest Co” indicates that the drink is fresh and ready for purchase. The fruits showed the buyer that the drink contained fruit, and they didn’t have to check the ingredients to know that. I think the most successful part of my design was the drink’s name. I think this because it showed the buyer what the drink is all about, it connected to the drink, and helped the drink catch people’s attention. The challenges I faced during the creative process included finding the perfect colour for the drink’s name to match the background. This was difficult because I wanted the name to be colourful, but no colour matched the background. I fixed this by setting the name colour to white. My planning was detailed enough to help me through my drink, giving me multiple ideas and options, even if I didn’t use some. When looking back, there are a lot of additional things that could’ve been done. I think I could’ve brainstormed more and come up with bigger ideas for this project. I could’ve also done a lot more research on unhealthy drinks to compare them to my healthy drink. Through this project, I learned how brands create identity and meaning through elements such as logos, colours, and messaging, and how these shape people’s feelings and choices. I also learned what influences buying decisions, such as habit, social influence, trends, and personal needs. Overall, it explains why people choose certain products and how companies influence those choices.
Jonathan P. – Jonny’s Drinks
My energy drink brand is called Jonny’s Drinks, based on my name, Jonathan. The concept of my drink is really based on the flavour, so I chose colours and elements to add to the can to match it. The lifestyle and products my brand promotes include a healthy drink with no artificial flavours or colours and healthier ingredients than other energy drinks. My design pushes teens away from other drinks by using vibrant colours and featuring a variety of fruits on the can. Designs on my can can include bright colours and many fruit symbols, all arranged in a pattern, with the name in the middle and the flavour at the top. My can design convey positivity and health through bright colours, a happy look, and fruits. My design is different from other drinks because it uses many elements beyond the few simple ones most energy brands use.
Some improvements I could make include changing the tones of some colours and adding more varied elements to fill any empty space. The use of my colour can be improved by making some of the watermelons darker than they are now, since they already blend in a bit. For the composition of my can, I like the overall design; it is simple but still shows the flavours and colours really well. The fruit elements I added were the best part of the can design, in my opinion. Some challenges I had included making the fruit elements, as they took a pretty long time.
Matteo R. – Renzi’s Drinks
My healthy energy drink is called Renzi’s Drinks, named after my last name and the fruits I like most: mango and apple. These fruits gave me the idea for the drink and helped create a tropical theme. The message of my brand is about living a chill, tropical lifestyle while still getting energy in a healthier way. My drink is meant to encourage teens to choose something better than the usual energy drinks, which have lots of chemicals. The design is simple and shows fruit all over the can, so people can tell right away that it is supposed to be natural. I used bright colours and easy-to-read text so it looks friendly rather than aggressive. This makes it different from other energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster, which look rough or dangerous. Their designs look more “hardcore,” but mine look cleaner and more positive. My packaging shows health and energy without looking scary or dark. What makes my design unique is its focus on real fruit and a tropical feel rather than trying to look extreme. Overall, Renzi’s Drinks stands out as a healthier, safer option for teens who still want an energy boost.
If I redesigned my product, I would fix a few things to make it clearer. I think I would change some of the colours to make them look more tropical and bright, so they better reflect the mango and apple theme. I could also move the fruit pictures around so the can looks more organized and easier to understand at first glance. I think my idea was mostly communicated, but not perfectly. Some people might not fully see the “healthy” message right away. The best part of my design was the fruit images because they quickly convey the flavour and the natural idea. One challenge I had was picking colours that stood out without looking messy or too similar to other brands. My planning was okay, but I probably should have done more sketches and looked at more examples of real drink cans in stores. That would have helped me make stronger choices in my final design. From this project, I learned that branding is important because people judge a drink by its appearance before they even try it. I also learned that small things like colour, pictures, and layout can change how someone feels about a product and if they want to buy it.
Chloe R. – Willow Bliss
The introduction of my brand, Willow Bliss, is a healthful drink alternative that aims to provide what teens need to stay nice and healthy. The inspiration for this brand was the practice of other brands that aren’t actually providing the nutrients their bodies need, instead giving them what is trending in their generation. We have noted that most popular brands contain high levels of sugar or caffeine in their drinks because they’ve been widely popularized, but they don’t account for the negative effects of their ingredients, nor do they guarantee long-term health. After gathering comparisons of what’s really in these energy drinks, I decided there is a greater need for healthier alternatives. My brand encourages people to consume less caffeine and sugar to support their health and lead a healthier lifestyle. As for the design of my brand, I believe it’s attractive to some teens because it’s in a style many see as simply nice to look at, with bold fonts and elements. Speaking of elements, what I believe makes it look good to teens is the colouring and graphics. Simple things like the appearance of fruit or nature itself represent a healthier drink; it’s trying to show that. This is also a popular style favoured at this time because it features unique fonts, dainty stars, and mist that seems to bring a sense of peace. Now, most energy drinks prioritize dark colours and a sporty vibe to suggest they are associated with outgoing activities and will give you ‘power’. These brands show how physically active and productive you can be IF you buy their drinks. The difference, however, with brands like mine, lies in a goal of improving health and wellness. They have lighter or different colours that contrast with those of brands like Red Bull or Monster Energy, and graphics that emphasize what’s in the drink. Many brands market their products as sports-related or as energy boosters. My design targets wellness; however, as it shows, it has a modern, eye-catching style that teens seem connected to.
Although I am fine with my design, I believe I could improve my Willow tree logo by adding smaller details, as I originally assumed I would. However, I didn’t use my time that well, and I rushed through all that planning. My colour palette was wildly random, but it was meant to match the drink’s flavour, which I think worked okay. But I didn’t like how the colours turned out in the finished product, specifically with the strawberry elements. If I focused on this project, I think I would be patient enough to add more colouring and be more tedious with my elements. I would have been more thoughtful with the logo and can graphics by paying attention to my lines and the way I applied my colours. I wanted something similar to that massive cinnamon roll brand before, but I changed it because I didn’t think it would be appealing to teens. Furthermore, my design failed to convey what I intended. Although it has some visual elements of nature or of the ingredients themselves, it doesn’t feel natural to me, which suggests it is a healthier alternative to other drinks. I have seen official designs of healthy drinks, and mine looks different. It looks cool to teens, but it doesn’t look like its purpose is to be a healthy energy drink. At least it has succeeded in its graphics, which I’m half-proud of since I think it’s cute. The creating process, however, was interesting. I didn’t know what to do for some lines that were further from any connecting ones. I had trouble figuring out which options I needed or if I was replicating my references well. I did have some fun in figuring this out in a different way, but it was a struggle. Meanwhile, during planning, I did decently well but struggled to come up with an idea or details to introduce. I didn’t know what I could do other than use nature or anything considered natural. Later on, I came up with Willow Bliss, not randomly, but because I think it was calm to call it that, especially if I wanted to serve multiple types of teas or cold drinks. Afterwards, it was mostly the sketches that weren’t so hard to plan. If I had been able to plan this better beforehand, I think it would have to do with my choice of font/layout, since I picked them quickly. My research was very vague, considering I didn’t attempt to find much-needed information on the colours and specific descriptions of what is in my drinks. If I had used both of these before I decided what to make, it would have gone without a worry. But despite all the ups and downs in my experience creating this project, I have learned that branding affects consumer behaviour: how convinced or interested a person is in a product depends on whether the design is visually compelling enough to prove what it claims it can do.
Kareena R. – Bliss
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is Bliss. I wanted my drink to appear healthy and draw attention with bright colours, which inspired the concept behind my design. I chose Bliss as the brand name because it means happiness, joy, and contentment. This helps the brand promote a happy lifestyle. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by highlighting their healthy, positive image. The fruit in the can enhances the drink’s healthiness and steers teens away from unhealthy energy drinks. The visuals on the can make the product appealing through the colour and design. Many energy drink brands use dark, aggressive colours. My brand has soft pastel colours that make the drink appear refreshing. The lemons, blueberries, and raspberries feature a bright, modern design. The words on the can are all lowercase, creating a clean and calm appearance. My packaging communicates health, wellness, and energy by avoiding intense visuals. The simple fruit on the packaging highlights the drink’s natural, healthy ingredients. My design is unique because most energy drinks feature sharp, dark graphics. Bliss stands out for its soft colours and imagery, highlighting the drink’s healthy aspects while keeping the design appealing and approachable.
If I were to redesign my product, I would experiment with more texture effects and highlights. I could also create a more detailed brand logo. My use of colour could be improved by adding more shading and using a wider range of colours. Some changes I could make include arranging the fruit graphics differently or spacing them out more evenly. I think my concept was fully communicated to the viewer because the design clearly demonstrates a healthy alternative to energy drinks using visuals like the fruit and a clean layout. I think the most successful part of my design is the fruit graphics and colours. I like how simple the fruit looks and the contrast between the colours I used for the graphics and the can’s background. A challenge I encountered during the creative process was how to position the graphics and where to place the logo. My planning process was detailed and thorough, and it helped me toward my final design. Researching different can designs helped me create my own can. Looking back, I could have experimented more with the brand logo’s layout and design to strengthen the final product. Through this project, I learned that branding strongly influences consumer behaviour. People will be drawn to the product and more likely to buy it if they like the brand’s image, colours, and design. This is why creating a strong visual is important for having a successful brand.
Vlad S. – Arranium
I have created a healthy energy drink named Arcanium, and its wizard-themed design was inspired by a cool medieval font I found. This drink conveys its lifestyle message that its magic will make your life better, and it encourages teens to drink it because it is aesthetically pleasing and has many more design details than brands like Monster and Red Bull. It also has a hat vine to convey a sense of connection to nature and plants. The design details I used are a magic ball with white lightning inside, a medieval font reading “Arcanium” at the center, in front of a castle gate, with fog beneath it. The colour of the magic ball and the fog depends on the flavour, with red for raspberry, blue for blueberry, and purple for grape. For the background, I have stone walls to give it a castle look. This drink makes itself unique from current brands that are dominating the market as Redbulls marketing depends entirely on its image off of the product and so the actual can is bland and empty and Monster uses only 2 colours on its entire can with a dark sort of theme around it, while my drink is quite rich in its design elements with the wall warping around the entire can and the large crystal ball in the center and fox in the background with the colors of the fog and crystal ball communicating the flavour. This drink is unique in general, as there aren’t any medieval-themed energy drinks out there, which makes my product stand out and attracts curious teens looking for something new.
Through this project, I learned just how concentrated the energy drink market is: there are very few major brands, yet a surprisingly large number of drinks and brands I had never heard of.
Luna S – Glow Sip
For my CPT final project, the healthy alternative energy drink I chose to name my drink GlowSip. The concept behind GlowSip was inspired by the growing popularity of aesthetic wellness drinks and healthier beverage trends among teens and young adults. I wanted the drink to appear more refreshing and visually appealing while “promoting” healthier choices than traditional energy drinks such as Red Bull or Monster Energy. GlowSip (My Brand/Drink) promotes a lifestyle focused on wellness, positivity, balance, and everyday energy without relying on harsh ingredients or excessive caffeine. The goal of the design was to encourage teenagers to move away from aggressive, unhealthy energy drinks that aren’t good for the body, which are usually seen in darker colours, shades, or extreme imagery for a more masculine look. However, GlowSip uses bright colours such as red, pink, and orange to create a more welcoming look. I used an analogous colour scheme and fruit-inspired colours to make it look natural, fresh, and eye-catching. Using red has also been seen to improve hunger rates. The bold wording and fruit images help attract consumers towards this drink. Using these words helps convey both flavour and health. Using the word “probiotics” suggests healthier ingredients that support gut health and overall wellness. However, unlike many current energy drinks that use artificial-looking colours and internet graphics, we focus on softer gradients or solid colours with fruity illustrations and offer more classic flavours like Strawberry and Cream and Shirley Temple, all made with only natural ingredients. These flavours are classic unhealthy drinks, so to make this healthy, it is a great taste palette. This makes the product feel more approachable and healthier for consumers of all ages, maintaining a trendy aesthetic.
If I were to redesign my product, GlowSip, there are many improvements to be made. Firstly, I would change the logo’s font or name to make it more distinctive and recognizable while keeping the main aesthetic I wanted. I would also experiment with brighter, more varied colour schemes to highlight more fruit flavours and energy. Although the original colour scheme worked out, I feel as though adding more pops of colour with a stronger presence would help, and even the detailed colour of the background drinks might help bring more pop to the actual drinks. I would improve the drink’s design and layout by organizing the text more clearly and balancing the placement of the logo, flavour names, and nutritional information. I believe my concept was conveyed well because viewers could clearly understand that GlowSip, from its design and name, was intended to be a healthier, more positive alternative to traditional energy drinks. The most successful part of my design was the visual branding and colour palette, which highlights the fruits and drinks overall. One challenge I faced, however, while making the drink was finding the right balance and putting the colour scheme and actual background design of the drink. With just the logo, it was easy to pick; however, choosing the flavour and key details was the hardest part. I believe that if I had drawn more sketches of the background and colour scheme, it would have played a big role in my drink; another key factor of my drink that I could have brainstormed would have been. Through this project, I learned that branding, imagery, colours, and wording on packaging all play a major role in how social media users of various ages view products.
Jonathan RS – Simply Great
My energy drink is called Simply Great. I was originally planning to make a fruity energy drink with the design and packaging centred on magic, but as I got further into the brainstorming process, I decided to go with a simpler tropical fruit theme. The goal of this energy drink is to encourage people to pursue a healthy lifestyle through simple means and to enjoy simple sweets like fruit, which is where I got the name and minimalist design. The logo and design encourage teens to move away from traditional energy drinks through a simple, bright, calm aesthetic that contrasts with other energy drinks, which usually have edgy, dark designs, allowing it to stand out. My energy drink promotes wellness through its simple design that suggests a calm mind, unlike dark energy drinks, which are meant to suggest intensity. My energy drink also uses brighter colours that contrast with those of energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster, which usually use dark colours like grey or black, allowing my drink to stand out.
If I were to improve my design, I would add more small details, such as adding more design to the trees. I would also add a little more in the middle, given the large amount of dead space there. If I were to change the colour, I would make the colours flow together, which would make the design more visually pleasing. For the composition, I would have put things closer to the middle so there isn’t as much space there. It isn’t a problem with the current design, but when I was putting the design on products, I was thinking of the middle-to-empty. I think the design communicated the simple concept well because of the simple beach designs, which look good on the cans and posters. I think I could have added more fruit to better communicate the fruit-based aspect. I feel that the simplistic concept was best communicated in the design because I focused on keeping it simple yet visually pleasing. During the creative process, I had trouble finding a scroll-like design for the logo because most of the designs I found either took up too much space or didn’t fit with the rest of the design, but I eventually found one I like. My planning process was detailed enough to direct me away from my original magic-based idea because, as I researched, I saw that most can energy drink designs are more simplistic and that I wouldn’t be able to make a complex design look good on a can, so I decided to move away from that and towards a simplistic design. I could have put more concept sketches for my logo design, which I feel would have made the final product look cleaner. While researching, I learned that many companies use a simple single-colour background and Logo in their design, which I found interesting because that concept contrasts with typical energy drink designs.
Sofia S. – Lumiere
I have created a design for a healthy energy tea drink called Lumiere, inspired by my love of tea, drawing on my favourite flavours: grape and mango. My brand, Lumiere, promotes a healthy, energetic lifestyle as a healthier variant of an energy drink, with a light, happy design that makes it more eye-catching for teenagers. The light colours and healthy fruits throughout the design strongly convey wellness and the drink’s healthiness. The design is unique compared to an unhealthy drink like Monster, as it uses lighter colours and different aspects.
If I were to redesign my product, I would want to add a mascot to my brand to make it more eye-catching. My use of colour can be improved by using more complementary colours while keeping the composition the same. I think my concept was fully communicated to the viewer, as the whole design just makes it seem healthy. The most successful part of my design was the fruits and shapes around the design. The challenges I faced while creating this design were considering negative space, colouring, and shaping. My planning process was not that detailed, but it was enough to help me finalize my design. I think I could’ve made more sketches of different concepts during the brainstorming phase. In the end, I learned that your design should be appealing to the audience, as that is a very important part.
Olive U. – Pulsar Drink
Keira VL. – Chill Berry
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is Chill Berry. Chill Berry is an almond milk-based fruit shake designed to fuel bodies without the use of harmful energy drink ingredients like caffeine and artificial sweeteners. What inspired the concept of my drink was several references that pushed me toward a creamier drink rather than a juice or soda. For example, Fairlife’s chocolate protein shake is a creamy, chocolate-flavoured drink with a concept similar to mine. I find most fruit-branded drinks are very sweet, with strong, popping flavours. I wanted something that felt more like a calm smoothie than a sweet juice. My drink promotes an active, fun, and refreshing lifestyle with its clean, simple ingredients, smooth taste, and fruity flavours. My drink is the perfect snack for a busy summer day. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by creating a stark aesthetic contrast (fun-looking fruit shake vs. powerful, sporty energy supplement). This difference shows teens that a boost like Red Bull’s can be achieved without harmful synthetic ingredients. Visual elements in my design, like the can graphics, make my design appealing. In the background, I have ice cubes falling in a splashing milk graphic. These elements convey the chilled freshness and creamy texture of my drink, making it seem more appealing. I also used a thicker, cartoony font that gives the drink a friendly, welcoming feel. The brand name, caption, and flavour description are easy to find and read, making it easier for people to choose my product. The colour of my cans is bright and eye-catching, using several shades of one colour for depth, and they all have the pop of the blue ice and wordmark. The main way my packaging communicates a healthy, positive vibe compared to other energy drinks is through the colour and font. The colours of other energy drinks are bright, like mine, but mine are warmer and more saturated in a fresh, summer-like way compared to the bright, radioactive green used in Monster, for example. My chubby font is more approachable and cute than the harsh, cold ones used by Monster and Redbull. My design is unique compared to typical energy drinks, mainly because it positions the drink as more like a homemade smoothie that naturally gives you energy rather than a “soda with an extra kick”. My design includes cartoony, cute graphics and welcoming colours, in stark contrast to the stale, bright, soulless design of Red Bull and Monster.
If I were to redesign my product, some improvements I would make include spending more time on the colour scheme and playing around with different saturations and shades to see how they can change the feel of my brand. Also, seeing if there are any more graphics in the background I could add, like images of fruit. To emphasize the calm, creamy side of my drink, I could have used cooler-toned or pastel colours. I could have also used more white to convey that feeling. A layout change I could have made would have been to move the caption or flavour description elsewhere. For example, I could have made the flavour bigger or moved the caption below the wordmark or the flavour. I think my concept was mostly communicated because of my can graphics (ice, milk splash, fruity colours). I think the only thing that could be communicated better would be the milky aspect. I think the most successful parts of my design were the ice cube and milk graphics, as well as the wordmark. I like how the ice cubes turned out and worked with the rest of the graphics. I also think I created a visually appealing, unique wordmark through my use of font and border colours. Challenges I encountered during the creative process included coming up with a name that fits my brand’s personality and choosing my colours. I was not able to use a bright enough colour because I was using the CMYK mode. I switched to RGB in order to select the exact colour I wanted. My planning process was detailed and thorough enough to help me create my design. I spent a lot of time on Pinterest looking at inspirational pictures to get ideas. Additional planning I could have done includes pre-making colour schemes, drawing more sketches of the can graphics, or researching more dynamic wordmark possibilities. From this project, I learned that the aesthetic of a package design heavily impacts the consumer’s perception of the drink’s flavour, benefits, and use. For example, a more welcoming design is more likely to be picked up by new customers. I also learned how consumers can become addicted not just to ingredients but also due to the habit and familiarity of a brand.
Paula V. – BLAST Drink
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink is Blast. The concept behind my drink was inspired by a regular energy drink with colourful or playful designs that give you a blast of flavours and energy, but what’s different about this energy is that it’s the good kind of energy. My brand promotes a healthy, encouraging, and stable lifestyle- one where you can enjoy the day to the fullest with as much energy as possible, without any harmful or damaging ingredients- and it shows how energy doesn’t have to be a struggle to consume and deal with the consequences of caffeine burnout. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by promoting healthy consumption of beneficial ingredients that don’t cause side effects, without compromising immersive flavours. My visual design contains complementary colours to make the design and logo pop, and the logo has a strawberry written as the “a”, which uses imagery to attract the attention or curiosity of consumers. My packaging communicates health, energy, and wellness through softer, gentler colour schemes that don’t come off as too severe or harsh. The softer colour schemes evoke a sense of wellness and have a more delicate feel, whereas Red Bull or Monster have harsher, more prominent designs. My design is unique compared to typical energy drink products currently marketed to teens because it promotes well-being and healthy consumption of energy-based ingredients, whereas other energy drinks don’t promote healthy consumption at all and glamorize the harmful effects of excessive caffeine.
If I were to redesign my product, I would probably add more detail, such as playful symbols or elements like bubbles or water splashes, to make the design more interesting. I would also add a distinct logo on the front of the can, such as a fruit. To better communicate my concept, I could have used more colourful elements throughout the design to show the main theme. If I could change the composition of my design, I would have added more details to the centre of the can to emphasize the design and concept. I don’t think my concept was fully communicated to the viewer because my design is quite simple and lacks the other principles needed to convey it fully. I think the most successful part of my design was the logo and wordmark because they fully exceeded my vision, and they worked out exactly as I wanted them to. Some challenges I encountered during the creative process included finding a way to create the wavy lines in the design. I attempted to create them about 3 times, but I did not know how to manipulate them properly. I don’t think my planning process was the most detailed for my final design, but I knew what I wanted from the beginning, and I simply used my imagination, which I believe helped me complete it. Looking back, I could have made additional sketches of possible can designs and explored more concepts or themes to further strengthen my final product. This project taught me how important it is to have a target audience and how to cater to it with a specific brand.
Everleigh W. – EnerBloom
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is EnerBloom. It’s inspired by the idea of “energy that grows/blooms naturally” and by the bloom of energy you feel after drinking it. The concept behind the drink stems from a desire to give teens a cleaner, more balanced source of energy that supports focus and mood. EnerBloom promotes a lifestyle focused on wellness, balance, and sustainability, which encourages teens to stay healthy, unlike typical energy drinks, which are filled with harmful chemicals. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks with a light, calm aesthetic. Simple colours like red and blue replace harsh, chaotic aesthetics often seen in other energy drinks like Monster Energy and Red Bull. Visual elements such as simple colours and simple, legible typography make my product appealing and effective. The brand name and flavour are clear and visible; images that show the flavour are large and centred, so it’s obvious what flavour each drink is. My packaging communicates health and positivity differently from that of brands like Red Bull or Monster Energy by avoiding Health Canada warning labels, using imagery, and featuring healthy, natural flavours. Unlike traditional energy drinks that rely on intensity, darkness, and rebellious branding, EnerBloom has a bright, open layout and breathable spacing that isn’t too “in-your-face”. Compared to typical energy drinks marketed to teens, my design is unique in that it features wellness branding with the effects of an energy drink. EnerBloom appeals to teens who need an energy boost without compromising their health.
If I were to redesign my product, one improvement would be to create a better balance between “wellness” and “energy”. I think my drink looks healthy; however, I would make it look more like an energy drink. The use of colour could be improved by using a main colour that stands out from the rest, as it would be more eye-catching to customers. I’m confident in the layout of my design, but I would make it clearer that it is an energy drink. Because of this, I don’t think my concept was fully communicated to the viewer. From just the front of the can, it seems like a healthy, tasty drink. The only main indicator that this is an energy drink is the brand name. Challenges I encountered during the creative process included ensuring the can’s design wasn’t too overcrowded yet not bland or boring. My planning process was detailed and thorough enough to help me arrive at my final design. I knew I wanted clean packaging and a bubbly font, with a big image of the fruit that would be the can’s flavour. I could’ve included pictures of lightning bolts or electric shocks on the packaging to show that it’s an energy drink. I learned that there’s a lot that goes into branding; it’s not just making a product look good. It involves finding a layout that’s neither crowded nor empty, and using colours that work well together. I also learned that consumer behaviour is largely driven by the product’s visual appearance. When people are in a store, they only glance at something for a second, so the design needs to be eye-catching.
Emilee W. – Refresh Drink
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink is called “Refresh.” I chose this name because it sounds simple, clean, and healthy while evoking an energy drink. I wanted to create a healthier drink option for teens like me that gives energy without a lot of caffeine and the chemicals typically found in popular energy drinks. I wanted something refreshing, hydrating, energizing, simple, and better for your body while the can still looks appealing. The message and lifestyle my brand promotes is balance, health and simplicity. It encourages people, especially teens, to stay hydrated and active and to make healthier choices. The drink should support wellness rather than relying on unhealthy energy drinks. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by showing that healthy drinks can still be simple but exciting. Instead of using dark colours like Monster and Red Bull, I used light and vibrant colours to make it more appealing and healthier. As a visual design element, the half-plain, half-patterned approach is interesting. I feel like my design is making a statement. In my experience, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a can that looks like mine. So, to me, this is something new brought into the design world. My packaging communicates health and motivation through a cleaner, more minimal design rather than a bolder one. Brands like Red Bull and Monster Energy focus on extreme energy and high performance, while my brand, “Refresh.”, focuses more on wellness and natural energy that feels better for everyday life. My design is unique compared to typical energy drink products marketed to teens because it’s simple, like Red Bull, yet eye-catching in its own way.
If I were to redesign my product, I would probably change the name on the front. I would change it because it seems a little plain and boring to me. I would spend more time looking through the fonts and find one that is a better fit. As for the use of colour, I am happy with my choices, for each colour ties it all together, which is what I wanted. Although maybe I could’ve spent a little more time exploring my options, finding better fits, and expanding my colour palette. With more colours, it would better represent health, freshness and energy. The colours I chose would help make the drink more refreshing and strengthen the message that it’s healthy. I would also change the composition and layout to make the brand name stand out more on the can’s front. I would organize the design so that the important information is easier to notice first, while keeping a simple, eye-catching look. I think my concept was mostly communicated to the viewer because the design looks fresh, simple, and different from regular energy drinks. However, I think it could still be improved by making the health message clearer and providing more detail. The part of my design I was most successful with was the can’s actual appearance. I like the half-plain, half-patterned design because it makes the patterned part stand out more while still looking clean and modern. I’ve faced a couple of challenges, like picking out the right font and also making the fruits themselves, because it was a tedious task. I think my planning process somewhat helped me reach my final design, but I could have done more sketching and explored more ideas before finalizing one. Through this project, I learned that branding is important because the design and appearance of things can strongly influence what consumers choose to buy.
Hailey S. – Delicate & Sweet
The name of my healthy energy drink is Delicate & Sweet. I was inspired by many cute can designs I saw on Pinterest. My drink promotes a stress-free lifestyle because it contains Rhodiola, which helps manage stress and fatigue. My design encourages people to move away from traditional energy drinks because it’s nicer and friendlier looking; it doesn’t look intimidating or harmful. The logo has a cute, elegant font that’s appealing; most of the colours are analogous, with a few small complementary accents. The characters/mascots look sweet and endearing, which gives off a harmless drink effect. My packaging contains real fruit and rhodiola, which promote healthy drinking. It also has a nice, appealing design that differs from Monster Energy’s packaging. My design is unique compared to energy drinks marketed to teens because it’s simple and cute, whereas most energy drink designs are harsh and intimidating.
If I had to redesign my product, I would definitely add more to it. I feel like my final product has a lot of empty space, so if I redid it, I would add more design elements. My colours could be lighter to communicate that the drink is delicate and healthy. A change I would make to the layout is to make the characters a bit bigger so they stand out more as the focal point. I don’t think the “delicate and sweet” concept was fully conveyed, as there wasn’t really anything to suggest it was a light, sweet drink. I feel that my logo is the most successful because the font isn’t as intimidating as some energy drinks’; instead, it’s nice and beautiful, making it more welcoming. A challenge I encountered during the creative process was developing the actual can design. Originally, I wanted to have doodles all over the can, doodles of the mascots, the fruit flavour and the rhodiolas. I wanted them to be just outlines with no overlap, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it, so I changed my idea. My planning process was pretty abstract; it was a bit hard to arrive at my final design. I should have looked for more inspiration and incorporated certain design elements from them into my final product. I could have also researched more about healthy drinks and what’s in them. I learned that branding should not be overly complex and should be eye-catching to the target audience. I also learned that consumers would rather buy something that appeals to their age range.
Jeremy T. – Sliding Penguin
The name of my drink is Sliding Penguin, and the concept for my design was inspired by a love of penguins, my dad’s healthy drinks, and energy drink marketing. The lifestyle my drink promotes is drinking amazing, healthy sodas, because if the lifestyle it promotes were just a healthy soda, children and teens would probably just glance past it without a second thought. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by saying that my drink is healthy, but also by saying that the drink has a lot of flavour, because I personally drink soda’s for the flavour, and i feel like a lot of teens do the exact same, and a problem with a lot of healthy sodas is that the flavour just isn’t the same as normal sodas, and they taste a lot worse, tasting kind of bland. Every can’s colours try to represent the fruit it’s based on as vibrantly as possible without looking too vibrant, just like typical sodas that draw attention by looking as delicious as possible, looking like candy, by being vibrant and representing whatever the flavour is based on. The soda communicates that it isn’t like unhealthy energy drinks like Monster or Red Bull by stating “healthy flavoured soda,” implying it’s healthy and flavoured (not just sparkling water). The design isn’t overly simplified and includes an animal illustration and a detailed mountain illustration that really captures the flavour of the drink, unlike other companies that use 3 shapes put together to barely represent anything. If I were to redesign my drink, I would make my mountain more beautiful by adding more detail and shadows. My use of colour could be improved to better communicate my concept by making the secondary colour stand out more from the main colour.
Section B (Click On Image To View Larger Version)
Liam A. – Aloha Fresh
The name of my healthy alternative drink is Aloha Fresh. I was inspired by vacations, beaches, and summer to make my drink. My brand message is a chill, sunny vibe on a hot summer day when you simply just want a health drink; that is what my design was going for. My design encourages teens to move away from standard energy drinks by evoking a tropical summer vibe, since they love going to the beach. I designed pieces with waves and surfboards to draw teens’ eyes to a healthy alternative drink. I used several visual design elements like colour, using complementary colours like orange on the surfboard and blue on the background, and I used yellow and blue to make a supplementary colour background. I made the layout have the surfboard and title in the centre, surrounded by lemons to make it feel like there, and put the waves at the bottom to hide any empty space. My brand communicates health and wellness by featuring a variety of healthy fruits to drink and energy through a vibrant vibe, so people’s eyes are drawn to it when they are tired. My design is unique compared to typical energy drinks, as instead of a standard rock-like vibe like Red Bull’s, I opted for a calmer, chill vibe with water waves and fruits to show the drink is healthy and tropical. Overall, my drink is not a standard energy drink; instead, it opts for a calmer, more topical vibe that uses fruit and complementary colours to guide potential buyers’ eyes towards the drink.
If I were to redesign my drink, I would add more tropical design elements, such as a sun. I could use more complementary colours on the watermelon flavour to make the drink stand out more. I would change the layout of the watermelon design to include more elements and adjust the watermelons’ wave at the bottom of the drink. Yes, I think my concept was conveyed to the viewer, as I wanted a tropical drink with complementary colours and different fruit flavours, which I think I communicated fairly well. I think the part of my design that was most successful was the fruits I made in Illustrator, giving them different shapes so they wouldn’t look too similar, while still looking united. The challenges I encountered were not making both flavours too similar, so I tried to change the colours using different colour schemes and, instead of the regular wave, made a watermelon wave. I think my planning process was detailed enough to inform my final design, as I planned to create many flavours and tried various designs featuring tropical elements to see which would work best. I think I could have done more research to identify other elements in energy drink design that may have been lacking in my drink. I learned that selling energy drinks is not just about caffeine; it is also the lifestyle that comes with the drink and the theme that draws people to make purchases. Brands have an identity tied to the lifestyle they sell. People do not just want to buy for energy; they want to buy to experience the drink’s lifestyle.
Andrew B. – Apex Rush
The name of my healthy drink is ‘APEX RUSH’. The drink called Bang Energy inspired me. I wanted to make a drink with a similar energy to Bang Energy, but healthier. For my designs, I went for a dreamcore-like design. When you look at it, it makes you feel like you have seen it before. I made the logo with two figures standing on a branch, and the guy in front is releasing energy from his chest into the liminal space. While the guy behind him is holding him and supporting him. A couple of changes I would have made are adding more detail to the logo itself, adding a galaxy in the background, and not using the can design for its background. I feel like my can is unique because it has a more dreamlike, comforting design. The biggest challenge I had to face was finding a way to get the design ready and what to look for that I’d think I’d like a lot for the can. My favourite part of the design was definitely the logo. It turned out really well, and I’m very satisfied with it.
Yuvy B. – UV’s Juice
My brand is called UV’s Juice, and it was inspired by the idea of getting a sunny energy boost without the chemicals from other typical energy drinks. The concept promotes a lifestyle of natural wellness and clean energy, showing that you can be productive and energetic without crashing later on. I think this design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks because it looks refreshing and approachable rather than aggressive or intense. Instead of using dark colours and odd logos like Red Bull or Monster, my packaging uses a bright orange-and-green colour palette that signals health and vitality. The visual elements, like the floating orange slices and fresh leaves, make the product appealing by showing exactly what’s inside the drink: real fruity vibes. This communicates wellness differently because it feels like a juice you would actually want to drink on a hot summer day. What makes it unique is the fun typography, which focuses on refreshment. While other brands try to look more extreme, UV’s Juice feels light and upbeat, proving that being healthy will always give you the energy you need.
If I were to redesign my product, I would make a few changes to make it stand out. First, I would improve the colour palette by adding more bright yellow or darker green borders to make the product really stand out. This would create a better contrast against the background and make the text stand out more, really communicating the burst of fresh energy from UV’s Juice. For the layout, I’d adjust the composition by moving the calorie box so it doesn’t get cut off at the bottom and by spacing out the graphics to give it a more appealing look. I think my concept of a healthy drink was fully communicated because the orange slices showed wellness, which made it much different from other brands such as Monster. The most successful part is definitely the bright, friendly colour scheme and bubbly logo. A big challenge for me personally was making the vector ice cubes look right without ruining the simplistic art style. Honestly, my planning wasn’t very thorough, and by doing more initial sketches and researching more modern typography, I would have strengthened the overall final product. Ultimately, I learned that branding is all about packaging’s looks, and that whatever looks “cool” sells the most.
Sophia C. – Sola Energy
Sola Energy is a healthy alternative energy drink brand inspired by tropical drinks, sunshine, and natural energy. The name “Sola” comes from solar energy, which represents positivity, warmth, and vitamins that fuel you in a healthier way. The concept behind the drink was to create something teens could use as a substitute for energy drinks like Monster or Red Bull, which are packed with sugar and caffeine. Instead, Sola encourages teens by showing they can still feel energized without resorting to unhealthy or extreme measures. The brand promotes a positive lifestyle focused on caring for your overall health and well-being. The design uses bright tropical colours such as yellow, orange, and pink to create a fresh, uplifting vibe. The logo includes a simple sun design with clean bubble letters to make the product look fun, modern and refreshing. Palm leaves, fruits, and bright colours make the packaging stand out while also making it look cleaner and healthier than darker energy drink brands that use aggressive fonts and intense designs. What makes Sola Energy unique is its focus on health and wellness while staying energized, rather than promoting risky or unhealthy lifestyles, which makes it feel safer and more relatable for teens.
If I were to redesign Sola Energy, I would improve the packaging by experimenting with softer tropical colours and adding more detailed fruit and nature-inspired graphics to make the healthy concept stand out more clearly. I think the colour choices already communicate positivity and energy pretty well. However, I could increase contrast to make the design more eye-catching from a distance. I would also make small changes to the design layout by making the can graphics more evenly spaced so the can looks less overwhelming. Overall, I think my concept was communicated successfully because the tropical theme, bright colours, and simple design of the graphics and logo helped show that Sola Energy is meant to be a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. The most successful part of my design was the branding because the name, colours, and imagery all worked together to create a more positive and uplifting vibe. One challenge I encountered was toning down the drink’s colours and using colour theory to balance them so it wasn’t as abrasive. My planning process helped me arrive at my final design, but looking back, I think doing more sketches, more research, and brainstorming different layouts could have made the final product even better. Through this project, I learned that branding has a massive impact on what we buy because colours, logos, and packaging design can completely change how people feel about a product and influence whether they want to buy it.
Wyatt B. – Vantage Drink
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is “Vantage.” The concept was inspired by the popularity of energy drinks among teens and by the idea of creating a product that still feels powerful and exciting while offering a healthier alternative to brands like Red Bull and Monster Energy. Vantage promotes confidence, motivation, energy, and determination. The brand is designed for teens who want energy to stay active, focused, and productive without relying on unhealthy products. The design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by evoking the same intense, exciting feeling they enjoy while offering a healthier, more balanced alternative. The design uses dark colours combined with bright lighting effects to create a strong and energetic appearance. Bold typography makes the product stand out and gives it a modern, aggressive look. The lightning imagery represents power, energy, and speed, while the layout keeps the design organized and eye-catching. Although the design has an aggressive, energetic look, the product still conveys a healthier approach through cleaner branding and a more balanced message focused on motivation and performance rather than reckless behaviour. The design is unique because it combines the dark, intense style of traditional energy drinks with the emphasis on healthier ingredients and more responsible energy use.
If I redesigned the product, I would make the health benefits and ingredients more noticeable so customers could immediately understand that it is a healthier option. I could also improve the colours by adding more contrast between the dark background and the lighting effects, making the design stand out even more while still keeping the aggressive energy theme. I would reorganize some of the text and make the logo larger so the important parts of the design are easier to see from a distance. I think the concept was communicated well because the design clearly gives off a strong, energetic, and modern feeling while also representing a healthier energy drink option. The most successful parts of the design were the lightning theme and overall visual style, which created a bold, memorable look that matched the energy-focused concept. One challenge during the creative process was balancing the aggressive energy-drink style with the product’s healthier message. Another challenge was making the design stand out from existing energy drink brands. My planning process was detailed enough to help me create the final design, although more experimentation with layouts and colours could have improved it further. Looking back, more sketches and research into modern energy drink branding could have helped me create even stronger visuals and more creative ideas. Through this project, I learned that branding has a major impact on consumer behaviour because colours, fonts, and imagery can influence how people feel about a product and whether they see it as exciting, healthy, powerful, or trustworthy.
Alyssa C. – Float Drink
My healthy energy drink brand is called Float. The logo has bubbles around the name to represent freshness. The idea was inspired by the need for a healthier and more natural energy drink for teens. Many energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and artificial ingredients, so when creating my drink, I wanted to use fruit-based ingredients, natural sugars, electrolytes, and antioxidants. The slogan that I decided to use is “Taste the Breeze”, and it encourages people to feel refreshed and energized. The design I chose uses bright, refreshing colours. Float has a calm, uplifting style that appeals to teens who want energy without unhealthy ingredients. For the first, I made it have a gradient from orange to yellow, containing the flavour Mango Breeze. It gives a warm, tropical feeling. While with my other can it is a gradient from blue to purple containing the flavour blueberry pomegranate. It gives a cool and refreshing feeling. The layout is simple and easy to read, helping the healthy ingredients stand out. Unlike brands such as Red Bull or Monster Energy, Float focuses on wellness and natural energy instead of extreme intensity. Most energy drinks focus on intense, bold, and dark colours, while Float uses lighter colours, fruit flavours and positive branding to create a healthier image.
If I were to redesign my product, I would make the layout a little cleaner and add more details to match the theme. For my drink brand “Float”, I used bubbles around the logo to create a fun and refreshing look. My first flavour, Mango Breeze, used a yellow-and-orange gradient to evoke a tropical, fruity feeling. While my second flavour was Blueberry Pomegranate, I used a blue-and-purple gradient to make the drink look cool yet bold. I think my use of colour was successful because it helped communicate the flavours clearly to the viewer/drinker. However, I could improve the design by making the text stand out more and balancing the placement of the bubbles and images. One challenge I faced was choosing colours and designs that matched each flavour while still making the cans look like a single, cohesive brand. Looking back, I could have done more sketches and experimented with different layouts and fonts. I could also have done more research on brand names to create the perfect energy drink. Through this project, I learned that branding and colour choices are very important because they influence how consumers view a product and can make a drink more appealing.
Jenna D. – balance boost
My healthy energy drink is called Balance Boost. I made it because I wanted to create a drink that gives people energy but is way healthier than other energy drinks. Most energy drinks are full of sugar and chemicals, and they make you crash later. Balance Boost is meant to give you more natural energy and help you stay focused and feel good. My brand promotes having a balanced life and taking care of your body while still getting energy. I used bright fruit like banana, strawberry and mango to make the drink look healthy and refreshing. The mango and strawberry editions offer customers a variety of flavour options while remaining healthy, fresh, and delicious. The big bubble letters make it look fun and catch teens’ eyes. The light background keeps it looking clean and neat. I did this because teens mostly choose products that have bright colours. My slogan, “your energy, our commitment,” shows the brand cares about giving people a better option. I wanted the design to look refreshing and make people think of real fruit and not artificial ingredients. What makes my design different is that it focuses on health and wellness rather than making energy seem extreme or overly intense.
If I were to redesign my product, I would make a few changes to improve the overall look. First, I would make the fruit images clearer and of higher quality so they look more realistic and professional. I would also add more information and explain how this drink gives natural energy. This would help customers understand why it is healthier than other energy drinks. I think my use of colour was good because the bright fruit colours make the drink look fresh and appealing, but I could make the flavour names stand out more by using stronger colours or larger text. I like the overall layout because the brand name is large and easy to read, and the fruit is the main focus. My concept was communicated well because the design looks clean, healthy and positive. One challenge I had was fitting all the text and images onto the can without making it look too crowded. My planning process helped me organize my ideas, but doing more sketches and research would’ve made my final design even better. Through this project, I learned that branding is very important because the colours, fonts, and images can influence how people feel about a product and whether they want to buy it.
Anastasia D. – Pure Living Drink
For my healthy alternative energy brand, I chose the name Pure Living. The concept behind it was inspired by wellness culture and natural energy. Instead of creating another intense, artificial drink, I opted for a more balanced, health-promoting drink. Pure Living has a message that aims to connect with all and inspire those who drink it. Pure Living encourages users to nourish their body and mind through healthy habits rather than overconsumption. Pure Living encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by focusing on soft colours, nature-inspired design, and wellness symbols rather than the aggressive, adrenaline-inducing imagery on typical energy drink cans like Monster. The design of the can is specifically designed to attract more people, especially teenagers, to it. It consists of soft colours such as earthy, natural tones, symbols such as the lotus, which symbolizes peace and growth, and fonts that offer a modern yet calming appearance. Unlike most brands, which rely on eye-catching designs such as aggressive symbols and bright colours like neons. Pure Living differentiates itself through community, simplicity, and calmness. The packaging focuses on nature, mindfulness and clean ingredients rather than pure performance and no good on the inside. The soft visuals and spiritual symbolism help create a more positive & relaxing image. The design is unique compared to other brands because it combines wellness branding with an energy drink. For example, the use of symbolism, minimalistic design, and earthy colours makes the product stand out as a healthier and more mindful alternative.
If I were to redesign my product, I would add more variations rather than just one design. I personally like the earthy tones and strong symbols, but different designs with distinct flavours would be even better. The use of colour could be improved by creating more contrast rather than blending everything together. Although the complementary colours look great together, they look more bland than eye-catching, which would cause problems for marketing. The message, by the looks, seems to be communicated pretty well, especially through the use of symbols, such as the lotus. Despite that, changes could still be made; adding more symbols or perhaps brief explanations could make the message even clearer. The part of the design that was done best was the imagery, specifically the nature aspect. I like it the most because when I associate nature with peace and harmony, which is how I want the consumers to feel. Despite the positives, I still faced some negatives. The challenge that stumped me was the initial design creation. It took a long time to figure out what displays my message well and is aesthetically pleasing. The design process definitely helped me, but it could have been more detailed with a little more research online, so I could grasp a clearer idea from different inspiration pictures and make an even better design. Additionally, more sketches of symbols that would communicate the concept and message more clearly would have been more helpful. Although I used a strong symbol, the lotus, I could have incorporated more meaningful symbols. Throughout this project, the main lesson I gained was how important design choices are in communicating a brand’s message to its audience. Every little detail, even the clouds in the background, affects how consumers view the product.
Mila DC. – Splash Drink
My healthy alternative drink brand is called Splash. The concept behind my energy drink, Splash, was inspired by summer and the feeling of staying refreshed while also hydrated in the heat. I wanted to create a drink that feels colourful, exciting and like summer. The name Splash represents the splash from summer, the refreshing feeling of jumping into water on a hot summer’s day. Splash promotes a fun, active and healthy lifestyle. The brand encourages people to stay hydrated and refreshed while staying healthy, rather than drinking something loaded with sugar, caffeine, and other harmful ingredients. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by creating a healthier image. Other energy drink brands, like Monster, use dark, intense colours and logos, while Splash focuses on bright colours and designs that represent summer, including the sun and turtles. My brand highlights real fruit and natural energy, which makes the drink a better choice for teens who want a healthy alternative that won’t harm them in the long run. The colours and logos of my brand make my drink visually appealing because they are bright, and they represent summer. My brand communicates health and wellness differently from other brands because, like Monster, they use dark colours and symbols, which can make it seem unhealthy and bad to consume. Mine uses colours and symbols and highlights it made from real fruit. My design is unique because there is no other drink in the market right now designed like mine.
If I were to redesign my product, some improvements I would make include making the designs smaller and adding more details to the can to make it stand out more. I could also improve my use of colour by using brighter, more varied hues to better convey the summer vibe and communicate the drink’s refreshing concept more effectively. I would adjust the composition of my design by spacing the symbols further apart and adding the same number of each symbol, so it looks more balanced and easier to read. The most successful part of my design was the logo, because it turned out exactly how I wanted and paired well with the overall design. One challenge was figuring out the colour scheme I would use and what looked good and what didn’t. My planning process was detailed enough to help me define the theme, but I could have added more detail about what my design would look like. Looking back, I have created more sketches and researched other drink brands more before I started mine. Through this project, I learned that branding and consumer behaviour are important because colours, fonts and design influence how people see the product and whether they want to buy it.
Matt D. – Divine Drink
The concept behind my healthy energy drink is to have it based on Greek Gods. The name of the drink is Divine, and the slogan is “Taste of the Gods,” which promotes its taste and positions it as a healthy alternative to caffeine-filled energy drinks that the Gods would drink. The designs are all based on Greek Gods such as Zeus, Athena, and Poseidon. Colours and images are bright and based on symbols related to the God the drink is named after. The eye-catching colours and symbols convey an overall healthy, welcoming drink, unlike the very minimalistic drinks like Monster or Red Bull, which have very basic designs.
As I look over the project now, I know I could have done better. For example, during the development of the drink, my first design, called Spite of the Century, was scrapped due to an overall visual mess on screen, with too many main objects and images. This first attempt showed me what to do and what not to do in the next design. Examples are too many images, a mouthful of words in the name, and a viewer understanding the drink at first glance without an explanation. I took all of this into account with the new design. The new name, Divine, is reduced to a single word, the colours are more streamlined, and the images relate to the drink’s flavour. Looking back at the design process and rough sketches, the biggest mistake I made was to pick the final product too early. This applies to the first design, “Spite of the Century,” as I focused on it and didn’t open up to different ideas, which was my biggest mistake. But what came out of the mistake was a healthy beverage I’m happy with, and there are few to no things I would change about the final look of Divine. With every drink having a different look and flavour to it, each feels unique to me as all have different complex designs in them, for example, Poseidon and the wave, Zeus and the clouds, and Athena and the owl. In the end, learning about building a brand and figuring out marketing was an amazing experience, as the most interesting parts were the marketing and research to develop an appealing design, and the time and care to create a design for a healthy drink.
Jeremy G. – RYZE Drink
My healthy alternative-energy drink brand is called RYZE. The idea behind it is to help people wake up naturally, feel refreshed, and get the extra energy they need at the beginning of the day. It also makes you really hype to do everything u wanna do. I really like this brand cause i was the one who made it.
Kyrylo H. – Sky Volt Drink
My healthy alternative energy drink brand is called SkyVolt. The idea behind the drink was inspired by speed, power, and focus, while also promoting a cleaner and healthier lifestyle for teens. Instead of copying aggressive energy drink brands that often use dark colours and extreme imagery, SkyVolt was designed to feel modern, refreshing, and positive. The brand promotes confidence, motivation, and active living without depending on unhealthy habits or excessive caffeine. The design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by presenting energy in a cleaner and more balanced way. The lighter colour palettes, such as icy blue and soft red, create a fresh appearance rather than an intense or dangerous one. The gothic-inspired typography lends the brand personality and uniqueness, while the bird-and-lightning logo symbolizes speed, freedom, and energy. The overall layout is simple and professional, making it look premium and modern. Unlike brands such as Monster or Red Bull, the packaging focuses more on wellness, clean energy, and a stylish aesthetic instead of promoting recklessness or extreme behaviour. The use of minimal graphics, balanced spacing, and cleaner colours helps communicate positivity and health. What makes SkyVolt unique is the combination of elegant typography and bird imagery themes that appeal to teens without looking overwhelming or unhealthy.
If I were to redesign my product, I would improve the flavour branding by adding more unique fruit-inspired graphics and clearer flavour indicators on each can. I would also experiment with stronger gradients and lighting effects to make the colours stand out more while still keeping the clean aesthetic. The use of colour could be improved by making each flavour more visually connected to its taste, such as using brighter blue tones for icy flavours or deeper red shades for berry flavours. I would also slightly adjust the composition by making the logo larger and repositioning some text to improve readability from a distance. Overall, I think the concept was communicated successfully because the design clearly presents a modern, energetic, and healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. The most successful parts of the design were the logo and colour scheme, as they helped create a strong brand identity that looked professional and memorable. One challenge I encountered during the creative process was balancing simplicity with enough detail to make the product visually exciting. Another difficulty was choosing colours that felt energetic without looking too similar to existing brands. My planning process was detailed enough to guide me to the final design, but I think additional sketches and more research into real beverage packaging could have strengthened the final product even further. Through this project, I learned that branding and consumer behaviour are closely connected, as colours, typography, and packaging design can influence how consumers feel about a product before they even try it.
Ava K. – Clean Boost Drink
The name of my healthy energy drink is Clean Boost. The idea for the drink came from how unhealthy many energy drinks are for teens because they have too much caffeine and sugar. I wanted to make a drink that provides energy in a healthier, more positive way. My brand promotes a healthy, active lifestyle while helping people feel more energized. The design encourages teens to move away from regular energy drinks by using light green colours instead of dark colours like black and red, which are often used by brands like Monster and Red Bull. The soft colours make the drink feel fresh and healthy. I want users who consume the drink to feel refreshed and not gross. The fruit on the can shows that the flavour is made from real fruit with no added sugar or artificial flavours. The minimal lettering and fruits help the drink look natural and appealing. The layout is easy and clean to look at, making the drink look healthier. Unlike most energy drinks that look intense and aggressive. My design focuses on wellness and natural energy. This sets my product apart from many energy drinks marketed to teens today.
If I redesigned my product, I would make the design more detailed and organized. I think the colours could be improved by making the text stand out more from the background. I would also slightly change the layout by spacing the fruit images more evenly around the can. I think my idea was mostly clear because the colours and images show that the drink is healthier than normal energy drinks. The part I think worked best was the soft, refreshing style, because it makes the product look different from other energy drinks. One challenge I had was making the drink look healthy while still making it look interesting for teens. My planning process helped me create the final design, but I think more sketches and research would have improved it further. Through this project, I learned that branding is very important but also very hard because the colours, fonts, and designs can affect how people feel about a product and whether they want to buy it. I also learned that companies carefully design products to appeal to specific age groups and lifestyles. For example, Alani Nu attracts teen girls because of the packaging. If I had more time, I would experiment with way more flavours, logos and can designs to make the brand even more appealing and to really understand what companies have to do to perfect their products.
Marcus L. – Purity
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is called “Purity”. The concept of the drink was inspired by how most energy drinks are designed. Most aren’t pure and are unhealthy to the body, so the alternative should be mostly pure and healthy to the consumer, thus also leading to the name Purity. With the drink’s name in mind, this energy drink suggests that not all healthy alternatives are inferior to the original. The name of the drink catches the viewer with its bold wording, but it doesn’t exaggerate the effect like other household energy drinks, such as Prime or Monster. It’s meant to be a more refreshing drink and isn’t meant to fry your brain with too much caffeine, unlike the other energy drinks. The design of the drink backs up the purpose, with each variant of the drink being plastered not with high octane imagery, but instead with a calmer design meant to look like a more traditional fruit drink, containing the parts and variants of different fruits like watermelon, or coconuts; Incorporating different parts like the seeds from a water melon, or the 2 different main types of coconut into the drink instead of the design only being meant to promote the brand like Red Bull. The fruit design isn’t enough, though, to take the customer’s eye off their usual, so it incorporates elements to capture the customer’s attention. We use more saturated, bright colours to attract customers’ attention, and a simpler yet more complex design. The name of the drink is front and centre, but depending on the flavour, a closer look reveals lightning bolts and bubbles in the background, indicating that the drink is still an energy drink, just not as caffeinated.
Overall, I’m pretty happy with the design I came up with, though I do think that it could have some improvements. For both flavours, adding a mascot or something more recognizable could have drawn more attention from potential customers, and using darker colours or emphasizing the brighter ones would have been a good tactic I could have implemented in my drink. The layout and design of the coconut flavour, I feel, are really effective, but the watermelon flavour could use some work. The floating slices feel more out of place than the needs; changing their placement could significantly improve the layout of the drink design. I feel like the most successful part of the design was the layout, despite my gripes with it. It communicates the concept well to the viewer, advertised as a more laid-back, healthy alternative due to the lack of custom bombastic imagery and the use of natural, familiar fruits. The creative process of developing this design, though, wasn’t easy. I kept finding small details I had to fix over and over again, whether it was the design itself, the layout, or how it looked on the can. Even with my troubles when designing the drink, the process of coming up with the design was straightforward. Though I could have brainstormed some more when coming up with the idea, like coming up with a mascot, I’m still proud of the product I made in the end. This project has taught me quite a bit. Customers desire transparency and trust in the product, and branding doesn’t always require an iconic element to be memorable or unique. All in all, even though my drink has some issues, the energy drink communicates its message through a simple design that I had fun making.
Claudy L. – Velvet Breeze Drink
The name of my energy drink brand is “Velvet Breeze”. What inspired the concept behind my drink was my desire to create an aesthetically pleasing design, and I thought that going with a space/cosmos theme would meet that goal. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks because, unlike the Red Bull brand, which uses striking/bold colours, mine uses a darker palette with a softer tone, and more teens are drawn to stylish branding. The visual designs, such as the brand, are appealing and effective because I use a bold font, and the Saturn surrounding the logo makes it stand out more. I focus on the cooler tones of the colour wheel, such as blues, purples, and yellows, to give a sense of calm while still looking fresh. Most energy drinks focus on rebellion and often try to evoke a sense of power in consumers with their neon colours, but my energy drink communicates health/wellness because its softer appearance and fruit icon make it seem more natural and “clean”. My design differs from typical energy products in that it strikes an equal balance between relaxation and energy. It is built on an identity leaning towards nourishment and artistic appeal rather than the harsh, compelling tone most modern energy drink brands use.
If I were to redesign my product, I would fix the wording because the mockup text was hard to read, regardless of the background colour. My use of colour could better communicate my concept by messing with the contrast between my logo and my other elements on my energy drink. I believe my composition does not need further refinement; however, I could have refined the cloud shapes and added more stars to fill the negative space. The part of my design that was the most successful was the shooting stars I traced on the sides, because it exceeded my expectations for the outcome. I also believe my logo was successful because the colours flowed together well and it was one-of-a-kind. Overall, the colour scheme fit the space’s vibe, and the visuals paired well with the dark blue background. Some challenges I encountered included brainstorming ideas, because I originally had three brand name ideas and had a hard time deciding while also figuring out which theme to go with. Near the end of the process, I only realized there was something wrong with the typography, but it was already too late to fix it. My planning process was thorough enough to help me arrive at my final design: I filled all the squares in my thumbnail sketches to ensure I would choose the best design, and I had many ideas in my mind map. I feel that I should have spent more time looking into how healthy energy drinks were branded and possibly considered more themes beyond just the moon, tropical, striking aesthetic. I also feel that if I did more research on how to make energy drinks healthier, I could be more creative with the flavour instead of just going for a simple fruit-flavoured drink. I learned more about branding and consumer behaviour through this project: consumer behaviour is heavily influenced by colour schemes, and they react differently to certain compositions. Appealing designs can give consumers a positive impression, and imagery can play a huge role in whether they buy the product. Designs can leave a lasting mark on buyers as well, which is an important factor to consider when brainstorming.
Ben L. – Frostbyte Drink
My healthy alternative energy drink brand is called Frostbyte. I got the idea for this drink because so many teens drink unhealthy energy drinks every day. A lot of popular brands are packed with sugar and caffeine, which can make people crash later on. Because of this, I aimed for Frostbyte to promote a cleaner, healthier, and more refreshing lifestyle by using less caffeine, zero sugar, and more natural ingredients, offering a better alternative to regular energy drinks. Frostbyte uses less caffeine, zero sugar, and more natural ingredients, making it a better option than regular energy drinks. I used bold colours, cool fonts, and clean layouts to make the cans stand out. Each flavour has its own vibe too. Citrus fresh feels clean and refreshing, Dragonfruit Blueberry gives off a cool nighttime vibe, and Mango Passionfruit has a tropical summer feeling. Unlike Monster Energy or Redbull, Frostbye focuses more on health, positivity, and feeling refreshed. I think the colourful packaging and creative themes make the cans look way more interesting than most energy drinks targeted toward teens today!
If I redesigned Frostbyte, I would make the colours brighter and bolder so the cans stand out even more. I would also improve the logo to make it cleaner and more professional. Overall, I think my concept was communicated well because the colours and backgrounds matched each flavour’s feel. The backgrounds were probably the best part of my design because they made every flavour feel unique. Citrus Fresh used a bright blue sky and clouds to convey freshness; Dragonfruit Blueberry featured a nighttime city background; and Mango Passionfruit used a tropical beach scene with warm colours. One challenge I faced was overthinking parts of the design and making them overly complicated, which cost me time. Even with that, I still think my planning process helped me finish the project successfully. Looking back, I could have made more sketches and researched stronger logo ideas. Through this project, I learned that branding is really important because products with eye-catching designs are more likely to attract customers and stand out from other brands!
Juliet M. – Volt Drink
The healthy alternative drink I created is called VOLT. This drink was created to provide a healthier alternative with the same appeal as popular energy drinks. VOLT is a drink designed to deliver the same energy boost as other energy drinks, without the caffeine & sugar. VOLT promotes a healthy, clean lifestyle with the same eye-catching design. It is a great example of how there is always a healthier option that provides the same benefits. My design was chosen specifically to show the jolt of energy you receive (a lightning bolt) and its lasting effects, without causing any harm (little lightning bolts). The layout is simple and organized, making it easy to read and visually balanced. What makes my design unique is that it combines simplicity and an energetic look with a healthier message, making it more relatable to teens who want energy without the negative effects associated with many popular energy drinks.
If I were to redesign my product, I would improve some areas to make the branding even stronger and more eye-catching. One improvement I would make is to adjust the colours to create more contrast so that important details, such as the flavour name and logo, stand out more clearly against the background. Although the colours already communicate energy and health well, brighter accent colours would make the design more noticeable. I would also make small changes to the composition and layout, spacing design elements more evenly to make the packaging feel cleaner and easier to understand. Overall, I believe my concept was successfully communicated because the design clearly conveys a healthier, more positive version of an energy drink. One challenge I encountered was balancing an exciting look while maintaining a healthy image. Through this project, I learned that branding and consumer behaviour are closely connected and influence purchasing decisions.
Giancarlo Q. – Moto Juice
Moto Juice is a unique health energy drink aimed at helping those working hard, like construction workers, oil rig workers, and even office workers, to remain energetic for the entire day while also not forgetting to overwork themselves. Its distinctive flavors include Root Beer Caramel, giving it an edge among the numerous energy drink flavors on the market. Moto Juice draws its design inspiration from machinery, mechanics, and industrial work environments. Its logo incorporates mechanical elements such as gears taking the place of the letter O and an oil pump in the letter J. Other mechanical parts are present in its design, giving the impression of items used in mechanics shops and gas stations. While most energy drinks use vibrant colours to attract consumers, including children and teens, Moto Juice uses a professional industrial look with dark colours. This unique color choice attracts teens who prefer a professional design with a lot of detail over flashy colors. The main features that make Moto Juice stand out among its competitors include its creatively designed mechanized logo, darker aesthetics, and industrial design concept, which convey its uniqueness.
If I were to redesign my product, there are a few things that I would change, such as improving the colours that I decided to use, since using gray on gray colours does not exactly go well and makes the smaller details harder to see, as well as changing the format of the title itself. I could have used the colours better by making some elements more visible and eye-catching, such as near the title and in the background details like the gears. The only composition or layout that I would change in my design would be the positioning of the title, I think I could have put the title somewhere else like inside the gear wrapping around or a similar context. I think my concept wasn’t communicated fully as it could have been to the viewer because I think my main issue was the colour code that I ended up with, having a darker colour scheme than most energy drinks. The part of my design that was most successful and that I personally was most proud of was the variant of my drink, which was the different flavour I made. I liked the colour scheme that I gave it, as well as the emblem of what type of flavour it was, being a root beer mug. The main challenge I’ve faced has been deciding which font to use for the title. I went through many options which were provided, but ended up making my own font letter by letter, going for a more mechanical vibe than I could find on the links provided to us. My planning process was detailed, but as I continued to make my beverage, I found more creative features to use as I went along, not things that I had previously had planned to use, but it ended up making my final design incredible. The research I could have done included learning which colours I could use that matched my theme and were flashy and eye-catching for teenagers and others who wanted my beverage. I learnt that most energy drinks are popular because of their designs and advertisements, as well as their variety, and that for my drink to be successful, it has to hook people at first glance and capture their attention.
Aria S. – Tropic Way
The name I chose for my healthy alternative energy drink is “Tropic Way”. The concept behind my drink was inspired by a vacation, since it was meant to be an alternative to conventional energy drinks, which are highly manufactured and very harmful to people’s health. I wanted my drink to be inspired by what reminds me of health and life, while also feeling natural, exotic, and tropical. My brand promotes healthy lifestyles through high nutrient content and a fulfilling way of life, encouraging people to try new things and be open to new experiences. My brand uses energetic, fruit-inspired colours to remind teens that fruits and other natural things provide immense energy, and uses natural, tropical colours to signal a visible shift from regular energy drinks with their unnatural, toxic-looking colours. Many of the different elements of my brands design are very eye catching, personally what I find most appealing are the wordmark, and the brand icon, the wordmark is an extremely important part in the whole design of my brands design, this is because it has very flowy, and tropical fell to it, as well as representing the different healthy ingredients in the drink, the icon in my design is the monkey holding onto the letter “y”, this monkey is symbolic, and is meant to represent natural fun and energy, this is very different from regular energy drinks today which are shown in a sort of aggressively energetic way. My design is unique because of the energy it gives off, with flowing background colours radiating a calm energy, which is a healthy change from the regular energy drinks promoted today.
If I were to redesign my brand, I might try more colour combinations, with more specific flavours and different energy levels, based on the different fruits I could have made them with. I might have wanted to add different special accessories to the monkey depending on the flavours in the different drinks. The way that the color communicates the concept of my brand is one of the components of my brand design that I am very proud of, the colors that I chose demonstrate a truly natural, yet exciting and energetic feeling. If I were to go back and change anything about the layout, I would probably make the background lines slightly thicker to emphasize the smooth, flowing tropical vibe. Through this, I know that my brand’s concept is communicated clearly to the viewer through the colours, mascot, and wordmark. The part of my design that was most successful is the monkey icon, the icon came out exactly how I had imagined it, it was meant to be a more calm character style of the cheetos tiger, and I think that vibe truly came through in the icon. During the first stages of the design process, I struggled to choose a theme since I had too many ideas. The planning process of this design was very thorough. I explored many ideas in depth and picked my favourite after sorting through the colour themes, flavours, and ingredients. Looking back, I think that doing many different flavours of “Tropic Way” would have been beneficial, letting me narrow down the flavours and the colour theme so it wouldn’t be as intensely energetic, although that is what I was going for, and I truly do enjoy a gradient. Through this project, I learned that consumer behaviour is highly dependent on the can’s appearance; if the can isn’t appealing, neither is the drink.
Isabel S. – Topica Glow
My healthy alternative energy drink is called Topica Glow. When I was brainstorming ideas for what my healthy drink should be, or even what to call my brand, I thought about what is most appealing to others when they think about what they want to drink. People most of the time pick a drink that tastes good and looks appealing, and they think about the benefits of the drink they pick, which most of the time is some kind of energy boost, or they look for sugar-free options and more. My brand/drink, “Topica Glow,” is an energy drink that provides the boost most look for while also being healthy for your body, unlike other energy drinks that just provide energy and give you a sugar rush. Topica Glow is made with a black tea base and organic fruits to add flavour and provide health benefits. We promote a way to get what you crave from a normal energy drink, but in a way that will leave you feeling better and leave you with a Glow feeling that you can’t get from a normal energy drink. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by making the packaging and look of Topica Glow blend in with what teens enjoy and what appeals to them. This means how I made the colours go together and added a tropical feeling to the can. When other energy drinks go more “hardcore” with their packaging, we went softer, which you don’t normally find with energy drinks. This helps our brand stand out on the shelves. My visual design elements make my product appealing and effective because, kinda like what i said before, we used softer colours that blend together to add a different kind of feeling to energy drinks, when other brands go more darker with their colours. They would help Topica Glow to stand more out. We added elements to the can that connect with what most people think of when they hear the word Glow, like a beach theme to our brand and can. I also made sure that our wordmark, Glow, stands out more than Topica. I did this so it conveys the effect and the knowledge that our drink will give you the look and feeling you think of when you hear Glow. Our packaging communicates positivity and wellness differently from brands like Red Bull and Monster Energy because not only did I pick a softer name that doesn’t feel as aggressive, but we also used softer colours like yellow, which often conveys happiness and positivity. Unlike Red Bull, which uses red, and Monster Energy, which uses black and darker, less happy colours. But we used softer, kinder-looking fonts for our wording on the brand. I also put lots of outdoor elements into the can to help promote wellness and the Glow feeling. The way I made, created, and designed Topica Glow by the colours, what is within the drink, the wording on our can, the fronts we used, the certain things and images I made on the can and everything I have mentioned, all prove how Topica Glow is a better, healthier and even more appealing to teens than other energy drinks that teens are currently being marketed too.
Ethan W. – Pack-A-Punch
This drink is meant to be a flavourful and nutritious alternative to energy drinks that is considered attractive to the younger generations to help them live a healthier life with fresh fruity flavors like punch it can taste as fresh and natural as well as using strategic marketing to make it seem trendy and attract people from a multitude of demographics and ages by using social media profiles to help promote the product as well as careful advertisement and making the drink into a full brand making shirts hats hoodies among other thing to keep us in the know among younger people who like brands and trendy clothing.
William B. – FlowTea
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is “Flow Tea”, although I had previously considered “Heal-Tea” and “Flo-Tea.” The inspiration behind my drink’s concept was a series of iced tea can designs by Brisk and Fuze for their different flavours, like their special flavour cans. They incorporated stronger, saturated colours and visible fruit/plant designs. The message and lifestyle my design aimed to promote rested heavily on themes of rest, relaxation, and good mental health, as conveyed by a floatie in a flat, pool-like environment surrounded by leaves. The colour palette I chose also contributed to my can’s general aesthetic. My design encourages teens to avoid traditional energy drinks by offering a fresh perspective on the concept. Clean energy rather than pure sugar, and a relaxed look rather than sensory overload and over-the-top designs. In terms of packaging, where Red Bull and Monster use darkness, definition, and intensity to suggest sheer power and energy, Flow Tea’s packaging communicates health through its ingredient transparency. My colours come from some of the real ingredients I brainstormed. Green tea green, hibiscus pink, and spirulina blue. There’s no proprietary “special energy blend” mystery on my can. What makes it unique is that my design doesn’t mimic the typical teen-targeted energy drink feel. Rather than extravagant and excessive, my drink offers simplicity through restraint.
Chase B. – Amped Drink
My healthy energy drink is called Amped. The design is inspired by classic 80s graphics and colours, creating an exciting and nostalgic feel for the drink. The message and lifestyle it promotes are to stay active with the fun, flashy spirit of a past decade. The drink inspires teens to move away from traditional options; as seen in shows like Stranger Things, many teens today have a fondness for retro-themed designs and memorabilia, which Amped would appeal to. Some visual aspects of the drink that have been implemented are neon colours, retro designs, and 80s iconography. The retro designs feature synth-wave colours and mountain ranges, and the iconography is a large vinyl record with the word “AMPED” on it. Amped communicates health, wellness, energy, and positivity by combining 80s culture with an uplifting approach to energy. This energy drink does not rely on intense or harsh colours or aggressive imagery (commonly seen in drinks like Monster Energy); instead, it uses warm, familiar colours and graphics to evoke a sense of nostalgia when drinking. The design of Amped is unique in that it appeals to a broad age demographic. A large number of teens nowadays say the ideal decade to be a teen was the 80s, which is why we often see trends from that time period brought back, such as mullets, graphic tees, acid-wash jeans, and even record players/vinyls. The drink appeals to younger and older generations alike, bringing back the long-missed 80s vibe.
If I were to design my product, one improvement I would make is to add lightning bolts somewhere on the design, as they would better explain the name “Amped.” While colours on the basic can of purple, blue, and pink are strong, the colours on the other can of orange, yellow, and green are not as 80s feeling as I would have hoped. I wouldn’t change anything about the energy drink’s layout, as I believe I used the space I was given effectively so that nothing feels crammed or random. I do also think that the concept was fully communicated to the viewer as it is very easy to understand and recognize the 80s motifs and vibe by looking at the energy drink. The most successful part of the design was the graphics, specifically the record, confetti-like shapes, and the mountain range at the forefront. Challenges I experienced while making the energy drink included a limited time frame (I missed a week) and difficulty with the record and mountain range, since more advanced techniques were required. My planning process was detailed enough, but I decided to combine different ideas from thumbnails and sketches, meaning I did not choose one idea over another. I could have sketched out more 80s-themed designs, which might have given me more creative ideas, but I’m still happy with what I went with. I learned that it is hard to make something that a consumer or even me would want to spend their money on based on design alone.
Isabella P. – Nalu Drink
The name of my healthy alternative energy drink brand is Nalu, which means wave in Hawaiian. What inspired the concept was my love for the ocean, surfing and turtles. Also, the cans of the Alani energy drink inspired the concept. The lifestyle my brand promotes is beachy and surfing. My design encourages teens to move away from traditional energy drinks by being fun and cute. The turtle right in the middle makes it really obvious and stands out against the other energy drinks. Also, I think if there is something big and cute on the can, more people are likely to stop and look at it, which will lead to more people buying the can. The colours are bright and bold, again making it stand out against the other cans. Brands like Monster and Red Bull have a rougher or simpler design. With this design, the can is lighter and more colourful at a glance; the colour makes you feel more positive. This packaging also communicates health, wellness, and energy because I feel like when people think of surfers, they think of cool, calm people, which promotes wellness, and you think of how hard and physically fit someone needs to be to surf, so it promotes health. What makes my design unique is that you never see a character on any can, which makes it even more distinctive than the typical cans you see in stores.
If I were to redesign my product, I would try to incorporate fruit or other ingredients into the packaging, ’cause I feel like it would make it clearer that it is a healthy version of a regular energy drink. I think the colours are pretty good. I just think they don’t fit a set vibe; the green seems really out there compared to the rest of the can. I think I would try moving the “Natural Energy Drink” wording to a different part of the can. I think it is kind of hidden. I think the concept was communicated pretty well. I just think if I added those extra things, it would have been fully communicated. I feel the most successful part was the waves and the turtle. I just think the turtle is so cute and I really love it. The waves were pretty hard to do because I had to find pieces from different waves and put them together. One of the challenges was that I didn’t know what the name would be. I had like three different names that I thought were cute, and I had no idea which one I was going to pick. The images I drew were of zero help, but the spider diagram helped the most. Just putting all the ideas into one thing was so good. I think I could have spent more time drawing things and looking at what was different from other brands. I ended up thinking about all of that while I was already making the can design. I learned that everyone has a different way of seeing things, so I had to make something that most people would like, not just me, but it ended up being something I really loved.
Aidan S. – Chill Frill Drink
The name of my energy drink brand is Chill Frill. When I was younger, I used to love the Skylanders franchise, especially the character Chill Bill, which gave me the idea to make it Chill Frill. My drink promotes activity. For example, even in the cold, you can still be active, and in the summer, if it’s too hot, you can cool down with a chill frill. My design uses bright colours to draw the attention of teens. My design encourages teens to move away from high-energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster and toward something more natural, like Chill Frill. My design features appealing complementary colours to draw teens’ attention, with icy mountains, ice textures, and snowflakes all around the can. Also, the logo for my brand is very bold and distinct from other brands’ logos, while they usually have cool ones. For example, the Monster logo has a font with a nice texture and an overall appealing look. The packaging has a light blue and a mix of white, giving a snowy, cold feel, explaining the name Chill Frill. My design is very unique compared to recent energy drinks because each product is now tied to something cool in the generation; for example, Monster is meant to be cool but chill. Frill is a calmer, more relaxed drink to have during the summer or anytime.
If I were to redesign my drink, I would add more elements to the background instead of just snowflakes. Using colour could help promote my product while also making it stand out from other drinks with bright colours. I like the layout of my design right now. I think that my design is fully communicated to the customer. I think that my logo is the most important part of my design because it really brought everything together. My challenges were with the background snowflakes; I didn’t know how many to add or what colours to make them. Also, I didn’t know which font to use. Coming up with the name Chill Frill really helped, as it gave me the idea to make it snow-themed and add tropical vibes with the frill. I definitely could have added more ideas for my can when drawing them out. I learned that the outside of a can is really important when promoting something.
Jacob VDV – Citrus Surge Drink
In this project, we were tasked with creating a healthy alternative to traditional energy drinks by creating our own unique brand and products. The healthy energy drink that I created is called “Citrus Surge”. The concept behind Citrus Surge was heavily influenced by citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and more. The reason for this is that citrus fruits are best known for their rich vitamin C content, freshness, and energy. My brand promotes a lifestyle that is healthy, active and positive. Citrus Surge encourages teens to make healthier choices while staying energized. My design encourages teens to switch from traditional energy drinks by creating a product that makes you feel energized just by its look, without being too aggressive or unhealthy. Instead of the typical dark colours and intense graphics used by most energy drinks, Citrus Surge introduces bright citrus hues and playful patterns that create a welcoming, refreshing look. The design utilizes various shades of bright orange, yellow, and green to evoke citrus fruits and create a fresh, energetic feeling. The citrus imagery and clean layout help convey freshness, health, and energy all at once. Unlike Red Bull or Monster Energy, my packaging focuses on brightness, freshness, and natural ingredients rather than extreme energy or intense themes. The warm colours and fruit imagery create a more positive and uplifting feeling. The design feels healthier and more approachable, with highlights of natural citrus flavour. What makes my design unique among other energy drink brands is its cheerful, natural appearance. Instead of the dark colours, sharp fonts, and intense graphics that energy drinks marketed to teens are used to, Citrus Surge stands out with playful fruit illustrations, bright colours, and a clean, refreshing design. This implies a healthier image while maintaining its modern, energetic and appeal to teenagers.
If I were to redesign my project, I would focus on ensuring the design is visually balanced and eye-catching. I would like to improve the placements of the graphics, like the lemons and the oranges, so that they and the text look cleaner and easier to read. I would also have liked to spend more time refining the logo and expanding the package details to make the product feel more distinctive and professional. Although the combination of bright orange and yellow colours successfully conveys energy and freshness, I think the design could be improved by adding more shades of green to better highlight health and natural ingredients. If I were to redesign the product, I would improve the overall design organization and make the packaging more professional. I would adjust the placement of images, text, and the logo to create a cleaner appearance and make the important details stand out more clearly. Yes, I believe my concept was communicated successfully to the viewer because the bright citrus imagery, colours, and playful design convey freshness, energy, and positivity. However, adding more info about the drinks’ health benefits could make the message even clearer. I believe that the most successful part of the design was the overall colour scheme and citrus pattern. I am very proud of how it turned out, and I believe it perfectly captures the theme of an energetic, refreshing look that immediately catches attention and aligns with the drink’s healthy concept. A challenge that I encountered was balancing a fun, eye-catching design with a clean, organized layout. It was also very difficult to create a design that looked modern and appealing to teens while still communicating health and wellness. My planning process helped me a ton by sending me on the path that I wanted to be on, although my final product didn’t end up much like I had planned, the planning was vital to my design today. Looking back, I feel as though I could have done more research on existing healthy drink brands and created additional sketches to explore different layouts and logo ideas. Through this project, my understanding of how important branding is for products was greatly deepened. The colours, fonts and imagery all play vital roles in the people’s views of the product.