Deep Green was Ai Kmatani's award winning entry in the Southern Cross Awards
Billy Blue School of Graphic Arts student, Ai Komatani, was awarded two major Southern Cross Awards - Best Rationale and Most Innovative Design - and bronze in the paper bag category for his Deep Green design. Komatani says he chose the paper bag category for his entry. “Why I chose this category is it presented a challenge, in which I had to think outside the square of traditional paper bag shapes,” he explains.
“I have an interest in sustainable design, as I believe we should not harm the earth that has been so good to us. I took this philosophy a step further... I wanted to give something back to the earth. Hence, the design concept was born.”
In his entry, Komatani analysed target markets and noted the importance of a brand and current competitors. Judges said the incorporation of sketches for both package and logo development gave insight into how the final design would work, and that by researching and documenting the creative and manufacturing processes involved, he showed his understanding of what is required in every stage of the development, design, manufacturing and marketing process.
“I wanted the design concept to encourage people to plant their own gardens through the use of seeds embedded between two paper sheets,” explains Komatani. “The design consisted of these sheets rolled into a florist style shape which allowed one to carry flowers at ease, as well as being able to reuse the paper bag. This paper bag was designed to be used at florists and nurseries, anywhere that sells chopped flowers or small pot plants.
“I would like more designers to think of the impact we have upon our environment and to consider this when designing a piece, especially a packaging piece, as they generally get thrown into landfill,” he says.
The 2005 Southern Cross Package Design Awards for students is recognition of Australia’s packaging designers of the future. This year 30 institutions participated with over 500 students registering.
