We've seen retro packaging aesthetics make a triumphant comeback. From vibrant dopaminergic color palettes to abstract geometric shapes, we see the essence of this era represented prominently in modern branding strategies. In particular, we see groovy 90s-inspired waves making bold statements by adding a touch of retro charm to packaging designs.
Though they may seem intimidating, groovy '90s waves can be easily recreated by following 3 easy steps to add a memorable visual identity sure to stand out on the shelves.
To see how we've adapted them to redesign our PackMojo packaging, watch the video here:
1. Create Rows of Rectangles
Begin by creating rows of thin rectangles that resemble lines. Depending on what look you're going for, you can have the rectangles be of different widths and different distances away. If you want your waves to look more even, then you will want to create lines of equal height with equal distances between. Once you're done, click Command + G to group the rectangles together.
2. Add Mesh To Rectangles And Create Waves
Go to the top menu and select Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Mesh. From here, change the number of columns and rows, you will be using the points that are generated to create your waves, so add more columns and rows if you are looking to create tighter waves.
To create the waves, move every other column of points down. Then, you can move the points to add more dimension to your waves making certain waves wider than others. At this point, it's mainly trial and error to move the mesh to create an effect you like. Once you're happy with it, go to the top menu and select Object > Expand to vectorize it so that you can add your desired color to it.
3. Add Your Colors And Finishing Touches
Finally, add a rectangle and place it under your waves, this will allow you to color the lines in between your waves. Once you're happy with the colors, add your packaging elements. We suggest using one color for your elemnts here to keep the attention drawn to the groovy waves. Select bolder elements as opposed to thin-lined ones so that they are still visibile with the wavy pattern in the background.
Closing Thoughts
Nostalgia can be a powerful tool to capturing consumer attention and adding a level of familarity to your packaging. These 90s-inspired groovy waves helps to bring a whimsical playful nature to your packaging that is sure to set your packaging apart. PackMojo aims to empower brands to tell their story through custom packaging. Explore our packaging solutions at packmojo.com.