Cola and contradictions
Agency: Mikael Selin
Client: Blask
Published: 08.09.22
Author: Rasmus Vestergaard
What comes to mind when you think of the taste of cola? An ingredient? Feeling? Colour? Perhaps a specific brand? That was the challenge Swedish designer and illustrator Mikael Selin faced when he worked on the new packaging design for Blask, a range of craft sodas.
“I like the challenge of portraying something that is meant for both eye and taste. Making it taste as good for both.”
Mikael Selin, Illustrator and Designer
Nordic Brief
What is so tricky about illustrating cola?
Mikael Selin
Well the taste of cola is more associated to brands than to ingredients. At least at first thought. People associate more to maybe the color black, red or just think of the bigger brands right away. I think trying to use an ingredient for cola would just confuse consumers more than guide them. I resorted to the "fluid" approach of cola. You know the tasty glass of cola just bubbling away and making waves in an ice cold glass.
Nordic Brief
What inspired you for this project?
Mikael Selin
"Blask" is swedish for "watery soda pop". We chose a negatively charged name for something that is extremely well done. Including the artwork. We wanted the artwork to be a contradiction to the name. So you understand that this can not be bad. At all.
Nordic Brief
There is a tactility to the look, especially the limes’ spotted surface. Could you tell a little about why you choose that look?
Mikael Selin
Blask, and the people behind it, are experienced brewers within craft sodas. I used the kind of vintage look for the textures of the fruits included in the drink. I wanted it to feel natural and handcrafted.
Nordic Brief
How do you approach the craft aspect of the product and reflect it in the design?
Mikael Selin
I try to put in the same amount of work into the design as Blask put into their recipes and perfecting the taste. I like the challenge or portraying something that is meant for both eye and taste. Making it taste as good for both.
