Black on Black Concept Design

We have built this guide to walk you through the package design process for the Swiss Military brand. While your specific product may require a different packaging type, the design principles should remain the same.

Core elements of this design include:

1. Package Orientation (how you intended for the package do be displayed on shelving)
2. Panel definition (front, back, top, bottom, left side, right side)
3. Background layout
4. Logo layout
5. Product name positioning
6. Hud and technical drawing layout
7. Hud element call-outs
8. Marketing pitches

You can download the template used to create this sample package design buy clicking on the "DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE" button below.

90% Black Background

The first part of the "Black on Black" design principle is the background. Whether you are creating black, red, white or other colored packaging, the background should be 90% of the primary color on the box (variances on this principle will be determined by packaging material, type of printing used,  primary color chosen, and pantone options available).

In this instance of solid black being the primary color, 90% black has the following specs:

• Hex #191919
• RGB: 25, 25, 25
• CMYK: 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.90
• Pantone: tbd

Swiss Mountain

The second part of the "Black on Black" design principle is the Swiss Mountain component. The Swiss Mountain is to always be placed on the front of the package.

Whether you are creating black, red, white or other colored packaging, the background should be 100% of the primary color on the box (variances on this principle will be determined by packaging material, type of printing used,  primary color chosen, and pantone options available).

In this instance of pure Black being the primary color and has the following specs:

• Hex #000000
• RGB: 0, 0, 0
• CMYK: 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
• Pantone: tbd

This is how the black Swiss Mountain should appear on the 90% Black background.

Black on Black Design

Depending upon the product being produced, the Swiss Mountain should cover 50% of the package at a 45-degree angle. Accomplish this by clipping the Swiss Mountain from the left and align it to the left side of the package and should cover the entire width of the front.

If the package width is extremely wide, you can place the entire mountain on the package without clipping the left side.

example:

To aid in making the black Swiss Mountain stand out we recommend a spot UV or extra glossy finish on the mountain.

Logo Placement

To make sure consumers know what brand this product belongs to, logos and/or icons should be placed on all primary panels.

You are allowed to use the red/white "Cross & Shield" on the product packaging even if the product is not made in Switzerland. The red/white "Cross & Shield" restriction is only for logo/icon placement on the actual product itself.

Make sure you adhere to the clearance guidelines for the logo/icon on your packaging design.

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Product Image

If your product packaging does not feature a preview pane displaying the product, then an image of the product should be displayed prominently on the front of the package. If the product has a familiar purpose the use of the product is widely understood, then you do not have to place the name of the product on the front of the packaging. If the product is unique, then place the product name on the front of the package.

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Product Name

The product name should be prominent on a minimum of two (2) panels of your packaging. Depending upon how your product is to be displayed on shelving will determine which panel you place the product name on.

Font: News Gothic

Weight: Regular

Dark Colored Packaging: White

Light Colored Packaging: Black

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Designing the Back

The back panel is where you will provide the consumer with more detailed information on the product. The core elements that should be placed here are:

• Technical drawing of either the product itself or the inner workings of the product if that is potentially more appealing
• Hud style elements including hud base, call out panels and base to call out paths
• Text listing the features of the product
• Marketing pitch(s)

Proof of Origin Seal

There are other brands at retail that are using the white Swiss Cross implying that they are a Swiss brand which they are not. The Proof of Origin Seal documents that the Swiss Military brand is the exclusive property of The Swiss Confederation and the official/authentic brand marks/logos for both retailers & consumers.

Proof of Origin Seal Elements

• Official Swiss document graphics
• Origin of the design
• Official Logo
• Hologram
• Scan Information
• QR Code for access for more detailed information
• Contact address

Company Info & Legal Specifications

The company information and legal specifications should all be on one panel along with the Proof of Origin Seal. Depending upon how your product is intended to be displayed will determine where this information is put. For this sample design we have chosen the Left Side panel.

Company Information should include:

• Company name
• Company address
• Product number
• UPC

Legal Specifications should include:

• Product manufacturing specifications (if needed)
• Product warnings (if needed)
• Where the product was manufactured

Sample Packaging 3D Renders