Packaging and Merchandising Design / Project 1: Uncle Jeff Kombucha Label Redesign
27/10/2025 - 03/11/2025 (Week 06 - Week 07)
Aveline Kristie / 0372310
Packaging and Merchandising Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / School of Design
Project 1: Uncle Jeff Kombucha Label Redesign
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Lectures
2. Instructions
3. Tasks
4. Feedback
1. LECTURES
Fig 1.1 Week 3 Lecture
Fig 1.2 Week 4 Lecture
2. INSTRUCTIONS
3. TASKS
Project Brief
Fig 3.1 Project Brief PDF, Week 5 (20/10/2025)
Fig 3.2 Uncle Jeff Kombucha Original Label Design, Week 5
(20/10/2025)
1. Visual References & Sketches
To start, I begin by searching for visual references, colour scheme, and typography. I decided to go with Nutmeg for my kombucha flavour label design. Since I decided to go with a rustic traditional design style, I feel that nutmeg is a good choice for the flavour.
Fig 3.3 Visual References & Mood Board, Week 5 (25/10/2025)
For the colour scheme, I chose warm tones such as brown, warm red, dark
orange, and olive green to create a more traditional feel. As the original
label design was quite playful, I wanted to retain some of that playfulness in
the typography. I selected playful typefaces for the brand name and subtitle,
while keeping the rest clean and simple with a sans-serif typeface. To
emphasize the traditional aspect, I plan to use a Malaysian batik pattern as
the label's border to enhance the sense of cultural authenticity.
Fig 3.4 First Sketch Attempt, Week 5 (25/10/2025)
At first, since I noticed that the characters in the original label looked
quite unique, I planned to make that the brand identity for the logo. However,
Mr. Shamsul suggested that it would be better to keep the logo simple, so he
chose my second logo idea instead.
Fig 3.5 Second and Third Sketch Attempt, Week 5 (25/10/2025)
For the label sketch design, I decided to go with the second one, as it looks
more minimalist yet more eye-catching. Mr. Shamsul also agreed with my choice.
However, I will replace the previous logo with a nutmeg visual as the main
focal point, similar to the third sketch, while keeping the second layout
since it has a better visual hierarchy.
Fig 3.6 Original Label Design, Week 6 (27/10/2025)
The issue with the original label design is that it contains too many
elements and lacks visual hierarchy, making it look crowded and without a
clear focal point. The design also makes it difficult for customers to
recognize the flavour, and even the different bottle sizes have completely
different designs, which should not be the case.
In my redesign, I made the nutmeg visual the main focal point so that
customers can easily recognize the flavour. I also made “Kombucha Sparkling
Tea” more visible to make the label more eye-catching and spark curiosity.
Fig 3.7 Uncle Jeff Kombucha Original Logo Design, Week 6
(27/10/2025)
Additionally, I added key selling points such as “100% Local Tea Leaves” and
“No Artificial Flavourings” on the front to enhance clarity and help
customers quickly understand the product’s quality and authenticity. I also
redesigned the logo to appear more authentic and artisanal, rather than just
using the initials “UJD” as in the original design.
Fig 3.8 Uncle Jeff Kombucha Original Information, Week 6
(27/10/2025)
I also retained the original nutrition facts, ingredient list, and
information about kombucha in my redesigned label. However, I also included
other important details such as the manufacturer’s information, contact
details, and a barcode that links to the brand’s social media, making the
design more informative and professional overall.
2. Label Digitization
For the digitization step, I began by downloading the label template provided
by Mr. Shamsul to start working on my design. I then inserted my sketch into
the template to visualize how my label would look in the actual format.
Fig 3.9 Label Template, Week 6 (29/10/2025)
Fig 3.10 Sketch Placement, Week 6 (29/10/2025)
However, when I started digitizing, I realized that my label sketch did
not match the size of the template. Because of this, I had to improvise
and adjust my design. I decided to make the inner section curved at the
top to emphasize the batik border more, and I started placing the elements
to explore different layout possibilities.
Fig 3.11 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
Next, I created the nutmeg visual using the Pen Tool, referencing real
nutmeg pictures I found on Pinterest.
Fig 3.12 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
For the batik background, I recoloured it in Photoshop to have an
olive-green tone with a hint of matcha essence, as the ingredients include
green tea and I wanted to enhance that element visually.
Fig 3.13 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
Later, I decided to make the borders curvy at both the top and bottom to
give a more dynamic shape.
Fig 3.14 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
To maintain the playful aspect of the design, I also designed a character
inspired by the original label, a boy’s face as a decorative feature.
Fig 3.15 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
I redesigned the logo using the initials U and J for Uncle Jeff, as well
as recreated the “100% Handmade” logo using the Pen Tool. I also added the
Halal logo for completeness. Since I wanted the design to be more
eye-catching and playful, I made all the logo information appear as if
they were nutmegs, adding a fun and organic touch rather than a minimalist
one.
Fig 3.16 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
Once I completed all the design elements, I started placing them based
on my initial sketch, beginning with the front label.
Fig 3.17 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
Then, I re-drew the scoby and other visual elements for the side section
labeled “What’s in Kombucha.”
Fig 3.18 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
I kept the key information from the original label, updated the
ingredient list, and included the “Keep It Cold” instruction. I also
added a QR code linked to Uncle Jeff’s Instagram account for a modern,
interactive touch.
Fig 3.19 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
On the opposite side, I placed the nutrition facts, along with details
indicating that it is made in Malaysia. I retained all important
warnings such as “Do not shake” and “Drink once opened.” Since the
original label lacked sufficient information, I added placeholders for
the manufacturer, batch number, expiry date, contact information, and a
dummy barcode to make the design more complete and professional.
Fig 3.20 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
After finalizing the big bottle label, I adapted the design for the
smaller (100ml) version to maintain consistency across both sizes.
Fig 3.21 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
However, for the nutrition facts table, I experimented with both filled
and unfilled versions. In the end, I preferred the filled version, as it
made the section stand out more, emphasizing its importance as key
information.
Fig 3.22 Digitization Progress, Week 6 (30/10/2025)
After today's feedback session, Mr. Shamsul gave me several suggestions to improve my label design. He advised me to make the border radius smaller so that it doesn’t look too exaggerated. For the “Kombucha” text, he suggested rounding the corners. He also recommended deleting the key selling points on the front part, as they make the design look a bit crowded and disrupt the visual flow. Additionally, he suggested reducing the text spacing and using a more standard or formal font for the body text to make it look less playful.
Fig 3.23 Digitization Progress, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
As a result, I used Wendy One for the main typeface, Love Ya Like A Sister Regular for the subtext, and Calibri for the body text. After completing the revisions on my label dieline, I then proceeded to create the mock-up again, which will be explained in the next section. Below is the final dieline for both the large (300ml) and small (100ml)
bottle sizes.
Fig 3.24 Final Large Size Label Dieline, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
Fig 3.25 Final Small Label Size Dieline, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
3. Bottle Mock-up
The next step was to create the mock-up designs. I searched for bottle mock-up
images online at freepik and downloaded the most similar bottles mock-up
that resembled the original bottle shape.
Fig 3.26 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
After I found suitable bottles for both the large and small bottle mock-ups, I
inserted the mock-up PSD file into Photoshop.
Fig 3.27 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
I edited it by adding my label dieline, creating a mask, and applying a
multiply effect with 64% opacity. I also added shadows on the sides to make it
blend better. I did the same for all parts of the dieline and ended up with
three outcomes.
Fig 3.28 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
Fig 3.29 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
Fig 3.30 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
After receiving the latest feedback from Mr. Shamsul, I revised my label design, so I needed to redo the mock-up process using the updated label design in the same way as before.
Fig 3.31 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
Fig 3.32 Final Large Bottle Mock-up Design, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
For the small bottle, I couldn’t find a similar-looking bottle to the original
since most of them were premium and required a subscription to download. So, I
chose the most suitable bottle design instead.
Fig 3.33 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
The process was exactly the same as for the large one, and I also ended up
with three outcomes.
Fig 3.34 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
Fig 3.35 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
Fig 3.36 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 6 (01/11/2025)
Fig 3.37 Mock-up Making Progress, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
Fig 3.38 Final Small Bottle Mock-up Design, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
4. Final Outcome
A. Dieline Final Outcome
Fig 3.39 Final Large Label Size Dieline, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
Fig 3.40 Final Small Label Size Dieline, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
Fig 3.41 Final Label Design Dielines .PDF, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
B. Mock-up Final Outcome
Fig 3.42 Final Large Bottle Mock-up Design, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
Fig 3.43 Final Large Bottle Mock-up Design, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
Fig 3.44 Final Bottle Mock-up Designs .PDF, Week 7 (04/11/2025)
4. FEEDBACK
Week 6: Mr. Shamsul approved my sketch. He suggested me to go with the simpler logo and use playful typefaces to enhance the playfulness.
Week 7: Mr. Shamsul advised me to reduce the border radius, round the “Kombucha” text corners, remove key selling points, tighten text spacing, and use a more formal body font.
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