Ceres
Cannabis Topical Lotion Package Design
Overview
When I first moved to Seattle, one of my first clients was Ceres, a local dispensary most reputable in making cannabis-infused topicals, like lotions and balms. The company was looking for a fresh new look for their packaging. Naturally, I was thrilled. For one, I wanted to dive into the fast-growing cannabis industry, and two, it was a chance to flex my package design skills.
Ceres wanted their products to feel like high-end cosmetics, rather than a product that screams, "weed." They were aiming for a rebrand that would appeal to quality-conscious consumers, who prioritize clean ingredients and therapeutic effectiveness over price. So, with a clear goal in mind, we set out to elevate their brand image to match that premium vision.
Floral Collage
Each topical formula features top-quality ingredients like refined oils, natural waxes, and aromatic essences sourced directly from France. For the main visual, I drew inspiration from modern apothecary aesthetics, targeting discerning consumers—primarily women—who appreciate therapeutic reliability and beautiful packaging.
On a clean white canvas, I crafted six distinctive floral collages, giving each product its own identity while keeping essential information easy to spot. Each collage includes images of key ingredients, along with subtle hints of cannabis leaves. Finding the right stock images was my first hurdle. I was meticulous about selecting unfiltered images that highlighted unique features, whether it was the elegant curve of a willow bark stem or a cross-section of a turmeric. Once I gathered all the ingredients for the collage (pun intended), I adjusted some of the greens to a similar shade (if appropriate) for consistency, and applied a uniform blending mode to create a cohesive look.
Applying to the Package Design
The design adapted strategically to different production requirements. For instance, the box used full-color printing to showcase vibrant artwork, while the tube design had manufacturing limitations to just grayscale photo print.
The box also included metallic finish reserved for Ceres logo.
