Hello First name I've just touched down in Melbourne after spending a few weeks in Europe. It was a privellage and honour to be able to travel there. I loved gawking at the century-old boutiques showcasing drool-worthy gothic typography, being in the midst of late-night outdoor cafes abuzz with heart warming conversation and walking down cobblestone streets where grandmas sell sour cherry liqueur from tiny doorways. I started my trip in Amsterdam and London with my mum, before I ventured solo to Lisbon and Madrid—cities that filled my creative cup to the brim. Mornings were spent in quiet creation (with coffee of course), finally carving out space for passion projects for work, while afternoons consisted of wandering explorations around the city. In Lisbon, I loved the traversing the hilly Alfama district; where Fado melodies drifts through open windows, and in Madrid, the Golden Triangle of art galleries became my portal to art and stories from another time and place. I was easily swept up by the soul of these cities; a relaxed pace for life converging with a vibrant and lively pulse. Have you been here too First name? What was your experience like - let me know! My trip offered a poignant reminder to take the time to be truly present; to tune into the energy, warmth and heartbeat of a place, it's people and the stories. And to sit what it means to be human and be in the world. Of all the moments from my trip, I keep coming back to that afternoon in Lisbon—grandma in her doorway, carefully pouring out shots of ruby liqueur with practiced hands. There was something so meaningful in our brief exchange; a realisation that our most memorable moments are never found from ticking off Insta famous restaurants or lining up at touristy landmarks, but in fleeting moments such as a genuine smile where someone shares a glimmer of their world with you; one shot glass at a time. |
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Rituals, creative explorations and nerdy stuff that have filled my cup and inspired me this month |
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🐚 Listen: Hubby and I have been couch dancing to this iconic city pop remix. It's a joyful 3-minute fusion of everything I love about Japan, nostalgia ( なつかしい), the 80s, spontaneous dancing and sento bathing! 🪶 Try: This free note-taking app has revolutionised my client workshops and mentoring calls. It weaves effortlessly into my client processes, offering helpful note summaries and action lists. 🎬 Watch: A raw, deeply moving film exploring the queer experience, identity, intimacy, relationships, loneliness, grief, and love. It examines these themes through a kaleidoscope of present, past, reality, and fantasy. |
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Please note: This film contains discussions of traumatic events, references to alcohol dependency and death.Viewer discretion is advised. |
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📅 Splurge: As October draws to a close, I find myself naturally attuning to the energy of the new year. After much research, I'm excited to have selected my planner for new year. What diary/planner will you be using? Let me know! 🍽️ Organise: Hubby and I have been trying to simplify meal prep without sacrificing hours of our weekend. These micro recipes (especially the sauces) have been a game-changer, offering texture, flavour explosions and variety! |
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Musings on design, packaging and branding |
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Did you know that product-based brands typically juggle at least two color palette systems? Today, let's unravel the difference between Brand Colors and Product Colors, and how to apply both systems effectively to your business. I often see brands trying to force their "Brand Colors" onto product packaging and vice versa—but this isn't always the best path forward! Here's the core difference: ➊ Your Brand's Color Palette This is the visual essence of your brand's personality and values and is applied to your logo, website, and branded social media content. ➋ Your Product's Packaging Color Palette It expresses and conveys the unique feeling, mood, ingredient, or flavor of a product, creating differentiation from other offerings in your range. You need a specific Product Packaging Color Palette if: → Your product is visible through clear packaging (think juices) → Your packaging relies on color blocking for recognition and navigation (like the classic red for English Breakfast tea) |
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If you’re looking to put your best brand forwards for 2025, let's chat about how we could walk this collaborative journey together and bring your offering into the hearts and carts of your dream customers.
Upcoming Availability |
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Thank you so much for reading! DEVOURED THIS MONTH'S CONSCIOUS CURATIONS EMAIL?
Or perhaps you have a design or brand Q you would like me to answer on Design-y Tip for a future issue… 🖤 |
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🖤 Oh hello again First name! Thank you for reading EVERYTHING!! I’m Jo, packaging and brand designer, aspiring ambivert and founder of Jo ChunYan Design Studio. I love handmade pasta, sniffy strolls with my dog Nori, 5-hour karaoke sessions and working on my conscious design business. #heartoverhustle. Conscious Curations shares the things that create space for our minds to wander and connects us back to an intuitive way of work and life. ☟Offerings & resources ☟Connect with me OR have a question? Get in touch! |
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Jo ChunYan ~ Packaging & Brand Design Studio
Melbourne, Naarm, VIC 3000, Australia |
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