I'm Going Bananas for My New Business Cards

Business Cards designed by Xhico

As you may know, I'm not only a foodie, but I'm also a artist, graphic designer, brand consultant and certified weirdo. While I was in Mexico City, I took some of my free time to design myself some new business cards. I started with drawing my banana illustrations at the coffee shop one day. I found out the neighborhood where to get printing done. With my thumb drive in hand I stepped out of the Chabacano Metro station into a neighborhood that is a graphic designer's delight. The smell of ink wafting out of print shops that lined the streets as I passed by looking at all of my options to choose a printer. They were everywhere. Blocks and blocks of off-set, digital, silkscreen, stamp-makers, paper cutters, swag marketing, sign making lined the streets. I remember walking by three woman hand assembling fancy marketing brochures and they were all having such a wonderful time at their jobs. I finally decided on a small booth to do my printing. They would only take a few days, I could get my satin finish and it would cost a mere $140 Mexican pesos.

Let me know what you think about my banana designs. Original banana drawings and soft-sculptures by me are now available online. Please check out my shop and buy a banana!

Xhico's Choice: Krave Jerky

Xhico's Choice this week is Krave Jerky.

I love Krave Jerky! Of course, I first gravitated toward the sack of meat because it had a bangin' package design that bounced off the self. It's bright modern western branding filled with typography and playful icons brought it's unique flavors to my attention. I now found myself standing in front of a wall of beef and turkey treats marinated with gourmet flavors. I ended up picking the Sweet Chipotle Beef Jerky and It's still my favorite! I haven't tried the Black Cherry BBQ Pork Jerky yet because they don't carry it at my local store, but I will but them until they do.

Krave Jerky is unique to the jerky world because the meat is super soft, tender and moist. You don't get "Jerky Jaw" pan from chewing the same piece for hours like most jerky brands. They have beef, turkey and pork jerky varieties and an assortment of gourmet flavors that will tickle your tongue.

For you hardcore jerky lovers, they even have a Krave Klub to deliver #jerkylove to your door every month!

Krave Jerky flavors:
Basil Citrus Turkey
Lemon Garlic Turkey
Black Cherry Barbecue Pork
Grilled Sweet Teriyaki Pork
Chili Lime Beef
Garlic Chili Pepper Beef
Sweet Chipotle Beef
Pineapple Orange Beef

ORDER KRAVE JERKY SAMPLER TODAY!

12 Days of Chocolate!

As a designer, I'm luckily enough to work with Chase Design Group in Los Angeles. This year for Christmas they put together a beautifully printed box of chocolates, "12 Days of Chocolate". A large box contains twelve squares of milk and dark chocolates each designed by a different designer at the studio. The packaging uses every luxury print technique you could want to use as a designer; metallic inks, foil-stamping, embossing, die-cuts all masterfully printed by Clear Image Printing in Glendale.

"12 Days of Chocolate" Holiday Packaging by Chase Design Group

Cue: Disgust

I'm back at work designing food packaging. What's that mean? Flavor Cues! Flavor cue is a term used in marketing to help the consumer immediately identify the flavor. This weekend I was with some friends in the store and was pleasantly pleased to see Tapatío Fritos corn chips! I love me some Tapatío or Cholula hot sauces. My friends called me out on it, but I wasn't embarrassed.

Then, next to the Fritos, I saw one of the biggest design atrocities ever – Ruffles. I have an idea of what kind of guys they are trying to sell to, but this packaging is so terrible, I love it - but. I'd never eat those Ruffles! Loaded Chili & Cheese or Molten Hot Wings potato chips? No thanks. The horrendous photos and over-the-top flavor cues almost made me nauseated. I think I threw up a little in my mouth. It tasted like chili.

English Muffin

I saw this cardboard box for english muffins laying on the street as a I walked in the rain. It made me want McDonald's.

Sprite goes Snow Global

This holiday season, Sprite has released a limited edition "snowglobe" bottle. It's a very cute shape and concept. However, the graphics demonstrate a complete lack of imagination.

Miso Fly Ice Sculpture

The Miso Fly Boutique held it's first year anniversary party this weekend. It was an amazing night. The room was like a piece of heaven. Covered from floor to ceiling in white fabric, bathed in soft blue light. The highlight for me was seeing the logo I designed for them, etched into the martini bar, made of ice. It was exquisite.

This set the scene for the fashion show, which exhibited the clothes from the Miso Fly boutique and some beautiful human specimens modeling the attire. Hair was done by Jessie Townley of Hairajuku Salon. The party was filled with patrons, dancing and noshing on delicious treats from savory meats, ice chilled sushi and wonderful deserts (which i was fortunate enough to be seated closely to). The event was hosted by owner, Tracy Kang.