Q-Mixers :: Can & Bottle Comps

Double Trouble

Wordplay aside, this is actually no trouble at all here at Rush, as we do this all the time for many clients. Today’s client is Q Mixers, America's leading premium mixers company that creates mixers for cocktails and other beverages. Working together for quite some time now, they have come to trust Rush with many projects, whether it be printing, packaging or, in this case, making packaging mock-ups for both bottled and canned mixers.

The Objective

When we talk about packaging comps, we are of course referring to physical pre-production samples of a product that give our clients an accurate representation of what their products will look like once produced and put on shelves. Using artwork we had previously worked together on and colors carefully chosen with help from us in the exploration phase, we created comps for multiple flavors of their canned mixers, as well as a handful of samples for their glass bottled mixers. 

The Methods

When it comes to how exactly we achieve the goal of an accurate, well produced mock-up, it is quite technical. In the case of the bottle, the goal was to mimic the look of a direct-to-glass screen print. Using various print methods (both digital and analog), and a strategic use of white ink where needed, we were able to create prototypes that looked identical, if not better, than those of a high volume production run. And of course, without the high set up costs!

For the cans, we utilize shrink film technology that our comp artist delicately applies to aluminum cans with boiling steam. The result? A perfect hero comp that'll steal the show in a lifestyle photoshoot and get consumers excited for their favorite mixer's new look. 

Quite the Collection

For this project, we were tasked with making a a few cans of each flavor. Flavors included Bloody Mary, Grapefruit, Ginger Ale and Hibiscus Ginger Beer. With many bright and popping colors, we are left with quite the eye catching bunch of packaging and a colorful crowd.