A Brilliant Project to Help Transform Graphic Design Internships

When you join Mertz for your co-op or internship, you’re welcomed as a full-fledged member of the team – joining client calls, working with real-world design and strategy, and only getting coffee when you’re the one in need of a boost.

Unlike other agencies, Mertz Design Studio wants to go above and beyond by providing students with hands-on experiences that shape their skills and portfolios in every conceivable aspect of design.

One of our greatest points of pride is our co-op program, designed to give current college students a truly unique and versatile hands-on experience within the design industry, culminating in a custom-crafted semester project based around a student’s passion and the Studio’s needs. This week, we're sharing Brenna's Co-op journey with Mertz, where she transformed her passion for packaging into something brilliant.

A Packaging Passion Project

Armed with a keen interest in packaging design, we encouraged Brenna to turn her passion into a tangible portfolio project. Her decision to create a canned vodka soda inspired by Cincinnati’s eminent art festival, BLINK, set the stage for a truly immersive learning experience.

Collaborating closely with the Mertz Team, Brenna dove deep into the intricacies of branding, label design, and packaging. She kicked off the project with extensive research, exploring current design trends and seeking the themes and symbols that define both BLINK and Cincinnati. From this foundation, "Chroma" emerged - a brand infused with the vibrant spirit of art and light that characterizes the festival.

Beverage Expertise + Fresh Perspective = Illuminating Design

Most of our followers already know about Mertz Design Studio's proficiency in the beverage industry, with a track record of delivering standout branding and packaging solutions, along with continued design support through a product’s launch and beyond. But Chroma presented a unique opportunity for Mertz to dive headfirst into the alcohol industry with a fresh perspective. Through Brenna's collaboration and our collective expertise, we not only showcased our adaptability but also demonstrated our ability to translate this design prowess into new and exciting domains.

So Much More than Graphic Design

Beyond the aesthetics, Brenna took an especially hard look at Chroma’s identity, taking a stab at copywriting and infusing the brand itself with a lighthearted, color-tinted tone of voice. She learned how to tailor her designs to captivate potential buyers, realizing that effective packaging is more than just an eye-catching logo—it's about creating an immersive experience that resonates with consumers.

The completion of Chroma marked a significant milestone in Brenna's journey as a designer. It wasn't just a project; it was a testament to her growth and the invaluable mentorship she received at Mertz. We’re so proud to share her experience, in her own words, below:

"Creating this project alongside Mertz was a great experience and addition to the co-op experience with them. I shared with them my interest in packaging design, and they encouraged me to channel that into a portfolio project. The project began with lots of research into current trends in design, as well as local events that help characterize the city of Cincinnati. Chroma was inspired by a local festival of art and light. The colors, text treatments, flavors, and mood of the brand were crafted with that inspiration in mind.

I am so thankful for the insights of the designers at Mertz who helped me to limit my numerous iterations and find my strengths. This project taught me that packaging design is a lot more tedious than just creating an eye-catching logo. I was able to learn about label requirements, how designs work on a three-dimensional surface, and how to catch the eye of potential buyers. Chroma is something I am so proud of, and as a young designer, being able to say that is a big thing for me. I am so appreciative of Mertz's guidance and intentionality throughout the process!"

- Brenna Prem

Brenna's testimonial sums up the essence of Mertz Design Studio's Co-op Program—empowering students to explore their passions, refine their skills, and emerge as confident designers. Through intentional guidance and unwavering support, Mertz ensures that every co-op experience is not just an internship, but a transformative journey towards excellence in graphic design.

We'll be sharing more info on our growing Co-Op Program soon - stay tuned for more!