Zodiac Cigarette Packaging Series
IndustryPackaging, Pitch Deck Design
DeliverablesPackaging die lines , Pitch deck,
Brief
For audiences interested in culturally rooted design and collectible packaging, this project reimagines Chinese cigarette packaging through the lens of the Chinese New Year zodiac. Drawing from the tradition of offering cigarettes as a gesture of openness and respect, each design corresponds to an upcoming elemental animal, creating a cohesive series that blends cultural symbolism with contemporary visual storytelling.
Packaging Dielines
Cultural Significance
Cigarettes have a long standing presence in Chinese culture and are commonly exchanged in social settings. Offering one is widely understood as a gesture of friendliness, respect, and openness, carrying meaning through the act of giving rather than the product itself.
Illustration & Symbolism
Traditional Chinese motifs inform the visual language of the series, adding layers of meaning and refinement.
Three border styles frame each package: a familiar banner evokes nostalgia and highlights the zodiac, a classic good luck knot symbolizes fortune and harmony, and a knot paired with ribbon and flower elevates the motif into a collectible, elegant accent.
Collectibility
Each package is defined by a unique zodiac and elemental pairing, creating a distinct visual identity for each year. As these combinations change annually, every box represents a limited moment in time, encouraging collectibility while contributing to a cohesive, evolving zodiac series.
Pitch Deck
The project is presented through a conceptual pitch deck that outlines the design rationale, visual system, and series progression. The deck frames the collection as a cohesive narrative, highlighting cultural context, symbolic elements, and the evolution of each zodiac and elemental variation.
Zodiacs & Element
AnimalChinese CharacterElementColorYear
Horse
火马
FireRed2026
Goat
火羊FireRed2027
Monkey
土猴
EarthGreen2028
Rooster
土鸡
EarthGreen2029
Dog
金狗
MetalGrey2030
Pig
金猪
MetalGrey2031
Rat
水鼠
WaterBlue2032
Ox
水牛
WaterBlue2033
Tiger
木虎
WoodBrown2034
Rabbit
木兔
WoodBrown2035
Dragon
火龙
FireFire2036
Snake
火蛇
FireFire2037