
Author · Other · Writer
The easier it becomes to make things, the harder it becomes to make something that has depth.
AI tools streamline creation but often remove the layered decision-making that builds originality.
The real magic of it all is being in a massive convention center filled with people who speak the same language.
Thousands of people moving in every direction, like ants in a bed, each working toward their own goal but somehow creating a system that functions.
I don’t think anything can replace the creativity that comes from an IRL human who laughs, breathes, knows how to ride a bike, has a preference for aisle versus window seat, enjoys baked brie, or has actual lived experiences.
The Dieline article by Chloe Cordover reports on Pirate’s Booty’s latest packaging refresh, which has sparked backlash among consumers. The piece notes the emotional reaction to the rebrand of the nostalgic snack brand, originally founded by Robert Ehrlich in 1987. The article frames the redesign as a major shift from the brand’s long-standing visual identity.
Written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s 'Shelf Life' newsletter, the article questions the logic behind recent brand extensions in the CPG space. It cites examples like Graza’s chips, David’s ice cream and cod, and Beyond Meat’s protein drink, suggesting that some brands may be expanding merely to stay relevant rather than to serve a coherent brand purpose.
The article spotlights Chad Michael Studio’s packaging design for Warfield Spirits, which draws inspiration from the mountainous landscape of Sun Valley, Idaho. The design system integrates textured glass bottles and stone-inspired closures to reflect the brand’s origin and authenticity. It emphasizes how storytelling and materiality can elevate a spirits brand’s identity.
The Dieline’s Shelf Life column by Chloe Cordover highlights the emerging popularity of bananas as a trending ingredient in the CPG food and beverage sector. The article reflects on the fruit’s ubiquity and its newfound potential as brands look to reinvent familiar flavors for 2026. It positions bananas as a symbol of renewed consumer interest in nostalgic yet versatile ingredients.
The Dieline’s May 2026 roundup by Chloe Cordover highlights standout packaging and branding stories from the month, including Mirinda’s global rebrand, Olipop’s refresh, and heritage brand updates for Bob’s Red Mill and Genesee. The piece also notes unusual stories like Calbee’s colorless packaging due to an ink shortage and Starbucks facing recycling criticism.
Written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s 'Shelf Life' column, this editorial explores the growing trend of functional foods and the cultural obsession with optimization. It questions whether every food product now needs to serve a health or performance purpose, reflecting on how wellness culture shapes consumer behavior and packaging design.
The article announces David Protein’s latest product, a tinned Atlantic cod containing only cod and salt. The launch continues the brand’s minimalist, high-protein ethos while emphasizing sustainability through tin packaging. It follows the brand’s earlier viral boiled cod release.
The Dieline reports that Turner Duckworth has redesigned Bob’s Red Mill, drawing inspiration from traditional farmstead signage to refresh the legacy food brand’s packaging. The rebrand aims to reinvigorate the brand’s presence after nearly five decades on grocery shelves.
The Dieline’s Shelf Life column by Chloe Cordover examines the growing trend of single-serve packaging in wellness and food brands. It highlights how companies like Bragg are introducing portable versions of their staple products, such as On-The-Go ACV Pouches, even as sustainability goals set years ago appear to be deprioritized. The piece questions whether convenience is overtaking environmental responsibility in consumer packaging.
The article, part of The Dieline’s 'Shelf Life' trend newsletter, explores the growing 'eat your skincare' movement where consumers turn to ingestible beauty products and dietary hacks for skin health. It highlights how this trend reflects a shift in the beauty and wellness industries toward internal approaches to skincare and signals new opportunities for CPG brands.
The Dieline’s 'Best of April 2026' roundup by Chloe Cordover highlights standout packaging and branding projects from the month. The article celebrates a range of work from grocery staples to artisanal products, emphasizing the ubiquity of great design across everyday categories. It serves as a curated snapshot of current design trends in consumer packaging.
The article explores the booming market for gummy supplements, which has grown into a $10 billion segment driven by adult consumers who prefer candy-like wellness products. It highlights how brands like Grüns have capitalized on this trend, with Unilever acquiring the company for $1.2 billion. The piece discusses how the appeal of taste and ease of use has transformed supplement consumption habits.
Written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life newsletter, this editorial explores how bottled water functions as a performative product in consumer culture. It argues that water brands act as social badges, reflecting identity and status through everyday public consumption.
Written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life newsletter, this article explores whether designers should consider trading their creative work for equity in the brands they help build. It argues that branding and packaging have become central to business success, citing examples like Liquid Death, Graza, Rhode, and Poppi. The piece reflects on the evolving relationship between agencies and brands as design increasingly drives business value.
The article explores how artificial intelligence is transforming creative industries by simplifying production but diminishing the nuanced decision-making that defines human taste. Writer Chloe Cordover argues that while AI can replicate aesthetics, it cannot replicate the lived experience and intuition that give design depth and originality.
The Dieline’s 'Best of March 2026' roundup by Chloe Cordover highlights notable packaging and design stories from the month. It reflects on emerging trends such as material experimentation, cultural references in branding, and luxury reinterpretations of everyday products. The piece sets a positive tone about the direction of design heading into spring 2026.
The article discusses the growing trend of founder-designed packaging, where brand founders take creative control to express authenticity and individuality. It contrasts this approach with the overly polished, agency-driven branding that dominates store shelves, suggesting that imperfection and personality can help brands stand out. The piece also notes the trade-offs of in-house design, including potential lack of objectivity and professional refinement.
Written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life newsletter, this article explores the growing trend of photography-led packaging design. It argues that while brands increasingly use imagery to convey emotional or sensory cues, this shift can sometimes come at the expense of clarity and straightforward communication. The piece connects this movement to earlier trends in 'vibe-based' flavor naming, where emotional resonance replaced literal description.
The article by Chloe Cordover reviews Isaac Arthur’s 2026 Beer Branding Trends report from CODO Design, highlighting a shift in beer branding toward simpler, more direct communication. It emphasizes that successful breweries will focus on clarity to help consumers quickly understand their products.
Written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life newsletter, this article reflects on the trends and atmosphere at Expo West 2026, a major natural products and food innovation trade show. Cordover shares personal observations about the energy, networking, and brand activity at the event, highlighting the dynamic ecosystem of founders, PR professionals, and investors.
The article discusses how modern wine label design is shifting away from traditional ornate aesthetics toward simpler, more approachable styles inspired by beer packaging. It highlights how changing consumer discovery habits, particularly through digital and social media, are driving this visual evolution. The piece suggests that clarity and friendliness are replacing heritage and formality in wine branding.
The article, written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life newsletter, reflects on the growing divide between corporate and creative attitudes toward AI in design. Cordover expresses skepticism that artificial intelligence can replicate the depth of human creativity and lived experience. The piece serves as a brief commentary on cultural and emotional responses to AI within the creative community.
The article discusses how fast food brands like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and KFC are shifting focus from speed to cultural relevance. It highlights how these brands are leveraging nostalgia, limited-time menu drops, and social media momentum to stay culturally alive and drive customer engagement. The piece positions cultural participation as the new competitive advantage in the fast food industry.
The Dieline’s Shelf Life column by Chloe Cordover explores how wellness brands are expanding into the deodorant category. The piece reflects on consumer attitudes toward natural and gendered deodorants, highlighting the growing intersection of wellness and personal care packaging.
Elizabeth Goodspeed critiques the design industry's current fascination with 'analogue' aesthetics, arguing that much of what is labeled handmade is actually digitally fabricated. She explores how imperfection has become a strategy to signal authenticity in an AI-driven creative landscape, questioning whether this trend represents a genuine material shift or merely a symbolic one.
The Dieline’s Shelf Life column by Chloe Cordover explores the importance of investing in packaging design early, using Buzzkill Wines founder Molly Fedick’s experience as a cautionary tale. Fedick reflects on hiring a branding agency before her product had market validation, resulting in polished but misaligned packaging. The article highlights the balance between early design investment and understanding one’s audience.
Written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life column, this opinion piece critiques the lack of thoughtful design in tissue boxes, using Kleenex as a cultural reference point. The author reflects on how such everyday packaging could better balance function, aesthetics, and emotional resonance.
The article by Chloe Cordover revisits past Dieline Award-winning beauty and cosmetics packaging projects, highlighting how the category continues to evolve through innovative design and shifting consumer expectations. It references notable examples like CVS Beauty’s retail redesign and Halsey’s About-Face brand while encouraging entries for the upcoming 2026 Dieline Awards.
The Dieline’s 'Shelf Life 093' column by Chloe Cordover explores what projects designers would most like to work on in 2026 if given complete creative freedom. The piece reflects on the realities of client-driven work versus idealized dream briefs and invites readers to imagine what brands or systems feel unfinished or in need of better design.
The Dieline’s 2025 Shelf Life Review by Chloe Cordover reflects on a year of culturally aware design in the CPG sector. The article highlights how brands increasingly prioritize cultural literacy and meaning over pure aesthetics, embracing trends like intentionally 'ugly' design and vibe-based packaging. It underscores a shift toward authenticity and social awareness in branding and packaging design.
The article, part of The Dieline’s 'Shelf Life' trend newsletter, reflects on the cultural phenomenon of 'Stranger Things' and how its long-running success highlights a growing sense of franchise fatigue. It explores how brand tie-ins and licensing deals have become both a creative opportunity and a sign of oversaturation in pop culture marketing.
This edition of The Dieline’s 'Shelf Life' newsletter, written by Chloe Cordover, compiles advice from experienced designers and founders from major brands and agencies such as Walmart, Pearlfisher, Starbucks, and Stranger & Stranger. The article focuses on lessons these professionals wish they had known as students, offering guidance and inspiration for emerging creatives. It celebrates Student Week by encouraging reflection on growth, creativity, and professional development in design.
The article discusses how brands like OddFellows and Frida are using provocative, taboo-related themes—such as breast milk—to spark conversation and attention in marketing. It highlights a recent 'breast milk ice cream' campaign and references Molly Baz’s controversial lactation cookie billboard, exploring how brands are testing cultural boundaries around women’s bodies.
This edition of Dieline’s 'Shelf Life' newsletter, written by Chloe Cordover, explores the quiet resurgence of Gothic influences in contemporary culture and design. It draws parallels between the anxiety and uncertainty of the Gothic era and today’s cultural climate, suggesting that darker aesthetics are re-emerging as a reflection of modern unease.
The article by Chloe Cordover critiques Instagram’s recently launched Rosalía font, which is based on the pop star’s handwriting. While some users found it playful and personal, others compared it unfavorably to Papyrus for its overuse and illegibility. The piece captures the divided public reaction and the broader conversation around celebrity-driven design collaborations.
The article explores a growing trend among consumer packaged goods brands embracing sports nostalgia, particularly aesthetics inspired by the 1980s and 1990s. Brands like Magna, Vacation, Joggy, HY.Q, and Offfield are using neon colors, bold typography, and retro athletic imagery to evoke familiarity and warmth while breaking away from minimalist DTC branding. The piece positions this as a refreshing shift in the design landscape.
The Dieline’s 'Best of July 2025' roundup by Chloe Cordover highlights standout packaging and branding stories from the month. The article celebrates creative innovations across food, beverage, and beauty sectors, featuring projects that explore new materials, cultural references, and bold redesigns. It reflects a lively and optimistic view of the packaging industry’s summer output.
The Dieline article by Chloe Cordover spotlights Isa D’Aniello’s packaging design for Tejas Tonic’s Orange Sunshine beverage. The can design features a split layout with sunburst graphics and electric blue water motifs, evoking a lively, pool-party aesthetic. The bold, blocky typography and saturated color palette make the product stand out on the shelf.
The article, written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life series, critiques the rise of gender-coded branding in consumer packaged goods, such as 'Hot Girl Pickles' and 'Dude Wipes.' It questions whether products like 'Girl Beer' reflect clever marketing or reinforce outdated stereotypes, highlighting Talea Brewery as an example of inclusive branding done right.
The article spotlights Eat Wasted’s bold, punk-inspired packaging design created by in-house designer Jorge Aguilar. The design features an intentionally rough, hand-drawn logotype and playful noodle illustrations that reflect the brand’s anti-waste ethos. The matte brown box with banana-yellow print captures a rebellious yet approachable tone.
The article discusses how a new generation of South Asian-founded CPG brands in the United States are moving beyond the 'ethnic foods' aisle, reflecting a shift toward authentic cultural representation and broader consumer acceptance. It highlights how immigrant-led brands are reshaping the grocery landscape by integrating South Asian flavors into mainstream retail spaces.
This Shelf Life column by Chloe Cordover explores the cultural and nostalgic appeal of sour candies in America, reflecting on their evolution from childhood treats to potential broader market opportunities. The piece blends personal anecdote with commentary on the candy industry’s playful and sensory-driven branding.
The Dieline’s Shelf Life column by Chloe Cordover highlights Fabric, a new cannabis beverage brand positioning itself as a standalone player in the growing THC drink market. The article contextualizes the rise of cannabis-infused beverages by referencing early pioneers like Cann and the broader shift from alcohol to THC-based social drinks.
The article, written by Chloe Cordover for The Dieline’s Shelf Life series, explores the growing trend of consumer brands being designed with acquisition in mind. It highlights major recent deals such as PepsiCo’s purchases of Poppi and Siete, and Hershey’s acquisition of LesserEvil, framing these as part of a broader shift in how modern brands are built and valued. The piece reflects on how design and branding strategies are increasingly influenced by exit potential rather than long-term independence.
The article spotlights LMNOP Creative’s elegant packaging design for Chef Eunji Lee’s dessert brand Lysée. The Brooklyn-based, woman-run studio created refined branding and packaging that complements the chef’s delicate confections. The feature highlights the importance of visual presentation in enhancing the luxury dessert experience.
The article covers a collaboration between designer and skateboarder Briana King and cannabis beverage brand Green Monké to launch a high-dose THC Tropical Citrus drink in California. The can design draws inspiration from Venice Beach skate culture, featuring a pink-to-aqua gradient and avant-garde typography to evoke calm and serenity. The product marks Green Monké’s expansion into higher-dose offerings within the cannabis beverage market.
The Dieline article covers Beardwood&Co’s collaboration with Danone on the redesign of Oikos yogurt. The project aimed to challenge category conventions and redefine what a wholesome brand could look like, emphasizing boldness and creativity. The feature highlights the partnership’s innovative process and lessons learned during the pandemic-era launch.
The article covers a festive collaboration between Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and artisanal ice cream brand Salt & Straw for a limited-edition holiday ice cream pack called 'Dwanta Claus.' The flavors were inspired by Johnson’s favorite indulgent meals and presented in colorful, seasonal packaging. The piece highlights the playful, celebratory nature of the collaboration.