Black coffee being poured into a white mug in black and white.

Plena Plena

Brand Identity | Packaging | Photography

A whimsical and fun branding and photography approach to herbal handmade tea

The Challenge

My collaboration with Plena Plena began with building the brand identity in preparation for launch. Once the brand ID had been finalised I began work on the packing for the tea, before we did the product & lifestyle photography. The challenge was to create a packaging experience that was educational and fun. She didn’t want the tea to get lost on a shelf or blend into the more minimalist packaging that was popular at the time.

How we worked together

Brand Identity

Focusing on a colourful, film inspired palette and natural soft shapes I created a versatile brand identity that works from social media to print.

Icon with two large overlapping question marks and small dots on a light blue background.
Black and white image with the words "PLENA PLENA" overlaid and in the background, a spoonful of a foamy liquid, possibly beer or a similar beverage.
Abstract geometric design with various shapes and colors including blue, red, green, yellow, and white shapes outlined in white on a light blue background.
White floral and leaf silhouettes on a light blue background.

Packaging

To keep startup costs low we opted for a sticker that colour go on the first batch that could then transform into full colour bags after the first few runs. We wanted to create something that had cohesion when lined up while celebrating the differences of each tea blend.

A breakfast scene with a package of Plena Plena Belly Rub herbal tea, fresh peaches, cherries, a soft-boiled egg in an egg cup, a cup of tea, and a cookie on a table outdoors. Two women are partially visible behind the table.
A white bag labeled 'Plena Plena Brain Juice' surrounded by a green cup with tea, eggs, peaches, and a tray of food on a table with a person in a striped shirt in the background.
A package of herbal loose leaf tea labeled 'Dreamboat,' with earthy and floral flavors, containing ingredients like skullcap, oat straw, chamomile, marshmallow leaf, lavender, and hops, designed for sleep support, placed in a teapot.
Four different herbal tea packages labeled Plena Plena with distinct colors and flavors, arranged side by side on a black textured surface.

Lifestyle Photography

Capturing the essence of Plena Plena with a lavish and colourful outdoor tea party. Featuring hand made ceramics, fresh fruits and cakes inspired by the brand colours. All shot on 35mm film.

Top-down view of a breakfast table with peaches in a bowl, sliced melon, eggs, a pitcher of pink lemonade with lemon slices, cups of tea, a plate with a pastry, a cake with cream, a small vase with green flowers, and hands holding a fork and cup.
A breakfast table outdoors with a bag of Plena Plena Belly Rub tea, a mug of tea, a soft-boiled egg, peaches, cherries, and a piece of cake or bread, with two women sitting nearby.
A person holding a pink cup of tea on a table with a bag of herbal loose leaf tea labeled "Flowers" in front of a breakfast spread including peaches, a cake, and other foods, with floral decorations in the background.
A white pouch of herbal loose leaf tea named 'PLENA PLENA DREAMBOAT' on a table outdoors, with an egg in an egg cup, a cup of tea, and a partially eaten dessert with whipped cream and yellow topping, in a natural setting.
A breakfast table with coffee, tea, soft-boiled eggs, toast, and fruit.

Product & Founder Photography

All styled and shot by me on 35mm film, this session carried on the essence of the lifestyle shoot to create continuity on the website.

A person's arm reaching to hold a bag of herbal tea labeled 'Flowers' on a pink chair with a green cup and saucer nearby.
A young woman standing indoors in front of a white backdrop, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, with one hand in her pocket. A pink chair and a green cup are visible beside her.
A hand holding a white package labeled 'Plena Plena Belly Rub' against a blue background.

The Outcome

The project started with creating a lively and playful brand identity for this tea brand and quickly grew into photography and visual storytelling. I designed vibrant packaging, whimsical lifestyle/product visuals, and a cohesive look that celebrates the brand’s fun, colorful, and joyful spirit. This collaboration brought the brand’s personality to life and set it up for continued growth.

“Maggie is an incredibly creative and talented designer and photographer. She has a deep understanding of colour, typography, and composition. We worked together to build the brand identity and packaging design for my herbal tea business. She also shot all of the product and lifestyle brand images on film, and the results are gorgeous! Working with Maggie has been creatively inspiring and I can’t recommend her enough. ”
— Liza Couse (Plena Plena Founder)
A woman standing behind a table displaying various product packages at an outdoor market stall under a white canopy.

Looking to elevate your brand with a collaborative approach?