Exclusive Interview with Andrew Zo

The award-winning Clifton engagement ring case

We are delighted to have Andrew Zo with us today. Andrew is an award winning packaging designer based in Vancouver, Canada. He is the brain and designer behind the Clifton, a flat engagement ring case, which received much attention in the design community and beyond.

Hi Andrew, please tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.
I am an independent packaging designer based in Vancouver, Canada. I use paper to create delightful unboxing experiences. Within my portfolio, people usually recognize the Clifton engagement ring case, which had received much media attention a few years ago.

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Andrew’s work station setup: Mac book pro, mid 2012 paired with a thunderbolt display

The Clifton engagement ring case in process

You are really good with origami, what is your main motivation to create them?
Thank you for the kind words. Though, compared to an origami artist, I am really just a rudimentary paper folder.

I have found that there are many interesting ways to manipulate paper through folding and that is the main motivation. As I paper fold, I try to see if there is a way that I can bring a similar effect into packaging design.

work station detail (tools): xacto knife, ruler, scissors, cutting matt, markers, pens, pencil, tape, etc.

Outside of design, what sorts of things inspire and influence your work?
I like to observe of my surroundings, whether it is the physical space or an interesting metaphor / idea. So I enjoy walking, running or cycling. Doing these things allow me to have the opportunity to look or daydream. Noticing these various points of interest shape the way I design.

work process: in illustrator, dieline work

work process: initial dieline drawing before making a paper prototype

How would you define success? Do you think you’ve found it yet?
To me, success means that I am constantly improving. It is encouraging to look back on my earlier works and realize how far I have come. So, for myself, I believe I have found it.

work process: prototype making

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in packaging design?
Packaging design is a mix of a few disciplines. It includes graphic design, branding, and industrial design. I have found that understanding these 3 areas well will help me tackle projects with ease.