Packaging Designer — Paid Trial Project (Boot Socks Launch)

I run Adventure Andy, an outdoor/workwear accessories brand (boot laces, boot care products, and now socks) based in Canada. We're launching a new Merino Boot Socks line and need retail packaging designed to match our existing brand style. This is a paid trial project. We're evaluating a small number of designers on the same task — whoever does the best job gets ongoing design work with us (future launches + catalogue updates). THE TASK Design retail packaging for our new Merino Boot Socks line using the blank dieline we provide, so it reads as a natural addition to our current product lineup. WATCH THIS FIRST (required) Before applying, watch this short video where our founder walks through the brand's packaging and what we're looking for: https://www.loom.com/share/8d5f179605554764bf3611df29e9ddff If you don't have a minute to watch it, please don't apply. REFERENCE MATERIALS Finalists get a full Google Drive folder: our current packaging lineup (for type/style/layout consistency), brand color swatches (RGB/CMYK/Pantone), finished dielines from other products, the blank dieline for the socks, our catalogue, and the copy to use on the packaging. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - A color scheme that fits our existing palette and feels consistent with our current packaging. We'd prefer not to add a new color, but we're open to it if you can justify the choice. - Evidence you can spot patterns in existing brand materials and apply them to something new — this is what we need long-term. - A point of view. This doesn't need to be a polished final file — we want deliberate, conscious design decisions and a short note on why. HOW TO APPLY Please include: 1. A packaging or page-layout piece you're proud of, with a screenshot of your design software and the file open (no renders — real files only) 2. A sentence or two on your approach to brand consistency in past work PAYMENT Paid trial: $200 USD flat fee via Upwork on submission (or free if you'd simply like to show your work — entirely your choice). We're a small, growing company and looking for someone we can build a long-term design relationship with.