Mat Bogust
Structural Packaging Designer
Auckland, New Zealand
Experience
Auckland, New Zealand
May 2010 – Present
Director | Structural Packaging Designer
I started THINK Packaging in May 2010 with a clear mission - to create exceptional packaging design. I am armed with skill, sheer determination, drive and a passion for my work. Having been a cardboard engineer for over a decade this has led me to work with many major agencies and blue-chip companies as the invaluable part of the creative/design process for new and innovative packaging solutions. My client base ranges from New Zealand, Australia, USA, the UK and beyond. A packaging designer who listens to a brief properly and makes things happen. Understanding that a box is not just a box ... it’s a purpose, it’s a thing of beauty that needs to be done correctly, along with openly identifying and demonstrating the efforts to create clever, un-complicated packages that help this world from being swamped with excessive use of materials. My goal in business is to push boundaries and become "that guy" for exceptional structural packaging - to be viewed as a cardboard engineer rather than a box maker. No gimmicks, a head full of ideas, great design and rocking a good attitude is the heart of THINK Packaging. Work created here has been showcased on the world’s leading packaging design sites and are wanted for various book publications. Alongside these, recent collaboration projects will be submitted for approval at the various design awards around the world.
Auckland, New Zealand
2007 – 2008
Brazil | Uruguay | Chile | Argentina | Australia | New Zealand (Finding new pastures and calling home)
Corby, United Kingdom
2006 – 2007
Structural Designer
I specialised in corrugated POS (Point Of Sale Displays) my role was to work with a five strong team of designers. The majority of my work was for L’Oreal, Gillette and many major beverage companies. These designs were counter top displays through to large floor standing display units. These creations were made to boost the appearance of the product & to regenerate a new, dynamic look. Discussing and running ideas past the client and the team, Arden Impact CAD was used to develop the dieline. Once the design was drawn and completed, the file was sent to a cutting plotter and a conceptual model was made. Proving it was structurally sound, next step was to send the files to the graphics team to establish the ideal artwork, leading to a printed concept and presenting the made up model to the client along with estimates for production and printing costs. This was a large company and all the producing, printing and packing was done on site so it was a great opportunity to overlook my designs as they passed through all of the stages of production.
Wellingborough, United Kingdom
1998 – 2006
Packaging Designer | Sample Maker | Account manager
Here I developed from a trainee to a competent, highly experienced designer/account manager grasping a wide and varied range of skills. Having an extensive client list (generally large packaging companies) we were asked to represent them and design for a vast array of clients and industries, including; Royal Doulton, Nestle, Cadbury, Whiskers, Harrods, Dartington Crystal and leading supermarkets. A huge database of knowledge in various areas and substrates of packaging grew within me, utilizing various mediums such as; folding cartons (carton board, PVC, polypropylene) POS displays, rigid covered box work and industrial corrugated designs. Managing and directly working with our clients, they would typically visit our studio for a meeting. I would gather and collate all the information regarding the current brief, deciding a game plan and offering acceptable timeframes whilst all work was to be kept within budget. This was a very hands on role, typically working under pressure and to tight deadlines. Often with late nights and early starts, customer satisfaction was paramount, as well as confidentiality. My attributes soon led me to help run and drive the business by managing the studio in the directors absence (often up to 2 weeks) and booking work in and out.
Skills
Photography, account management, Production Management, Innovation, CAD Software, Bespoke design, Cardboard Engineer, Sample making, Concept models, passion, Ninja Packaging Skills, Dielines, 10+ Years Experience
Additional Information - Stuff I like...
Spending the majority of my life in England, I found nothing better to do in the rain than to play football! I love the game and play whenever I can. With two seasons snowboarding under my belt in Wanaka/Queenstown NZ, I look forward to seeing snow again. I’m also a bit of a drummer - With a passion for good music, it’s always a great way to relax and let off some steam. Also, discovering how much I enjoy photographing my work, this is something that I would love to delve into further. I’m now known to have my camera around my neck looking for interesting shots.
All works © Mat Bogust | THINK Packaging 2011.
