What would have been of designers without coffee? As part of a large design community, we've made ourselves famous for the sometimes-worrying amounts of coffee consumed. However, this kind of magical drink keeps us awake when struggling with due dates. Though, other warm beverages have the same effectiveness. Today, we're featuring Balam's packaging design by Placebo studio.

Located in Chiapas, Mexico, Balam's coffee company takes the iconic animal of the region, the jaguar, and incorporates it as the central theme for its branding. In the Mayan language, Balam translates to the largest feline in Latin America. And mythology states that this species was the mystic protector of the land's fields and crops. So, Placebo's team added some magical and natural features to the packaging design and art direction. Balam's organic certified coffee of high quality has a strong character both in flavor and identity speaking. The brand gives utter importance to the geography and fauna of coffee plantations. Indeed, designers took inspiration from coffee beans to create a beautiful color palette, which perfectly contrasts with the matte black packaging finish inspired by the jaguar pattern. Plus, metallic details form part of the design to upgrade its elegant and unique style.

Balam's overall brand presentation has a warm feel typical of Latino culture. And features nature-inspired scenes; for example, when the jaguar hides behind bushes for hunting, Placebo team nailed it. Let's enjoy this amazing branding design with a mug of our favorite drink that makes us infamous. «Chiapas, tierra mística, tierra de café.»