Micah Shannon
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Packaging Illustration
with Landor


Pillsbury Big Cookie

The Big Idea
An expressive pack for Pillsbury’s new supersized cookies crammed with indulgent goodness.
Credits:

John Woodward (Senior Designer)



The Story

“Larger, bakery-style cookies are trending right now, so we knew it was time to bring those big flavors home. Perfect for anytime indulgence, Pillsbury Big Cookies help you fulfill a craving within minutes. No lines. No delivery fees. Any day of the week. Just warm, delicious cookies straight from your oven.”

Michelle Odland, Business Unit Director for Pillsbury
(generalmills.com)






Big Cookie next to its normal-sized counterpart.

(Image credit—Pillsbury)





Strategy

In our initial research, we found a unique cultural trend that helped us set this cookie apart. Working closely with the strategy team, I led in-depth trend research into “little treat” culture.







Little treat culture, popularized by social media, embraces the idea that simple pleasures and small, thoughtful indulgences can brighten daily life.










In the weeds of visual research, identifying consumer insights and potential design motifs and conceptual directions.





Pillsbury Archives

A key source of inspiration was the Pillsbury archives, appealing to nostalgia through reference to old packaging and advertising.


The doughboy (legal name, Poppin Fresh) is at the core of the Pillsbury brand. In our explore, we looked for new ways to leverage him to tell a playful product story.





Design Explore

Our design explore was led by 3 visual storytelling territories, each focused on crafting distinctly Pillsbury memories.





Feel Good Flavor Finding comfort in the little things keeps us going. Our largest most indulgent cookie is sure to provide you with enduring feel-good moments–from pre-heat to last crumb.





Keeping things simple with warm, indulgent photography and emphasis on rich flavor.












Play

Everybody needs a moment to tap into their inner child. Our large cookie format and indulgent flavor combinations, all presented by Doughboy, are sure to bring out the kid in you.




Getting playful with stickering, archive-inspired typography and pattern, and a Mission Impossible-style rapelling Doughboy.










Freestyle


We’re the adults. We can do what we want. Our largest, most indulgent cookie that’s made for late-night snacking is so delicious it will bring out the rule-breaker in you.






Going all out with crazy typography, cookie planets, and ooey-gooey hot air baloons.





Final Design

In the end, we went with a warm and gooey, flavor-forward approach, with Doughboy proudly showing off this not-so-little little treat.





Archive-inspired doughy type, a gigantic melty cookie, and a big hit of flavor color.

















Email me:

SHANNOM7@MAIL.UC.EDU









A brand designer & illustrator crafting playful stories for fellow humans.
© Copyright 2025
Micah Shannon














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