April 10, 2025

IPL25 – Chapter 3: Inside the Studios

As IPL’s 25th anniversary project gains momentum, we stepped into the creative spaces where our vision will take shape. These early studio visits offered a glimpse into the minds and methods of four remarkable artists as they began conceptualising their tributes to IPL’s journey.

Just as packaging concepts are developed and explored before production, so these artists are in the exploratory phase – gathering inspiration, sketching ideas, and planning compositions. While the commissioned pieces exist primarily as concepts at this stage, they will inform both the artworks and the bespoke packaging we’re designing to house them.

We’ll continue documenting this parallel creative journey as both art and packaging evolve from inspiration to completion.

Aimee Lindeque – Precision and Playfulness

In Aimee’s bright workspace, surrounded by her recent works, we witnessed the initial planning behind her seemingly effortless aesthetic. Her well-worn sketchbook—a constant companion during her travels—reveals how she captures fleeting inspirations that later transform into finished works. Her colour mixing book, a fascinating archive of tones and combinations, offers insight into how she achieves her signature palette.

For the IPL commission, Aimee is exploring a departure from rectangular constraints – envisioning a round, spherical composition that echoes the cyclical nature of a 25-year journey.

Her engaging personality and collaborative spirit make the creative process as delightful as the anticipated result.

Robyn Pretorius – Conversations in Contrast

Robyn’s studio resonates with a commitment to creating works that spark conversation and express multiculturalism. Her art celebrates diversity through deliberate visual tension.

Her previous projects, including some in the packaging space, demonstrate how her artistic vision translates beautifully to functional design.

We examined her contributions to the Woolworths Beauty Range, where her floral packaging designs elevate everyday products to objects of desire. Similarly, her work for Ballantine’s whisky infuses the packaging with distinctive character.

For IPL, Robyn plans to employ her signature contrast of deep, dark tones against softer elements – creating what she describes as a “rough opulence.” This tension between opposites captures IPL’s balance of industrial capability with artistic sensibility.

Robyn’s thoughtful awareness of her fellow artists’ styles reveals her collaborative mindset. She naturally considers how her contribution will complement the collection as a whole.

Claude Chandler – Imprinting the Brand Story

Our visit to Claude’s studio revealed his hands-on, tactile approach. We watched as he created an experimental IPL “stamp” using children’s play lettering—literally impressing the company’s identity onto canvas.

This playful beginning hints at his larger vision: incorporating branded elements and typography into a narrative piece that celebrates IPL’s legacy. By weaving the company name among other carefully selected words and images, Claude will create a layered story that rewards close inspection.

Known for his distinctive pixelated portraits and innovative “stamp art” technique, Claude brings a contemporary digital sensibility to traditional painting methods
His work often explores themes of identity and memory, making him an ideal collaborator for capturing the essence of IPL’s quarter-century milestone.

His thoughtful integration of the IPL branding into the artwork itself speaks to how the company’s identity has become inseparable from its creative legacy.

Elzanne Louw – Mapping Global Horizons

Our visit to Elzanne’s studio offered a glimpse into her unique artistic approach.

Elzanne’s vision for the IPL commission centres on the company’s global reach and diverse offerings. Her abstract artwork employs a mathematical grid radiating from a central core – a visual metaphor echoing IPL’s expansive yet interconnected nature. Through carefully created shapes, she explores intricate marks and textures, demonstrating how innovative design can transform each concept.

Rooted in stone lithography – an art form based on oil and water’s fundamental separation – her work speaks to the delicate balance of creativity and technical precision. This approach mirrors IPL’s ability to navigate complex design challenges while maintaining artistic integrity.

Her planned artwork promises to be a complex, layered representation of IPL’s rich 25-year journey

Follow Along

This isn’t just a celebration – it’s a 12-month journey of memories, milestones, and magic:

• Follow our story’s unfolding chapters on LinkedIn
• Dive into exclusive newsletters
• Witness our anniversary project’s evolution
• Be part of our quarter-century narrative

For more information on packaging solutions or to gain insight into our latest packaging trends, follow us on LinkedIn, or join our community of packaging enthusiasts by signing up to our monthly newsletter below. Keep an eye on our news section for insightful articles and innovative ideas around packaging materials, product development and design.