Influencer Packaging That Stole the Show

Bold, Whimsical, and Nationally Recognized

When the Americas Printing Association Network (APAN) announced the winners of the Americas Print Awards, our team was thrilled to see a familiar face on the list: a bold, whimsical, Grinch-green influencer kit for Nike and Conscious Minds – named Best Influencer Kit in the country.

In a competition where regional Print Excellence winners from across the U.S. go head-to-head and judges select just twenty-one pieces as the best of the best, this project stood out for its structure, storytelling, and sheer sense of fun.

This is the story behind that box.

From Regional Standout to National Winner

Before it reached the national stage, this project first earned Best Design in the regional Print Excellence Awards, recognizing both its inventive structure and visual storytelling.

From there, it advanced to the Americas Print Awards, a national competition presented by APAN. Only 21 regional winners from across the country move into this next round, where judges look for exceptional craft, innovation, and impact.

In that field of top-tier work, our Dr. Seuss – inspired influencer kit took home the title for Best Influencer Kit – a recognition that celebrates not only print quality and engineering, but the ability to create an immersive, brand-forward experience.

The kind of piece that would make even the Grinch crack a smile.

Bold, Whimsical, Grinch-Green: Influencer Packaging That Stole the Show

Long before there was an award, there was an idea.
When Conscious Minds presented their vision of a Dr. Seuss – inspired box holding custom Nike cleats for select NFL players debuting on Thanksgiving Day, we knew the packaging needed to feel a little mischievous, a little magical, and worthy of a national stage.

For our team, it was the perfect opportunity to turn a one-time influencer kit into a memorable brand moment for players, partners, and fans.

Designing a Dr. Seuss – Inspired Reveal

Premier Press ran with the design vision and turned it into a tangible, tactile experience. We developed a design that felt energetic and whimsical without losing its premium edge. The structure and artwork worked together to echo that Seussian vibe: imaginative, off-beat, and instantly recognizable.

Color, pattern, and form all worked in tandem to do more than hold a pair of cleats. The box needed to set the scene for a reveal, heighten the sense of mischief, and create something worth sharing long after game day.

It wasn’t just a package; it was a little slice of Who-ville delivered right to select NFL players.

Engineering the Unexpected

This box was far from your standard shoebox.

• A unique shape demanded precise alignment of artwork across multiple planes, so every angle felt intentional rather than chaotic.
• Secure, game-day-ready construction was essential, with cleats traveling to high-profile recipients across the country.
• A custom lid with fall-away sides was engineered to nest cleanly over the base while still allowing for a theatrical “ta-da” moment when opened.
• Once opened, the sides pulled back to transform the structure into a flat, fall-away base, turning the cleats into the star of their own tiny stage.
• A hidden magnetic closure kept everything locked in, then released with just the right amount of drama.

The result was a piece that felt equal parts package, prop, and experience. Engineered for cameras, locker rooms, and social feeds.

A box with just enough Grinch in it to be fun, and just enough precision in it to be Premier Press.

A Compressed Timeline

The creative ambition was big. The schedule? Not so much.

From concept development and structural engineering to prototyping and production, we had 2.5 weeks to bring the project to life. Every step had to be dialed in, tightly coordinated, and just a little bit fearless.

When viewers spotted players running out in bright green cleats over the holiday weekend, they weren’t just seeing a footwear story. They were seeing the final chapter of an intense, highly collaborative packaging sprint, wrapped in whimsy and finished with a bow.

What This Win Says About the Work

For nearly fifty years, Premier has been investing in the craft, engineering, and curiosity it takes to push print and packaging further.

Wins like this one are exciting, but they’re really a reflection of what we love most: helping clients turn high-stakes ideas into tangible moments that reward their audience.

This award is proof that when you mix bold concepts, brave design, and precise execution, you don’t just move a project forward, you create something people will remember.

Ready to Build Your Next Award-Worthy Moment?

Whether you’re dreaming up an influencer kit, premium packaging, or a build-out that needs to perform on a national stage, Premier Press can help you move your brand forward.

You bring the big idea. We’ll bring the craft and engineering. Together, we’ll make something even the Grinch couldn’t ignore.