Where Story Meets Form: The Art of Packaging for Living Roots USA by Candour on Canvas

Samanda Pyngrope
Feb 16
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9

There’s something special about working with a brand that values impeccable product quality and sustainability as much as design.

That's why I jumped at the opportunity for a chance to create something unique as a collaboration of Candour On Canvas with Living Roots USA, a brand dedicated to ethically sourced spices and teas. It was an opportunity to merge storytelling with packaging in a way that felt deeply personal and rooted in tradition.

Living roots USA packaging by Candour On Canvas — To Be Released - Pampore Kashmir Saffron, Living Roots USA Packaging

A Conversation with Jonali, Arun & John of Living Roots USA

When I first connected with Jonali , Arun and John, the founders of Living Roots USA, it was clear that their vision for the brand was deeply personal. Over a video call spanning LA, Taiwan, and Shillong, we discussed how every spice and tea they source carries a story—of the farmers, the land, and the traditions behind it.

"Cooking with spices is an art and an emotion - the shared joy of having a meal or the ritual of sipping a tea is older than any lab - it’s born in the crucible of human experience - we know it from our childhoods and we seek to bring that authenticity to fore." –Arun Kumar

While Living Roots USA had a strong commitment to quality and sourcing, their existing packaging didn’t fully reflect their artisanal ethos. The designs lacked the warmth, storytelling, and handcrafted aesthetic that defined their brand’s mission.

The Process: From Concept to Creation

Our goal was to create packaging that resonated with the authenticity of their products while elevating their visual identity. I started with watercolour artwork inspired by the diverse varieties of spices and teas, drawing motifs from the landscapes and traditions of both India and Taiwan. Earthy tones, hand-illustrated details, and textured elements became the backbone of the design system.

The Art of Storytelling & Illustration

Each product in the range tells a story—not just about the spice or tea itself but about the people and source behind it. The Lakadong Turmeric label highlights its high curcumin content and deep roots in the Jaintia Hills. The Alishan High Mountain Oolong tea packaging reflects its smooth floral notes and clarity.

Every illustration and typography choice was intentional, evoking an organic, artisanal feel while ensuring visual harmony across the product line.

A Collaborative Journey: Candour On Canvas with Living Roots USA

One of the most rewarding parts of this project was working closely with the Living Roots team.

We went through multiple iterations, refining each detail until every illustration, text, and visual element made sense. Mockups and rough versions helped bridge communication gaps, ensuring the final outcome was a perfect blend of vision and execution.

Final Thoughts

This Candour On Canvas with Living Roots USA co-creation was a reminder of why I love visual storytelling where anything can be a canvas—where packaging becomes a bridge between tradition and innovation, and in this case, even borders! Working with Living Roots USA reinforced the power of thoughtful storytelling and design in elevating a brand’s narrative and making every product feel like a work of art. Head over to https://www.livingrootsusa.com/ to learn more.