Tulane instructor and alum partner to lead national beverage rebrand

Andrea Steudlein asagnard@tulane.edu

When a national beverage brand needed to update its soda packaging ahead of a major retail expansion, Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) instructor Vicki Strull brought in recent alumna Brittney Giardina to help with the project.

Strull, a Media + Design program instructor and owner of Vicki Strull Design, LLC, was impressed with Giardina’s style as a student in her spring 2025 packaging design course (DDSN 4402). Giardina enrolled during her final semester at Tulane, where she earned a post-baccalaureate certificate in graphic design.

Having seen her talent and work ethic firsthand, Strull knew Giardina would be a strong fit for the project.

This project was a huge opportunity. I’d never worked on a project of this scale before. I gained necessary insider knowledge and sharpened my design skills in the process.

Brittney Giardina

The project called for modern, vibrant look that could compete on shelves with popular brands like Poppi and Olipop. Together, Strull and Giardina set out to create looks that would resonate with consumers and retail buyers.

The packaging work eventually led to a larger change for the company, which changed its name to SkyPop midway through the design process.

The new look was initially developed for the brand’s launch at a major retailer. Since then, SkyPop has expanded its retail presence to Target, Walmart, Kroger, CVS, Costco and Gopuff.

"This project was a huge opportunity," Giardina said. "I’d never worked on a project of this scale before. I gained necessary insider knowledge and sharpened my design skills in the process."

For Giardina, the project provided valuable experience that will help shape her career. For Strull, it was a chance support her former student’s growth as a designer.

The two will return to Tulane on Oct. 16 for a fireside chat, "More than a Makeover: How Design Grows a Business." They will discuss the SkyPop project, their creative process and some of the challenges involved in developing new packaging on a tight timeline.

Registration is free and the event is open to the Tulane community.