- \n
- Before you start your packaging design<\/a><\/strong>\n
- \n
- 3 questions to answer<\/a><\/li>\n
- Information to collect<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- The packaging design process in 7 steps<\/a><\/strong>\n
- \n
- Understanding packaging layers<\/a><\/li>\n
- Choosing the right type of packaging<\/a><\/li>\n
- Lining up your printer<\/a><\/li>\n
- Creating information architecture<\/a><\/li>\n
- Evaluating a packaging design<\/a><\/li>\n
- Collecting feedback<\/a><\/li>\n
- Getting the right files<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Packaging design terms you should know (glossary)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/a>Before you start your packaging design<\/h2>\n
<\/a>3 crucial questions<\/h3>\n
There are three questions you must have the answer to before you start the packaging design process for a product:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What is the product?<\/li>\n
- Who\u2019s buying the product?<\/li>\n
- How are people buying the product?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The answers to these questions will affect the pool of packaging design ideas available to you a lot, so make sure you give them a good think.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at the questions a little bit more in-depth:<\/p>\n\n
\n ![\"nuala](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704712331\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/nuala-packages\/nuala-packages.jpg?_i=AA\")
by Martis Lupus<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
1. What is the product?<\/h4>\n
Not a trick question; this should be an easy one. What are you selling? How big is it? What materials is it made of? Is it delicate?<\/p>\n
This question is going to help you determine if there are any logistical musts for your product packaging and give you a rough product design idea. For example, a delicate product will require more secure packaging. Something that is large or with odd dimensions, on the other hand, may require a custom packaging<\/a> solution instead of an out-of-the-box box.<\/p>\n
2. Who\u2019s buying the product?<\/h4>\n
Is the product supposed to be used by men, women or both? Is it for children or adults? Is it geared toward people who are environmentally conscious? To those on a budget or with lots of disposable income?<\/p>\n
A product\u2019s packaging should appeal to its ideal consumer; it\u2019s important to know who that consumer is before you start the process. Products for older adults may need larger text. Alternatively, items geared towards an affluent customer will need to consider materials that create a feeling of luxury.<\/p>\n
Here’s a straightforward packaging design tip for you: make sure you know your buyers well and give them exactly what they’re looking for.<\/p>\n
3. How are people buying the product?<\/h4>\n
Are they purchasing it in a supermarket? A small boutique? Online?<\/p>\n
You\u2019re going to want to think about packaging differently if the product is going to be sold online and shipped than if it\u2019s going to need to stand out from the competition on a big-box store shelf. Items that will be sold online probably shouldn\u2019t have a lot of extra space that could cause the product to rattle around or the package to bend. And those that will be on a boutique shelf will need to catch the eye of a buyer.<\/p>\n
\u2014<\/p>\n
Got your answers? Good. These will guide you in making all of the other (many) decisions that you\u2019ll have to make in the packaging design process.<\/p>\n
Still pondering these questions? You\u2019re probably not ready to start the packaging design process just yet. That\u2019s okay! It\u2019s better to take your time and get it right than jump in too soon.<\/p>\n
But if you’re ready to commence the packaging design journey, let’s move on to more specific packaging design tips and tricks.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Information you need to collect<\/h3>\n
Brand requirements<\/h4>\n
Sometimes a product is stand alone, and in other cases it\u2019s representing an established brand. If your packaging needs to represent a certain brand aesthetic, the best packaging design tip is to ensure you\u2019ve gathered the following information before you start:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Colors<\/strong>
If you already have the CMYK values or the Pantone Color S then include those as they\u2019re specifically for printing. (If not, a hex code is fine, too.)<\/li>\n- Fonts<\/strong>
Make sure you have the proper fonts and any specific usage instructions (like kerning or weight).<\/li>\n- Logo<\/strong>
If you need to put a logo on the package, make sure you have a vector file<\/a> available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"99designs](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704712333\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/font-guidelines\/font-guidelines.png?_i=AA\")
<\/p>\nContent that needs to go on the packaging<\/h4>\n
This is going to be pretty unique and specific to your product, but you\u2019ll want to make sure you have it all sorted out before you start to design your packaging. Depending on your industry, there may be some things you\u2019re required to put on your packaging for legal reasons.<\/p>\n
You may need:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Written copy<\/strong>
This can include anything from the name of your product to a description to words enticing someone to purchase.<\/li>\n- Imagery<\/strong>
Want to put photos on your packaging? You\u2019ll need to have those ready to go before you start the design process.<\/li>\n- Required marks<\/strong>
Depending on your product or industry, you may be required to include a barcode<\/a>, nutrition information, association marks, etc.<\/li>\n- Know what temporary content you need<\/strong>
Some products\u2014like foods or cosmetics\u2014have additional information that needs to be put on different batches of products (expiration dates or batch numbers). You probably don\u2019t want to print this directly onto your packaging as it will be changing regularly, but you\u2019ll want to make sure you save space for a custom sticker<\/a> or stamp to be placed at a later date with that information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n ![\"product](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704712330\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/product-copy\/product-copy.jpg?_i=AA\")
by Martis Lupus<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
Style likes and dislikes<\/h4>\n
One of the most popular packaging design tips is to draw inspiration from existing packaging. It\u2019s a good idea to have done some style research before you start the design process. Start collecting packaging design ideas that you like. Snap photos when you\u2019re at the store. Create a Pinterest board with your favorite packaging design ideas.<\/p>\n
Remember, style inspiration isn\u2019t always a one-to-one transaction. Maybe you love the color of a specific shirt, the print of your aunt\u2019s curtains or the font on a sandwich shop sign. One thing to remember, though, is that you\u2019re not necessarily curating packaging design ideas<\/a> for yourself, but for that ideal customer. You may love shabby, vintage chic, but if you\u2019re selling baby motorcycle jackets to badass biker moms, that\u2019s probably not the best style for your packaging.<\/p>\n
Another thing to start thinking about when you\u2019re on your style journey is materials. You don\u2019t have to make any decisions right now, but you\u2019ll want to start noticing the different options and adding them to your ever-growing list of packaging design ideas.<\/p>\n
Budget<\/h4>\n
Packaging design budgets break down into two categories:<\/p>\n
- \n
- One-time costs<\/li>\n
- Per-item costs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
One-time costs include things like paying for the original design work, purchasing a stamp (if you\u2019re going the DIY route) and print plate setup (for large, offset<\/a> print runs.) You pay for this upfront, and usually only once (unless you change your design).<\/p>\n
Per-item costs are generally for materials and labor. Each box will cost a certain amount, as will the tissue paper you stuff it with and the tape you use to seal it. And you either have to pay someone to put your product into the box or do it yourself.<\/p>\n
The general packaging design tip is to have a ballpark idea of how much you\u2019d like to spend before you start the design process. Keep in mind that cheaper isn\u2019t always better; paying a little bit more for your materials could up your presentation (and your selling price) by making your business stand out from the competition.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The packaging design process in 7 steps<\/h2>\n
Once you\u2019ve gathered all this information, it\u2019s finally time for the fun part: the design process! Remember how you want your packaging design to tell a story? The choices you make in the design process are going to help you tell that story.<\/p>\n
<\/a>1. Packaging design tip: Understand packaging layers<\/h3>\n
There are three \u201clayers\u201d of product packaging: outer packaging, inner packaging and product packaging. Your product may need one or all three of these.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"Ottoman](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128096\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/outer-packaging-bag\/outer-packaging-bag.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tby barzco via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"huckleberry](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128099\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/outer-packaging-box\/outer-packaging-box.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tby Cacau Quente for patrick Bm\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n Outer packaging<\/strong> is the first thing a customer is going to see. It\u2019s what protects your product from the elements. This could include the mailer box<\/a> that the product is shipped in or the custom paper bag<\/a> the item is placed in at the store.<\/p>\n\n
\n ![\"crinkle](\"https:\/\/blogadmin.merch.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/99d-uploads\/2016\/09\/crinkle-paper.jpg\")
via Lumi<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
Inner packaging<\/strong> is what keeps your product nestled safely in the outer packaging. This might be packing peanuts or tissue paper that stops something from getting jostled or scuffed. Or it might be a sealed bag that acts to preserve freshness.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"flower](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128102\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/flower-shop\/flower-shop.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tby Imee008 via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"soap](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128109\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/goat-milk-soap\/goat-milk-soap.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tby Mj.vass via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"winter](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128110\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/winter-wonderland\/winter-wonderland.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tby febriana<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n Product packaging<\/strong> is what most people think of when they think of packaging: it\u2019s the box the toy comes in, the bottle with a label, the tag on a garment and the wrapper of a candy bar.<\/p>\n
Each one of these layers of packaging gives you a chance to tell a part of your story.<\/p>\n
<\/a>2. Packaging design tip: Choose the right type of packaging<\/h3>\n
There are many different types of packaging<\/a> available for your product:<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"square](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128103\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/square-box\/square-box.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSquare box design by tequillica<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"hexagon](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128105\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/hex-box\/hex-box.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNon-square box design by Zoe Shtorm via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"elephant](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128098\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/bag\/bag.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBag design by WSIO RYBA<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"owl](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128107\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/bottle\/bottle.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBottle design by Emir Alicic<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"vintage](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128112\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/canister\/canister.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTube design by Sasha999 via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"honey](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128080\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/label_12817f2427\/label_12817f2427.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLabel design by Nebel via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"barn](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128081\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/packet\/packet.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPacket design by gregdo<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"bicycle](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128083\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/bicycle-cup\/bicycle-cup.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCup design by exsenz via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"geometric](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128084\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tube\/tube.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTube design by Danny Design Studio via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n Choosing between a box and a bottle may sometimes be a no-brainer. But sometimes it\u2019s not. Here are a couple of things you need to think about when selecting the right type of packaging for your product:<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"capri](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_502,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128077\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/capri-sun\/capri-sun.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tvia Capri Sun\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"gogurt\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_502,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128086\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/gogurt\/gogurt.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tvia David Aaker<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n - \n
- The product<\/strong>
Everything always comes back to this! If you are selling something liquid, that\u2019s going to limit your options. (Though don\u2019t let this stifle your creativity! Look at Capri Sun: they turned the juice-box industry on its head by creating a juice sachet. Or Go-Gurt, which took yogurt from a spoon-required snack to one you could suck out of a packet.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n- \n
- The competition<\/strong>
Does everyone else put their soup in a can? You\u2019re going to want to think really hard about putting your soup in something else. On one hand, it will make you stand out, which could help set you apart. On the other, consumers are used to cans of soup and grocery stores are set up to stock cans in their soup section, which may mean your box of soup is fighting an uphill battle. So, when collecting your packaging design ideas, make sure you’re within the realm of plausible.<\/li>\n- The budget<\/strong>
You may have an awesome idea of how you\u2019re going to sell your astrology charms in a star-shaped box. But if your budget is $0.50 per piece, that\u2019s probably not going to be possible. Remember to always keep the ideal customer in mind: if your charms are going to sell for $12 each, a simple, inexpensive box is probably your best bet. But if they\u2019re hand-crafted, gold keepsakes that you are selling for $100, you may be better served to up your budget and go for that luxury star-shaped box.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>3. Packaging design tip: Line up your printer<\/h3>\n
Printing is not something you\u2019re going to do until after the design is complete. But you should think about it way before you get to that stage! Not only is connecting with a printer going to ensure you\u2019re solid on the costs of printing, but they\u2019ll also be able to give you specific information that can help you prepare the right files.<\/p>\n\n
\n ![\"Pyramid](\"https:\/\/blogadmin.merch.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/99d-uploads\/2016\/09\/pyramid-dyeline.jpg\")
via Packaging & Dielines<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
A couple of things you\u2019ll want to ask about:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Dielines<\/strong>
If you\u2019re going with a standard-sized box or packaging label<\/a>, printers should be able to provide dieline templates<\/a> that can be shared with a designer.<\/li>\n- File-format requirements<\/strong>
Your printer will need a vector file<\/a>. Does it need to be a layered file? Should you include cut lines or not? You (or the designer you work with) should supply a print-ready file<\/a>, usually an Adobe Illustrator (.ai), Photoshop (.psd), PDF or EPS. Sometimes when working with a professional designer, they will also supply visual mockups in a PNG or JPG format to see your packaging design in action. Make sure you understand which file types are what so you can supply them to the right people.<\/li>\n- Color options<\/strong>
Some printers are going to be able to color-match to any Pantone color value. Others (especially less-expensive options) are going to have a limited color palette for you to work with.<\/li>\n- Digital vs. offset printing<\/strong><\/a>
Which type does your printer use? If they do offset, what is the minimum order number? How do the costs scale?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>4. Packaging design tip: Create your information architecture<\/h3>\n
Think back to those 3 questions, specifically who\u2019s buying your product and where are they finding it. You\u2019re going to use that to create the information architecture for your package.<\/p>\n
You may have beautiful photos of your product in action, a brilliant testimonial from a customer, a witty tagline that explains how you\u2019re awesome, and a great graphic showing customers how to use your product. But when a shopper looks at your packaging they\u2019re probably only going to remember one thing. What do you want that to be?<\/p>\n
Pick the one absolute most important thing you want customers to know about your product. That should be the centerpiece of your design.<\/p>\n
You can then add 2-3 things you want to show once they\u2019ve picked up your product (or clicked on your link) that will close the deal. Let\u2019s look at some examples:<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128088\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/lelini\/lelini.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLelini’s brand name is the most important thing, followed by a tagline that tells buyers what the product will do for them. By Mizazney via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128090\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/organic-tomatoes\/organic-tomatoes.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe most important thing for the consumer to know about these tomatoes is that they’re organic. The photo then explains how their prepared. By tomdesign.org \n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_900,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128092\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/pulled-pork\/pulled-pork.jpg?_i=AA\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLook at that photo… hungry yet? You know exactly what comes in this packet. And a second glance tells you how easy it is to prepare. By Mj.vass via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n <\/a>5. Packaging design tip: Evaluate a packaging design<\/h3>\n
You\u2019ve got some great packaging design ideas! Now it\u2019s time to give some feedback. Here are a few things you\u2019re going to want to think about:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Is it clear what your product is?<\/strong>
When you look at the package, is it clear what the product does and who it\u2019s for? Buyers are only going to spend money on things they understand. Make sure your packaging doesn\u2019t look like something else (unless it\u2019s very intentional). You definitely don\u2019t want to confuse your consumer.<\/li>\n- Is the packaging an honest representation of your product<\/strong>
One of the worst things you can do is misrepresent your product in your packaging. Make sure any photos on the packaging are actually photos of the product. Of course, you can and should put your best face forward, but if you show a picture of muffins filled with chocolates and there\u2019s actually only 1 chocolate in each of your muffins, a customer is going to feel cheated (and probably won\u2019t buy from you again).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n ![\"not-enough-raisins\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704712337\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/not-enough-raisins\/not-enough-raisins.jpg?_i=AA\")
The packaging on this product is clearly misleading. Where is the rest of the chocolate? Via Funtasticus.com<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
- \n
- What will this package look like in 3D?<\/strong>
When you work with a good designer, they should provide a mockup of your design in print-ready (flat) and in 3-dimensions. You can also create your own mock-ups by printing something out on white paper and constructing it into a box or tube. This will help you notice things you wouldn\u2019t otherwise. Sometimes an image will look great when flat, but terrible when constructed (or vice versa). Make sure you understand the difference.<\/li>\n- What will this package look like in stores?<\/strong>
Shelf impact is very important for products that are sold in stores. You\u2019ll want to consider:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n- \n
- How much of the packaging will be visible? When products are lined up next to each other, you can usually only see one side. Make sure your most important info is front and center.<\/li>\n
- What will it look like when these products are stacked next to and on top of each other?<\/li>\n
- What will this look like compared to the competition? Go to one or more stores where your product will be sold and figure out where your product will be placed. Are most products one color? How will you make yours stand out and get noticed?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\n ![\"shampoo](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704712336\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/shelf-of-shampoo\/shelf-of-shampoo.jpg?_i=AA\")
via Trending Packaging<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
- \n
- Is this design versatile?<\/strong>
You may only have one flavor of Aunt Miranda\u2019s Famous Hot Sauce at the moment, but in the future, you might want to create Aunt Kelsey\u2019s Infamous Buffalo Sauce and Aunt Sasha\u2019s Secret Caesar Dip. Is your design going to be easily modified to accommodate new variations of your product?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n ![\"vegan](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704712334\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/vegan-jerky-packaging\/vegan-jerky-packaging.jpg?_i=AA\")
by Mj.vass for\u00a0Louisville Vegan Jerky Co<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
- \n
- Is your packaging reusable?<\/strong>
This may not be important for every product, but you may want to consider if your packaging can be reused (and if you want it to be)! For example, can your bag be repurposed into a grocery tote? Free marketing! If you sell gardening gloves, can your box be reconfigured into a planter? That\u2019s clever and functional!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/a>6. Packaging design tip: Collect feedback<\/h3>\n
Before finalizing your packaging design, ensure you take a comprehensive approach. Look at the most recent packaging design trends<\/a> to see what’s currently in vogue. Run your design by both key stakeholders and individuals who have never heard of or used your product. This dual perspective will provide valuable insights for creating a design that resonates with both your established audience and potential new customers.<\/p>\n
Even if it\u2019s just your neighbor across the street, people not closely associated with your product will notice things you never did. Consider asking them:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What does this product do?<\/li>\n
- Who is supposed to buy this product?<\/li>\n
- What is the one key message you get when you look at this packaging?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Their answers to these questions will help you determine if the packaging is communicating what you want it to. If it’s not, go back to the drawing board and figure out what you can change.<\/p>\n
<\/a>7. Packaging design tip: Get the right files<\/h3>\n
You’ve reviewed all your packaging design ideas and decided on your packaging design. High five!<\/p>\n
Now go back to that\u00a0information you got from your printer and\u00a0check to make sure you have the right files. You probably need:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Packaging dielines in vector format<\/strong>. This will probably be an Adobe Illustrator (.ai), .pdf, or .eps file. You will need one for each variation of the packaging you are creating. (So, if you have 3 flavors, you need 3 dielines.)<\/li>\n
- Color codes<\/strong>. If your printer does custom colors, make sure you have the Pantone or CMYK color codes so that\u00a0everything turns out looking like you want.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/a>Packaging design glossary<\/h2>\n
To search for packaging design ideas and be able to apply packaging design tips straightaway, you need to know the lingo. This will save you time and make you more adept at managing or curating the process. Here’s a quick guide to some common packaging design terms:<\/p>\n
Adobe Illustrator (AI) file<\/strong> \u2014 Adobe Illustrator is a design program used to create vector images, which you will need for printing. Files created in this program have a .ai extension. You will need Adobe Illustrator to open these files. (If you don’t have it, that’s okay! Your printer will.)<\/p>\n
Barcodes (UPC and EAN)<\/strong> \u2014 Barcodes are those groups of lines on any package. They have machine-readable data on them that stores information about the product, including price. There are several different types of barcodes, including UPC (Universal Product Code)\u2014the predominant barcode in North America\u2014and the EAN (International Article Number (it was originally “European,” hence the E), a global barcode. You may wish to apply for these before you get your packaging designed.<\/p>\n
Bleed<\/strong> \u2014 In printing, you use a bleed when your design goes to the edge of your paper (or box, or wrapper). In this case, your final design file will actually add a little extra to the edges (the “bleed”) so that when the design is printed and cut to the right size there’s some room for error if the cuts are a few millimeters off.<\/p>\n
Canister<\/strong> \u2014 A round or cylindrical container, typically made of metal and used for storing things like food and chemicals.<\/p>\n
CMYK<\/strong> \u2014 Stands for cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and key (black). These are the four colors used in printing. Each color has a CYMK code that a printer will use to help color-match your design and the finished package.<\/p>\n
Dielines\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 The flattened pattern of your product packaging. Designers and printers use them to create the proper layout for a package.<\/p>\n
EPS<\/strong> \u2014 Stands for encapsulated postscript. This is a file extension for vector-based images. They can generally only be opened in specialized graphic design programs.<\/p>\n
Digital printing<\/strong> \u2014 A modern printing method wherein information about the file is sent to a printer digitally and each piece of packaging is run individually through that printer.
- Color codes<\/strong>. If your printer does custom colors, make sure you have the Pantone or CMYK color codes so that\u00a0everything turns out looking like you want.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Packaging dielines in vector format<\/strong>. This will probably be an Adobe Illustrator (.ai), .pdf, or .eps file. You will need one for each variation of the packaging you are creating. (So, if you have 3 flavors, you need 3 dielines.)<\/li>\n
- Is your packaging reusable?<\/strong>
- Is this design versatile?<\/strong>
- What will this package look like in stores?<\/strong>
- Is the packaging an honest representation of your product<\/strong>
- File-format requirements<\/strong>
- The budget<\/strong>
- The competition<\/strong>
- The product<\/strong>
- Imagery<\/strong>
- Fonts<\/strong>
- Colors<\/strong>
- Choosing the right type of packaging<\/a><\/li>\n
- Information to collect<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- 3 questions to answer<\/a><\/li>\n