By
Sarah Harris
Packaging design is a great way to boost your business. You can do this by creating memorable packaging. In addition to creating interesting packaging, you can help to promote your brand and appeal to new audiences.
In this article, we’ll talk about what package design is and why it is crucial. We will discuss the process of creating a package design and give you some tips for crafting your own unique style.
What is Packaging Design?
Simply put, packaging design is the process of creating packaging to contain, present, and ship a product.
Package design is helpful when you want to positively promote a brand. Distinct and memorable packaging designs help to enhance a customer’s experience with your brand.
Packaging Design Application: Where It Comes into Play
Packaging design is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of aspects. These include:
- Graphic design
- Physical packaging design
- Marketing design
Every application has a slightly different definition of packaging design.
Graphic Design and Packaging
Graphic designers are some of the most vital components of the package design process.
A design needs to gain the attention of potential customers while providing appropriate information about the product itself. This can be a tricky thing to balance. When done well, however, the package will create a lasting impression of the quality of your brand and your products.
Physical Packaging Design
Realistically, there are going to be physical restraints to the package design that you can use. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your design must serve a purpose and keep your product secure during transit.
Consider the following:
- Available printing types
- The best materials to protect your product
- Durability and weight of the package
- Add-ons
Moreover, you also should keep in mind the price tag that will go with your design. You should make sure the final design is realistic and achievable. Yes, it would be great to have packaging that opens with a display of fireworks, but it may not be the best use of your budget to invest in such an intricate design!
Marketing and Design
While we’ve already emphasized the role that packaging design plays in the marketing of your brand, it is still worth considering the functional value of your packaging.
Your packaging should:
- Appeal to your customer base
- Promote a unique selling point
- Effectively communicate your brand’s identity
You can catch the attention of your target audience with the shape, size, or color of the packaging, but the goal should always be to evoke emotion. Does your imagery get your customers excited? Does it feel futuristic? If you are selling something meant to memorialize a loved one, does your packaging feel respectful to the occasion?
Packaging Materials and Design
Here are the most common materials used in the package design process.
Corrugated Cardboard
Cardboard is one of the most common packaging materials used today. Cardboard fiber is generally composed of at least 90% recycled material, which is beneficial to the environment.
Corrugated cardboard is most often used in the following industries:
- Cosmetics
- Dry or canned food
- Jewelry
- Clothing
In addition, corrugated cardboard features sheets of cardboard with layers of wavy patterns. This gives the box extra strength and durability.
Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Materials
The word ‘biodegradable’ is everywhere these days. But what does it mean?
Biodegradable products are made of plant-based materials; which are also considered to be organic. When packaging that is made from biodegradable materials is thrown away, it causes minimal impact to the environment.
Additionally, using biodegradable materials can be highly beneficial for eco-conscious consumers in your packaging design.
Polyethylene Packaging
Polyethylene is a form of plastic that is used for light packaging. This type of packaging is durable, waterproof, and ideal for custom shipping boxes.
Glass and Aluminum Packaging
Glass and aluminum are both very common in the food industry.
Furthermore, glass is non-biodegradable, but it can be affordably recycled. However, the use of glass in packaging design is limited. Glass is fragile and hard to print on directly. This means that labels are necessary in order to promote a design.
Another material that has common use is Aluminum. It is actually a light material that is commonly used to make beverage cans and food packaging. It is fairly hardy, which makes it somewhat easier to ship.
Necessary Concepts of Packaging Design
You’ve thought through the materials you’d like to use. What comes next? Consider these tips for making the most of your custom packaging.
1. Know Your Customer
Knowing your customer base is the best way for you to effectively design packaging that will catch their attention.
2. Be Mindful of Functionality
Are your products easily accessible through the packaging? After all, the customer bought the product, not just the package. Packages that are hard to open can make your customers frustrated before they have a chance to enjoy your product.
3. Simplicity Sells
Minimalism is increasingly popular with packaging design. This is for good reason; minimalistic design comes off as inviting, elegant, and above all, attractive.
4. Think of the Brand
Presentation is key. A consistent presentation of the product in every package keeps your brand’s message in full view.
5. Test Your Packaging
To determine whether your product packaging works well, create mockup ideas and test them out. Which option stands out the most?
6. Study Your Competitors
The best way to get inspiration for your package is to study what your competitors are doing. Looking for flaws in their design that you can leverage to make your own packaging more appealing to consumers.
7. Stay Consistent
People like consistency. To maximize your brand exposure, customers should be able to tell that the products they purchase from different lines all come from your brand.
8. Prime Printing
When it comes to high-quality printing, the importance cannot be understated. If you spend a ton of time on design, but not enough on execution, your brand can suffer.
Tips for Great Packaging Design
Here are some tips for creating a great design for your custom packaging.
1. Choose the Best Software
Make sure that you have the right tools to get the job done! Adobe Illustrator or InDesign are often used for this purpose.
2. Create a Dieline for Your Project
Set up your project visually. Measure out dimensions and understand how your products will sit within the packaging.
3. Partner with a Fulfillment Company
A fulfillment company like Print Bind Ship can make your custom design process much easier. Print Bind Ship can even make and ship out your custom boxes so that you don’t have to!
4. Prepare for Printing
Ask about the printing terms needed to bring your design to life. Find out costs as well! However, you should also be sure to ask about specs for a file format for final designs; as well as any resources that you may need in the end, like your logo.
Packaging Design Made Simple
Knowing how to design packaging can be complex. However, using a fulfillment company like Print Bind Ship can make the process even simpler! Whether you’re creating a design for your innovative subscription box or crafting a mailer with client appreciation gifts, we make it easy.
If you’d like a free consultation to see what the experts can do for you, contact us today!