An Introduction to Package Design

“Kleenex Desktop Companions Bring Delightful Decor to Disposable Products” (TrendHunter)

Purpose of Package Design

Package design serves multiple functions depending on the product inside of the package. For example, some packages containing products of high value need to be carefully disguised as to not become a target of theft in transit. Other packages seek to influence buying decisions in retail locations by conveying a greater value than the competition. Some packages are meant to be disposed of, such as Amazon Prime boxes, whereas other packages are meant to be kept and reused, such as Loop’s reusable packaging model. Reusable and sustainable packaging has become a recent trend in the package design community blooming primarily from the increased demand from consumers to live a sustainable life.

Loop’s zero-waste model offers consumers a sustainable way to enjoy the products they already love by partnering with brands such as Coca-Cola and Häagen-Dazs

The focus of 2021 according to DesignHill will be on“ creating clean designs that are free from clutter. Fonts like Helvetica and simple solid colors are a growing trend across the entire design community. The fonts are not expressive and that is what makes them so powerful.

“I don’t think that type should be expressive at all. I can write the word ‘dog’ with any typeface and it doesn’t have to look like a dog. But there are people that [think that] when they write ‘dog’ it should bark.”
― Massimo Vignelli

The primary function of this design is transparency. This transparency positions the brand as honest and trust-worthy. This trust is emphasized by the simple and minimal design which seeks simply to inform and not to control. The user does not feel that they are being tricked.

Tools for designing

Adobe illustrator is the weapon of choice for most package designers. Somewhat recently Adobe has released Adobe Dimension which allows package designers to easily create mock-ups of their products. You can purchase access to both of these programs through subscribing to Adobe’s Creative Cloud. Designers can also use tools such as Figma and Blender to create designs of the same quality. Adobe, despite their efforts, does not have a monopoly on creativity. There are free alternatives that offer designers just as much flexibility and control over their designs.

Adobe Dimension is a powerful tool used to create mock-ups.

How to get started

Package design is an exciting field and the best way to get started is to create a package! It won’t be perfect but it will be a great way to enter this field. I’ve attached below some resources that will help you along this journey.

99 Designs Guide to package design:

https://99designs.com/blog/tips/ultimate-guide-to-product-packaging-design/

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Packaging Colors:

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Packaging Colours | Bizongo Hive

Sticker Mule Everything You Need To Know About Package Design:

https://www.stickermule.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-packaging-design