Packaging design can be a complicated an intensive process, which adds costs on to the manufacture of every single product. Designing packaging includes far more than the graphic design on the outside – it involves material specification, mechanics and much more.
Packaging designers are responsible for the creating the mechanics of the pack. They will first look at the product to be packaged, particularly its size and weight. These factors often determine the material used, as well as the way the packaging works. If the product is perishable, it may need special packaging to preserve it better. These factors will generally lead the designer to choose a specific material for his design.
A designer needs to know the various materials available, what their properties are, and he must be able to justify is choice to his client, the manufacturer. Often the designer will work with an advertising agency, who may want a particular shape or material to fit in with their graphic design.
The mechanics of the pack are worked on once the size, shape and material are decided. Sometimes the way the pack opens is important. Liquids are usually found in containers that facilitate pouring, with particular lids that effectively reseal the container. Boxes have very specific folds to prevent products falling out. Handles are needed on some product packs so that people can carry them. All of these factors are considered when a pack is designed.
An example of the pack design will be drawn up, and a mock-up or prototype created. This sample is used to finalize the design with the manufacturer and their advertising agency as well as for cost estimating purposes.
The sample will also be used to establish a cost estimate for the manufacture of the pack. Packaging manufacturers tend to specialize in a particular type of packaging. Depending on the design, the manufacturer may need new equipment or molds in order to produce the pack. At this stage a timing schedule is usually drawn up too.
A final design template will be produced once the budget has been approved. At the same time, the advertising agency will finalize their graphic design so that both can be handed over to the packaging manufacturer or printers. These templates vary depending on the process that will be used to manufacture the packaging.
Sometimes, the artwork is sent to a specialized printer to have labels made, such as you will see on glass bottles. Boxes and cartons are specially made and printed at the same time. Once the packaging has been printed and/or manufactured it is supplied to the manufacturer for filling with the product. Often labels are applied in the manufacturing process, and bags sealed using special equipment. Only then does the product make its way onto store shelves, having completed the long journey that defines packaging design.
When you are looking through packaging materials, you could find a box design that you love. Packing and shipping is more sophisticated and decorative than it used to be.
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