Should I be a package designer?

Have you ever walked down the cereal aisle at a grocery store?

You'll notice cereal boxes of different shapes, sizes, and colors. These design decisions are intentional, as the cereals are all fighting for your attention and money. The ones that make these decisions are package designers.

Find out if it's the right career for you!

A package designer is responsible for "how a product is presented and perceived" by customers.

Their work can be found anywhere someone is selling an item.

The appearance, texture, and design of a package signal:

• the usage of an item

• its status

• its perceived quality

Package designers use many skills to complete their tasks:

Collaboration

• Working with brands, marketing, sales, and advertising teams to align goals, values, and budget

• Understanding a company's brand values

• Sending emails, making phone calls, and attending meetings

Research & Testing

• Understanding and identifying suitable packaging materials

• Researching industry trends

• Testing of packaging with lots of trial and error

Creativity

• Creating technical drawings and prototypes using 3-D software tools.

• Using artistic skills such as graphic design and typography

• Working at a desk on a computer using software such as Adobe Creative Suite

Professionalism

• Presenting ideas for packaging to clients effectively

• Meeting deadlines

Photo by Lucas George Wendt on Unsplash

• You like collaborating and working in teams

• You're creative

• You enjoy illustration

• You can complete work on time

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

• You like working alone

• You're more analytical

• You want to have routine tasks

• You don't like presenting/public speaking

Package designers are able to work anywhere! Many work with package design firms, retail, and advertising agencies. These firms take on external clients locally and globally. Designers also have the option to work:

• In-house for one specific company, usually in the design department.

• As a contractor, you can work at different companies for a short period of time.

• Depending on what stage of the process of your work is in, you can even work from home!

You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in industrial or graphic design.

After completing your degree, it will help if you:

• Can gain experience in the marketing field

• Have a working knowledge of packaging materials and compliance policies

• Can research, write, and verbally communicate at a professional level

How much can you make as a packaging designer?

USA

Depending on what state you work in, on average, you could make $ 75,000 annually.

Canada

Depending on what province you work in, on average, you could make $ 70,000 annually.

Ready to begin your package designer journey?

Take the first steps: