Do Not Avoid These 12 Planning Tasks Before Hiring a Packaging Designer

Have you ever noticed how some products in the store catch your attention with their cool aesthetic or bold, colorful designs?

Well, behind those eye-catching designs are talented professionals called packaging designers.

If you're considering hiring a designer to make your products look unique and standout, you should do some important things first.

Let's dive in and explore these essential steps!

Define Your Brand Positioning

First things first! Take some time to understand what makes your brand special. Think about what sets you apart from others. Is it the innovativeness of your product? Maybe it’s your commitment to your values. Knowing the distinct positioning of your brand will help the designer craft packaging designs that reflect your unique brand personality.

Decide on a Brand Name

Your brand name is the foundation of your brand identity. However, before falling in love with a name, it's crucial to conduct a brand clearance search with a trademark attorney. This process helps ensure that the name you choose is not already trademarked by someone else, preventing any potential legal issues down the line. I highly recommend consulting with professionals like Nicole at Sprout Law, who can assist you with trademark clearance and registration.

Set Clear Goals and Objectives

Next, it's time to set some goals. Ask yourself: What do you want your brand and packaging design to achieve? Do you want to stand out from competitors, attract more customers, or create a certain vibe? Setting clear goals will guide the designer in creating the perfect design for you.

Choose a Print Supplier

When it comes to packaging, finding the right print supplier is key. You don’t want to spend your time and money on stunning box design only to find out at the end of the project that you can only afford to print labels. Conduct thorough research to identify reputable suppliers that align with your budget and quality requirements. Consider their capabilities, turnaround times, and environmental sustainability practices. You’re designer will want to know what type of packaging or container you need, any print specifications, and a dieline to start your project.

Here’s a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to choose the perfect packaging supplier.

Create a Detailed Design Brief

A design brief is like a road map for your packaging project. Write down all the important details about your brand, target audience, product, and design preferences. Include examples or images that inspire you. The more information you provide, the better the designer will understand your vision.

Research Packaging Designers

Start asking around for referrals and searching Upwork, Instagram, and LinkedIn for graphic designers with experience in product packaging. Since packaging design is expertise within graphic design, you can’t assume that just any graphic designer can successfully complete your project.

And since you’re here, see how Hidden Path Creative can help with your packaging design. It’s our specialty!

Review the Designers’ Portfolios

You don’t just want something beautiful. You want to see sales results! So it’s important to see what a designer has delivered for other clients. Check out their previous projects on their Instagram or website. Do they design in only one style or are they able to adapt to a variety of styles? Do you like their work? Look for designs that catch your eye and make you say, "Wow!"

Look for Relevant Experience and Expertise

From the designers’ portfolios, can you tell if they have worked on projects similar to yours? Or do see they have a design style that matches your brand vision? Finding someone who understands the specific challenges and rules for creating awesome packaging designs is essential. So review designers’ websites or LinkedIn profiles to see if they have experience with product packaging.

Schedule Consultations with the Designers

Chatting with the designer is just like talking to a new friend! Ask the designers you are interested in working with to schedule a meeting or video call to discuss your project. Ask the designer about their design process and methodology during the meeting or consultation. Share your design and business and listen to their ideas and suggestions. This interaction will help you assess their communication skills, enthusiasm, and understanding of your project.

Consider Budget and Pricing

Money matters, even in the design world! Consider your budget for the brand and packaging design project. Even though the design looks fun, it’s a time and energy-intensive task that requires expertise. Request price quotes from different designers and compare their offerings. While it's important to stay within your budget, quality design can improve your odds of success. An experienced designer may charge a bit more than someone new business. Choose a designer who matches your needs for expertise and budget.

Assess Communication and Collaboration Skills

Good communication is the secret ingredient to success! Make sure the designer takes the time to listen to your ideas and asks questions to understand your feedback. Find someone who enjoys working with you and values your input. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Sign a Clear and Comprehensive Contract

Now, it's time to make things official! A clear and comprehensive contract is essential to ensure a smooth working relationship. Your design will provide this, but you’ll want to look it over. The contract should include all the project details, timelines, deliverables, and other relevant terms and conditions. It protects both parties and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Conclusion

These 12 essential steps will prepare you to hire a brand and packaging designer to bring your products to life. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be on your way to having stand-out packaging that sells your products in no time. With a talented designer by your side, your products will shine brightly on shelves and on the screen to capture the hearts of many!

Also, I've got a treat to make your packaging journey a breeze. Here’s our go-to packaging checklist. We use it with our clients so they have a detailed list of steps to get their packaging design across the finish line.