Product packaging is often overlooked in the design process, but it can be a powerful tool for standing out from the competition. In this article, you’ll learn the best strategies on how to design custom product packaging that stands out.
The packaging you choose for your product can communicate a lot to customers, so it’s essential to take the time to design something that will make an impression.
With custom packaging, you have the chance to create a unique look that will set your product apart from the rest. So, here are some tips for designing custom product packaging:
How to design custom product packaging that stands out
Think about your brand
The look and feel of your packaging should be in line with your brand identity. For example, choose a sleek and elegant design for your packaging pouches if you want your product to appear high-end.
If you target a more casual audience, go with something more fun and playful. If you deviate from your brand, it could confuse customers and make them less likely to buy your product. So, this, in turn, leads to lost sales and a negative image of your company.
Choose a suitable material to design custom product packaging
When choosing a material for your packaging, think about the most effective in protecting your product. For example, if you’re shipping a fragile item, you’ll need something sturdy and won’t break during transport.
So, if you’re selling a product that needs to be refrigerated, you’ll need packaging that can keep the cold air in. You should also prioritize sustainable packaging material that can be recycled or composted.
Consider the size of your product
When designing packaging, it’s essential to keep the size of your item in mind. If your packaging is too large, it will take up valuable space on store shelves and may not be able to fit into shoppers’ bags. On the other hand, if your packaging is too small, it could be easily lost or forgotten.
Find a balance between function and aesthetics
When it comes to packaging, you don’t want to sacrifice function for aesthetics. Your packaging should protect your product and serve its purpose while also looking good. It’s crucial to find a balance between the two so that your product looks appealing to customers. Keep reading to learn tow to design product packaging that stands out.
Come up with a creative design
When it comes to custom product packaging, the sky’s the limit! Be creative and come up with a design that will stand out. The same applies to your business website.
You could go with a unique shape or use bright and colorful graphics to catch people’s attention. Just make sure your design is practical and won’t be challenging to produce. You don’t want to end up with a design too complex or expensive to manufacture.
Use appropriate colors to design custom product packaging
So, the colors you choose for your packaging can significantly impact how customers perceive your product. For example, if you’re selling a relaxing product like a candle or bath salts, use calming colors like green and blue.
Use bright and cheerful colors if you’re selling something fun and playful, like a toy or candy. However, be sure to avoid using colors that might clash with your product or brand. For example, if you are selling a product aimed at men, avoid using pink or purple packaging.
Think about the overall design
The overall design is just as important as the individual elements when it comes to custom product packaging. So, make sure all of your brandings are consistent and that your logo is easy to see. If you’re using text, make sure it’s easy to read.
Avoid using too much text or clutter on your packaging. This will only confuse customers and make your product harder to sell.
Common Packaging Design Mistakes To Avoid
As you refine your concept, keep an eye out for these pitfalls.
Overloading With Information
Trying to squeeze every feature and marketing slogan onto the front panel makes the design look cheap and overwhelms customers. Prioritize.
Ignoring Practical Use
Beautiful packaging that is impossible to open, spills easily or does not reseal properly will frustrate customers and hurt reviews. Form and function must support each other.
Copy That Sounds Like Everyone Else
Generic claims such as “premium quality” or “best in class” mean very little. Use specific, concrete language. If you are sustainable, say how. If you are faster, say by how much.
Forgetting Logistics
Packaging that looks amazing in isolation might be a nightmare for storage, shipping or shelf placement. Always review your designs with operations and retail realities in mind.
Key Packaging Decisions And Their Impact
Use this table as a quick reference while you plan.
| Decision | What You Are Choosing | Main Impact On Your Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Box, pouch, tube, bottle, sleeve, mailer | Shapes perception of quality, ease of use and shelf presence |
| Materials | Cardboard, rigid board, glass, plastic, metal, compostable options | Signals sustainability, durability and price point |
| Color Palette | Bold, minimal, pastel, dark, monochrome or high contrast | Drives emotional tone and shelf visibility |
| Typography | Serif, sans serif, script, type size and hierarchy | Influences readability, personality and perceived sophistication |
| Imagery | Photography, illustrations, patterns, icons or pure type | Communicates story, ingredients and use cases at a glance |
| Finishes | Matte, gloss, soft touch, foil, embossing, spot varnish | Adds tactile interest and premium feel while affecting cost |
| Opening Experience | Tuck top, pull tab, tear strip, inner layers and inserts | Shapes the unboxing moment and how shareable it feels |
| Sustainability | Recyclable, refillable, reduced ink, minimal plastic | Reinforces values and affects logistics, pricing and messaging |
In summary, when designing custom product packaging, it’s important to think about your brand, the material, the size of your product, and the overall design. Be creative and use appropriate colors to create a look that will stand out. Just make sure your design is practical and easy to produce.
