Table of Contents
- Use Patterns
- Leverage Negative Space
- Complement the Product
- Add Playful Graphics/Designs
- Use Stylization
- Allow A Sneak Peak
- Use Eco-friendly Packaging
- Summing Up
Think About Your Latest Purchase.
Why Did You Pick That Specific Brand?
Was It Something You Genuinely Need or Was It an Impulsive Buy?
Now that you think about it, the chances are that you were drawn to the packaging design of that specific product. You may have wanted the product, but did you need that particular brand?
The truth is that most of us are inclined to opt for a product that has a certain degree of aesthetic appeal and something pleasing to the eyes.
“The brand is the story and design is the storytelling.” ~Susan Sellers
The packaging, when done right away, essentially serves as a selling point for the product. Gone are the days when the sole purpose of packaging was to carry the product as a container with a logo sticker pasted on it.
Today, things have drastically changed in the retail world, and it is a highly competitive market out there. Thoughtfully and creatively designed retail boxes act as a medium of communication between your brand and the consumers. It grabs attention, elucidates the brand message, and makes the consumer feel a certain way.
Getting your product to stand out on the crowded retail shelves can be quite challenging. You have to think outside the box and come up with creative design ideas that add an essence of uniqueness to your product packaging.
Here, we have put together a list of exciting tips and ideas that you can use as a source of inspiration when designing your custom retail boxes.
Use Patterns
What Is the First Thing That Pops in Your Head When You Think About Patterns?
It might be that ugly wallpaper or the old drapes in your aunt’s house. However, patterns are much more than that, and they allow so much room for creativity and innovation.
Patterns can be used to create timeless aesthetics for your packaging, and it is something that you can use to develop a brand identity. There is truly no limit in terms of the designs and colors you can play with when creating the perfect packaging for your product.
Read More: Custom Retail Packaging Ideas: Tips for Different Materials
To create an appropriate pattern design, you must have a clear understanding of who your target audience is, and what is the message you are trying to convey with the packaging.
Figuring this out will help you set a tone for your design and create something that resonates with your style and brand image.
Leverage Negative Space
In an enormously overwhelming world of packaging, many brands are taking the minimalistic approach when designing their retail packaging.
While it might appear as an easier alternative, there is a lot of brainstorming and creative insight that goes into designing a simple yet appealing packaging design.
Negative space refers to the blank space present around the subject or the central image. In packaging, it is the blank space around the brand logo or some other design elements.
The reason why a simple packaging design grabs the consumers’ attention is that a retail shelf is a pretty crowded place where the onlooker is bombarded with a ton of colorful options.
Amidst all the chaos, your minimalistic design is what is going to make the consumer interested in your product.
The example here shows a classic minimal packaging design with a simple monogram on the top and a modern serif logotype.
Copper foil printing is used for an elegant aesthetic, and the pastel blue adds a beautiful subdued tone to the packaging.
Complement the Product
Make sure that your packaging design complements the product that is going inside it. It is easy to get carried away when your creative juices are flowing, and you are pumped up to design the most creative packaging for your product.
However, it is essential to remember that you do not undermine the message of your brand and create something reflective of your merchandise.
Let’s take a look at the example of The Ordinary, a skincare brand that uses plain and simple packaging to reflect its inherent philosophy that ‘less is more.
Instead of using cluttered packaging with unnecessary prints and bright colors, the brand stays true to the nature of its products by opting for a plain white packaging design with a bare minimum of ingredients outside.
When your packaging complements your products, it instills a sense of confidence in your consumers. Your brand appears to be more authentic and more accurate to its nature rather than simply trying hard to follow the prevalent trends.
According to IPSOS, 70% of American consumers say that product packaging design influences their purchase decision.
Add Playful Graphics/Designs
The chances are that in a crowded marketplace you will find plenty of somber packaging for a lot of the products. You know the type, with their simple, commanding graphics and firm typefaces to impress the consumers with the palpable sophistication and visual dominance.
While this type of packaging does work well for many brands, it might be a good idea to step outside the box and adapt a more playful approach when designing the retail packaging for your products.
Also Read: How Does Packaging Add Value for Consumers and Retailers
Unusual imagery and exciting graphics are bound to captivate the consumers who appreciate a fun, playful shopping experience.
Use Stylization
Where does it say that you have to stick to realistic graphics?
If your brand image allows it, you can stylize imagery and utilize it as a textural component for the packaging. Stylization is a decorative generalization of objects and shapes using different techniques.
Here, in this example, the package uses a simplistic illustration of a head with hair. The hair is used as an element that creates a pattern in the background. At one glance, you might not figure out what is happening with the design, but as you look closely, you can see the intriguing pattern on the packaging.
Allow A Sneak Peak
Depending on the specific merchandise, it might be a good idea to offer a sneak peek of the products to the consumers. It is especially important when you are dealing with food items and looking for food packaging. To brainstorm and envision ideas, think from the consumers’ viewpoint.
Wouldn’t You Prefer It if You Could See What You Are Getting?
You could create a clear cut-out window in your retail packaging that allows the buyer to see what exact product they are getting.
Use Eco-friendly Packaging
Climate change has officially been declared a global crisis. Owing to better awareness, people are transitioning towards brands that have a more ecological approach to packaging and businesses that are working towards minimizing their impact on the environment.
“When you put the whole picture together, recycling is the right thing to do.” ~Pam Shoemaker
It might be in the best interest of your brand image to adapt to eco-friendly alternatives and materials when designing your retail packaging. While it might limit your options to a certain degree, if utilized carefully, this could be a great opportunity for your business to think outside the box and adjust their packaging designs to this new trend.
Summing Up
There are infinite possibilities when it comes to designing creative product packaging. Something to always keep in mind is how your packaging stands out among similar competitive products.
Whether it is the unusual, spunky imagery or a nifty, creative design, your packaging must carry an element of intrigue that sets it apart from the others.
Half Price Packaging has been in this line of packaging and creating artistic and stunning packaging designs to help brands to build a unique brand identity. We've worked in a variety of sectors and areas before.
To make the process efficient and cost-effective, we offer customized boxes at wholesale prices. Years of experience have taught us that merchants always benefit more from wholesale packaging.
The association of excellent quality with low prices in the boxes promotes the company's image in the marketplace. Don’t delay! Place your order now! We will be there to serve you with the best possible services.
