10 Helpful Tips for Designing Packaging Correctly and Creatively

According to scientific research, packaging design significantly influences purchasing decisions. Therefore, whether it’s a shampoo bottle or a shopping bag for your clothing store, well-crafted packaging is a must! Packaging is an excellent form of branding that can significantly make your brand stand out. Here are some practical tips for designing packaging, along with information on where to find a packaging design service to assist you.

1. Use Patterns 

Use patterns to step up a simple take on the packaging. They can create an eye-catching background that draws the customer’s attention to your product. Similarly, they can reinforce a brand’s identity and communicate its values. Consistent use of patterns in packaging can help establish a strong brand identity, increasing brand recognition and customer loyalty.

In this example from Penji, the design uses a vibrant and psychedelic pattern. It features wavy lines that burst with vibrant colors, giving it a sense of movement and energy. The patterns lend the packaging a retro-futuristic, space-age feel that complements the astronaut in the foreground.

Solve Your Design Dilemma for Good

Try Penji risk-free for 30 days and get all your packaging design projects done

Watch Quick Demo

2. Don’t be Afraid to be Simple

Sometimes simplicity is key, and that holds true in this packaging example, again from Penji’s package design service. The earth-toned, recycled material gives off an earthy feel. So, the bright pops of color on the labels lend to the design nicely, bringing a bit more of a modern twist to the package.

Simple packaging typically requires fewer materials and production processes, which can reduce packaging costs. This can be extremely beneficial for small businesses or companies with limited budgets. Moreover, it can be an effective way to reinforce a brand’s identity and values. A simple, clean design can create a modern, sophisticated, or minimalist aesthetic.

3. Complement the Product

Make sure your design complements the product that’s inside. This packaging looks hot and spicy, just like what’s inside. You can see what the product is all about before purchase. It gives the impression of transparency and pride in what you’re selling.

4. Be Playful

If you can be playful with your packaging, do it. Include illustrations that interact with the product, allowing it to shine through. In the example above, a spirited choice of colors, combined with vibrant illustrations of strawberries, adds to the quirky appeal of this drink.

5. Be Modern 

Modern, sleek, and simple designs stand out. Use clean lines, simple colors, and sans-serif fonts for a modern look. This packaging took a very contemporary approach and made it even more stylish by making it gender-neutral. It doesn’t lean one way or the other, drawing instant attention from viewers who are curious about who the product is intended for.

6. Be Bright

Don’t be afraid to use vibrant hues when designing packaging. Use accents of bright colors in your packaging, such as this example of rice noodles. The cups feature a bright pink color, while the box packaging incorporates green, creating a perfect contrast.

7. Use Texture 

Instead of only using texture visually, use it physically. People will be physically interacting with your package, so it appeals to their sense of touch, not just their sense of sight. For instance, this packaging design for Sonhab, an artisanal chocolate brand, uses textured kraft paper. It has a subtle embossed effect that reflects the brand’s natural ethos.

8. Be Creative 

You can make your packaging cool and creative, but if you can make your product remarkable, you have a real winner. You can make your packaging cool and creative, but if you can make your product remarkable, you have a real winner. Take this example of Penji packaging design service, made for London Basil Syrup. It is a standout, thanks to its creative use of three diverse visual styles: photographic, rustic, and minimalist.

9. Create Packaging that Serves Another Purpose 

Being eco-friendly is a great way to get people to love your brand—and Garçon Wines nails this concept beautifully. Their packaging features flat wine bottles made from 100% recycled PET, designed to fit through letterboxes. This clever design eliminates the need for missed deliveries and bulky packaging, making the unboxing process seamless and sustainable.

The cardboard mailer is also fully recyclable, with printed instructions and charming illustrations that enhance the user experience. It rethinks the shape and materials of traditional wine packaging, while reducing carbon emissions, optimizing shipping space, and promoting responsible recycling.

10. Let Your Product Speak

If you have a quality product, let it speak for itself. Don’t feel the need to wrap it with shiny, annoying packaging if it doesn’t need it. For example, leave the front and center packaging open instead of hiding them in a box. It allows the customer to see how great they really are.

Need help with designing product packaging? 

Now that you have learned the ins and outs of designing packaging for products or brands, it’s time to move on to the actual task. The good news is that getting custom packaging designs is a walk in the park with Penji. We hire only the best graphic designers in town who can translate your ideas into stunning visuals! 

Penji is an on-demand graphic design service that can create impressive packaging for your product. Start a project with us by subscribing here. Penji offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try our services for the first time before choosing from our three simple pricing plans.