10 Questions You Should to Know about Printing and Packaging Solutions

Packaging can be more complicated than a conventional print project. In one sense they are the same (putting ink to paper), but there are far more steps included in the process than, say, printing a trifold brochure. Here at Shawmut, we have created a list of ten questions you should ask yourself to aid the printing process.  

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1. What is the purpose of this package?

So you know you need a package made for your product. What is the purpose for the package though? Will it be used as a primary shipping container? Or is it meant to showcase the product inside? Knowing how the package will be utilized will help your packaging designers select the right material for the job.

2. What is going into the package?

If your printer will be creating your packaging from scratch, one of the first things they will ask is what is going into the piece. The goal of a package is to protect the product inside. Once they know what is going into the package, they will be able to adjust the size and shape and make a snug fit for the product inside.

Quick Tip: Send your printer a sample of the product going into the packaging!

3. What type of package are you looking for?

Folded carton? Corrugated box? Or something in between? In packaging, there are endless amounts of styles. Knowing what you are looking for prior to going to your printer will help streamline the process for both of you. 

4. How do you want your package to function?

Many times, we have an idea in our head of what we want, but we skip over the basics of how the package will be assembled or even opened. Knowing how the package will function will help your printer build a dieline that will later be sent over to you to populate artwork. 

5. How is this package going to be stored?

Whether your package is meant for a frozen food item or part of a cosmetic line, knowing how and where your package will be stored is something your printer will ask you. For example, if your package is meant for a frozen food item, your printer will need to use special freezer rated glue during the production process. Also, since this piece will go through a freezing & thawing process, a coating should be applied to help the package keep its integrity. 

6. Will your package have any embellishments or special finishing?

We know that packaging plays a major role in a customer's buying habits. Research shows 70% of consumers form an opinion of a brand based solely on packaging. With that being said, we know having your package standout is important. However, there are limitations to what each substrate can and cannot do. If foil stamping, spot coatings, or any other types of finishing are important to you, tell your printer upfront so they can choose the right material for you. 

7. Will the product inside be touching the packaging? 

When it comes to food packaging or even medical devices, there are certain specifications that need to be met. For example, if you have food that will be in direct contact with the package, your printer will need to use food safe inks. It is good to know this upfront so the project can be quoted correctly. 

8. Do you need prototypes?

Prototyping is an important part of the packaging process. Being able to see how the package functions prior to the printing process allows you to make tweaks to the design. Also, you can share this with packers or other members of your team to get the sign offs needed to proceed. 

9. How will your product be inserted into the package?

Depending on the type of product and the quantity associated with that will usually determine if this is hand packed or done automatically by a machine. If this will be done automatically, it is important to check-in with your packer to make sure you are within the specifications needed to make this process automatic. 

10. How much assembly do you want to do?

If production time is precious and you do not want to be stuck assembling packages for hours, communicate this to your printer ahead of time. Depending on the size and shape of the package, there are different techniques we can use to make the assembly process faster. For example, we had a client that needed us to make an auto-locking bottom (or crash-lock) box in order to decrease production time during the inserting process. 

The packaging of your product is the first impression your customers will have of your brand. It needs to grab their attention, communicate your product's unique features and benefits, and leave a lasting impression that will lead to repeat purchases. That's why it's crucial to work with a skilled packaging designer who can create packaging that both reflects your brand and appeals to your target audience.

10 Questions To Ask Your Packaging Designer

In this article, we'll discuss ten questions you should ask your packaging designer to ensure that you get the best results possible.

1. 1. Can you tell me about your experience in packaging design?
   2. Can you walk me through your design process?
   3. Can you show me examples of your past packaging design work?
   4. What is your approach to creating packaging that stands out on the shelf?
   5. How do you ensure that the packaging design reflects our brand?
   6. Can you explain your approach to typography and color?
   7. How do you take regulatory requirements into account when designing packaging?
   8. What is your process for creating mockups or prototypes?
   9. How do you handle revisions or changes to the design?
   10. What is your timeline for completing the packaging design?

Can you tell me about your experience in packaging design?

One of the first things you should ask your designer is about their experience and expertise in packaging design. Ask about the types of packaging they have worked on in the past, such as boxes, bottles, pouches, or tubes. You'll want to know how long they've been in the industry and what types of brands they have worked with. You should also ask if they have any formal design education or certifications.

For more information, please visit Printing and Packaging Solutions.

Can you walk me through your design process?

Understanding the design process will give you an idea of what to expect and how the project will unfold. Ask your designer about their approach to research, ideation, sketching, and prototyping. You'll also want to know how many initial concepts they will provide you with and how many revisions they will allow before the final design is approved.

Can you show me examples of your past packaging design work?

Reviewing your designer's portfolio will give you an idea of their design style and the quality of their work. Ask for examples of packaging designs they have created for products in your industry or that are similar to your product. Look for designs that are visually appealing, functional, and consistent with the brand's identity.

What is your approach to creating packaging that stands out on the shelf?

Standing out on the shelf is critical in today's competitive market. Ask your designer how they plan to make your product packaging visually appealing and distinct. Ask about their approach to typography, color, graphics, and imagery. A good designer should be able to explain how they plan to create a design that is eye-catching, communicates the product's unique features and benefits, and aligns with the brand's personality.

How do you ensure that the packaging design reflects our brand?

Your packaging should be consistent with your brand identity. Ask your designer about their process for researching your brand's values, mission, and personality. They should also have a process in place for ensuring that your packaging aligns with your brand's values, color palette, typography, and messaging.

Can you explain your approach to typography and color?

Typography and color are critical elements of packaging design. Ask your designer how they plan to use typography and color to create a design that is visually appealing and communicates the product's unique features and benefits. They should be able to explain their approach to font selection, font pairing, font size, and color selection. You'll also want to know if they plan to use any special printing techniques, such as metallic ink or embossing.

How do you take regulatory requirements into account when designing packaging?

Depending on your product, there may be regulatory requirements that must be met. For example, food packaging must meet specific requirements for nutrition labeling, allergen warnings, and ingredient lists. Your designer should be aware of these requirements and ensure that the packaging meets them. Ask them about their knowledge of these regulations and how they plan to incorporate them into the design.

What is your process for creating mockups or prototypes?

Seeing a mockup or prototype of your packaging will give you a better idea of how the finished product will look and feel. Ask your designer about their process for creating mockups or prototypes. Will they create a physical mockup or a digital one? How many iterations are included in the design process? What is the timeline for creating and reviewing these prototypes? These questions will help you understand how your designer plans to bring your packaging design to life and ensure that you're happy with the final product.

How do you handle revisions or changes to the design?

It's common for revisions or changes to be necessary during the design process. Ask your designer about their process for handling these changes in a timely and efficient manner. Will they provide a certain number of revisions before charging extra fees? How quickly will they respond to your requests for changes? What is the process for finalizing the design and approving it for production? Knowing this information upfront will help you manage your expectations and ensure that the project stays on track.

What is your timeline for completing the packaging design?

Finally, you'll want to know when you can expect the final packaging design. Ask your designer for a timeline for completing the project, including milestones and deliverables. You'll want to know how long each stage of the design process will take and what you can expect in terms of communication and updates. Make sure to discuss any deadlines or launch dates you have in mind so that your designer can plan accordingly.

Summary: 10 Questions You Should Ask Your Packaging Designer

Working with a packaging designer is a critical part of launching a successful product. By asking these ten questions, you'll be able to find a designer who can create packaging that sets your product apart and appeals to your target audience. Remember to ask about their experience, design process, past work, standout packaging, brand reflection, typography and color, regulatory compliance, mockups and prototypes, revisions, and timeline. With the right designer and a clear understanding of your goals and requirements, you can create packaging that not only looks great but also helps your product succeed in the market.

Summary: Sustainable Packaging Trends of

Many companies are looking to adjust to society's norms and laws of being more sustainable. As a result, there are many different growing trends in the packaging industry on how businesses are looking to package their products in order to become more sustainable.

Often, they are looking to optimize their packaging by making lightweight, reusable and refillable, in addition to utilizing more clean and recyclable materials such as bioplastics, paper, small products and wash off labels. Some companies have even made the effort of educating consumers with carbon labeling.

All of these approaches should be considered by your company when looking to package your products, as it can help you become more sustainable to the environment and accepted by consumers and governments.

If you are interested in sustainable packaging solutions, then partner with Brown Packaging today.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Desk Calendar Bulk.