-
How to become
Packaging Designer
Who is the Packaging Designer?
Packaging is one of the most impactful elements in terms of advertising and user experience, therefore affecting a product’s success. For these reasons, Packaging Designers cover a central role in the marketing industry. These figures are responsible for creating eye-catching designs that are functional and in line with brand identity, working closely with clients as well as with technical and creative teams. From materials research to graphics development, is the role’s range of tasks.
What does Packaging Designer do?
When designing packaging solutions, functionality and attractiveness must be maximized. Packaging Designers are in charge of packaging conception and development together with marketing and branding managers. At this stage, concepts are created that must take into account product needs, production requirements and market trends. Attention to sustainable materials is something by now unavoidable, both to comply with regulations and conquer the market. These assessments must also be matched with those in terms of durability and suitable product protection. Who covers this role also knows how crucial the graphic aspects are. Packaging Designers create layouts and visual identities that are able to integrate logo, images, icons and relevant information while striving for an eye-catching and comprehensive final effect.
What skills should a Packaging Designer have?
From materials’ research to the knowledge of production processes and graphics, Packaging Designers must have a wide range of technical skills supported by communication qualities and good teamwork ability.
- Knowledge of materials and manufacturing: having knowledge of the different materials available to achieve sustainable yet functional packaging; knowledge of manufacturing processes, printing techniques, surface finishes and technical limits, to define implementable and practical designs; knowledge of safety regulations (e.g., food safety regulations).
- Software knowledge: ability to use 3D design programs (Autodesk 3ds Max, Rhinoceros or SolidWorks); ability to use graphic design programs (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW).
- Soft skills: creativity and aesthetic sensitivity, market and trends awareness, ability to collaborate with different teams taking part in package development.
How to become a Packaging Designer?
The main skills for a Packaging Designer have been listed in the previous paragraph. These can be learned through a professionalizing training pathway. NABA offers students the opportunity to take this path in the Three-year BA in Graphic Design and Art Direction. The course provides tools to work in the world of communication and marketing, conveying professional knowledge in the graphic design and three-dimensional design areas. Focus on materials’ sustainability is, instead, central to the Academic Master's in Sustainable Innovation Communication.
