How to Start a Profitable Packaging Design Business in 2024?
If you decide to purchase a product, there are a variety of options available. But we usually pick the one that looks visually attractive—that’s the design of the package! That’s what catches our attention before we even see the real thing.
According to several sources, the Global Packaging Design Services Market was valued at over USD 24 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach over USD 32 billion by 2030. It’s a big industry just for making product packages look nice that has grown over the years.
If you’re planning on starting your own packaging design business in 2024, it’s a great time to start. But before you start designing, you’ll need to learn what it takes to launch a business venture. Especially from those who have had experience in that area for several years. However, players that are playing on the field might never teach you how to play.
No worries; in this guide, we’re going to help you with every little detail about starting your own package design business. We’ll talk about all the things you should think about before jumping into the market.
Steps to Starting a Packaging Design Business
As customers, we often don’t understand the depth of the designs of different brands. It’s a way of persuading people’s eyes to give it a second glance and relate to it. Let’s see the things you need to keep in mind while starting your packaging design process:
Design Strategy in Packaging Design Business
At this stage, you need to clarify the primary concerns of the design. For example, consider the guidelines you receive from the brand, the people you target as an audience, and the message you want to portray.
Target Audience
Think about who you want to like your design. Is it for kids who love fun colors, adults, or everyone in between? Knowing the group that will look at your design helps make it right. Imagine what they would enjoy, and make your design friendly to them.
Brand Guidelines
These are like special rules for your design. The brand, or the company, might ask to use a specific color in the design or put their logo somewhere. You should gather as much as possible in advance so you can plan the design before starting.
Core Content
The core message must be stated clearly in the design. It’s like telling a story where each detail is important and plays a role. So, pay attention to what the brand wants in the design and implement it in the art.
Software to Use for Packaging Design Business
Here’s a list of the most useful software you should consider to create your designs for packaging:
Adobe Photoshop
You don’t need to be a designer to know about Adobe Photoshop and its capabilities. This is the most widely used software in the world of graphics. You can paint, edit, and create designs with Adobe Photoshop. For packaging designs, you can refine colors and add elements and very small details manually.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is great for making precise and scalable elements for your packaging. Whether it’s logos, icons, or detailed graphics, you can maintain sharpness and clarity with Adobe Illustrator.
It has tools like Astute Phantasm that allow you to change the color of objects and give them a 3D look, even making 3D pretend versions of your packages.
Adobe Dimension
Adobe Dimension is another great tool from Adobe for 2D and 3D designs. With Adobe Dimensions, you can create fantastic 3D versions of your packages. There are special templates where you can add stickers and pictures.
Canva
Canva is a simplified, easy-to-use tool for beginners. It offers thousands of templates where you can change pictures, edit texts, and add elements as you see fit for your packaging design.
If you’re enthusiastic about making your design by yourself, Canva is the coolest option for you to go with.
When You Believe You’re Ready
If you believe you’re prepared to enter the market with your design skills, here are some steps you should take:
Get Your Design Reviewed
If you design for a brand, many important people will be involved in the entire process of design, like the brand manager, project manager, and copywriter. Ask them what they think of your design. You can even ask special customers what they think. Don’t forget about asking a wise Art Director for advice.
Refinement
At this stage, you polish the design before using it for marketing purposes or submitting it as real work. Make changes in color and graphic imagery if necessary based on the feedback you received.
Platforms You Can Bid on for Packaging Design Business
Private Companies
If you want to design packages for big or small private companies, just send them your designs with a brief introduction of your work and the software you’re an expert on. They might ask for a trial from you.
Restaurants
Restaurants also need eye-catching packaging for food items and home delivery! You can offer your design services to them and help make their takeout packages or menus look delicious before people taste the food.
Food Delivery Apps
Look for opportunities on food delivery platforms like UberEats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. Many restaurants on these platforms look for designers to enhance their online presence through appealing visuals.
On LinkedIn, you can connect with private companies and showcase your portfolio. Many businesses look for talented designers on LinkedIn, opening up possibilities for new projects.
Online Marketplaces
If you want to find design jobs online, there are online places for that:
Fiverr
On Fiverr, you can create a profile and offer your packaging design services. People who need designs might find you, and you can start working on freelance projects!
Upwork
Upwork can also get you international clients for packaging designs.
It’s a great online marketplace where you can offer your packaging design skills to clients all over the world.
PeoplePerHour
Another place to find design work is PeoplePerHour. You can showcase your skills and connect with businesses and individuals looking for packaging design expertise.
Freelancer
Freelancer is a platform where employers post jobs and creative service providers compete to catch them. You can bid on projects from different companies or individuals seeking packaging design services. It’s a great way to find exciting opportunities!
Remember, there are many more that need creative packaging designs on their packages. However, these are the ones to start with.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have enjoyed the journey of starting a packaging design business on your own.
Now that you know, you should start showing off your ability to design. Whether you’re making designs for restaurants, private businesses, or online platforms, picking the right design tool is important. It’s important to have an idea of the individual expertise of each piece of software.
If you have any confusion regarding any of the stages, feel free to email us at info@overnightgraphics.com. We’re here to help you on your creative journey.
