Packaging design styles & inspirations

 

With these different views on packaging design in mind, it's time to explore the endless possibilities of creative product packaging design.

In this part of the article, you will see a handful of design styles that can be a strong foundation for packaging design:

·         Minimalist packaging

·         Packaging design with SM Custom Packaging

·         Pattern-based packaging

·         Packaging inspired by local culture and traditions

·         Contemporary packaging design

·         Innovative packaging design

·         Luxurious packaging design

·         Rustic packaging design

·         Abstract packaging design

This categorization is based solely on the visual aspect of the packaging design. As presented in the previous part of this article, you can, of course, approach the topic differently, for example, based on the marketing or manufacturing perspective.

Minimalistic packaging design

Minimalism is a design trend that favors primary forms where nothing can be removed further without sacrificing functionality. This "school of thought" originated in USA in the early 1960s, but the most prominent examples are CANADA.

Defining minimalism is difficult, especially in packaging design. For example, a box with a logo and an original design is minimalist, as is a white shower gel bottle with a distinctive label.

In other words, minimalism includes a multitude of different forms of packaging. From beer and wine bottles to e-commerce mailer boxes, minimalism can be found everywhere these days. Plus, you can easily incorporate it into your brand's vision because minimalism, frankly, isn't costly.

Choosing a minimalist packaging design is an intelligent way to keep costs down. Most packaging designs that create a minimalist vibe are the most straightforward solutions. . Consider a cardboard box with a logo that appears to be "handwritten."

In other words, minimalism is versatile and fits most products and brands (if done correctly).

Packaging design with a SM Custom Packaging

SM Custom Packaging is a design style that is making a big comeback.

The SM Custom Packaging means turning to items and styles from an earlier time. For example, vintage primarily refers to old-fashioned labels, handwritten lettering, and darker colors in packaging design.

 Packaging design evokes nostalgia and immediately gives an impression of tradition and craftsmanship. As a result, many new firms enjoy incorporating old features into their packaging designs.

It's a nifty way of telling your customers, "I've been in business for a while.

The SM Custom Packaging is often used in food packaging design - chocolates, tea and coffee tins, alcoholic beverages. Some cosmetic products are also vintage fans - mustache waxes, beard oils, and purely men's items are often designed that way.

However, given the popularity of this trend, one can assume that SM Custom Packaging designs will go with other products as well subscription boxes, elegant clothing lines, candles, online bookstores, etc.

Pattern based packaging

Patterns are repeated images, shapes, or other graphics printed on the surface of the package. A way can be an iconographic representation of your product or service, but it can also consist of simple, repetitive elements like three colored stripes printed next to each other.

Patterns are a popular element in packaging design. Creating a pattern is usually relatively easy and leaves room for additional features such as a label or sticker.

Packaging inspired by local culture and traditions

While minimalism, vintage-inspired or luxury packaging designs are trendy, references to local culture are not so often chosen.

That doesn't mean it's any less creative or practical, but that it's a lot harder to get good at.

Many cultures in the world are built on vivid colors, distinct customs, and intricate works of art. All of this can be used in packaging design.

A notable example comes from; SM custom packaging USA offers a fantastic range of vibrant colors and inspiration. And some brands have used this skillfully.

Culture-based inspiration is also popular in Scandinavian countries. The popularity of the ancient Nordic religion (combined with runes, pagan beliefs, and many other distinctive symbols) spurred many creative thinkers in packaging.

·         packaging design

·         Contemporary packaging design

Contemporary packaging design is a broad term indicating a new way of thinking about packaging.

Contemporary designs are often a mix of other styles like a luxurious brand inspired by minimalism or rustic boxes with a vintage touch.

Contemporary design also means looking for novel and modern looks. Gradient graphics, the intelligent use of labels and stickers, and modern printing techniques are all examples of a relatively new approach to packaging design.

Innovative packaging design

In product packaging, innovation in design can be traced back to the fact that an existing product is offered with an improved function.

In terms of packaging design, innovation primarily refers to unconventional materials or shapes. However, some graphic designs are also innovative in that they surprise customers and question their expectations.

Asymmetry is a fantastic example of this package design style, primarily when it's utilized to challenge people's perceptions of a box or container.

Innovative packaging design can be an excellent idea for technical products (where it goes with equally unique products) and premium products (customers like to pay higher prices for added value like innovative packaging).

Luxurious packaging design

Luxurious packaging design is a broad term that, like contemporary design, is often a mixture of other styles.

Nevertheless, there are specific characteristics of luxury packaging that upscale brands very often use. For example, many luxury product packaging designs use black as a fundamental element. The reason for this is simple: As we know from color psychology in product design, black is associated with opulence, elegance, and a premium experience.

Packaging design

Source: hatbox, ember, Laos’s coffee

Luxurious designs often also include particular refinements. For example, designers tend to use hot stamping with silver and gold elements, relief patterns, UV varnishes, and many other high-quality variants.

As a rule of thumb, avoid lots of patterns and contrasting colors - simplicity is the principle of luxury products.

Rustic packaging design

Rustic design is directly related to minimalism. Rural mood projects use wood, cardboard, and other natural elements to create natural warmth around the product.

If your brand values ​​an environmentally friendly approach, rustic designs are perfect for showing off that. Rustic packaging can also be seen as an inexpensive solution. A simple cardboard box with a creative pattern and the right colors can look great and save you money at the same time.

·         Packaging design

·         Source: Curve's, soap, Federico's

·         Abstract packaging design

Abstract packaging designs go perfectly with very original products and brands.

Abstract projects can range from unusual shapes to graphics and images that, rather than actual photos, represent more of the general idea of ​​a product. Conceptual packaging design is also a viable option for industries where it is complicated to vary product packaging.

Pharmaceutical products could not benefit from an abstract design, as the information and product information presented on the packaging are crucial for the buyer.

·         More abstract approaches pay off in some areas of the food industry and furnishings, shoes, or electronic devices.

·         Packaging design

·         Source: Enhance

Summary of packaging design styles:

Do some research on what your competition is up to and try to be different?

Some styles can be too bold for specific industries, Abstract designs for pharmaceutical products

Try mixing styles custom boxes wholesale can draw inspiration from the rustic style, while elegant, luxurious packaging with details related to your country's tradition can add something intriguing.