Packaging designer

Packaging designers create designs for containers such as bottles, cartons and boxes. As well as having design skills, packaging designers also need knowledge of packaging materials and processes.

Work activities

Packaging designers create designs for all forms of packaging including bottles, packets, cartons and boxes. They work on their ideas using design tools such as pens, paints and design-related computer software. The shape, colour and message on an item’s package all need to be taken into consideration. Once the packaging designer has an idea of what their client requires (usually in the form of a brief), they make a series of rough sketches, the best of which are refined and presented to the client for approval. Packaging designers may also have to research the market to see what type of designs already exist, as well as research the type of customers who might buy the product. It’s important that the package and the message on the package communicate what is inside and entices people to buy it.

When the best ideas have been chosen, packaging designers make models to see what their design looks like before it is finalised and before production begins. They usually work in two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Packaging designers need to be aware of regulations relating to the packaging they are working on. For example, labelling and size requirements, waste and environmental regulations, copyright, patent and trademark legislations, and health and safety. Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a packaging designer, you need:

Knowledge of a wide range of packaging materials, such as tin, glass, plastic and card.
An awareness of how designs affect the environment, such as when packaging is thrown away.
Knowledge of design-related computer software.
To be creative and think of new ideas.
Problem-solving skills.
To keep up to date with new design developments.
Good communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
Good organisation and planning skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for packaging designers vary with employer and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Packaging designers earn in the range of £23,000 per day, rising to around £40,000. Profit-related bonuses may be awarded on top of a salary.

Packaging designers usually work a basic 40-42-hour week, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers are manufacturing companies (as part of an in-house design team), or you could work for a design consultancy. It may also be possible to work for a manufacturing company that specialises in packaging design. Opportunities for packaging designers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced designers in consultancy and fixed-term contract work. You can obtain this work through specialist recruitment agencies.

What’s happening in this work area?

The design sector now operates in a very commercial global market, including strong economies, for example, India and China. However, the strong growth of the UK service industry has led to the opening up of new markets and helped the design sector to achieve a position of strength. Technology has helped to greatly speed up the design process, making it possible for designers to take on many more projects. However, fewer people are now required to complete tasks, resulting in a very competitive recruitment market.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in design industry magazines/journals, on all the major job boards and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services. It’s a good idea to build up a network of relevant contacts as not all design jobs are advertised. Making speculative job applications can also be effective.

Entry routes and training

A common route into this career is via a foundation course in art and design followed by a degree, HNC, HND or foundation degree in a subject like graphic design, product design or three-dimensional design. Some of these courses may have options in packaging design.

A level 6 degree apprenticeship in the role of packaging professional is also a great place to start.

Training will mainly be on-the-job. The Packaging Society provides information on relevant training options.

With experience, it may be possible to move into managerial positions. There may also be opportunities to go into the consulting side of the industry.

Qualifications

The usual entry requirements for a relevant Foundation course are:

One to two A-levels. You’ll need an A-level in art or in an art-based subject.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in four to five subjects. Some courses ask that you have a pass in English.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

A BTEC level 3 National Diploma in art and design.
An advanced apprenticeship.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

Many other qualifications are also accepted so check prospectuses for more details. The entry requirements for relevant HNCs, HNDs and foundation degrees are similar to those needed for the foundation course mentioned above. If you go on to a degree directly, you’ll usually need:

Two or more A-levels. Many courses ask that you have at least a B grade in an art-based subject.
Four or five GCSEs at grades 9-4. A pass in English is often required.

If you wish to enter this career through a degree apprenticeship, you will need:

Two A-levels in relevant subjects.
GCSEs in English and maths.

To enter any course in art and design, you’ll need a portfolio of your work.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained as an assistant in a design studio or workshop, or in a design consultancy are valued. Experience in related fields, such as advertising or marketing, is also useful. Commercial awareness and an understanding of the packaging industry is an advantage. To enter this career or relevant courses, you need to have a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative ability.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required. They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses. It’s also possible to do a part-time art foundation course, which leads to a degree or HND course. Higher National Certificate (HNC) courses are also available part-time, often in the evenings and/or in the daytime. Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from candidates who don’t meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with experience in arts, crafts or design. You should check the admissions policy of individual universities and HE colleges.

Relevant courses at various levels in graphic design are offered by some centres, by distance learning. The Packaging Society also offers relevant courses.

Related careers

Designer
Glass designer
Graphic designer
Packaging technologist
Textile designer