Packaging Design 101: Tips for Non-Designers
Starting a small business is thrilling, first you have to read Packaging Design 101 to become a pro, but it comes with many hats to wear—marketer, maker, and, yes, even designer. If the thought of creating custom packaging for your products feels daunting because you’re not a graphic design pro, don’t worry—you’re not alone. At Best Box Store, we’ve helped countless non-designers turn their packaging ideas into reality with our easy, small-batch solutions. You don’t need a degree in design to make your boxes, bags, or labels look amazing. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to designing packaging that wows your customers, and no Photoshop skills are required.
Start with Your Brand’s Vibe
Before you pick colors or fonts, think about what your brand stands for. Are you a cozy bakery with a homemade feel? A sleek tech startup? A quirky gift shop? Your packaging should reflect that personality. Write down three words that describe your business—like “fun, bold, playful” or “elegant, timeless, quality.” These will guide every choice you make, keeping your design cohesive even if you’re new to this.
Keep It Simple (But Not Boring)
As a non-designer, less is often more. A cluttered box with too many fonts or images can confuse customers. Stick to one or two key elements—like your logo and a tagline—and let them shine. Simplicity doesn’t mean plain; it means intentional. A clean design looks professional and lets your product take center stage. If you’re unsure, start with a solid color background and add your brand name in a bold, readable font.
Pick Colors That Pop (Wisely)
Colors aren’t just pretty—they send a message. Blue says trust, red grabs attention, green feels fresh. Choose one or two colors that match your brand vibe and stick to them. Not sure where to start? Look at your product or logo for inspiration. Tools like Canva’s color wheel can help you find complementary shades if you’re feeling stuck. Just avoid neon overload—colors should pop on the shelf, not blind your customers.
Choose Readable Fonts
Fancy fonts might look cool online, but if your customers can’t read your brand name on the box, you’ve lost the plot. Go for clear, legible fonts—think sans-serif styles like Arial or bold classics like Times New Roman for headings. Pair a thicker font for your logo with a simpler one for details like “Made in [Your City].” Test it: if you can’t read it from a few feet away, tweak it.
Test Small, Then Tweak
The best part about designing as a non-designer? You don’t have to get it perfect on the first try. With Best Box Store’s low minimum orders, you can start with just 10 or 20 units to see how your design looks in real life. Hold the box, check the colors, ask a friend—then adjust. Maybe the font’s too small or the logo needs a border. Small batches mean you can experiment without wasting money or storage space.
You’ve Got This!
Designing packaging doesn’t have to be intimidating, even if you’re not an artist. Focus on your brand, keep it simple, play with colors and fonts that work, and test your ideas in small doses. At Best Box Store, we’re here to make it painless—our customization tools and low-quantity options let you bring your vision to life without the stress. Ready to start? Visit bestboxstore.com and design packaging that’s as unique as your business, no design degree needed.
What’s the first thing you’ll put on your box—your logo, a tagline, or a pop of color? Let us know!
