Packaging design — design studio in Zagreb
Zale Design Studio designs packaging for single products and product lines. The design includes a 3D mock-up and print-ready artwork.
What packaging design includes
Packaging protects the product in storage and transport, but on the shelf it has another job: to stand out from the competitors right next to it. Good design catches the eye and, at the same time, gives the customer all the information they need. Space is limited, and legally required details such as ingredients and the best-before date have to fit alongside the design, so it must never be overcrowded.
Packaging design for a single product includes:
- packaging design to the dieline (technical drawing) from your packaging manufacturer,
- a 3D mock-up for presentations, the web and sales,
- layout of the mandatory information you supply,
- print-ready artwork.
A product line covers an umbrella design and its variants for several products, so each one is easy to recognise while the range stays coherent.
Who packaging design is for
Producers of food and drink, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and building products, and any company launching a new product or refreshing an existing range.
Packaging design examples
For the Sitolor paint factory from Slavonski Brod we designed packaging for the entire range of paints and varnishes in the Duralin, Duralux, Dekor and Aqua Deck collections. Each product group has a recognisable design, with colours and textures changing by product type. For Victa Food from Karlovac we designed packaging for four semi-prepared meat products sharing one umbrella design, each with its own colour, text and photo. For the energy drink Hyper we designed packaging in yellows and reds set against dark blue and black.
How we design packaging
Before designing, we look at the shelf: what competitors look like, who the product speaks to and how much space is left after the mandatory information. On that basis we propose a solution, refine it with you and prepare files for the printer.
See our work in the packaging category, and tips in How packaging helps sell a product. If you only need a label for a bottle or jar, see label design.
Our process
Enquiry and dieline
Send us a product description, the packaging dieline and the mandatory information. We reply with a quote and deadline.
Shelf analysis
We study the competition and the customer the product is aimed at, then propose a design direction.
Design and 3D mock-up
We develop the chosen solution, show it on a 3D model and refine it based on your comments.
Print-ready files
We deliver print-ready files, and for a product line a separate file for each variant.
Selected work
Packaging →
Frequently asked questions about packaging design
How long does packaging design take?
It depends on the number of products, the complexity of the pack and how quickly your feedback arrives. We confirm the exact deadline in the quote once we have seen the dieline and the scope.
Which industries do you design packaging for?
We have designed packaging for food (Victa Food, Goldcorn), drinks (Hyper) and paints and varnishes for construction (Sitolor). We also design packaging for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
What is a 3D mock-up?
It is a realistic rendering of the packaging on a three-dimensional model. You can use it to approve the design before printing, and for your online shop, catalogues and social media before the first print run arrives.
Is printing included?
No. We design and prepare print-ready files; printing and packaging production are arranged separately. We're happy to recommend a printer.