I identified quickly that the packaging wasn’t up to par with even modern standards and the printing was way off. So I deep dove into preparing new die-line files and updated fonts and typesetting. The slight adjustments created a new language on how to layout the brands ingredients list, active features, logo placement and color call outs. Much more professional.

Sometimes packaging and products don’t get updated at the same time so when it came to working on the Minerals in the Mist spray packaging I came up with a shape that wrapped around the bottle so we can pop it in the window and now use 1 box for 3 flavors. We included all the ingredients on the back for all 3. This cut down costs on packaging and waste of boxes of products that don’t sell better than another. It gave it a new modern way to show it on the shelf. I silhouetted the bottle outline on the front and printed it in metallic silver. Packaging engineering was developed between Royal Paperbox and myself.

Work with the printer and get help from their packaging engineer no matter how simple the box or complex. They have a wealth of knowledge to take you to the next level. Have them provide the die-line they’ll want to print from and just drop in the graphics and provide all the links and art in accordance to their printing standards. Usually include Pantone call outs, collect fonts, links and layout doc, in a compressed folder. Include a version where all the text is converted to outlines and include a PDF that’s PDF/X-1a:2001 settings or ask them how they prefer the files. Follow up often and ask for Proofs to review color and layout from their system side of things. Sign them or solve any issues that may arise. Then go to press and proof against those sheets. After sign-off, get press proofs for yourself to confirm you signed off on those and later when the books are bound you have a proof of what the color should look like in the book and sometimes a printer may have color drift a little so don’t freak out. As long as it’s within reason. Don’t hesitate to question any differences you didn’t approve or know about.

Always create in the CMYK color settings and work with Pantone colors and if your client can’t afford all the colors be sure to convert the colors that can widthstand the CMYK conversion without too much color shift in order to bring the color count down to what the printing press can handle and the budget. Foils, embossing and other special effects are all done outsourced anyway so account for the timing on those items too. Have your rep introduce you and do a walk through in their facility. Learn how it generally works so you don’t have to fear where it’s at in the process or if your client has questions.