3D visualization of packaging: how to stop wasting your budget

If you work for a food company and deal with selection of packaging, you know how much funds are spent on preparation of a product for sale.

How this process looks in your company? A designer prepares a prototype, approves every detail and makes required corrections to the unfolding. Then again he/she creates a prototype and receives new edits. New prototype, new edits. Everyone is satisfied. Probably.

If only there was a chance to see a packaging, but not print it… Would it speed up the process? Instead of 6-months preparations of your packaging for future sale, you can get what you want within 2-4 weeks.

What is 3D modeling of packaging?

Using special software a designer creates a packaging model and its unfolding. In the result, you can look at your packaged product in three dimensions.

Why it is necessary?

To avoid suffering while releasing a product. It is easy – you just need to order visualization, receive a realistic model, examine the deficiencies and correct them. That is it.

If your packaging is standardized

Visualization will save you from different problems during product release. You will be able to test a packaging virtually, look how design is overlaid on its surface, check the lock/lid and put it on the shelf.

If you prepare a limited line

Did you decide to save on product development and its packaging, but come up with a creative solution using your full potential? Then do it properly. Why waste all the money and working hours on development of prototypes if you can spend far less funds and reduce time expenditure?

If you are still not convinced

The pictures of 3D model of packaging can be used in advertising campaigns. This is convenient, as you can launch the advertisement and not print the prototype for it. These materials will be appropriate for:

• printed images;
• POS materials;
• posting on the website;
• other digital promotion.

Advantages of 3D modeling

The gods of visualization have come to our sinful lands to let us save not only the money, but also precious time. It seems clear. Corrections are made right on site without any difficulties with prototype reprinting. Apart from already mentioned, you are able to:

• improve the ways of product delivery to a point of sale;
• envisage the damage to a product.

How to start?

Start with a choice of software. Everything depends on complexity of the packaging you intend to develop. If you need a realistic 3D model of packaging with a unique shape or (even) a photo of it on supermarket shelves, you require a professional program for packaging development.

In fact, there are only several programs that are tailored for creation of packaging model, among which is Esko Studio. No matter how long you are going to cry over the cost of this program, only a full package of services will let you:

• visualize packaging with complex and unique shapes;
• receive a full unfolding;
• apply the materials and design to a surface;
• spin a box/bottle as many times as you wish;
• make the visualization in video format (AVI);
• send your packaging directly to the plotter.

Other programs do not have enough features for a fully adequate visualization.

Development of packaging design

We discussed the process itself, but it is still unclear how to start with development and creation of packaging.

1. Concept.

   Packaging should emphasize the strengths of a product, inform a customer, protect a product from damage and fit into the budget. Additional questions may arise with each of these points. What would protect better: wood case or metal case? Which paper tone would bring out calligraphy in a better way? One click – and you can choose the best version of packaging model.

2. Structure.

   Think carefully about the shape that will be perfect for your product. Something doughnut-shaped for doughnuts, something beer-shaped for beer. You should not wrap the waffles with plastic film or stuff a bar soap in a doypack. And do not be afraid to stand out – non-standard construction will separate your product from numerous competitors.

   Previously, a complex shape of packaging required a lot of tests and prototypes. Today all paths to the world filled with awards for the best packaging design are open.

3. Design.

   We will not talk too much about design development. You can easily check our Facebook page; we often share different news and tips. And now…

A simple check-list. What to pay attention to when reviewing your packaging on screen.

• Make sure that all inscriptions are easily readable. The same is for the logo.
• Check how packaging looks on the shelf. A great benefit of Esko is that it allows putting your packaging on supermarket shelf (even of your own supermarket!) as well as placing a lot of them on the pallet.
• Is the space on packaging organized harmoniously enough? Are there a lot of complex elements? Remove that. Probably, a large number of colorful and diverse elements will play against you. Unless you produce beer for rave teenagers.

Obituary for prototypes

It is great if you have a designer among your staff members. That is perfect if he/she creates a required packaging, but practically impossible that he/she also is familiar with Esko and can create a high-quality visualization.

Do you know who can? Our smart guys, Sergey and Dmitriy, who are visualizing tirelessly from dawn till dusk. Sitting and waiting for you, poor men. They will be delighted to make both a construction and design.

Do not make your designers depressed – contact us. We will be happy to tell you even more.