Packaging design might just be one of our most favorite areas of expertise here at Oblique. We wanted to share a few of our (not so secret) secrets on how we approach and execute package design. Everyone knows when it comes to packaging design, it must be eye catching and appealing. Food products need to make consumers salivate, beauty products should be desirable and healthcare products need to look trustworthy and safe. But there are other details that should to be taken into consideration when creating a new package, no matter what what category it falls under. Here at Oblique, we look past the obvious and into the details.

Here are just a few more details we think about when it comes to packaging design:

Packaging Tips:

It’s Not Just a Barcode, It’s a Canvas:

It’s not entirely a new concept, but it may be for some. Morphing barcodes into illustrations is becoming the trendy new fad when it comes to packaging. In the past, adding that dreadful, bulky barcode to a beautifully designed package was deflating to a designer. Now the barcode can be part of the overall design, rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. Businesses may be skeptical as whether or not to take this artistic leap. “What if the barcode won’t scan due to the artwork surrounding it?” In reality, you only need a very small area to actually scan the barcode. That leaves a lot of room for artistic interpretation on our end.

Here are a few of our favorite barcode designs out there:

Use Sustainable Products

Each year, over 33.6 million tons of plastic are discarded into waste landfill sites across the United States. Using recycled materials for packaging, therefore is needed for both our environment and to start seeing savings across manufacturing industries. Recycling materials actually helps to stimulate more economic growth in the long run for your business, and for those across the country. Using recycled products also tends to cost less in packaging, so there is very little reason not to start using recycled materials now. We are happy to announce that our “Love the Wild” packaging is completely made from recycled materials. Not only is the box recyclable, but the sauce trays within the packaging are also recyclable.

Don’t Limit Yourself

At Oblique, we always over deliver. Just ask any of our clients. Packaging needs to really stand out against competitors, because it’s always going to be surrounded by other great or terrible packaging. Below is an example of how diligent we are about showing multiple design directions for our clients:

Power Plant:  ranging from organic farm stand designs to modern pop