Things that look good are important for the environment; they define a particular space. Good packaging or branding can add a great deal of value to a product. It's not just about improving the appearance but the overall product itself. Good packaging is easy to recall. That can be done by adding humour or a fun element to your design. Packaging and branding can also make a difference in the sale of the product. And that's where the feel-good factor lies for packaging and branding designers!
If you're just going to play it safe, chances are you will become predictable and boring. Today, products should be fun rather than being somber. That's what people expect. In today's times, the audience is open to being surprised by being offered something different. Everyone wants to own something totally new. And the only way you can give them that smile on their face is by taking your designs beyond your comfort zone.
Branding is a symbol that speaks for the company it's made for. It's a lot more than just a group of elements that relate to the brand. The concept of branding has evolved, where a logo is meaningful only after it's used. Branding needs to have a story to it, an idea. It's like problem-solving through design. Brand recall is imperative and many people miss out on that these days. It's all about being different and standing out. How well you can tell the story and portray it in the most interesting manner makes all the difference. Absorb the brand's personality and play a little game of Pictionary with yourself. Simply keep in mind, the person looking at the logo should be able to identify with it.
Unfortunately, when it comes to design, a line needs to be drawn at some point. You cannot ignore the client or work without understanding the target audience. Imagine a Venn diagram, where one circle is you, the other is the client and the third circle is that of the target audience. The region of overlap between all three, that little area is where you work. That's how much room you have to show your skills and creativity. That's the challenge, but that's the fun too.