Packaging design
Packaging design refers to the design of the exterior of a product package as it appears on retail shelves or in distribution. It includes the selected materials, structural format, required product information, and the visual elements of your brand, such as graphics, colors, and typography.
Effective packaging design supports product presentation, helps communicate key information to buyers, and ensures the package is suitable for production. It also contributes to the overall user experience and helps differentiate the product from competitors.
Merchandise design
Merchandise design is the process of creating visual assets for products that represent a brand or organization. This includes apparel, accessories, stationery, promotional items, and other merchandise featuring the brand’s logo, graphics, or messaging.
Merchandise design ensures that branded products align with the brand’s identity and are suitable for their intended audience and use. It supports brand recognition and visibility while enabling the creation of consistent, branded physical items.
This guide explains:
Packaging and merchandise design services are included in all Superside subscriptions.
What you gain
Superside’s packaging and merchandise design services are designed to create measurable value for your brand and business:
Brand-aligned designs reinforce your identity, values, and messaging across every touchpoint for greater clarity and consistency.
Distinctive, eye-catching visuals strengthen market presence and help products stand out from competitors.
Cohesive execution across packaging and merchandise reinforces credibility and trust.
Thoughtful, engaging design contributes to positive user experiences.
These elements support customer engagement, repeat purchases, and overall sales performance.
Types of packaging and merchandise projects
The following is an overview of what we deliver as part of our custom design services:
Packaging design: Refreshed or new custom product packaging design that is eye-catching, practical, and ready for production.
Event collateral: Merch design services for enterprise events, focused on creating memorable giveaways.
Corporate gifting: Thoughtful branded items that show appreciation and build connection.
Custom kits: Curated sets of popular items for campaigns, onboarding, and other initiatives.
Merchandising design: Swag and giveaways designed for your audience.
Apparel design: Branded clothing designed to feel premium and on-brand.
Business applications
Our services extend beyond product packaging and merchandise design. We support a wide range of formats and needs, including campaign execution beyond the initial brief.
Retail and DTC (Direct-to-Consumer): Packaging design solutions for consumer packaged goods.
Events and activations: Merchandising, apparel, signage, giveaways, and collateral.
Employee engagement: Onboarding and culture-building initiatives supported by apparel, kits, and swag.
Sales and client gifting: Branded giveaways designed to support relationship-building and ongoing connections.
Corporate programs: Design systems that enable a strategic approach to gifting, culture, and employer branding.
Shipping and unboxing: Packaging systems for product drops, influencer gifts, and direct mailers.
Engagement structure
Our process is designed to move projects efficiently from idea to production while maintaining clarity and alignment at every stage.
Brief submission: Submit your brief, timelines, and brand guidelines through the platform. Include inspiration or references, as well as dielines, specifications, or restrictions.
Estimate and plan: A project manager (PM) reviews the brief, provides an estimate, and confirms the timeline.
Creative exploration: Designers co-develop concepts with your team, tailored to your needs, audience, and format.
First draft: An initial version is delivered to gather feedback and ensure early alignment.
Revisions: The design is refined based on your input to ensure it is impactful and ready to proceed.
Final production files: Once the artwork is approved, files are prepared for print and exported according to the supplied guidelines. Print-ready files are then uploaded for production or dispatch.
The exact process and sequence might vary depending on project scope, complexity, and specific business needs.