New Project: Create a Package Design and 3D Mockup

Hello Students,
Your new assignment is to create an original package design that can be printed and assembled into a 3 dimensional mockup.

Examples of printed and assembled 3D package design "mockups"

Package Design Process:

• Search for template designs for packages, find one you like or make an original design. Try a google search for "package template(s)". Here is a link I found. Consider using a design that is available in Adobe Dimensions to make your final step easier.
• If you need to, you can outline or trace your template in Illustrator... note the tabs for gluing/taping together and the folding pattern. You may not need this step if making a 3D object with Dimension.
• Come up with a product idea and create a package design, front, back, sides, top and bottom
• Include product name, information, ingredients, bar code, etc... 
• Take time to create interesting designs or illustrations, use your color theory, typography and design skills in all aspects of the package.
• All artwork must be original, no tracing or processing of photographs unless you took the original photo yourself. Tracing other artworks is not allowed, all art, imagery and designs must be original (as possible, yes I know the old "nothing original can be made, it's all been done" argument... I reject that thinking and substitute my own).
• Your project will be graded on originality and complexity of your package design as well as meeting design standards for emphasis, contrast, alignment, clarity, communication.

Assignment Specs:

• Package design must be complete with all required information, nutritional information, weight in ounces, warning labels, recycling labels, etc. Look to real world examples to see what your design should include.
• Your design must apply and consider use of the principles and elements of design
• Your design must have appropriate typography that is clear, legible and communicates effectively.
• Your design must use well thought out color palettes for optimum visibility and contrast
• To present your finished design you will post the flat artwork and a photo or 3D render of your finished assembled package design to your blog.

Problem Based Challenge:

Your client needs a 3D image of your package design, you can create a high quality photograph, or you can delve into the new tool in Adobe's CC package, Dimension.

Challenge: Use Adobe Dimension to create a 3D mockup of your product design that would be appropriate for use in an advertisement, catalog or website.

Watch: Adobe Dimension Tutorial

Watch: 3D Product Visualization with Adobe Dimension

Practice and experiment with the software until you can use it to create a visualization of your original package design.

Resources for inspiration:
Link: 50 Creative Packaging Design Tips

Link: Packaging of the World

Link: Cool Hunter -  Power of the Package Design

Bonus Links:
Vecteezy Free Package Templates in AI Format
Online label generator for nutritional facts, barcodes and QR codes

Simple cereal box package template

Completed cereal package design

Student Examples:

Instead of a physical model, more dynamic mockups can be created with Adobe Dimensions... such as this work sample from Finley Pederson (2020)

Have fun!

 - Mr.W