When someone asks us to design packaging, they’re not just asking for a nice label—they’re asking for a system that works across their product, brand, and business. At Studio Friday, packaging is never an afterthought. It’s built from the ground up, just like the brand itself.
Most people see packaging as a visual thing: the colours, the type, the style. But we start much earlier—looking at what the product is, who it’s for, how it’s sold, and what it needs to do out in the real world. Are we designing something that’s going on a shelf, being posted in the mail, or handed out at a market? Is this a one-off release or part of a growing range? These kinds of questions guide everything.
Once we’ve mapped out the constraints, we start shaping the creative. We look at format first—bottle, box, pouch, tube—then materials, finishes, colours, and layout. We always make sure the packaging can scale (across SKUs, sizes, or future ranges) and work in real conditions. Something that looks great on screen but doesn’t print well or is too fiddly to produce won’t cut it.
The branding needs to flow through, but not overpower the product. We think about how the logo sits, what’s legally required (like ingredients, weight, claims), how the hierarchy works, and how people will actually interact with it. Packaging isn’t a poster—it’s functional. It gets picked up, turned around, stacked, stored, opened. All of that affects how we design.
Once the structure’s there, we refine. We test mockups, get feedback, tweak the spacing, simplify where needed. We supply the files properly for production—clearly marked dielines, bleed, colour profiles—and if you’re working with a printer, we can liaise directly to avoid back-and-forth or delays.
At the end, you’re not just left with packaging that looks good—you’ve got something that fits your product, reflects your brand, and can be repeated consistently as you grow. That’s how we approach packaging design.
If your current packaging feels a bit slapped together—or if it worked when you started but doesn’t scale anymore—it might be time to rethink the system. We’d love to help.
