Working with me! The Packaging Design Process.
- Réka Hamar
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
I design custom packaging that not only looks great, but also tells your customer what your product offers and stands out from the shelves. During my travels, one of the main and exciting tourist attractions for me when I am visiting local supermarkets to analyze packaging designs. ( Don't believe me? My phone is full of packaging photos from Vietnam to Colombia. ) These travels aren’t just for fun (though… they are fun). They’ve directly shaped the way I design for real, local audiences. Like how my trip to Malta inspired the Mediterranean look and feel of Melita's hair care packaging. My time in Switzerland gave me a deeper sense of what “clean” design really means — which came in handy for designing packaging with a true Swiss aesthetic. And Greece? That one helped me bring cultural depth and elegance to Ambroseli’s packaging. From cosmetics to beverages, and skincare to pet products, I’ve worked across a wide range of industries to create packaging that stands out on the shelf and aligns perfectly with the brand behind it.
In 2023, I was honored with a gold medal for packaging design at the International Canned Wine Competition for the Swiss wine brand Wiihaa — a playful, design-led product with a strong shelf presence.
I’ve also created premium packaging for wellness brands like Melita Organics, and since 2021, I’ve worked with Kadonation on custom voucher and sleeve designs for major clients, including Lidl, Daikin, Volkswagen, Canon, Baloise, AG Insurance, TotalEnergies, and more. In these projects, I ensure that every piece is on-brand, seasonally relevant, and fully prepped for flawless print production — including reviewing and correcting external client files.
Whether it's a label, a sleeve, a box, a pouch, or a full line of product packaging — I design with purpose, and I manage every detail with care.
So, how does my Packaging Design Process work?
Before We Begin
Initial Inquiry You reach out with your product and vision. Share as much as you can about your existing brand, brand book, inspiration, and your packaging needs. This helps me guide you to the right solution from the start.
Discovery Call
We’ll jump on a call to discuss your product, your goals, and the scope of your packaging needs. I’ll answer any questions, assess what kind of packaging format suits your product best, and we’ll review any existing brand identity or guidelines.
Project Proposal
After the call, I’ll send you a detailed project proposal that includes:
Scope and deliverables
Timeline estimate
Design examples
Pricing– FAQ
Project calendar
Terms of Service
Once approved and the contract is signed, we’re ready to begin.
The Design Process

1. Research & Discovery
I start the project by researching your industry and analyzing your competitors.
I’ll identify what they do well, what’s missing, and how your product packaging can stand out. This step gives us the strategic foundation to build something truly unique and relevant to your audience.

2. Creative Directions
You’ll receive two mood boards tailored to your packaging needs.
Each direction includes a color palette, packaging layout references, typography suggestions, illustration or style inspiration, and a written explanation of how the packaging will look and why.
You’ll choose the one that fits best, and we’ll move forward with that direction.

3. Packaging Development
Once a direction is selected, I’ll begin designing your packaging.You’ll receive:– A 2D flat layout on your provided dieline– 3D mockups to see the design in action
Note: Dielines and final text must be provided before this step.

4. Revisions & Refinements
Based on your feedback, I’ll refine the chosen concept. This step is collaborative; we’ll focus on polishing the details until the final design feels fully aligned with your vision. During any phase of the process, I am more than happy to share my knowledge and answer any of your questions, guiding you on what works, what's not, or what alternative solutions I can offer you.

5. File Delivery & Brand Book
Once the design is approved, I’ll deliver all final print-ready files, clearly organized and labeled for your print provider.
If the project includes multiple SKUs or packaging formats, the adaptation will be created once the first packaging design is fully approved, so I can follow it and make sure the whole line is consistent.

Wrap-Up & What’s Next
Launch Day!
Everything is ready, time to share your new packaging with the world.
Ongoing Support
Once your packaging design is complete, I’m here to support you with anything else you need to keep things consistent and visually strong. Whether it's other packaging designs, custom icons, illustrations, social media visuals, website design, or other brand materials. We can keep building together.
You won’t have to explain your brand from scratch again. I already know it inside out, and I’m just a message away.
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