Advanced Packaging Design Class

learn packaging and product design online

Advanced Packaging Design In this class, you'll learn how to create packaging designs from seasoned pro Laura Schwamb. You'll learn how to design packages for a wide variety of projects, clients, and customers. Class concepts include seeing and designing in three dimensions, mass vs. prestige design, designing for target markets, playful design, product lines, and new product launches.

Portfolio projects include the designing of pizza store boxes, champagne bottles, fragrance cartons, and more. This class is geared to students interested in product packaging and creating portfolio-quality design work.

On this page: enrollment details | instructor | class projects and objectives | prerequisites

Class Title: Advanced Packaging Design Start Date: Classes start daily. Enroll today and gain immediate access. Class Length: Three months of access to class materials and instructor feedback. Instructor: Laura Schwamb Other details: Self-paced, online, 24 access to online learning environment
	Tuition: $803

Class Instructor Bio: Laura Schwamb is the co-founder of Steam Design Group and the founder of Sign Off, a press check, quality control company. Before starting STEAM, she worked as Senior Art Director for L'Oreal's European Designer Fragrance Division, running brands such as Giorgio Armani, Guy Laroche, and Lanvin. Laura has been responsible for the creative direction of several fragrance launches, including all related packaging, print, p.o.p., special promotions, launch show parties, and special events. With Steam she launched the Surface line of men's skin care by Aramis for Estée Lauder and Maxwell's Apothecary line of men's skin care. LEFT: Image from Advanced Packaging Design with Laura Schwamb. Laura presents her own professional packaging design client engagements as case studies.

Class Projects and Objectives:

This online class is packed with projects and tips. Students can expect to: 

• Learn about some standard types of 3D packages.
• Learn how product, audience, and placement all influence a package design.
• Learn the key elements of a package composition.
• Explore the options and processes of folding carton production.
• Read and understand a client brief.
• Design a pizza box and a single ink color.
• Design a carry-out bag and a single ink color.
• Incorporate specific design styles suggested in the client brief.
• Understand the members and goals of the mass and prestige audiences.
• Explore specific techniques and examples and of packaging for each audience.
• Learn the production and budgetary concerns and options for each audience.
• Take a real-life store tour to compare mass and prestige packaging.
• Read and understand a client brief.
• Design a prestige carton based on given information.
• Create a flat and 3D version of the artwork.
• Present a sample of counter animation for the artwork with given specifications.
• Learn how marketing research is derived and how to do your own user research.
• Learn to create a user profile to better understand an audience.
• Learn to use packaging comparisons to decide what appeals to an audience.
• Learn specific techniques for designing for your audience.
• Explore case studies of packaging designs and demographics.
• Read and understand a client brief.
• Select a band whose image you will redesign.
• Research the audience using the supplied demographics.
• Design a new CD cover and disc according to the audience and brief.
• Take a close look at several very different playful package case studies.
• Explore the usage of typography in playful design.
• Learn about the balance needed between design elements in playful design.
• Learn some rules for playful color, type, shape, and other elements.
• Read and understand a client brief.
• Design specific Lego pieces based on the client specifications.
• Design a Lego carton for the special pieces using a playful, unique style.
• Learn the steps involved in designing for a product line.
• Learn how to handle branding and other elements as part of a product line.
• Learn how to update a line, extend a line, and design a line from scratch.
• Read and understand a client brief.
• Research a client's brand online and in stores.
• Create two flat designs for all fours sides of a champagne carton.
• Create a final presentation for both designs.
• Learn to choose appropriate components for visual and materials audit boards.
• Understand how professional audit boards are designed and presented to clients.
• Learn about the final presentation and review process of a design.
• Examine a complete case study detailing a product launch from start to finish.
• Read and understand a client brief.
• Research a client's brand online and in stores.
• Create a visuals board and materials board to prepare for the design.
• Design a carton and bottle based on specific brief information.
• Create a formal, final presentation of your work