Design Packaging Concepts for Small Brands — How-To with Figma

🎨 Design Packaging Concepts for Small Brands — How-To with Figma

Good packaging isn’t just a box — it’s your brand’s first impression. Whether it’s a chocolate bar, a skincare product, or a handmade candle, the right packaging design tells your brand’s story instantly.

At AI Computer Classes – Indore, students learn how to create visually striking and practical packaging designs using Figma — a tool that’s changing the way designers build digital and print visuals.

This article walks you through a step-by-step guide to designing packaging concepts for small brands using Figma — from research to mockup.

💡 Why Packaging Design Matters for Small Brands

For small businesses, packaging is more than protection — it’s marketing in disguise. A well-designed package can:

• Attract attention on crowded shelves 🛍️
• Build instant brand recall 🌟
• Communicate quality and authenticity 💬
• Influence buying decisions 💸

Think of how Apple’s clean white boxes or Starbucks’ minimalist cups instantly convey brand identity.

Your goal as a designer? Create a packaging concept that speaks directly to your brand’s audience.

🧠 Step 1: Research Your Brand and Product

Before you start designing in Figma, understand the brand personality and audience.

🎯 Key Questions to Ask:

• What emotions should the packaging evoke?
• Who is the target audience (youth, professionals, eco-conscious buyers)?
• What materials or printing styles will be used (paper, plastic, foil)?

For example:

A small organic tea brand might prefer earthy tones, matte finishes, and botanical illustrations — giving a natural and premium look.

💡 Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT to brainstorm color palettes or tagline ideas that match the product mood.

🧩 Step 2: Create a Design Brief

A clear brief helps you stay consistent throughout the process.

Include in your brief:

• Brand name and logo placement
• Packaging dimensions (box, pouch, or label size)
• Typography guidelines (fonts, hierarchy)
• Color scheme
• Mandatory information: Ingredients, barcode, and QR code

At AI Computer Classes – Indore, students practice creating real-world briefs using case studies from small brands.

🖌️ Step 3: Set Up Your Figma Workspace

Open Figma and create a new frame according to the product’s packaging size.

✅ Recommended Setup:

• Frame dimensions based on packaging template (e.g., 15cm x 10cm)
• Add grids or guides for layout alignment
• Create layers for background, logo, text, and graphics separately

💡 Use Figma components for reusable design elements like logos or icons.

If you’re designing a box, prepare separate frames for:

• Front view
• Back view
• Top and side panels

🎨 Step 4: Design the Visual Concept

This is where creativity meets strategy.

Focus on 3 Key Elements:

1. Color Palette: Reflects the brand tone — bold, natural, elegant, or playful.
2. Typography: Clean and legible; use contrast between headings and details.
3. Imagery & Icons: Use vector graphics or product illustrations to enhance aesthetics.

💡 Example: For a handmade soap brand, try:

• Soft pastel colors (lavender, mint green)
• Serif fonts for elegance
• Botanical line art icons

Use Figma’s Plugins like:

• 🎨 Color Palettes for quick scheme generation
• 🖋️ Iconify for professional icons
• 📦 Mockup Studio for 3D packaging visualization

🧃 Step 5: Add Branding Elements

Packaging should instantly identify your brand.

Include:

• Logo — prominent yet balanced
• Tagline or brand slogan
• Social media handles
• Website or QR code

💡 Use QR codes creatively — link to brand story videos or sustainability info.

In Figma, use Smart Layout and Auto Layout to maintain alignment across all sides of the packaging.

🧭 Step 6: Design Back & Side Panels

The back panel usually carries technical details, but it should still align visually with the brand.

Must-have Elements:

• Ingredients or contents list
• Barcode and expiry date space
• Company contact information
• Legal or recycling icons

💡 Keep font sizes readable — especially if the target audience includes older age groups.

At AI Computer Classes, students practice by designing multi-panel packaging layouts for both food and cosmetic brands.

📐 Step 7: Create 3D Mockups in Figma

Seeing your flat design come to life is the most exciting part.

Try These Figma Plugins:

• Mockup Studio – turns your 2D design into 3D visuals
• Artboard Studio – great for photorealistic renders
• Smart Animate – to show opening/closing effects

Once the mockup is ready, export a presentation-ready image for your portfolio or client pitch.

🎥 Students at AI Computer Classes present their packaging mockups with animated reveals using Figma’s prototype feature.

🧰 Step 8: Test & Refine Your Design

Testing ensures the design works in real-world conditions.

Run these checks:

• Does the text remain legible when printed?
• Are colors consistent across materials?
• Does the logo stand out clearly?
• Is the packaging eco-friendly or recyclable?

💡 You can simulate print colors using Figma’s CMYK preview plugins or export files for testing.

🧑‍🎓 Step 9: Practice Project — Create a Mini Brand

At AI Computer Classes – Indore, students build a small brand concept and design complete packaging.

Example Project:

• Product: “Bloom Choco Bites”
• Goal: Fun and youthful look for a chocolate snack
• Design Tools: Figma, Photoshop (optional for textures)
• Deliverables: Box packaging, label, and 3D mockup

This project teaches layout precision, visual balance, and client presentation — essential for freelance or agency jobs.

📈 Step 10: Export & Deliver

When finalizing packaging for print or presentation:

1. Export in PDF (CMYK) or PNG (300 DPI).
2. Ensure bleed areas are included.
3. Compress files for online submission.

💡 Add a final slide with brand name, tagline, and mockup visuals — perfect for portfolios.

🎓 Learn Packaging Design with Figma at AI Computer Classes – Indore

AI Computer Classes offers hands-on Figma training for graphic designers, marketers, and small business owners.

You’ll learn to:

• Build packaging layouts from scratch
• Create mockups for brands
• Use design psychology for better visual storytelling
• Export print-ready designs

👉 Enroll today to turn your design ideas into real-world branding visuals!

📍 Old Palasia, Indore | www.aicomputerclasses.com

🧾 Conclusion

Packaging design is a blend of art, strategy, and communication. With Figma, small brands can visualize their identity professionally without expensive tools.

By following this tutorial, you’ve learned how to:

✅ Research brand goals

✅ Design packaging layouts in Figma

✅ Add branding elements and mockups

✅ Prepare print-ready exports

Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or marketing student, mastering packaging design with Figma gives your work a competitive edge.

Start designing, keep iterating, and let your creativity wrap the brand perfectly! 🎁

📞 Contact AI Computer Classes – Indore

✉ hello@aicomputerclasses.com

📱 +91 91113 33255

📍 208, Captain CS Naidu Building, Near Greater Kailash Road, Old Palasia, Indore, MP 452018

🌐 www.aicomputerclasses.com