Master packaging design from fundamentals to sustainability, creating visually striking solutions that respect the environment
Specialization
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6 modules
Discover the art of designing packaging that not only protects and sells products, but also respects the environment and connects emotionally with consumers. From the fundamentals of design to the latest trends in sustainability, this specialization guides you step-by-step in creating innovative and creative solutions. Learn to combine aesthetics and functionality, reflecting the essence of the brand and forging an emotional connection with customers. Experts from After, FIBRA, Arcal Studio, Tatabi Studio, and Paulina Carrizosa will accompany you on this learning journey.
Explore how packaging design can be a powerful ally for brand identity. Develop cohesive packaging systems that reinforce each brand's personality and values, using professional and sustainable methodologies. Acquire the skills necessary to create sustainable packaging systems for e-commerce and discover how innovation in materials and processes can transform your designs into visually impactful solutions. By the end, you will have a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to create innovative and sustainable proposals, preparing you to work with clients or develop your own brand.
What will you learn in this specialization?
A total of 6 modules and 71 lessons
A total of 9h 11m of vídeo lessons
Taught by 5 selected expert teachers
Module 1
Get inspired
Hello, welcome to this Domestika specialization course.
Packaging is much more than a box: it's a message, an experience, and a connection. In this stage, you'll explore the creative universe of Alfonso Fernández, Andrea Gálvez and Martín Bedoya, Andrea and Daniela Quintero, Elena Sancho, and other professionals who transform each project into an opportunity to communicate. You'll discover what inspires them, how they understand design from a strategic perspective, and what values guide their creative decisions. Through their visions, you'll begin to build your own and understand how packaging can become identity, value, and emotion for any brand.
1
Introduction
Much more than just wrapping: packaging is design, identity, and emotion all in one. In this journey, you'll discover how form, function, and sustainability can come together to transform a brand. From innovative materials to disruptive ideas, get ready to create packaging that cares for the planet… and captivates the user at first glance.
2m
2
Influences | After
In this lesson I will tell you what my influences have been since I was a child, also what are the branding studies that I most admire, what I have learned from them and how they impact my work. Finally, I'll tell you about how I found inspiration in simplicity through a filmmaker.
8m
3
Influences | FIBRA
In this lesson we will show you some books that inspire us to think differently.
9m
4
Influences | Arcal Studio
Now that you know our history, we are going to talk to you about our most important influences and we are going to explain how they have helped us to give our work a unique touch. We will also talk to you about the things that inspire us and that nurture us as creatives.
4m
5
Influences | Tabatti Studio
Next, I will show you examples of some brands that are doing a good job creating sustainable packaging with a careful design. Projects that I like and inspire me.
7m
6
Influences | Paulina Carrizosa
While I could mention many more influences from all artistic fields, I'll now introduce you to some of my references from art, design, and other disciplines that inspire my work today.
3m
Module 2
Product Packaging Design for Beginners
Alfonso Fernández designs with strategy in mind. With years of experience in branding and packaging, his creative vision is shaped by market awareness, cultural insight, and a deep understanding of how brands communicate through form and function. His approach blends intuition and analysis, showing how packaging can be more than just a container—it can tell a story, build trust, and spark desire.
3
Brief history of packaging
Have you ever wondered where it all started? In this lesson I will take you on a brief tour of the history of packaging. It is not a history class but it does seem important to understand a little what happened so that today we recognize brands so much for the designs of their packaging.
5m
4
Audit
In this lesson you will learn the importance of analyzing before designing. The best way to understand your client's needs is by doing research, because it will help you a lot to support your designs and to understand the behavior of your brand and your competition. Investigating you will discover things that even your client had not noticed and that will contribute to making your work feel more professional. There are always things to discover in a brand audit.
5m
5
Radiography 1
Here you will learn the importance of analyzing a package in detail. If you are facing a redesign, this tool is essential to realize what are all the elements that go into the composition of a package.
15m
6
Radiography 2
This methodology will help you so that both you and your client can understand the way forward towards the final design.
13m
7
Territory
This is one of the most important tools that you can use to your advantage in your presentations, because it will allow you to make clear the path you want to take when designing and also the path you do not want to travel. Your client will be calmer and so will you because they will agree before starting to design.
4m
8
Materials and types of printing
Here you will learn the importance of choosing the right materials for your design proposal since the success of your project depends on it. When you take into account from the beginning the material on which you are going to print, you will know before designing what elements you have to consider, for example: whether or not you can include photographs, illustration, number of inks, font size, etc.
13m
9
Concept
In this lesson you will learn to focus your ideas until you find the ideal one for your project and to achieve this you will have to use a pencil and paper. Forget about the computer, it's about you and your imagination. From a pencil and paper came the great ideas of humanity and yours has to come from there as well. Everything that comes to mind you will draw because one idea feeds the other and you will make a selection by territories to organize yourself.
6m
10
Proposals
Once you have the ideas in pencil and you have chosen where you are going to go, you will make a more specific outline that will help you to have a clearer path and not be rehearsing to see what comes out. With a clear north it is much easier to make the sketch.
4m
11
Packaging design
Now your idea will begin to materialize and you will take your sketch to digital. Here you will have to choose which color palettes you are going to use (first being guided by the material you are going to print on), you will also choose fonts and the appropriate sizes.
11m
12
Mock-ups
In this lesson you will learn how to capture your design in the most realistic way possible. This will help you sell your proposal better and your client will be more confident that what they are seeing will look a lot like the final result.
5m
13
Client presentation
Finally, you will learn to focus on the most relevant and appropriate topics so that your ideas are perfectly understood. A good presentation usually ends with good results, but it is important that it has an order and a sequence that allows your client to understand the decisions you made and better appreciate the project.
4m
14
How to document your project
In this lesson you will learn how to choose the best way to document your project for your website. This will help you to show your work as well as possible and look more professional. The final finish is essential for your future clients to get a better idea of what you are capable of doing for them.
7m
Module 3
Brand Design and Packaging
How do you build a visual identity that connects from the very first moment? For the FIBRA team, it all starts with deeply understanding the essence of the project. Andrea Gálvez and Martín Bedoya combine strategic thinking with creative sensitivity, drawing inspiration from the cultural environment, the entrepreneur’s motivations, and the impact they aim to create. Their way of working turns each brand into a unique territory to explore and inhabit.
4
Brief written
In this lesson we will explain why it is important to have a good Brief and why, in addition to containing questions closely related to the business, it should contain more personal and even existential questions about your client.
10m
5
Customer visit
Something that is important to us is visiting our client's facilities. Here we can find traits of the company culture, see what type of packaging they use, what limitations they have, etc. In this lesson, we will tell you what to observe and ask when visiting your client's facilities.
3m
6
Briefing meeting
In this lesson, we will explain why it is necessary to make the customer a bit uncomfortable. What and how you should ask and for what.
5m
7
Contrabrief
In this lesson we will explain why it is important to confront what the client says he is, with what we have seen, both during the visit and at the meeting. The objective of the Contrabrief is to stay with what the brand really is. From this exercise the Core of the brief should come out, which will be the true roadmap of the project.
8m
8
Competitor analysis
In this lesson we will teach you to reduce the competition in three words.
4m
9
Map of territories
In this lesson, you will see how to create the map of competitors before the arrival of your brand.
3m
10
Golden circle
In this lesson you will understand what Simón Sinek (creator of the concept Golden Circle ) says has to do with our process.
3m
11
Our territory
2m
12
Brand personality
Once the brand's territory is defined, we are in a position to develop its personality. In this lesson we will see how we combine the brand's personality with the territory and purpose that we have developed.
2m
13
Big idea
In this lesson, you will learn to find an idea that supports all creative communication.
4m
14
Graphical analysis of the competition
In this lesson, we will do a graphical analysis of the competition at your point of sale. This stage serves us mainly to see what graphic spaces the competition is occupying.
7m
15
Moodboard and budgets
In this lesson, we are going to see in pictures everything that we have worked on so far. This moodboard must be 100% aligned with the conceptual part.
4m
16
Graphic path
At this stage you will just put your graphic execution to the test with your client. Learn how to deal with it!
2m
17
Packaging design
In this lesson, we will tell you what things you should keep in mind and what mistakes you should avoid, before developing the packaging design.
3m
18
Definition of the graphic system
It is necessary that you present the graph applied to different formats. In this part you will see how a range of possibilities is opened from a package.
1m
19
Project closure
In this lesson you will understand that you were not designing a product but defining yourself.
2m
Module 4
Introduction to Packaging Design for Brands
Andrea and Daniela Quintero design with emotion in mind. Their approach begins with creating visual experiences that captivate at first sight. Through their work at Arcal Studio, they draw inspiration from feminine universes, local narratives, and current trends to create packaging with its own character. Their vision combines intuition and attention to detail, crafting pieces that not only look good but also create connection and leave a lasting impression.
3
Importance of Packaging
In this lesson we will talk about the project you will do in this course. We will also explain the importance of having good packaging.
3m
4
To Plan
We come to the first stage of the packaging creation process: planning. In this lesson we will explain how to read a brief and how to follow the rules of a brand manual.
5m
5
Research
Now we are going to start the investigation stage based on the information in the brief. At this stage you will immerse yourself in the world and industry of the product.
4m
6
Mood Boards
To start this unit, we will tell you what a mood board is and we will explain how to create it digitally.
5m
7
Formats and Types of Packaging
In this lesson, you will see how we analyze different types of packaging and formats for our packaging. We will also show you how to choose the most suitable one.
2m
8
The Fonts
Now we are going to give you some basic notions of typography and we will recommend our favorite sites where you can search for font families. We will also talk about hierarchies and typographic compositions and, finally, you will see which ones we selected for our case study.
8m
9
Explore Color
In this lesson we will talk about the importance of color and the psychology behind it. In addition, we will give you tips to choose the right color for your packaging.
3m
10
Explore the Graphic Elements and Create the Visual Universe
Finally, we will talk to you about the complementary graphic elements and you will see how to start composing the visual universe of the packaging.
15m
11
How to Present to the Client and Create Mock-ups
In this lesson we will show you the scheme we follow to present our designs and we will share with you some resources that will make your presentation shine. We will also talk about what mock-ups are and why they are so important when showing the client your designs.
8m
12
Mechanical Drawing and Prepare the Final Art
Next, we'll explain what a mechanical blueprint is, how to fit your design to this document, and how to prepare your final print-ready artwork.
6m
13
Printing Techniques and Finishes
Finally, in this lesson we want to show you our favorite printing techniques and finishes with examples that we have done in our studio.
6m
Module 5
Sustainable Packaging Design for E-commerce
Sustainability can also be innovative. Elena Sancho proves it with every project she creates at Tatabi Studio, where conscious design meets a bold and functional aesthetic. Her focus is on the visual and environmental impact of every decision, and her creative universe is fueled by reusable materials, sensory experiences, and new ways of connecting with the consumer through the packaging itself.
4
Ways to Be Sustainable
The eco trend can be overwhelming and confusing because of the amount of concepts out there. In this lesson I will explain the most important ones and we will see the different options you have to create an eco-friendly packaging to sell products online.
8m
5
The Bases of the Project
Before starting to design the packaging, it is important to think about certain important aspects of the project and gather the appropriate information. Now I will explain a key piece of the process: how to prepare a good briefing.
11m
6
The Concept and Aesthetics
In this lesson, we will decide on the concept and the brand personality. Based on these values, we will look for references and prepare a mood board to define the general aesthetics of the project. A collage that will be very useful for you to take the next steps!
8m
7
Available Materials
We are already very clear about the concept and aesthetics of the brand, and we have to materialize it in packaging. In this lesson I will show you some sustainable materials that are on the market.
7m
8
We Decide Materials and Suppliers
Next, we will decide what packaging and materials to use in the project, prepare a cost plan and show you some suppliers that you can use for your project.
18m
9
Receipt of Samples and Final Decision Making
We receive the packaging samples to begin to take definitive measurements, make models and tests. It is a crucial moment in the process, since at this point you can detect and correct small errors.
11m
10
Development of the Graphic System
In this lesson we will select colors, fonts, dies and composition to define our graphic system.
13m
11
Primary Package
In this lesson I will explain how to design the primary Package: the stickers of the jars that contain the cream.
17m
12
Secondary Package
Next, we will design the secondary Package: the boxes that wrap the cream jars.
18m
13
Tertiary Package and Packaging
Now we will design the tertiary package and packaging. In my case it will be a toiletry bag, gift envelope and transport packaging.
12m
14
Final Artwork for Printing 1
In this lesson we will prepare step by step the final art of the designs to send it to the press.
15m
15
Final Art for Printing 2
We continue to review the steps necessary to prepare our final artwork before we go to print.
13m
16
Receive Your Packaging
In this lesson I will receive the packaging, make some final corrections and assemble it to see the final result of the eco-friendly packaging for Tanset. Now you can start selling in your online store!
8m
Module 6
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Design Sustainable & Impactful Solutions
Packaging can also be an object of desire. This idea guides the work behind proposals that combine sustainability, strategy, and high visual impact. This approach seeks to break away from the ephemeral to create pieces that remain in the mind —and in the hands— of the consumer. Here, design becomes a tool to build identity, generate value, and transform the way a brand presents itself to the world.
3
The pieces of desire and sustainability
Let's start with the basics! In this lesson, I'll talk about packaging, desire pieces, and sustainability. I'll explain the different functions packaging can serve and how it can stand out from competitors' offerings.
6m
4
Study the brief
Now I'll review the core values the client wants to convey through their brand expressions to successfully translate them into the final piece.
To understand the project and how to help your client achieve their goals, you should talk to them and define the brand's essence through a brief. I'll talk more about this in this lesson.
9m
5
The visual language of a brand
Here I'll talk about the elements that make up a brand's visual language, so you can use them to design the final piece. I'll show you different examples so you can more easily understand how I've applied visual language to real brands.
5m
6
Elaboration of spellings
Now I'll show you how to create the illustrations or graphics that will graphically enrich your brand's universe. I'll continue using the example of Cocotte to illustrate the creative process I followed for the brand, from hand-drawn sketches to the final digital illustrations in Adobe Photoshop.
8m
7
Creating mood boards
In this lesson, I'll narrow down my ideas and define a clear path. To achieve this, I'll show you how I use Pinterest to organize my ideas, always keeping in mind my client's brand values and what I want my final dream piece to look like.
10m
8
Design of graphic piece 1
It's time to get started! Now you'll learn how to design the final pieces by uniting the elements that make up the brand.
The logo, colors, text, and their fonts and graphics are ready. Based on the final product, I'll dynamically design each product. For now, I need to have a general look and feel, and then I'll refine the design.
10m
9
Graphic piece design 2
I've already finished the design for the Cocotte bag, both right and wrong sides. Now I'll move on to the rest of the wish pieces. In this lesson, I'll show you how I put together the postcard design, the box belt, and the two scarves.
15m
10
Materials and the definition of packaging
It's very important to know how to choose materials and finishes that are consistent with the brand's message and that also fulfill the function of being durable and sustainable. In this lesson, I'll teach you how to choose the material for your piece, considering the product's characteristics.
4m
11
Creation of mock-up pieces and presentation to the client 1
Now I'll show you how to preview your designs in a mockup, so that both you and your client can fully understand what the final result will look like.
First, I'll search the internet for images that will help me achieve that final visualization. I'll delete any elements I don't need or don't want visible from that image. Then, I'll transfer my design to Photoshop to begin visualizing the final result.
9m
12
Creation of mock-up pieces and presentation to the client 2
I've already created the mock-up of the box for Cocotte using an image I downloaded from the internet, so now I'll continue by creating the mock-ups for the other pieces: the postcard and the wrapping paper.
Next, I'll give you some helpful tips to keep in mind when presenting your project to the client and getting their approval.
13m
13
The quote for printing
Once your client has reviewed and approved each piece, each final artwork must be prepared so that the entire production process is as clear as possible. This step is essential whether you work in a studio or are independent, as you will be responsible for ensuring that both the budget and the final delivery match your expectations.
6m
14
From mock-up to production
It's time to bring your digital artwork to life! In this lesson, I'll show you how to create final artwork for print production.
9m
15
Publishing your pieces
To publish your pieces on social media, you can use your mockups or, even better, take photos of each product. I try to take photos for most projects, as it's much more realistic than posting mockups. In this lesson, I'll give you some tips on how to do it.
1m
- 55 students
- 71 lessons (9h 11m)
- 93 additional resources (43 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Audio: Spanish, German, English, Spanish (Latam), French, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
Recommended software & tools for this course
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe PhotoshopWhat is this course's project?
The course project involves creating a sustainable packaging system for an emerging brand. This includes product research, visual identity development, design of primary and e-commerce packaging, extension to multiple products, and detailed technical documentation.
Who is this specialization for?
Designers passionate about packaging who seek to innovate in sustainability. Creative professionals interested in transforming ideas into functional and aesthetically appealing packaging. Ideal for those who want to improve their understanding of brand design and eco-friendly solutions for e-commerce.
Requirements and materials
No extensive prior knowledge is required. You will need a computer with basic design software such as Illustrator or Photoshop, a sketchbook, and a pencil. A smartphone with a camera is also helpful for documenting your creative process.
Select to get to know your teachers in this specialization course
What to expect from this specialization course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate for every specialization course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
What are Domestika's online courses?
Domestika courses are online classes that allow you to learn new skills and create incredible projects. All our courses include the opportunity to share your work with other students and/or teachers, creating an active learning community. We offer different formats:
Original Courses: Complete classes that combine videos, texts, and educational materials to complete a specific project from start to finish.
Basics Courses: Specialized training where you master specific software tools step by step.
Specialization Courses: Learning paths with various expert teachers on the same topic, perfect for becoming a specialist by learning from different approaches.
Guided Courses: Practical experiences ideal for directly acquiring specific skills.
Intensive Courses (Deep Dives): New creative processes based on artificial intelligence tools in an accessible format for in-depth and dynamic understanding.
When do the specialization courses start and when do they finish?
All specialization courses are 100% online, so once they're published, specialization courses start and finish whenever you want. You set the pace of the class. You can go back to review what interests you most and skip what you already know, ask questions, answer questions, share your projects, and more.
What do Domestika's specialization courses include?
The specialization courses are divided into different modules. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with other students, as well as share your work and your final project, creating a community around the specialization courses.
Have you been given a specialization courses?
You can redeem the specialization courses you received by accessing the redeeming page and entering your gift code.
When do I get the specialization courses certificate? Plus
If you're a Plus member, when you complete a course you've purchased, you'll instantly get your personalized certificate. You can see all your certificates in the Certificates section of your profile. You can download your certificates as PDFs and share the link online.
Learn more about certificates.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
