Packaging Designer

Packaging designers design and develop packaging materials for all types of products.

This can include food and drink, toiletries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household cleaning agents and many products used in industry and manufacturing.

A feature of the job involves considering the technical, commercial, legal and environmental aspects of any packaging material.

Typical work activities include: responding to a brief that specifies the requirements packaging must meet (e.g. product presentation, identification and labelling, convenience, function, etc); working out how much packaging will cost and the costs it will add to the final product; considering what might affect a product, e.g. its fragility, how it responds to light, exposure to moisture or temperature change, and how packaging must take account of these aspects; testing and weighing materials in a laboratory; testing for compatibility between a product and its packaging.

It can also involve: arranging production trials to test and evaluate packaging until a satisfactory result is achieved; liaising with suppliers to ensure the supply of suitable raw materials; working closely with graphic designers and marketing specialists to ensure that the final look of the packaging is taken into account; monitoring quality control tests; solving packaging problems; consulting with production engineers and other technical staff; taking into account environmental considerations, such as biodegradability or recycling opportunities.

Starting salaries can be around £15,000 a year. Experienced designers can earn between around £19,000 and £30,000.

Senior designers can earn up to £50,000 or more.

You would usually be employed on the strength of your skills rather than your qualifications.

However, most professional graphic designers have a BTEC HND, foundation degree or degree in graphic design or another art or design based subject.

You will need a working knowledge of computer design software such as: Quark Xpress; FreeHand; Illustrator; Photoshop; 3D Studio; Flash. Courses in these are available at colleges and with private course providers.

Talent and contacts are the key to getting work, and you will need to keep an up-to-date portfolio of your work to show to potential employers.

Unpaid work experience will give you the chance to develop your portfolio, make contacts and impress employers. You could also create a website to showcase your work.

Competition for jobs is strong and not all jobs are advertised, so it is a good idea to network and make contacts within the industry, and to approach companies and agencies directly.