Packaging Design

Manisha Kohli | VP Business Development | Zen Design Solutions Limited

Packaging Design

Manisha Kohli
VP Business Development | Zen Design Solutions Limited

[ 11 years & 8 months Experience ]

What is Packaging Design?

A Career in Packaging Design is very interesting. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find information about What Packaging Design actually is. Most pages on the internet just talk about How to get into Packaging Design. The internet is a great source of information on Packaging Design, but it is second best to learning about the same from a real professional.

VP Business Development Manisha Kohli has 11 years & 8 months of professional experience in Packaging Design. Here is how VP Business Development Manisha Kohli detailed Packaging Design:

Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sell, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages.

How VP Business Development Manisha Kohli got into Packaging Design?

After completing my schooling from Loreto Convent School Delhi, I did my bachelors in Fashion Designing from NIFT, Delhi. In 2006, I started my career as Design Manager at Zen Design Solutions Limited, Delhi. The clients included North America and European markets dealing with Cosmetic Packaging, Application & Dispensing Systems, and Mac & Estee Lauder being the major clients. I am the VP Business Development with Zen Design Solutions Limited.

VP Business Development Manisha Kohli's Talk on Packaging Design

The Journey of a Packaging Designer: Manisha's Insightful Perspective on a Creative Career In today's visually-driven market, packaging design sits at the intersection of functionality and aesthetics, playing a vital role in how products are perceived and interacted with. Manisha, the Vice President of Business Development at Zen Design Solutions, a packaging design company serving North America and Europe with a special focus on cosmetics, has spent years honing her craft in this dynamic field. From her beginnings at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi to her current leadership role, Manisha shares her passion for packaging design, encompassing the essential skills, education, positives, and challenges of the profession. This article delves into her journey and sheds light on what it takes to succeed in packaging design. What Is Packaging Design? Packaging design is about creating the external appearance of products and their containers, ensuring that they not only look appealing but also function effectively. It encompasses every facet of a product's presentation, from how a toothpaste tube is structured to the emotional connection a package creates with its consumers. As Manisha explains, packaging design involves a variety of elements, including market research and user interaction, aimed at producing a product experience that resonates with customers. It's about understanding the trends, the intricacies of materials, and the expectations of users, making it as much about art as it is about science. Education Market Research An essential first step in the packaging design process is conducting thorough market research. This involves not just understanding local trends but also comprehending global market dynamics. As Manisha points out, it's crucial to have a holistic view of what’s happening in different regions, which informs relevant design concepts. This educational foundation allows designers to stay ahead of the curve and tailor their designs to meet evolving consumer needs. Concept Generation The journey of packaging design begins with concept generation, where creativity is put to the test. Manisha highlights the importance of generating multiple concepts from a given brief, noting that often the best ideas come from iterating beyond the initial hundred concepts developed. This process requires a keen understanding of both design principles and consumer psychology, enabling designers to articulate innovative ideas that capture market interest. 3D Modelling Understanding how a product will function in three dimensions is critical to packaging design. Manisha emphasizes the necessity of 3D modelling skills, as they help designers visualize and communicate their ideas more effectively. Mastery of various software tools allows designers to create physical representations of their concepts, ensuring that aesthetics and functionality align seamlessly. Material Science In packaging design, material selection is pivotal—not just for aesthetics, but also for functionality and sustainability. Manisha notes that a designer must grasp the properties of different materials to avoid issues like leaks and ensure that the packaging meets regulatory requirements. Knowledge in material science equips designers with the skills to choose the right components for their packaging, enhancing both safety and user experience. Emotive Design Connectedness with the consumer is vital, and that’s where emotive design comes into play. Manisha explains that understanding unspoken consumer needs—like the special bond between a mother and daughter—can significantly influence design decisions. Packaging that resonates emotionally tends to be more effective, making emotive design a critical area within the educational landscape of packaging design. Skills Sketching For packaging designers, sketching is a foundational skill that facilitates quick communication of ideas. Manisha asserts that it's not about creating perfect art but about conveying concepts clearly and effectively. Mastering sketching enables designers to remain flexible and receptive to feedback, which is essential in a collaborative environment. Innovation The ability to innovate is crucial in the rapidly-changing field of packaging design. Manisha emphasizes that designers must continually push boundaries, anticipating future trends and consumer demands. This ongoing focus on innovation not only benefits designers personally but ensures their work remains relevant and impactful. Forecasting Forecasting, or predicting future trends, is another vital skill that packaging designers must cultivate. Manisha discusses how understanding consumer behavior and market shifts can empower designers to create forward-thinking design solutions. This proactive mindset is necessary in such a dynamic industry. Tech Savvy Proficiency with technology is imperative for success in packaging design. As Manisha explains, knowledge of various design software and tools enables designers to translate their ideas into actionable designs efficiently. Staying updated on technological advancements gives designers a competitive edge in an industry where new solutions are continuously emerging. Communication Skills Communication is the thread that ties together the entire design process. According to Manisha, designers must articulate their ideas not only on paper but also in person during presentations. Being able to convey the thought process and details behind their designs is vital for gaining client trust and facilitating effective collaboration. Articulation Articulation goes beyond mere communication; it's about expressing the story within the packaging itself. Manisha insists that a designer must articulate each detail of a package in a way that resonates with the consumer, bridging the gap between function and emotion. Presentation The ability to present designs effectively is another crucial skill for packaging designers. Manisha highlights the importance of developing crisp and engaging presentations that capture client attention quickly. In a world where clients often have limited time, mastering presentation skills is key to conveying complex ideas in an easily digestible manner. Positives Monetary Benefits One of the standout benefits of a career in packaging design is the potential for substantial monetary gains. Manisha mentions that as a niche field in India, opportunities for talented designers can lead to competitive salaries, making it financially rewarding for those committed to the craft. Traveling & Exposure Packaged design offers professionals opportunities for travel and exposure to various international design fairs and conferences. Manisha's work has taken her to exotic locations across the globe, enhancing her understanding of emerging trends and expanding her network within the industry. Self Development Embracing continuous self-improvement is fundamental to success in packaging design. Manisha notes that the learned skills and daily experiences in the field can lead to personal growth, not only in design abilities but also in communication and teamwork. Recognition Packaging designers can experience significant recognition for their work, particularly through patents for their inventions. Manisha is proud of her aspirations to hold multiple patents, as it embodies the recognition that comes with being innovative and impactful in the field—attributes that many designers aspire to. Challenges Upgradation The fast-paced nature of the packaging design industry poses the challenge of constant upgradation. Manisha underscores the need to remain current with the latest trends to avoid becoming obsolete. This requires designers to engage in lifelong learning and professional development. Tapping in Market Place Understanding and tapping into the marketplace can be challenging, given its dynamic nature. Manisha explains that designers must conduct intrinsic and deep-dive research to pinpoint niche areas for innovation, ensuring that their designs stand out in a crowded field. Detailing Attention to detail is paramount in packaging design, as even the smallest oversight can lead to significant issues with product functionality or consumer interaction. Manisha highlights the importance of focusing on intricate details, such as the sounds packages make or how user-friendly they are, which ultimately defines the success of the design. A Day Of Packaging Designing A typical day in Manisha's life as a packaging designer is anything but ordinary. It begins with yoga and coffee, providing the necessary mental clarity for a busy day ahead. Upon arriving at the office, she engages in brainstorming sessions with her team, where the collaborative spirit fosters creativity. The office environment encourages open communication and quick sketching sessions, allowing for rapidly evolving ideas. Throughout the day, the team develops mock-ups using various materials to create tactile experiences that enhance their designs before presenting them to clients. Work truly transcends set hours, as inspiration can strike at any time, reinforcing Manisha's belief in the fluidity of design work. The journey of a packaging designer is filled with creative challenges, constant learning, and an inherent connection to consumer needs. Manisha's insights illustrate the importance and impact this career can have in shaping everyday experiences. For aspiring designers, the world of packaging offers opportunities not only for personal growth and financial reward but also for making a lasting impression in the market.

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How to get into

Packaging Design?

If you are want to get into Packaging Design, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Packaging Design is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Packaging Design, what education and skills you need to succeed in Packaging Design, and what positives and challenges you will face in Packaging Design.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Packaging Design.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

VP Business Development Manisha Kohli's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/manishakohli

LifePage Career Talk on Packaging Design

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/packaging-design

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20180221-0002

(Packaging Design, Manish Kohali, Zen Design Solutions Limited, Business Development, Product Designing, Package Design, Branding, Designing, Product Label Design)

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