We’re not ashamed to admit to falling head-over-heels for a pretty package. Who hasn’t swooned over the elegant minimalism of Rodin, the mercantile charm of Merchant and Mills, or the graphic goodness of Mast Brothers Chocolates? The packaging is seductive, and its allure becomes an integral part of the value of the product. Sometimes this infatuation is fleeting, dissipating as soon as the product is put to the test, but when the stars align and the quality and care taken with the package design mirrors the quality of the goods within, we tell our friends (you!), we give them for gifts, and generally shout our adoration from the rooftops.

If you are putting together your own brand / line of products and are working on your packaging designs, here are a few things you may want to consider and avoid:

CONSIDER

how it will photograph.

how it will look grouped on a store shelf.

if it will be Pinterest – worthy.

less is more! Especially when it comes to copy (unless you are Dr. Bronner).

AVOID

following fads: there’s no faster track to a dated look!

colors that are tough to print: those berry reds and teals can be extremely difficult to color match.

chaos! Keep your line simple, cohesive, and branded, you don’t need 14 different looks for your packaging.

resting on your packaging laurels. You’ll want to re-evaluate how your packaging is working for you as your brand evolves.

Need more inspiration? The Brooklyn Candle Studio candles in the photo above perfectly complement their heavenly scents by leveraging botanical illustrations. Karla put such thought into the packaging for her wax seal sets – just add a bow and it’s gift-ready. For an entire line of beautifully packaged products, look no further than Ila from Sunday Suppers!