10 Sep Feeling Designer’s Block When It Comes To Label Design? We Got You!

Sometimes the creative flow is strong and ideas abound. But what happens when you’re looking at that blank Illustrator doc… and nothing comes to mind? Don’t panic, we’ve put together a list of ways you can get inspired!

Designing an eye-catching and effective product label is both an art and a science. It involves a deep understanding of the product, its market, and the target audience. 

To create a label that not only attracts customers but also communicates the essence of the brand, designers need to gather inspiration from various sources. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to gather inspiration for product label design, ensuring that your designs are fresh, relevant, and captivating.

1. Understanding the Brand and Its Story

Before diving into the design process, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand your brand. Things to keep in mind are values, mission, target audience, and the story you want to tell. These things might sound obvious if you’re a business owner designing for your own brand, but it’s easy to get caught up in the details and become sidetracked. Start by asking the following questions:

• What is your brand’s history and background? Understanding your brand’s journey can provide a rich source of inspiration. For example, a brand with a long heritage might benefit from a vintage design style, while a newer, tech-oriented brand might look for something more modern and sleek.
• Who is your target audience? Knowing who will be buying your product is key to creating a label that resonates with them. Consider factors like age, gender, lifestyle, and preferences.
• What is the unique selling proposition (USP) of your product? Identifying what sets your product apart from competitors can guide your design choices. For instance, if your product is eco-friendly, your label could incorporate natural imagery or earthy colors.

2. Exploring Design Trends

Staying up-to-date with current design trends can help ensure your product labels are contemporary and appealing. Here are some ways to keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends:

• Follow Design Blogs and Websites: Websites like Behance, Dribbble, and Pinterest are treasure troves of design inspiration. Follow design accounts and boards that feature product labels, packaging, and branding to see what’s trending in the industry.
• Attend Design Conferences and Workshops: These events are great opportunities to learn about new design techniques and trends from industry experts. They also provide a platform to network with other designers and get feedback on your work.
• Analyze Competitor Labels: Look at what your competitors are doing with their labels. What works well? What could be improved? Understanding the competitive landscape can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own designs.

3. Drawing Inspiration From Different Industries

Sometimes, the best ideas come from looking outside your own industry. Here are some ways to gather inspiration from different sectors:

• Visit Grocery Stores and Boutiques: Take a trip to a local store and observe the labels on different products. Pay attention to the colors, typography, imagery, and layout used in various categories, such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and household items. This can help you identify unique design elements that could be adapted for your project.
• Explore Non-Packaging Designs: Broaden your perspective by looking at design elements from other areas, such as fashion, architecture, or interior design. For example, a fashion brand’s color palette or a building’s geometric patterns could inspire the look of a product label.
• Study International Designs: Different cultures have distinct design aesthetics. Exploring labels and packaging from different parts of the world can introduce you to new styles, motifs, and color schemes. This can be especially useful if you’re designing for a global market.

4. Incorporating Storytelling and Emotion

A well-designed label not only looks good but also tells a story and evokes emotion. Here’s how to infuse your label design with storytelling elements:

• Use Imagery that Resonates: Choose images and graphics that align with the product’s story and values. For instance, a label for an organic skincare product might feature images of natural ingredients, such as flowers or herbs, to convey its eco-friendly and natural positioning.
• Play with Typography: The choice of fonts can significantly impact the overall feel of the label. Consider using a mix of fonts to create a dynamic and engaging design. For example, a bold, modern font could be paired with a delicate script font to balance readability and style.
• Create a Mood Board: Collect images, colors, textures, and typography that capture the mood and message you want to convey with the label. This can help you visualize how different elements work together and inspire new ideas.

5. Experiment With Materials 

The material and printing techniques used for a label can greatly influence its look and feel. Exploring different options can inspire innovative design ideas:

• Explore Different Materials: Consider using unique materials, such as textured paper, metallic stock, or clear plastic, to create a distinctive label. Each material has its own qualities and limitations, so it’s important to experiment and see how they affect the design.

6. Gathering Feedback and Iterating

Finally, gathering feedback from others can provide fresh perspectives and help refine your design. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Share Your Designs with Colleagues and Clients: Present your designs to colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders to get their input. Ask specific questions about what they like, what could be improved, and how well the design communicates the product’s message.
• Conduct Focus Groups: Organize a focus group with members of your target audience to get their feedback on the label design. This can provide valuable insights into how well the design resonates with consumers and whether it stands out on the shelf.
• Be Open to Iteration: Use the feedback you receive to make adjustments and improvements to your design. Remember that great design is often the result of multiple iterations and refinements.

Gathering inspiration for product label design is a multifaceted process that involves understanding the brand, exploring trends and different industries, incorporating storytelling, experimenting with materials and techniques, and gathering feedback. 

By following these steps and keeping an open mind, you can create labels that not only capture the essence of your product but also stand out in a crowded marketplace.