If you love food bags and stand up pouches, not just because of the contents, but because of the creative designs, and you have a bit of artistic talent, you might just be a good candidate for a position among packaging designers.  However, there are several pre-requisites that most packaging manufacturers will be seeking in a new designer.

Education Most employers will ask that you have, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or an otherwise related field.  There are too many colleges and universities in this nation that offer such degrees for us to name, but a simple internet search for the best graphic arts programs should tell you a great deal, and get you started on the path toward designing the boxes and food pouches seen on grocery store shelves.

Experience There are instances, when a job opening will come available requiring little or no previous work experience.  Those positions are few and far between, so while you are attending college, earning that Bachelor’s degree, be sure that you are also gaining some experience through a part time job or internship in a related field.

Skills The education, the experience is helpful, but there must also be a natural talent for design in order for a person to be truly successful at creating new packaging products.  It’s not just the artistic skill that must be present, but also a drive that makes it possible to meet tight deadlines, and ability to work with others, and the ability to speak clearly and convincingly on the topic of design.

For all of this, you can expect to have a fulfilling career that pairs a business sense with an artistic flare.  It is a fast-paced world to work in, and one that will reward you for your innovative approach.  Starting salaries aren’t always fantastic, but designers can make very good money during their careers.  The median income in 2015 was approximately $48,000 annually.