Christchurch
Laura F.
Graphic Designer + Illustrator
Hire a freelance packaging designer in New Zealand
Increase shelf appeal and buyer confidence with packaging that prints and ships reliably — designers experienced in dielines, print-ready art, and supplier-ready files.
- Free to enquire
- Local NZ freelancers
- You choose who to hire
Waikato
Tom D.
Brand Designer & Website Designer
Waikato & Auckland
Libby C.
Graphic Designer
Auckland
Kylie M.
Graphic & Web Designer
Cambridge
Tori V.
Graphic Designer
Auckland
Barnaby W.
Industrial Designer - 3D/Product Visualisation Expert
What does a packaging designer do?
Most packaging designers handle some or all of this. Pick the parts you need and we'll put them in your brief.
Attract attention on shelf or online
Design visual direction and label/layout that stand out in retail and on product pages to increase consideration.
Meet printer and supplier requirements
Produce artwork built to dielines, correct colour specs and file formats that printers and packagers can use without rework.
Prepare assets for ecommerce and marketing
Deliver photography-ready mockups, digital pack files and export assets for listings, ads and social channels.
- Start a brief
Not sure which parts you need?
Tell us what you want to get done. We'll shape the brief with you and share it with freelancers who fit.
How we help you find the right packaging designer for your business
We do the legwork of briefing and finding people, then step back so you work directly with the packaging designer you choose.
Tell us what you need
Share your project, the help you need, and any timing or budget you have in mind.
Choose who to meet
Review interested freelancers and their work. Choose who you want an introduction to.
Agree the work together
Agree the scope, timing, and price with your freelancer.
- 1Tell us what you need
- 2We help shape the brief
- 3Relevant freelancers are surfaced
- 4You compare them
- 5You choose
Connect with our network of Kiwi freelance packaging designers
The profiles below are example designers from Unicorn Factory’s network. If they look like a fit, create a short brief and relevant freelancers will apply; you then review applications and we make warm introductions.
Laura
Graphic Designer + Illustrator
Christchurch
Design & Creative
Tom
Brand Designer & Website Designer
Waikato
Branding
Libby
Graphic Designer
Waikato & Auckland
Design & Creative
Kylie
Graphic & Web Designer
Auckland
Design & Creative
Tori
Graphic Designer
Cambridge
Design & Creative
Barnaby
Industrial Designer - 3D/Product Visualisation Expert
Auckland
Design & Creative
Rebecca
Graphic Designer
Wellington
Design & Creative
Dawn
Logo and Print Designer
Auckland
Design & Creative
How much does it typically cost to hire a packaging designer?
What New Zealand packaging designers typically charge, by type of work. Freelancers quote you directly after reading your brief.
Label or small artwork refresh
Projects fromNZ$600
Simple label tweaks or a single-panel artwork refresh; pricing depends on illustration, compliance changes and proofing rounds.
- Typical rangeNZ$600–NZ$2,500
Single-SKU packaging design (end-to-end)
Projects fromNZ$2,500
Concepts, dieline placement, print-ready files and mockups for one pack format; higher end includes illustration or specialist finishes.
- Typical rangeNZ$2,500–NZ$8,000
Brand and multi-SKU packaging system
Projects fromNZ$8,000
Full brand-led packaging system, multiple templates, art direction and coordination for several SKUs; costs vary with photography, illustration and engineering needs.
- Typical rangeNZ$8,000–NZ$35,000+
What affects the price
Freelancers quote after reading your brief. These move the price most.
- number of SKUs and different pack formats to design
- level of bespoke illustration, pattern or finishing (foil, emboss, soft touch)
- need for structural engineering or new dieline creation
- photography, product styling or additional artworking after launch
Estimates are indicative, may exclude GST and ongoing software or printing fees, and final scope and rates are agreed directly with the freelancer. Request a tailored quote when you submit your brief. Updated October 2026.
Packaging design work delivered by Kiwi freelancers
Real project examples in our network — hand-painted illustrations, linocut labels and luxury wellness packaging that illustrate the range of packaging briefs designers can deliver.
Branding
Brand Identity & Digital Launch for The Body Bard Wellness Supplements
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
- Copywriting
- Packaging Design
AJ H.
Branding
Comprehensive Brand Refresh for Iconic NZ Burger Brand
- Marketing Strategy
- Campaign Strategy
- Logo Design
Rob C.
Design & Creative
Kowtow | MDW Activation
- Industrial Design
- Packaging Design
- Graphic Design
Krista B.
Branding
Packaging Design
- Logo Design
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
- Packaging Design
Nikite K.
Design & Creative
Custom Illustration
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
- Illustration
- Packaging Design
Holly D.
Branding
Graphic Design | Photography | Web Design | Content Creation | Marketing Strategy
- Marketing Strategy
- Video Editing
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
Tamsyn S.Preflight is a great company to work with. Soraya consistently delivers world-class work with impressive turnaround times. She’s reliable, responsive, and professional. Highly recommend.
Feedback for Soraya K.
FMCG & CPG Packaging Designer · Christchurch
Questions about hiring a packaging designer
Straight answers to what NZ business owners ask us most.
How long will a packaging project take?
Timelines depend on scope: a small label update can take a few days to a few weeks; a multi-SKU system and photography can take several weeks to a few months. Be specific about deadlines in your brief.
What files will I receive?
Designers typically deliver editable master files (Adobe Illustrator), flattened print-ready PDFs, colour references and a supplier-ready export pack. Confirm required file formats and dielines with the freelancer and your printer.
Do designers handle printer checks and proofs?
Many packaging designers include dieline placement, colour notes and prepress-ready files; you can agree additional printer liaison, press checks or proof rounds with the freelancer in the brief.
How does Unicorn Factory work for hiring?
Create a short project brief, relevant freelancers will apply, you review applications, and Unicorn Factory makes warm introductions to the applicants you choose to speak with.
How do I pick the right freelancer?
Look for experience with your pack format and category, examples of print-ready artwork, and clear communication about production requirements; request references or a short trial task if you need extra reassurance.
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Ready to brief a packaging designer?
We'll help you shape the brief, find New Zealand freelancers who fit, and introduce you.