Christchurch
Laura Fisher
Graphic Designer + Illustrator
Hire a 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.
Waikato
Tom Dawson
Brand Designer & Website Designer
Auckland
Libby Cunniffe
Graphic Designer
Auckland
Kylie May
Graphic & Web Designer
Cambridge
Tori Veysey
Graphic Designer
Auckland
Barnaby Ward
Industrial Designer - 3D/Product Visualisation Expert
What this service is for
What can a packaging designer help you build?
Packaging designers turn product ideas into printed and digital packaging that attracts buyers, complies with labelling rules, and ships reliably by producing dielines, print-ready files and supplier-ready artwork.
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.
How Unicorn Factory works
A simple way to find the right freelancer.
Create one project brief, compare applications from relevant freelancers, and choose who you would like to meet.
Step 01
Tell us what you need.
Use the guided brief to explain the outcome, timing, budget, and context. You do not need to prepare a technical specification.
Freelancers in our network
Browse example designers from our network
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.
Tell us about your project
Ideas for your brief
Packaging projects you can commission
Three practical project scopes to help you shape a brief and understand likely deliverables.
Label design for a single SKU
A focused label or sticker design for one product, suitable for jars, bottles or pouches and supplied ready for print and ecommerce.
- visual direction and one concept to review
- final artwork on your supplied dieline (Adobe Illustrator / layered PDF)
- colour references and print notes (CMYK/Pantone where required)
- supplier-ready export files and a basic spec sheet for the printer
Small-batch product launch (one SKU: pouch, box or bottle)
End-to-end artwork for a single pack format including dieline checks, print-ready files and marketing mockups for launch.
- two initial concept directions and one refined route
- structural dieline placement and fold annotations
- print-ready master files and flattened PDF proofs
- photorealistic mockups for ecommerce and social
- a consolidated file pack for your supplier
Brand-led multi-SKU packaging system
Create a consistent packaging system and templates that lets you introduce one or more SKUs quickly while keeping brand cohesion.
- packaging concept and artwork system tied to your brand
- master dielines and editable artwork templates for one or more SKUs (agreed in scope)
- production-ready files and material/finish specifications
- artworking guide explaining how to apply the system to future SKUs
- option to agree ongoing artworking support directly with the freelancer
Proof lives in the work
Related work from the network
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.
See Packaging Design Projects
Branding
Comprehensive Brand Refresh for Iconic NZ Burger Brand
- Marketing Strategy
- Campaign Strategy
- Logo Design
Rob Chapman
Branding
Graphic Design | Photography | Web Design | Content Creation | Marketing Strategy
- Marketing Strategy
- Video Editing
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
Tamsyn Standeaven
Branding
Prologic: Graphic Design | Product Photography | Web Design | Content Creation
- Logo Design
- Video Editing
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
Tamsyn Standeaven
Branding
Crescent Nest | Brand Identity & Packaging
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
- Web Design
- Packaging Design
Libby Cunniffe
Branding
Relief Pro - Brand & Packaging Design
- Logo Design
- Brand Identity & Visual Identity
- Packaging Design
Nicky Busch
Design & Creative
Industrial Design and Mechanical Concept Development for a High End Audio Remote
- Industrial Design
- User Research
- Packaging Design
Barnaby WardPricing guidance
How much does packaging design cost?
Indicative NZD ranges to help you budget. Final cost depends on scope, technical requirements and the freelancer’s rates — request a tailored quote in your brief.
Label or small artwork refresh
Simple label tweaks or a single-panel artwork refresh; pricing depends on illustration, compliance changes and proofing rounds.
NZ$600–NZ$2,500
Single-SKU packaging design (end-to-end)
Concepts, dieline placement, print-ready files and mockups for one pack format; higher end includes illustration or specialist finishes.
NZ$2,500–NZ$8,000
Brand and multi-SKU packaging system
Full brand-led packaging system, multiple templates, art direction and coordination for several SKUs; costs vary with photography, illustration and engineering needs.
NZ$8,000–NZ$35,000+
What affects the price
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions before you hire.
Answers to the questions clients commonly ask before starting a brief.
Still deciding what you need?
Start with the outcome and the context you already have. A polished specification is not required.
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.
Ready to get moving?
Ready to brief a packaging designer?
Create a short brief outlining your product, dielines and timeline — designers from our network will apply and you can review applications before we make warm introductions.