Packaging Designer Resume Examples by Level (2026)

Blake Crosley · Feb 22, 2026 · 23 min read

Updated March 27, 2026 Current

Quick Answer

Packaging Designer Resume Examples & Templates for 2025 The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 20,000 annual openings for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024) through 2034, yet packaging-specific roles command a distinct premium: the average...

Packaging Designer Resume Examples & Templates for 2025

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 20,000 annual openings for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024) through 2034, yet packaging-specific roles command a distinct premium: the average packaging designer earns $68,738 per year, with senior-level specialists reaching $131,631 or more according to 2025 salary data from ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor. If you design dielines, spec substrates, and shepherd SKUs from concept to retail shelf, your resume needs to demonstrate far more than "proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite." It needs to prove you understand print production, structural engineering, regulatory compliance, and the commercial impact of every square inch of real estate on a carton or flexible pouch. This guide provides three complete, ATS-optimized resume examples for packaging designers at the entry, mid-career, and senior levels, plus the keywords, professional summaries, and strategies that get interviews at companies like Procter & Gamble, Graphic Packaging International, and Smurfit Westrock.

Why Your Packaging Designer Resume Matters
Entry-Level Packaging Designer Resume
Mid-Career Packaging Designer Resume
Senior Packaging Design Director Resume
Key Skills and ATS Keywords
Professional Summary Examples
Common Mistakes on Packaging Designer Resumes
ATS Optimization Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Citations

Why Your Packaging Designer Resume Matters

Packaging design sits at the intersection of graphic design, structural engineering, supply chain logistics, and brand strategy. Hiring managers at CPG companies, corrugated manufacturers, and design agencies are not looking for a generalist who can "do packaging too." They want evidence of specific, measurable impact: SKUs launched, production costs reduced, shelf-impact testing results, sustainability milestones reached. The field is also highly technical. Applicant tracking systems at companies like Graphic Packaging International, Smurfit Westrock, and Sonoco scan for exact tool names (ArtiosCAD, Esko Studio, CAPE Pack), material knowledge (corrugated, folding carton, flexible film, rigid plastic), and process expertise (G7 color calibration, FDA compliance, die-cutting tolerances). A resume that says "designed packaging" without these specifics will not clear the ATS threshold. According to the BLS, graphic designers held about 265,900 jobs in 2024, with projected growth of 2% through 2034. That slower-than-average growth means competition is real, and specialization in packaging, one of the most commercially resilient segments, is a differentiator. Packaging designers who can demonstrate both creative excellence and production fluency are consistently in demand, particularly as brands accelerate sustainability transitions and e-commerce reshapes protective packaging requirements.

1. Entry-Level Packaging Designer Resume

Profile: Junior Packaging Designer, 0-2 Years Experience

**MAYA TORRES** Chicago, IL 60614 | (312) 555-0187 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/mayatorres | Portfolio: mayatorresdesign.com

**PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY** Detail-oriented packaging designer with a BFA in Graphic Design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and internship experience at a Top 50 packaging design agency. Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign with foundational knowledge of ArtiosCAD structural design. Contributed to 12 SKU packaging redesigns during agency internship that achieved 98% print-production accuracy. Seeking to apply dieline creation, prepress preparation, and brand guidelines execution skills at a CPG manufacturer or packaging converter.

**EDUCATION** **Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design** | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | May 2024 - Concentration in Package Design and Brand Identity - Senior Thesis: "Sustainable Substrate Alternatives for Secondary Packaging" — awarded departmental honors - Relevant coursework: Structural Packaging Design, Typography, Print Production, Consumer Psychology **ArtiosCAD Fundamentals Certificate** | Esko Online Academy | August 2024

**PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE** **Junior Packaging Designer** | Berlin Packaging | Chicago, IL | June 2024 – Present - Create production-ready dieline files in Adobe Illustrator for 8-15 SKUs per month across food, beverage, and personal care categories - Prepare prepress files ensuring G7 color accuracy, correct bleed extensions, and proper trap settings, reducing prepress revision cycles by 22% - Build 3D product mockups in KeyShot for client presentations, contributing to a 94% first-round approval rate on secondary packaging designs - Collaborate with structural engineers to ensure graphic artwork aligns with ArtiosCAD die specifications and folding tolerances - Maintain brand asset libraries for 6 client accounts, enforcing Pantone color consistency and logo placement guidelines - Review vendor proofs against approved color drawdowns, catching 3 critical color drift issues before full production runs **Packaging Design Intern** | Equator Design (Top 50 Packaging Agency) | Chicago, IL | January 2024 – May 2024 - Assisted senior designers on 12 SKU packaging redesigns for a national snack brand, preparing mechanical art files and spec sheets - Created substrate swatch boards and finish samples (soft-touch lamination, spot UV, foil stamp) for client material selection meetings - Produced 40+ packaging mockups using printed proofs and hand-assembled carton samples for retail shelf-set presentations - Documented print specifications including paper weight, coating type, and adhesive requirements for 3 production vendors **Freelance Graphic Designer** | Self-Employed | Chicago, IL | September 2022 – December 2023 - Designed labels and packaging for 5 small-batch food and beverage startups, managing projects from concept through press-ready file delivery - Created FDA-compliant nutrition facts panels and ingredient declarations for 3 food packaging clients using iNFOODS label generation software

**CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS** - ArtiosCAD Fundamentals Certificate — Esko Online Academy (2024) - Student Member — Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) - Member — AIGA Chicago Chapter

2. Mid-Career Packaging Designer Resume

Profile: Senior Packaging Designer, 5 Years Experience, Structural & Brand Specialization

**DANIEL OKAFOR** Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (513) 555-0294 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/danielokafor | Portfolio: okaforpackaging.com

**PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY** Packaging designer with 5 years of experience in structural design and brand packaging for CPG companies including Procter & Gamble and Henkel. Expert in ArtiosCAD, Esko Studio, and Adobe Creative Suite with a track record of launching 80+ SKUs across folding carton, corrugated, and flexible film formats. Led the structural redesign of a $45M product line that reduced material usage by 18% while maintaining retail shelf impact. Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) with deep knowledge of sustainability standards, ISTA transit testing, and G7 Master color qualification.

**EDUCATION** **Bachelor of Science in Packaging Science** | Clemson University | May 2019 - Minor in Graphic Communications - Clemson Packaging Science Alliance — Industry Capstone with Sealed Air Corporation

**PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE** **Senior Packaging Designer** | Procter & Gamble | Cincinnati, OH | March 2022 – Present - Lead structural and graphic packaging design for the Tide and Gain laundry care portfolio, managing artwork development for 35+ SKUs across North American and Latin American markets - Engineered a carton lightweighting initiative for the Tide Pods line that reduced SBS board caliper by 2 points, saving $1.2M annually in material costs while passing all ISTA 2A drop and vibration tests - Developed 3D virtual shelf simulations in Esko Studio Toolkit for Boxes, enabling brand managers to evaluate shelf presence without physical prototyping, cutting sample costs by $180K per year - Created standardized dieline templates in ArtiosCAD for 8 carton formats, reducing structural design cycle time from 5 days to 2 days for routine SKU extensions - Collaborated with sustainability team to transition 4 product lines to How2Recycle-labeled packaging, achieving Store Drop-Off recyclability certification for flexible refill pouches - Managed prepress handoff to 3 external print vendors across offset litho and flexo processes, maintaining less than 1% color deviation from brand standards on production runs exceeding 5M units **Packaging Designer** | Henkel (Dial, Persil brands) | Stamford, CT | June 2019 – February 2022 - Designed packaging for 45+ SKUs across the Dial soap and Persil laundry care lines, including folding cartons, shrink sleeves, and corrugated shippers - Built structural prototypes in ArtiosCAD for a new Dial hand soap multi-pack that increased retail display density by 25%, enabling an additional facing per shelf bay at Walmart and Target - Executed a brand-wide packaging refresh for Persil ProClean, producing print-ready mechanical art for 18 SKUs across 4 package formats within a 10-week timeline - Reduced production waste by 14% through optimized nesting layouts on press sheets, working directly with die-cut vendors to maximize substrate utilization - Conducted G7 press checks at 4 print facilities, ensuring Pantone color fidelity across different substrates (SBS, CRB, metalized film) - Prepared retailer-specific packaging variations (club packs, e-commerce shippers) meeting Amazon SIOC (Ships in Own Container) frustration-free packaging requirements

**CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT** - Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) — Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), 2023 - Fundamentals of Sustainable Packaging — IoPP / Sustainable Packaging Coalition, 2022 - G7 Expert Certification — Idealliance, 2021 - ArtiosCAD Advanced Structural Design — Esko Training, 2020 **AFFILIATIONS** - Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) — Member since 2019 - Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) — Corporate Member through P&G - AICC (Association of Independent Corrugated Converters) — Design Committee

3. Senior Packaging Design Director Resume

Profile: Director of Packaging Design, 12 Years Experience, Brand Overhaul & Team Leadership

**RACHEL LINDSTRÖM** New York, NY 10013 | (212) 555-0341 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/rachellindstrom | Portfolio: lindstrompackaging.com

**PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY** Packaging design director with 12 years of progressive experience leading brand packaging programs for Fortune 500 CPG companies and global design agencies. Directed a team of 9 designers and engineers through a $200M brand portfolio packaging overhaul at Unilever that increased retail shelf recognition by 34% as measured by quantitative eye-tracking research. Expert in structural design strategy, sustainable packaging innovation, and cross-functional leadership across R&D, marketing, supply chain, and manufacturing. Portfolio includes 300+ SKU launches across folding carton, corrugated, flexible, and rigid plastic formats for brands including Dove, Hellmann's, Seventh Generation, and Method.

**EDUCATION** **Master of Industrial Design** | Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY | May 2015 - Thesis: "Mono-Material Packaging Systems for Circular Economy Applications" **Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design** | Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | May 2013 - Concentration in Industrial Design and Packaging

**PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE** **Director of Packaging Design** | Unilever (Beauty & Personal Care Division) | Englewood Cliffs, NJ | January 2021 – Present - Direct a team of 9 packaging designers and structural engineers responsible for the packaging design output of the North American Beauty & Personal Care portfolio, encompassing 180+ active SKUs across Dove, TRESemmé, Degree, and Love Beauty and Planet brands - Led the Dove brand packaging redesign, managing design development across 75 SKUs (bottles, tubes, cartons, multi-packs) from consumer research through retail launch, resulting in a 34% increase in shelf recognition measured by Tobii Pro eye-tracking studies - Developed Unilever's North American sustainable packaging roadmap targeting 50% PCR (post-consumer recycled) content across all plastic bottles by 2026, with 32% achieved as of Q4 2024 across 48 SKUs - Established a packaging design system with 120+ standardized component templates in ArtiosCAD and Adobe Illustrator, reducing new SKU design cycle time from 8 weeks to 4.5 weeks - Managed $2.4M annual packaging design budget across internal team and 3 external agency partners (Pearlfisher, Landor, Bulletproof), delivering 40+ major design projects per year - Partnered with R&D and supply chain to qualify 2 new mono-material PE tube structures for the Dove body wash line, eliminating multi-layer laminates and enabling curbside recyclability for 12M units annually - Implemented Esko Automation Engine workflows that reduced prepress file preparation time by 40%, enabling the team to handle a 25% increase in project volume without additional headcount **Senior Packaging Designer** | Pearlfisher | New York, NY | August 2017 – December 2020 - Led packaging design programs for 8 Fortune 500 CPG clients including PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Seventh Generation, managing projects from creative strategy through print production handoff - Directed the Seventh Generation brand packaging overhaul across 60+ SKUs (bottles, cartons, flexible pouches), implementing a design system built around recycled kraft substrates and soy-based inks that became a benchmark for sustainable CPG packaging - Designed structural packaging for a PepsiCo limited-edition launch (50K-unit run) that won a Gold Pentaward in the Beverages category, generating $3.2M in earned media value - Managed 4 junior designers, conducting weekly portfolio reviews, establishing production-readiness checklists, and mentoring 2 designers who advanced to senior roles within 18 months - Built client presentation frameworks using 3D renders (KeyShot) and virtual shelf simulations (Esko Studio) that increased first-round concept approval rates from 60% to 85% **Packaging Designer** | Graphic Packaging International | Atlanta, GA | June 2015 – July 2017 - Created structural designs and print-ready artwork for folding carton packaging across food and beverage clients including General Mills, Kellogg's, and Coca-Cola - Designed in ArtiosCAD and produced dieline engineering for 50+ SKUs per year, specializing in auto-bottom cartons, tuck-end cartons, and printed sleeves - Reduced die-making costs by 11% through standardized tooling specifications and consolidated dieline libraries shared across 3 manufacturing plants - Conducted on-press color checks at offset lithographic and flexographic facilities, maintaining Delta E color deviation below 2.0 on all client-approved brand colors - Collaborated with food safety team to ensure all packaging designs met FDA indirect food additive regulations (21 CFR 174-186) for food-contact materials **Junior Packaging Designer** | SmashBrand | Los Angeles, CA | September 2013 – May 2015 - Supported senior designers on packaging design projects for emerging CPG brands in health, beauty, and food categories - Produced mechanical artwork, substrate specifications, and vendor-ready print files for 30+ product launches - Created retail shelf-set photography and planogram mockups for client sales presentations to Whole Foods, Target, and Costco buyers

**AWARDS & RECOGNITION** - Gold Pentaward — Beverages Category (PepsiCo limited-edition packaging), 2019 - Silver Dieline Award — Sustainable Packaging (Seventh Generation rebrand), 2020 - Graphic Design USA Package Design Award — Dove brand redesign, 2022 - P&G Design Excellence Award — Internal recognition for Dove sustainable packaging initiative, 2023 **CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT** - Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) — Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), 2020 - Certified Packaging Executive (CPE) — IoPP, 2024 - Sustainable Packaging Certificate — Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), 2021 - ISTA Certified Test Technician — International Safe Transit Association, 2018 **AFFILIATIONS** - Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) — Board Member, New York Chapter - Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) — Design for Recyclability Working Group - The Dieline — Contributing Author, Structural Design Column - AIGA — Member since 2013

Key Skills and ATS Keywords

Applicant tracking systems at packaging companies, CPG manufacturers, and design agencies scan for specific terminology. The following 30 keywords and phrases appear most frequently in packaging designer job postings based on analysis of current openings at companies including Graphic Packaging International, Smurfit Westrock, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever.

Technical Software

ArtiosCAD
Esko Studio
Esko DeskPack
Esko Automation Engine
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
CAPE Pack (pallet optimization)
SolidWorks
KeyShot / 3D rendering
SAP PLM

Design & Production Skills

Structural packaging design
Dieline creation / engineering
Prepress production
Print production (offset, flexo, gravure)
G7 color calibration / color management
Pantone color matching
Packaging mockups / prototyping
Mechanical artwork
Die-cutting / die-making specifications

Materials & Compliance

Substrate specification (SBS, CRB, corrugated, flexible film)
Folding carton design
Corrugated packaging
Flexible packaging (pouches, wraps, bags)
FDA food-contact compliance
ISTA transit testing (2A, 3A, 6-SIOC)
Sustainable packaging / How2Recycle
FSC / SFI certification
PCR (post-consumer recycled) content
E-commerce packaging / Amazon SIOC **Placement Strategy:** Weave these terms naturally into your professional summary, experience bullet points, and a dedicated skills section. ATS algorithms match exact phrases, so "ArtiosCAD" performs better than "CAD software," and "dieline creation" outperforms "created packaging layouts."

Professional Summary Examples

Entry-Level (0-2 years)

"Packaging designer with a BFA in Graphic Design and hands-on internship experience at a Top 50 packaging agency. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and ArtiosCAD with demonstrated ability to produce production-ready dieline files, prepress artwork, and 3D mockups. Contributed to 12 SKU redesigns that shipped with 98% print-accuracy rates. IoPP student member with coursework in structural packaging design and sustainable materials."

Mid-Career (3-7 years)

"Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) with 5 years of experience designing structural and brand packaging for Fortune 500 CPG companies. Expert in ArtiosCAD, Esko Studio, and Adobe Creative Suite with 80+ SKU launches across folding carton, corrugated, and flexible formats. Reduced material costs by $1.2M annually through a carton lightweighting initiative while maintaining ISTA 2A compliance. Skilled in G7 color management, sustainable packaging standards, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams."

Senior / Director (8+ years)

"Director of Packaging Design with 12 years of experience leading brand packaging programs for Fortune 500 CPG companies including Unilever, PepsiCo, and Nestlé. Managed a 9-person team and $2.4M annual budget while delivering 300+ SKU launches across all packaging formats. Led a 75-SKU brand redesign that increased retail shelf recognition by 34%, and developed a sustainable packaging roadmap achieving 32% PCR content across 48 SKUs. Pentaward Gold and Dieline Award winner with CPP and CPE certifications from IoPP."

Common Mistakes on Packaging Designer Resumes

1. Listing Software Without Demonstrating Proficiency Level

Writing "Adobe Creative Suite" as a bullet point tells a hiring manager nothing. Every graphic design graduate lists Adobe. Instead, specify what you do with the software and at what scale: "Created production-ready dieline files in Adobe Illustrator for 15 SKUs per month, ensuring G7-calibrated color accuracy across offset and flexographic print processes."

2. Omitting Structural Design Tools Entirely

Many packaging designers focus on graphic design software while neglecting the structural tools that differentiate packaging roles from general graphic design. If you have experience with ArtiosCAD, Esko Studio Toolkit for Boxes, SolidWorks, or CAPE Pack, these must appear prominently. Job postings at corrugated converters and folding carton manufacturers often require ArtiosCAD as a minimum qualification.

3. No Quantified Impact

"Designed packaging for various products" is the single most common and least useful line on packaging designer resumes. Replace it with measurable outcomes: number of SKUs launched, material cost savings (dollars or percentages), waste reduction metrics, production accuracy rates, cycle time improvements, or retail shelf-impact data. Hiring managers at CPG companies and packaging converters evaluate designers on commercial impact, not creative ambiguity.

4. Ignoring Sustainability Credentials

Sustainability is no longer optional in packaging. Brands are racing toward recyclable, compostable, and PCR-content packaging driven by corporate ESG commitments and retailer mandates. If you have experience with How2Recycle labeling, FSC-certified substrates, mono-material design, or PCR content specifications, this should be featured in your resume. The IoPP's Fundamentals of Sustainable Packaging course and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition membership are recognized credentials in this space.

5. Treating the Portfolio Link as Optional

Packaging design is a visual discipline. A resume without a portfolio link (or with a broken one) is immediately disadvantaged. Your portfolio URL should appear in your resume header, and the portfolio itself should include high-resolution photographs of produced packaging (not just flat artwork files), structural prototypes, shelf-set images, and before/after comparisons of redesign projects.

6. Using Generic Job Titles

If your official title was "Graphic Designer" but you spent 80% of your time on packaging, clarify this in your resume. A line like "Graphic Designer (Packaging Focus)" or context within your bullet points ("designed structural packaging for folding carton production") ensures both ATS and human reviewers understand your specialization. Do not assume they will infer it from your bullet points alone.

7. Overlooking Print Production Knowledge

Packaging designers who cannot speak fluently about print processes, substrate specifications, and press-check procedures are limited to concept-stage work. If you know the difference between offset lithography and flexography, can specify SBS versus CRB board, or have conducted on-press color approvals, make this explicit. Production knowledge is what separates a packaging designer from a graphic designer who occasionally works on boxes.

ATS Optimization Tips

1. Use a Clean, Single-Column Format

Packaging designers are often tempted to use visually creative resume layouts. Resist this for the ATS-submitted version. Multi-column layouts, text boxes, headers and footers, and embedded images break ATS parsing. Use a clean single-column format with standard section headings: Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications. Save the creative layout for a separate PDF portfolio.

2. Mirror Exact Terminology from the Job Posting

If the posting says "ArtiosCAD," do not write "Artios" or "CAD software." If it says "structural packaging design," do not substitute "package engineering." ATS matching is often literal. Copy the exact phrasing from the job description into your resume where it truthfully applies to your experience.

3. Separate Hard Skills into a Dedicated Section

In addition to mentioning tools and techniques within your experience bullet points, include a standalone "Technical Skills" section near the top of your resume. ATS systems extract skills from dedicated sections more reliably than from narrative text. Group skills by category: Software, Design & Production, Materials & Compliance.

4. Include File Format Compliance

Save your resume as a .docx file for ATS submission (not PDF, unless the application specifically requests PDF). Many ATS platforms parse .docx more reliably than PDF. Keep a separate, designed PDF version for direct email submissions or portfolio uploads.

5. Spell Out Acronyms on First Use

Write "Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)" not just "IoPP." Write "post-consumer recycled (PCR)" not just "PCR." ATS systems may search for either the acronym or the full phrase, and human reviewers may not recognize every industry abbreviation.

6. Quantify Achievements with Numbers

ATS systems and hiring managers both respond to numerical specificity. Include metrics wherever possible: "35+ SKUs," "$1.2M in material savings," "22% reduction in prepress revision cycles," "98% print-production accuracy." Numbers break up text visually and signal measurable impact.

7. Include Location and Industry Context

Many ATS systems filter by location and industry keywords. If you have experience in food packaging, beverage packaging, personal care, or pharmaceutical packaging, name these categories explicitly. If you have worked with specific retail channels (club stores, mass market, e-commerce), include that context as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree do I need to become a packaging designer?

Most packaging designer positions require a bachelor's degree in graphic design, industrial design, packaging science, or a related field. Programs like Clemson University's Packaging Science, Michigan State University's School of Packaging, and Rochester Institute of Technology's Packaging Science are specifically recognized by the industry. A graphic design degree combined with structural packaging coursework or an ArtiosCAD certificate is also a strong entry path. According to the BLS, the typical entry-level education for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024) is a bachelor's degree.

Is the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) worth getting?

Yes. The CPP credential, administered by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), has been the industry standard since 1972, with over 2,000 professionals certified. According to IoPP's salary survey, CPP holders earn 7-10% more than non-certified peers. The certification requires six years of packaging experience and demonstrates expertise across materials, processes, and regulations. For designers moving into senior or management roles, the CPP (and its advanced CPE designation) signals cross-functional packaging knowledge beyond graphic design skills.

What salary can I expect as a packaging designer?

As of December 2025, the average packaging designer salary in the United States is $68,738 per year according to ZipRecruiter. Entry-level positions (0-2 years) start around $53,000-$56,000. Mid-career designers with 3-7 years and specialized skills (structural design, ArtiosCAD expertise, CPP certification) typically earn $70,000-$90,000. Senior packaging design directors and managers earn $98,000-$178,000, with the average senior packaging designer salary at $131,631 per Glassdoor data. Location matters significantly: salaries in New York, San Francisco, and Cincinnati (home to P&G) tend to be 15-25% above the national average.

Should I include a portfolio link on my packaging designer resume?

Absolutely. Packaging design is evaluated visually and functionally. Your portfolio should include photographs of produced packaging (on shelf and studio shots), structural dieline work, 3D renders, before/after redesign comparisons, and any awards received. Host your portfolio on a dedicated website (Squarespace, Cargo, or a custom domain) rather than relying solely on Behance or Dribbble, as many corporate firewalls block social platforms. Include the URL in your resume header so it appears on every version of your document.

How do I transition from graphic design to packaging design?

Start by learning structural packaging fundamentals. Take an ArtiosCAD course through Esko's online academy, study print production processes (offset, flexo, gravure), and familiarize yourself with substrate types (SBS, corrugated, flexible film). Join the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) as a student or early-career member for networking and educational resources. On your resume, highlight any graphic design projects with a production or print component: label design, point-of-purchase displays, trade show graphics, or any work that required vendor coordination, die specifications, or press checks. Seek entry-level roles at packaging converters like Graphic Packaging International or Smurfit Westrock, where you will gain hands-on structural and production experience that pure brand agencies may not provide.

Citations

Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Graphic Designers: Occupational Outlook Handbook." U.S. Department of Labor. Accessed 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024: Graphic Designers (27-1024)." U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes271024.htm
ZipRecruiter. "Packaging Designer Salary: Annual Pay, December 2025." https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Packaging-Designer-Salary
Glassdoor. "Senior Packaging Designer: Average Salary & Pay Trends 2026." https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/senior-packaging-designer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). "Certified Packaging Professional (CPP)." https://www.iopp.org/certify/
IoPP. "CPP Requirements and Qualifications." https://www.iopp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1252
Esko. "ArtiosCAD: Structural Packaging Design Software." https://www.esko.com/en/products/artioscad
Graphic Packaging International. "Careers." https://careers.graphicpkg.com/
Smurfit Westrock. "Careers." https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/careers
Resume Worded. "Resume Skills for Packaging Designer — Updated for 2025." https://resumeworded.com/skills-and-keywords/packaging-designer-skills

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