Feedback on packaging design

Lina Lime · 04-11-2012, 04:17 PM

Hello Designers!

I've just finished a big project on packaging design and want to know your honest feedback.
Clients are happy, it's been 3 month a lot of work but I can't really understand my design anymore. I mean I've been looking at it everyday and can't see it anymore. It's like I've become a robot designer.

Another thing (I know I'm not supposed to talk about prices) but I can't evaluate myself and send an invoice. Now the project is finished, I don't even remember all the hard work I've done. I think my brain just want to forget everything.

I think if I hear some feedback from other designers, I will at least feel something regarding my work.

Thanks for your time!
P.S I'm a freelancer. This is packaging Tetra pak design of 3 flavours.

They had a template of packaging, so I used the layout. I don't know if it is considered that it's easier to design when you already have some elements that were created by someone else. Maybe, but I totally feel that it was as hard as if I designed everything from scratch.

PLUS all the changes from clients, change of names, graphs, hundred times changing this and that (which is part of the process I know but still adds preassure, considering that I'm doing everything by myself)

Please freelancers and brother designers say something

**Virgo Nightingale** · 04-11-2012, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lina Lime

Another thing (I know I'm not supposed to talk about prices) but I can't evaluate myself and send an invoice. Now the project is finished, I don't even remember all the hard work I've done.

What does your contract specify? Should have all been spelled out before any work began.

maynardsayswhat · 04-11-2012, 04:28 PM

Isn't that Hobo? I actually really think this is a good use for it. =) Nice!

Contracts should always specify either total estimated cost of job or your hourly rate (or both). Also, be sure to track your time more carefully in the future! I know it sucks but it must be done as you go. Trying to work out how many hours you spent after the fact is inaccurate and an even bigger PITA than keeping track as you work.

What I normally do is just set aside 1-4 hours on my work nights for a specific project. Then it's easier to add to a tally at the end of the session.

Otherwise, I think the package is successful. It's not totally mind-blowing within the market segment (or the natural facing on the shelf next to your competitors), but it's a solid piece within that segment IMO. Well done.

Lina Lime · 04-11-2012, 04:29 PM

well I have my own fixed price per hour, but if I calculate like this it's going to be ridiculously expensive. We didn't discuss anything before with the client, I've been working with them for a while, they trust me and never complain about my prices. It's just this time I feel maybe I'm not comfortable to charge them a lot. I'm trying to make it cheaper, I don't know why.

**Virgo Nightingale** · 04-11-2012, 04:33 PM

Funny. I knew Njoy was a familiar name. It's also the name of an e-cig product.

Lina Lime · 04-11-2012, 04:35 PM

maynardsayswhat thanks

Quote:

Trying to work out how many hours you spent after the fact is inaccurate and an even bigger PITA than keeping track as you work.

I know how many hours it was but the funny thing is, I think it's too much. I can't charge them more than I deserve but at the same time that's how much time it took and I should deserve it. This is my confusion

Lina Lime · 04-11-2012, 04:37 PM

I'm also interested can my clients find out about this post?

PrintDriver · 04-11-2012, 04:39 PM

If your hourly rate adds up to an exhorbitant charge, you put too many hours in the project. Or somehow didn't set limits.

It's very hard to run a business when you don't know what your pricing needs to be to at least break even. Your work time is not free. Neither is your overhead. Freelancing is a Business. You need to sort this stuff out before you hang out the shingle.

as to your clients finding it. Yep. Most likely. Since the name has been mentioned.
Didn't read those Welcome posts eh?

maynardsayswhat · 04-11-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

I'm also interested can my clients find out about this post?

Only if they search for it =)

Honestly, from what you've posted in this thread I'd not worry about it. You're conflicted about charging them "too much". Most of my clients would rather see that than "how much can I milk them for?" =D

kemingMatters · 04-11-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lina Lime

maynardsayswhat thanks

I know how many hours it was but the funny thing is, I think it's too much. I can't charge them more than I deserve but at the same time that's how much time it took and I should deserve it. This is my confusion

it is what it is, bill them for your time. If they take issue, explain your usage of time and/or work with them on it. This is why it's good to get the budget first, then do the work.