Our selection of top packaging design agencies helps businesses create functional, shelf-ready packaging that strengthens brand recognition, protects products, and supports retail, ecommerce, and distribution across industries.

Our Verified Agencies
are Trusted by Top Brands:
  • Pepsico
  • Macdonalds
  • VMware
  • Autodesk
  • Estee Launder

Organic rankings are determined by five factors: top services, reviews, portfolio, awards/press, and team expertise. Sponsored listings pay for a placement that appears above organic positions. Sponsorship does not affect star ratings or review content - read more on our methodology page.

Automotive × $50,000 & Up ×
  • Starfish Branding and Creative Agency

    VerifiedVerified by the DesignRush team for authenticity and credibility.Award WinnerRecipient of a Best Design Award for outstanding work.

    The Brand Experience is the Brand.

    Starfish is a Branding and Creative Agency that builds brands with the soul to move people and the coherence to govern AI. Headquartered in New York City with offices in France and Florida, independent since 2002...

    Top Services:

    • Branding
    • Logo Design
    • Creative Services
    • Graphic Design
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $250/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
    Portfolios Count
    24 Projects Listed

    Starfish Branding and Creative Agency Services

    • Branding
    • Logo Design
    • Creative Services
    • Graphic Design
    • Web Design
    • Advertising
    • Content Marketing
    • Business Consulting
    • Package Design
    • Digital Strategy
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • PwC
    • Gallup
    • Dunkin'
    • ADL
    • Baxter Pharamceuticals
    • Avis Budget Group
    • Principal
    • Samsung
    • Hologic
    • Crisil (S&P Global)
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    Starfish Branding and Creative Agency Reviews & Testimonials

    • Undisclosed
      Undisclosed Software Developer at IT Firm
      4.5★

      Graphic Design Review from Undisclosed

      Starfish has been hired by an IT Firm for graphic design services. They are tasked with creating professional designs that meet the requirements for the software they are developing for their customers. Starfish has developed exceptional graphics, and the client's customers are satisfied with the outcome. The client has also profited enough from the team's designs, which ensures a progressive partnership. Their design are of good quality, and the client is extremely pleased with their services.

    • John Gamble
      John Gamble Engineering Services Manager at Spire Healthcare Group plc
      5.0★

      Brand Strategy Review from John Gamble

      Starfish helped us create our new brand, including a new logo, brand identity and brand guidelines as well as a new company culture (vision, mission, values, and behaviors). Tenet undertook a thorough discovery process involving quantitative and qualitative research, data gathering, a competitive analysis, interviews of internal and external stakeholders, and surveys, which informed the creative process.

    • Declan Alphonso
      Declan Alphonso Supervisor at Tervita Corporation
      5.0★

      Branding Review from Declan Alphonso

      Starfish strategic approach included qualitative and quantitative research, a competitive analysis, and a thoughtful creative process -- blending art and science to deliver excellent results. The team was communicative, flexible, and timely, and they provided outstanding guidance.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • Creatives With Agency

    SG Cartel is a global creative services coalition headquartered in Los Angeles, specializing in fashion, luxury, beauty and premium lifestyle. We build culturally resonant brands through creative strategy, storytelling and narrative architecture, graphic design, campaign concepting and content production...

    Top Services:

    • Branding
    • Media Buying
    • Package Design
    • Web Design
    • Graphic Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $200/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed

    SG Cartel Services

    • Branding
    • Media Buying
    • Package Design
    • Web Design
    • Graphic Design
    • Product Design
    • Content Marketing
    • Web Development
    • Advertising
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Victoria Beckham Beauty
    • Summer Fridays
    • Isima
    • Diane Von Furstenberg
    • Purple Brand Jeans
    • Calvin Klein
    • Estee Lauder
    • Nike
    • Apple
    • LVMH
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • A Research-Based Creative Agency for Challenger Brands.

    Watson Creative is a research-driven branding and creative agency based on the West Coast. We specialize in brand strategy, design, marketing, and digital experiences that help businesses and nonprofits grow with purpose and impact...

    Top Services:

    • Branding
    • Design Services
    • Digital Services
    • Creative Services
    • Package Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $225/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
    Portfolios Count
    6 Projects Listed

    Watson Creative Services

    • Branding
    • Design Services
    • Digital Services
    • Creative Services
    • Package Design
    • Media Buying
    • Digital Marketing
    • Digital Strategy
    • Web Design
    • Print Design
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • OSU Athletics
    • Moccamaster
    • Volante
    • Domain Serene Winery
    • Oregon Ballet Theatre
    • Volcafe Way
    • Disney
    • Nike
    • NessCampbell
    • Fred Meyer
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    Watson Creative Reviews & Testimonials

    • Janet Sandra
      Janet Sandra Review from Google
      5.0★

      Janet Sandra's Review Sourced from Google

      Over the last three years, I have collaborated on over eleven projects with Watson Creative team. They are a pleasure to deal with and consistently produce outcomes that go above and above! For your upcoming project, I heartily recommend them.

    • Holt Group Inc.
      Holt Group Inc. Review from Google
      5.0★

      Holt Group Inc.'s Review Sourced from Google

      Watson has been a key strategic partner for us on the creative and brand side since the beginning. We've worked with various members across the team and every member of their staff brings excellence and authentic passion to what they do. They have consistently delivered an end product that excites our customers, adding special creative touches along the way so that the results really sing. The way they're able to translate our vision and mission into deliverables across each project has been a weight off our shoulders. Not every creative agency is able to understand the nuances of our industry and we've been so impressed with the time team Watson has taken to really get to know our industry in homebuilding. We've worked with Watson on deliverables such as high level creative direction, but also getting into the nitty gritty of developing content around our warranty program. This was a huge task and they matched us with exactly the right team members to bring it to life who truly cared about getting it right. They're great friends as much as they are our business partners. We highly recommend partnering with Watson Creative.

    • S Nash
      S Nash Review from Google
      5.0★

      S Nash's Review Sourced from Google

      When we engaged Watson to help us rebrand, we knew it was going to be a challenging process. We had a long-standing reputation as a respected law firm in Portland, but we wanted our brand to reflect our unique culture and the innovative approach we bring to our clients. Watson's team was thorough and thoughtful throughout the entire process, from primary research interviews with our team to the final custom, hand-drawn identity system. The end result was a brand that not only represents who we are as a firm but also sets us apart from our competitors. We continue to receive compliments on our branding years later, and we credit Watson for helping us achieve that success.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • Let's Create Something Great Together

    Brands that connect, act, and serve like friends and neighbors tend to win and tend to grow. That's why our every move is guided by Brand Anthropology. And why we create work that connects like friends and neighbors by understanding friends and neighbors, even those inside the brand itself...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Creative Services
    • Package Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up

    Friends & Neighbors Services

    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Creative Services
    • Package Design
    • Branding
    • Video Production
    • Web Design
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Anytime Fitness
    • University of Minnesota
    • Boston Scientific
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • Bulwark FR
    • Dickies
    • Ecolab
    • Waxing the City
    • Ergotron
    • Timberline Pro
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

Why companies trust DesignRush

Every agency is independently vetted before it can be listed or ranked

1

Identity Check

We verify businesses and reviewer LinkedIn profiles for integrity.

Agencies vetted
128,711+
2

Portfolio Review

We review agency work, case studies, and results to confirm skill.

Applicants rejected
47%
3

Ongoing Audit

We monitor listings regularly; outdated agencies are removed.

Agencies verified
4

Some agencies pay for sponsored placement, clearly labeled and held to the same vetting standards.

See how rankings and monetization work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packaging Design Companies

Do top packaging design agencies offer prototyping?

Yes. Top packaging design companies usually offer prototyping to test structure, materials, and visual design before mass production. This step prevents costly production errors and ensures the packaging works in real conditions.

Most agencies provide:

  • Structural prototypes to test size, durability, and product fit
  • Printed mockups to review colors, typography, and branding
  • Material samples such as cardboard, glass, plastic, or sustainable options
  • Production-ready samples that match the final manufacturing specs

Prototyping confirms that the packaging protects the product, looks correct on the shelf, and meets supplier requirements before full production begins.

How much do packaging design firms charge for their services?

Packaging design usually costs $5,000 to $100,000+, depending on complexity, number of products, and partner type. Simple packaging is on the low end. Regulated, luxury, or multi–Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) packaging is on the high end.

Typical ranges based on DesignRush data: 

  • Basic packaging: $5,000 to $20,000
  • Standard packaging systems: $20,000 to $100,000 
  • Complex or luxury packaging: $100,000 to $250,000+

Hourly rates:

  • Agencies: $100-$200 per hour
  • Freelancers: $25-$45 per hour

Costs increase with custom structures, compliance requirements, premium materials, and multiple SKUs. 

Are there any hidden fees?

Yes. Packaging design projects often have costs that don’t show up in the initial quote. These hidden fees usually come from real-world production realities, not creative work.

Common extra costs:

  • Print prepress and proofs: Preparing files for press and checking color accuracy
  • Material tests and samples: Checking substrates, coatings, finishes
  • Dieline engineering: Structural tweaks for fit and machinery
  • Compliance/legal labeling changes: Extra cost if new markets or rules apply
  • Revisions beyond contract scope: Extra charge if the brief wasn’t clear
  • Freight/storage for prototypes: Physical sample handling fees

These fees happen because packaging must work with production equipment, materials, and regulations. Always define the scope and ask for a production-ready cost estimate up front.

What is the timeline for completion?

A packaging design project usually takes 4 to 8 weeks for simple packaging and 2 to 4+ months for complex launches. Timeline depends on the number of SKUs, revisions, and production requirements.

Typical timeline ranges:

  • Simple project (one SKU): 4 to 8 weeks
  • Multiple SKUs or variants: 6 to 12 weeks
  • Complex or regulated packaging: 8 to 16+ weeks
  • Full product launch with prototypes: 3 to 4+ months

Time increases due to:

  • Design revisions and stakeholder approvals
  • Prototype creation and testing
  • Dieline and manufacturer approvals
  • Compliance and legal checks

Packaging is tied to manufacturing, so production steps often take longer than the design itself.

Do packaging design agencies collaborate with manufacturers?

Yes. Packaging design firms regularly collaborate with manufacturers to ensure packaging is produced correctly and efficiently. Their collaboration prevents production errors, delays, and costly reprints. 

Packaging design companies typically work with manufacturers to: 

  • Create and approve dielines that match production machines
  • Confirm materials and finishes will print and perform correctly
  • Review print proofs and color accuracy before mass production
  • Coordinate prototypes and production samples
  • Resolve technical constraints like folding, sealing, or labeling

This collaboration ensures the final packaging works in real manufacturing conditions, not just on screen.