The Type Set Packaging

Designing packaging for yourself is interesting, to say the least. It's easy to suggest fancy papers and expensive processes to clients with big budgets, but when you're bootstrapping a pretty costly venture, every penny matters.

We knew we needed to keep it simple. We looked at a lot of containers, but these magnetic letters are a high-end product, so we needed something that felt sophisticated. We loved the ridged feel and quality of these telescoping tubes. They keep the product contained and provide a lasting storage solution.

Sourcing the tubes in the USA was stupid expensive even at 10,000 units... like costs-more-than-the-product stupid. We had to look towards our Chinese manufacturers for help. These tubes are relatively easy to source if you know where to go but getting the right color kraft paper was hard and took A LOT of back and forth – so many months!

To further keep costs down, we planned to use the same tube for every style and color and instead, printed little round stickers (not shown, but design attached) to indicate style and color – both with words and ink. These pull double duty as they also provide a seal for keeping the tube closed in a retail setting.

I imagine this packaging will likely evolve as we grow this company. Would love to hear suggestions!