From Concept to Creation: The Process of Designing Custom Cone Sleeves

In the packaging industry, custom cone sleeves are getting popular in the food packaging as a presentable way to package and present ice-cream and many other products including popcorn, gourmet foods and snacks. Also, using the right cone sleeve can help significantly in improving the experience of the consumer and visibility of the brand. Before ordering the cone sleeves, to get what you are actually aiming for your brand, it is important to understand the whole process of custom cone sleeves from concept to creation. 

Understanding the Importance of Custom Cone Sleeves

The ideal design of a custom cone sleeve will help it achieve all the aims. The importance of custom cone sleeves is crucial in order to understand the aims of the design. Custom printed cone sleeves are useful for various purposes including: 

1.      Branding:

The printing of the cone sleeves allows a brand to showcase their logo, brand colors and brand identity. This does not only enhance the identity of the brand but also makes your product distinctive and unique. 

2.      Protection:

The paper sleeve allows it to keep the cone and the product safe and fresh. Therefore making the project more appealing and trust worthy. 

3.      Functionality:

A cone with an ideal design improves the handling of the product and usability of the cone. As the paper sleeve allows a better grip and prevents the hands from getting messy. 

After understanding the benefits of the cone sleeves, the first step to produce the cone sleeve is to define your final product and build a concept. 

Step 1: Defining Your Concept

The key to a successful design is the clarity of the initial concept. The initial concept is a result of brainstorming the idea in accordance with the identity of the brand and the target audience in mind. Whereas, to ensure the clarity of the concept, it is important to address these questions:

– What message do you want to convey? 

The custom printing of the sleeve should reflect the ideology of the brand. If the message should be in a playful manner or a sophisticated way.

– Who is your target audience? 

While keeping the personality of the brand in mind, it is also important to understand the audience the brand is looking to target. Therefore, the design of the sleeve should complement the demands of the audience to ensure positive feedback.

– What materials will you use? 

Custom cone sleeves allow the use of different materials and each material represents a different feel and look of the product. Therefore, it is important to understand the feel of the material which is selected and if it compliments the demands of the audience and the personality of the brand.

Step 2: Sketching Your Ideas

After the concept is clear, it is important to transform the concept into a reality. The first step of this translation is through rough sketches. The purpose of rough sketches is not aiming for perfection but to transform the ideas into a design. The aim of this sketch is to finalize the: 

– Layout: 

The position of the text and the logo as well the size and area of each of these. 

– Imagery: 

To select the pattern or graphics which compliment the logo and the message of the brand. This also includes the font of the text and the shape of the image. 

– Color Palette: 

Once the image and the layout of the cone sleeve is final, it is important to select the suitable color which suits the logo and is also according to the brand colors. 

Step 3: Selecting Materials and Finishes

The material of a packaging is not only responsible for the strength and the durability of the box but it also impacts the feel and the look. So the selection of the material plays a significant role in the final product and the message it delivers:

– Paperboard: 

Paperboard material allows easy printing and is lightweight while being strong. This makes it a popular option for food packaging.

– Kraft Paper: 

In the choices of materials Kraft is popular in the current packaging trends as it is very environmentally friendly. The Kraft paper is a wise choice to add an eco-friendly touch to the custom cone sleeves. 

– Plastic Coated Paper: 

Plastic coating of the cone sleeve is a necessity in some of the products which are liquid or have the potential to melt. The plastic coating provides safety against liquids and grease and increases the functionality of the cone sleeve.

Finishing Touches

The finishes of the cone sleeves include:

– Glossy or Matte Coating: 

The primary purpose of the coating is protection against wear and tear. However, the gloss lamination is a shiny finish and enhances the colors of the design. Whereas, on the other hand matte lamination dulls the color and gives a decent look to the design.

Step 4: Digital Design

After finalizing all these details according to the layout, material and the finish of the cone sleeve, it’s time to move towards digital design. With the help of many available design softwares, create a digital design of the custom cone sleeve. However, these are some essential tips which can help you in the Design process including: 

1.      Use High-Quality Images:

While adding any graphics or images in your design, it is very important to use high resolution images. As the lower resolutions can result in pixelation of the image greatly affecting the visuals of the cone sleeve.

2.      Stay Within Print Margins:

A print margin specifies the area which is printed on the cone sleeve. Designing according to the print area prevents the cutting off of important elements.

3.      Incorporate Feedback:

Before finalizing the design for printing, share a mock up with people of the community or industry knowledge to get a clear feedback about the design.

Step 5: Prototyping

It is a wise step to always check the design and the material of the packaging by opting for a sample instead of going for a full run. While testing the prototypes, please consider these elements: 

– Functionality: 

Please make sure that the size of the sleeve allows a comfortable fitting of the cone and makes the handling as easy as possible. In other words this is the test of the size, orientation and the material of the cone sleeves.

– Visual Appeal:

Inspect the graphics and the colors of the cone sleeve, ensuring appealing aesthetics.

– Durability: 

Check the material of the cone sleeves against all the possible conditions including moisture and handling. Despite the cost of testing this can ensure a safe and stress-free experience of the consumer.

Step 6: Production

After the approval of the prototype, select a reputable printer or a custom packaging manufacturer. However before finalizing the decision, please check the following factors:

– Minimum Order Quantities: 

If the Minimum Order Quantity of the manufacturer aligns with the number of cone sleeves you require. Whereas it is a suggestion to order for at least a quarter year as bulk quantities decrease the per unit costs.

– Lead Times: 

Please inquire about the lead time of the company, ensure ordering before time or make sure if the lead times are appropriate and suit the deadline.

– Quality Assurance: 

The essence of custom packaging is the quality, so please make sure that the printer provides a high quality product and conducts fluent quality checks.

Step 7: Distribution and Marketing

Once you get the ready to use custom cone sleeves in your hands, the last step is to distribute them and promote them effectively. 

1.      nIn-Store Promotions:

Use custom printed sleeves for in-store marketing, the exciting colors of the cone sleeves can attract customers towards new flavors. As this can trigger the curiosity in loyal consumers, this technique is consequently very effective.

2.      Social Media Campaigns:

Attractive images of the cone sleeves on social media are effective in engaging the customers online. Moreover, a brand can motivate the consumer to share images on social media through discounts and promotions.

3.      Collaborations:

Collaborations with brands which complement your product is an effective and cost-effective promotional technique. Therefore, share your cone sleeves with relatable businesses to engage their consumers as well.

Conclusion

Designing custom cone sleeves is a significant process of branding which is very fruitful if completed properly. However, by following the guidelines and following every step a brand can ensure that the packaging is not only functional and attractive but also works as a passive marketing agent. For the ideal execution of this plan, contact Instant Custom Packaging now and lets initiate the design process together!