Interview with Aman Qaiser: Exploring Packaging Design Careers in Dubai

October 23, 2026 Career Journey, Design by Cilmar Bacus

Interview questions by Aman Qaiser — student at St. Mary High School, Muhaisnah, Dubai, pursuing a BTEC Business Level 3 Diploma.

How to Become a Packaging Designer — interview cover featuring Cilmar Bacus

As part of her career planning assignment, Aman Qaiser is researching career pathways by interviewing professionals working in fields she may be interested in pursuing in the future. She contacted me with 19 thoughtful questions about the packaging design profession, from creative skills and print production to employment opportunities in the UAE.

I’m Cilmar Bacus, a Filipino graphic designer and Head of Creative based in Dubai. My professional background includes branding, packaging design, corporate gifts, printing and production, and creative direction. Below, I share my answers based on that experience, with advice for students who want to move from graphic design into packaging design.

Topics covered: Packaging design responsibilities, software, printing techniques, qualifications, internships, skills audits, UAE regulations, sustainability, AI, career planning, salary expectations, freelance fees, degree pathways, portfolios and job interviews.

Interview Questions and Answers

Jump to an interview question

How I started in packaging design
Day-to-day work and production process
Degrees, qualifications and training
Entry-level jobs and career progression
Software, printing, materials and soft skills
Assessing junior designers
Employment contracts and work arrangements
UAE laws, copyright and sustainability
How to research the career
Packaging trends from 2028 to 2035
Student skills audit methods
Short- and long-term learning goals
Graphic design versus packaging design
Alternative roles and contingency plans
Advice for aspiring packaging designers
UAE salaries, freelance fees and overtime
Graphic Design degree and specialised training
CV, portfolio and professional online presence
Job interviews and portfolio presentation

1. Could you introduce yourself, describe your current role as a Packaging Designer, and explain what inspired you to specialise in this field and how you began your career?

My name is Cilmar Bacus, and I’m a Filipino creative professional based in Dubai, currently working as Head of Creative at a marketing consultancy. My work covers branding, graphic design, packaging design and creative direction, particularly for industries such as perfumery, luxury products and retail.

Interestingly, I didn’t originally study design. My educational background was in Computer Programming, and I developed my graphic design skills through self-learning, online tutorials and practical experience.

When I started working in Dubai in 2017, I gained experience in corporate gifts, printing and production. That’s where I started understanding how designs are translated from digital artwork into actual physical products.

What attracted me to packaging design was the combination of creativity and technical knowledge. It’s exciting to see something you designed on a computer become a real product that customers can hold, open and experience.

For me, packaging design isn’t simply about making a box attractive. It’s about creating a physical experience that communicates a brand’s identity.

2. What are your main responsibilities, daily tasks and procedures when developing packaging from the initial client brief to the finished product, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this profession?

My responsibilities usually begin with understanding the client’s requirements, brand identity, target audience, budget, product dimensions and production expectations.

I follow a structured process. First, I research competitors and gather visual references. Then I develop design concepts, explore colours, typography, materials and packaging structures.

Once a direction is approved, I prepare the artwork using the correct dieline, dimensions, bleed and printing specifications. I also create realistic 3D mockups so clients can visualise the final product before production.

The next stage involves communicating with suppliers, reviewing materials, checking samples and making necessary adjustments. Before mass production, I make sure the final artwork is technically accurate and properly approved.

One of the biggest advantages of this profession is seeing your creative ideas turn into real products. It’s rewarding to see your work displayed in stores.

The disadvantages include tight deadlines, production limitations, material availability, unexpected printing issues and last-minute client revisions. Even a small technical error can affect hundreds or thousands of printed packages. That’s why attention to detail is extremely important.

3. What educational qualifications, degrees, professional certifications and training programmes would you recommend for someone interested in becoming a Packaging Designer?

I would recommend studying Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Product Design, Industrial Design or a related creative discipline.

A degree can provide a strong foundation in typography, colour theory, visual communication, design principles and creative problem-solving. For students interested in structural packaging, knowledge of product engineering and manufacturing is also useful.

However, I don’t believe a design degree is the only way to succeed. I’m a self-taught designer, and much of my professional knowledge came from real projects, practical experience and continuous learning.

Students can also benefit from Adobe Certified Professional training, packaging design workshops, print production courses, colour management training and specialised courses covering materials and sustainability.

Learning directly from printing companies and packaging manufacturers is particularly valuable because students can see how artwork is prepared, tested and produced.

My recommendation is to combine formal education with practical training and a strong portfolio. In this industry, employers want to see what you can actually design and produce.

4. What entry-level positions, internships and work experience opportunities are available in Packaging Design, and what career progression routes exist for someone starting as a Graphic Designer?

Someone interested in packaging design can begin as a Junior Graphic Designer, Packaging Design Assistant, Junior Packaging Designer, Prepress Artworker or Print Production Assistant.

Internships at creative agencies, packaging manufacturers, printing companies, branding studios and product companies can provide valuable experience.

I particularly recommend spending time inside a printing or packaging production company. This gives students an understanding of materials, printing processes, production costs and technical limitations that cannot always be learned in a classroom.

A typical career progression might begin as a Junior Graphic Designer, followed by Packaging Designer, Senior Packaging Designer, Art Director, Creative Director or Head of Creative.

Other specialised career paths include Structural Packaging Designer, Packaging Development Specialist and Packaging Innovation Manager.

My own career developed through different creative and production roles before moving into creative direction. Those experiences helped me understand both the design and manufacturing sides of the industry.

5. What technical (hard) skills, design software, printing techniques, materials knowledge, soft skills and professional competencies are essential for success in Packaging Design?

For technical skills, I would prioritise Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Illustrator is especially important for creating vector artwork, dielines and production-ready packaging files.

Adobe InDesign is useful for detailed layouts, while 3D software such as Adobe Dimension or Blender can help designers create realistic packaging presentations.

Designers must understand CMYK and spot colours, resolution, bleed, safe areas, dielines, folding structures and prepress requirements.

They should also become familiar with printing and finishing techniques such as offset printing, digital printing, screen printing, embossing, debossing, foil stamping, spot UV, lamination and die-cutting.

Material knowledge is equally important. This includes paperboard, rigid board, corrugated cardboard, textured paper, plastic, glass and recyclable materials.

For soft skills, I believe communication, teamwork, time management, creativity and problem-solving are essential.

Packaging designers regularly communicate with clients, suppliers, printers and production teams. A designer who creates beautiful artwork but doesn’t understand how it will be manufactured can create serious production problems.

6. How would you assess whether a student has the necessary skills for Packaging Design, and what common skills gaps do you notice among junior designers?

I would evaluate students through practical design exercises rather than relying only on their academic qualifications.

For example, I would ask them to design packaging for a perfume bottle, including the branding, dieline, print-ready artwork and a realistic mockup.

I would assess their creativity, typography, attention to detail, understanding of dimensions, knowledge of materials and ability to explain their design decisions.

I would also ask them to create a physical prototype to check whether their design works outside the computer screen.

One common weakness among junior designers is focusing too much on appearance without considering production feasibility.

Some designers are excellent at creating attractive mockups but struggle with technical artwork preparation, printing specifications or structural measurements.

Another common gap is communication. Designers need to explain their decisions clearly and understand feedback from both clients and production teams.

A strong portfolio should demonstrate creativity and technical accuracy together.

7. What employment contracts and working arrangements are common in Packaging Design, including full-time, part-time, freelance and fixed-term employment, and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Packaging designers can work under several employment arrangements, depending on the company and project requirements.

Full-time employment is common within branding agencies, manufacturing companies and in-house creative departments. Its main advantages are stable income, structured responsibilities, employee benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Part-time employment may offer more flexibility, although the income and opportunities for progression can be more limited.

Freelancing allows designers to choose clients and work on different projects. However, freelancers must manage their own finances, client relationships, deadlines, licensing and business responsibilities. Income can also be unpredictable.

Fixed-term or project-based contracts are useful when a company needs design support for a particular campaign, product launch or production assignment. The disadvantage is uncertainty about work after the contract ends.

Personally, I value full-time employment because it allows me to develop long-term projects, collaborate closely with teams and manage creative quality throughout the production process.

In the UAE, the appropriate employment or freelance permit is important, and the legal conditions depend on the work arrangement.

8. How do UAE employment legislation, copyright, intellectual property rights, packaging regulations and environmental requirements affect your responsibilities and working practices?

Working in Dubai means understanding that design is not only about creativity. There are legal, commercial and technical responsibilities that must be considered.

The UAE Labour Law regulates employment matters such as contracts, working arrangements, wages, leave and employee rights. Designers should understand their employment conditions and any restrictions affecting additional freelance work.

Copyright and intellectual property are also important. Designers must avoid copying existing brands, illustrations, packaging structures or other protected creative work without permission.

I also make sure that client assets, licensed fonts, images and final artwork are used appropriately. Ownership and usage rights should be clarified through contracts and the relevant intellectual property laws.

Packaging regulations depend on the product category. For example, perfume, cosmetics, food and healthcare products may have different labelling, product safety and conformity requirements.

In Dubai, product-related requirements may involve Dubai Municipality and relevant UAE authorities. For perfumes and cosmetics, the Montaji consumer-product registration system is particularly relevant.

Environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important. Dubai and the wider UAE have introduced restrictions on specified single-use plastic products, including additional measures that took effect on 1 January 2026. These rules should not be confused with a blanket ban on all plastic packaging; designers need to check which products and exemptions apply.

As a designer, I should consider material selection, recyclability, unnecessary packaging, product protection and manufacturing waste.

I believe packaging designers have a responsibility to create solutions that are attractive and functional while supporting environmental goals.

9. What methods and sources would you recommend for researching Packaging Design careers, and what are the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of interviews, LinkedIn, company websites, job advertisements and educational providers?

I would recommend combining several research methods instead of relying on only one source.

Professional interviews are valuable because students can learn directly from designers about their daily responsibilities, challenges and real working experiences. However, one person’s experience may not represent the entire industry.

LinkedIn is useful for researching job titles, career progression, professional backgrounds and the skills employers are requesting. Its limitation is that profiles don’t always show the complete reality of a person’s work.

Company websites and portfolios are useful for understanding the type and quality of packaging projects produced by agencies and manufacturers. However, these websites usually highlight successful projects rather than everyday difficulties.

Job advertisements help identify required software, qualifications and experience. The disadvantage is that some job descriptions contain unrealistic expectations or combine several roles.

Educational providers can explain available qualifications, course content and learning pathways, but students should check whether the courses include practical production experience.

I would also recommend visiting printing companies, attending industry exhibitions, studying actual packaging products and speaking directly with experienced designers.

10. What future employment opportunities and industry developments do you expect for Packaging Designers between 2028 and 2035, particularly in the UAE, and how might sustainability, artificial intelligence, new materials and changing consumer preferences influence the profession?

I believe packaging design will continue to evolve significantly between 2028 and 2035, particularly in markets such as Dubai and the wider UAE, where luxury retail, perfumery, beauty, e-commerce and consumer products are important sectors.

One major development will be sustainability. I expect more companies to explore recyclable materials, refillable systems, reduced packaging and environmentally responsible production methods.

Artificial intelligence will also influence the profession. AI can help designers generate concepts, explore visual directions, create mockups and complete repetitive tasks more efficiently.

However, I don’t believe AI will eliminate the need for skilled packaging designers. Physical dimensions, materials, manufacturing limitations, structural testing and production accuracy still require human expertise and technical validation.

Consumer preferences will also influence packaging. Customers may increasingly expect packaging that feels premium while using materials responsibly and avoiding unnecessary waste.

I anticipate opportunities in sustainable packaging, structural design, 3D visualisation, packaging innovation and production development.

These are professional expectations rather than guaranteed employment forecasts, but I believe the designers who combine creativity, production knowledge and modern technology will be better prepared for the future.

11. What skills audit methods or formats would you recommend for assessing a student’s creative, technical and professional abilities in Packaging Design?

I would recommend using a structured skills audit supported by practical projects and portfolio reviews.

Students can rate their abilities from 1 to 5, where 1 means beginner and 5 means highly confident or professionally competent.

The audit should cover four main categories:

Creative skills (25%): Concept development, typography, colour, layout, originality and visual communication.
Technical skills (35%): Illustrator, Photoshop, dielines, dimensions, prepress artwork and 3D mockups.
Production knowledge (25%): Printing processes, materials, structural design, finishing techniques and quality control.
Professional skills (15%): Communication, teamwork, time management, presentation and problem-solving.

However, self-assessment alone is not enough. Students should provide evidence of their skills through completed projects and receive feedback from lecturers, mentors or professional designers.

I recommend repeating the assessment every three months to measure improvement and identify areas requiring further development.

12. How can a Graphic Design student identify and address the skills gaps required for Packaging Design, and what measurable short-term and long-term development targets with realistic time frames would you recommend?

The first step is to compare your existing abilities with the skills commonly required in packaging design job descriptions.

A graphic design student may already understand layout, typography and branding but need additional training in printing, dielines, materials and structural packaging.

Short-term goals (1–3 months):

During the first month, learn the fundamentals of packaging structures, dielines, bleed and printing specifications.
Within two months, complete at least two packaging designs with accurate print-ready artwork and physical prototypes.
Within three months, create three portfolio projects featuring realistic mockups and explanations of the production process.

Medium-term goals (3–6 months):

Learn at least three printing or finishing techniques in practical detail.
Visit a printing or packaging supplier and document the production process.
Receive professional feedback on at least three packaging projects and revise them.

Long-term goals (6–24 months):

Within one year, build a portfolio of at least five well-developed packaging case studies.
Gain practical experience through an internship, entry-level employment or supervised commercial project.
Within two years, aim to secure a packaging-related role or demonstrate the production knowledge and portfolio quality expected of a junior packaging designer.

The most important thing is to measure progress through completed work rather than only the number of tutorials or courses taken.

13. What factors should a student consider when deciding between Graphic Design and Packaging Design, and how can they justify their career choice using research and professional advice?

I would advise students to consider their interests, strengths, preferred working environment and long-term career goals.

Graphic design offers a broader range of opportunities, including branding, advertising, social media, digital design, editorial design and marketing communications.

Packaging design is more specialised because it combines visual communication with physical products, materials, manufacturing and production processes.

Students who enjoy creating digital visuals and exploring different communication platforms may prefer general graphic design.

Those who enjoy working with physical objects, understanding materials, solving structural problems and seeing products manufactured may find packaging design more rewarding.

Before deciding, I recommend comparing job descriptions, reviewing actual packaging projects, interviewing professionals and completing at least one practical packaging assignment.

A student should be able to explain their choice using evidence from this research, their personal skills audit and their experience of completing relevant projects.

Personally, I believe understanding both disciplines creates more career opportunities because packaging design benefits greatly from strong graphic design fundamentals.

14. If a graduate struggles to find a Packaging Designer position, what alternative career opportunities, additional training or contingency plans would you recommend?

I would encourage graduates not to limit themselves to positions specifically advertised as Packaging Designer.

There are several related opportunities, including Junior Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Prepress Designer, Print Production Assistant, Artwork Designer, Branding Designer and Packaging Visualiser.

Working for a printing company, promotional gifts supplier, packaging manufacturer or branding agency can provide valuable experience.

For example, my early experience in printing and production helped me understand technical design requirements that later became useful in packaging projects.

I would also recommend improving practical skills through short courses in structural packaging, printing technologies, colour management and 3D visualisation.

If a student cannot secure a specialised position immediately, a realistic six-month plan would involve strengthening their portfolio, applying for related entry-level roles, attending professional networking events and seeking practical production experience.

The important thing is to keep developing relevant experience instead of waiting for the perfect job title.

Sometimes an indirect career path provides stronger technical knowledge and better long-term opportunities.

15. Based on your professional experience, what advice would you give a Graphic Design student who wants to explore Packaging Design, and what skills should they prioritise developing?

My biggest advice is to learn how design works beyond the computer screen.

Creating an attractive packaging mockup is only one part of the process. A good packaging designer must understand how the product will be printed, assembled, transported, displayed and used by the customer.

I would encourage students to focus first on strong graphic design fundamentals, especially typography, layout, branding and colour.

Then develop technical skills in Adobe Illustrator, dieline preparation, printing specifications, materials and production methods.

Don’t be afraid to visit printing companies, ask questions and learn from experienced production teams.

I started as a self-taught designer, and many of the most valuable lessons in my career came from real projects, practical challenges and mistakes that taught me how to improve.

You don’t need to master everything immediately, but you must remain curious and willing to learn.

For me, a successful packaging designer is someone who can combine creativity with functionality, technical accuracy and a clear understanding of the brand. A beautiful design becomes truly successful when it also works in the real world.

16. What are the typical salary ranges and payment arrangements for Packaging Designers in the UAE, including monthly salaries, hourly rates, freelance project fees, bonuses and overtime payments?

To be clear, I don’t have the exact or most up-to-date salary figures for Packaging Designers in the UAE. The amounts I’m sharing are only rough estimates based on my previous knowledge and experience working in the design industry in Dubai.

From what I know, junior packaging designers may earn around AED 3,000–5,000 per month, mid-level designers around AED 5,000–8,000, and more experienced designers approximately AED 8,000–12,000 or higher.

However, these figures can vary significantly depending on the company, experience, technical skills and industry. For more accurate information, I would recommend checking current job advertisements and salary surveys.

Freelance designers have different payment arrangements. Some charge hourly rates, which, based on my general understanding, could be around AED 80–250 per hour depending on experience and project complexity. Others prefer charging per project.

For example, a simple packaging label design might cost a few hundred dirhams, while a complete packaging project involving concept development, dielines, realistic mockups and production-ready artwork could cost several thousand dirhams or more. These are illustrative estimates, not fixed industry rates.

Freelance payments are often arranged through an initial deposit, agreed milestones and a final payment after project completion.

For full-time employees, salaries are generally paid monthly. Some companies offer performance bonuses or annual incentives, although these depend on the employer and employment contract.

Regarding overtime, eligible employees covered by UAE private-sector labour law are generally entitled to additional compensation. Standard overtime is calculated with at least a 25% increase on the applicable basic wage rate, while qualifying overtime between 10 PM and 4 AM may carry at least a 50% increase. Certain roles and shift arrangements have different rules or exemptions.

Personally, I believe students should not focus only on salary when starting their careers. Learning opportunities, practical production experience, professional development and exposure to real projects are equally important.

During the early stages of your career, developing strong technical knowledge and gaining industry experience can create better opportunities in the future.

17. Since I am planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, would this qualification allow me to work professionally in Packaging Design, or would I need additional specialised training or certifications?

Yes, absolutely. A bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design can provide a strong foundation for pursuing a professional career in Packaging Design.

You don’t necessarily need a separate degree specifically in Packaging Design to work in this field.

Graphic Design and Packaging Design share many important principles, including typography, colour theory, layout, branding, visual communication and creative problem-solving.

However, packaging design involves additional technical knowledge because you’re not only designing something visually attractive. You’re creating artwork that will eventually become a physical product.

I would recommend developing practical knowledge in packaging structures, dielines, printing techniques, material selection, colour management and production processes.

You should also become confident using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as these are widely used for packaging artwork preparation. Learning 3D visualisation software can also help you create realistic product mockups and professional presentations.

Additional courses or workshops in packaging production, structural design, printing technologies and sustainable materials would be beneficial.

Professional certifications can strengthen your CV, but they are not necessarily required for every packaging design position. What matters most is whether you can demonstrate the skills needed for the job.

I can relate to this personally because I originally studied Computer Programming rather than Graphic Design. Most of my creative skills came from self-learning, online tutorials and practical experience working in the design and printing industry.

Throughout my career, I gradually developed my knowledge of branding, packaging, production and creative direction.

My advice is to pursue your bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design while building a strong portfolio that includes packaging projects, dielines, mockups and physical prototypes.

Your degree can help you enter the profession, but your practical skills, portfolio, production knowledge and willingness to continuously learn will play an important role in your career.

18. What should a student include in their CV, cover letter, job applications and design portfolio when applying for Packaging Design positions, and how important are LinkedIn profiles and a professional online presence?

When applying for Packaging Design positions, I believe the most important thing is to present your skills, experience and creativity clearly and professionally.

For your CV, include your educational background, relevant training, software knowledge, internships, work experience and technical abilities.

If you’re a student or fresh graduate, I recommend keeping your CV simple and well-organised, ideally one or two pages.

Highlight relevant software skills such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and 3D visualisation tools, along with your knowledge of branding, typography, packaging artwork and printing processes.

Your cover letter should be personalised for the company you’re applying to. Explain why you’re interested in packaging design, what you understand about the company’s products and how your skills could contribute to their projects.

Avoid sending exactly the same cover letter to every employer.

For your portfolio, I recommend including at least four to six strong projects rather than presenting too many average-quality designs.

Each project should show your creative process, from the initial brief and research to concept development, design execution and final presentation.

For packaging projects specifically, include realistic mockups, dielines, material specifications and physical prototypes whenever possible.

If you’ve worked on actual packaging production, include photographs of the finished products. If the work is conceptual or academic, clearly mention that.

One thing I always consider important is showing that you understand how your design works in real production, not just how attractive it looks on a computer screen.

Regarding LinkedIn and professional online presence, I believe both are valuable for building your career.

LinkedIn helps you connect with recruiters, creative professionals and potential employers. Platforms such as Behance and personal portfolio websites allow you to showcase your projects in a more organised and professional way.

Personally, I maintain my own website where I showcase my portfolio, creative experience, achievements and professional journey.

Having a personal website also gives people an opportunity to understand your skills and work beyond a traditional CV.

My advice is to treat your CV, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and portfolio as part of your personal branding. Make sure they are professional, consistent and accurately represent your abilities.

19. What types of job interviews are commonly used when recruiting Packaging Designers, and how should candidates prepare, communicate professionally, present their portfolios and demonstrate their skills during interviews?

Packaging Design recruitment processes can vary depending on the company, but they commonly involve an initial interview, a creative or technical interview, and sometimes a practical design assessment.

The first stage may involve a telephone or online interview with HR. This usually focuses on your educational background, previous experience, communication skills, availability and salary expectations.

The next stage may involve meeting with a Senior Designer, Art Director, Creative Director or production manager.

During this interview, you may be asked to present your portfolio and explain your design process.

I would recommend selecting three to five of your strongest projects and preparing a clear explanation for each one.

Explain the project brief, the challenges you faced, your creative approach, why you selected particular colours or materials, and how you developed the final design.

If the project involved actual packaging production, explain the printing techniques, materials and technical considerations.

Some companies may also provide a practical design test. For example, they might ask you to create a packaging concept, work with an existing dieline, prepare print-ready artwork or solve a production-related design problem.

These assessments allow employers to evaluate your creativity, technical knowledge, attention to detail and ability to work under specific requirements.

Before attending an interview, I recommend researching the company, understanding its products and familiarising yourself with the type of design work it produces.

You should also prepare for technical questions about Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CMYK colours, printing specifications, bleed, dielines, materials and finishing techniques.

Professional communication is equally important. Arrive on time, dress appropriately, listen carefully and answer questions clearly.

If you don’t know something, it’s better to be honest and explain that you’re willing to learn rather than pretend to have experience.

As someone working in creative direction, I believe a good designer should not only have strong creative skills but should also be able to communicate ideas, accept constructive feedback and work effectively with other people.

One of my biggest recommendations is to practise presenting your portfolio before attending interviews.

Don’t just show the final artwork. Explain the thinking, decisions and problem-solving process behind your designs.

A strong portfolio can help you secure an interview, but your communication skills, technical understanding, professional attitude and ability to explain your creative decisions can help you stand out from other candidates.

About This Student Interview

Student interviewer: Aman Qaiser, St. Mary High School, Muhaisnah, Dubai.

Academic context: BTEC Business Level 3 Diploma career planning assignment, requiring research through interviews with professionals in fields the student may pursue.

Professional interviewee: Cilmar Bacus, Head of Creative and Filipino graphic designer in Dubai, UAE, with experience in branding, packaging design and print production.

For more about my work, explore my packaging design services in Dubai or read my journey from self-taught designer to Head of Creative.

Official UAE Resources for Further Research

The career outlook and study targets above are professional perspectives, not guaranteed employment predictions. Legal and product compliance requirements depend on the product, activity and applicable rules.