Demystifying Packaging Design Process

Great packaging is about much more than creating eye-catching graphics. From strategy and design considerations, regulatory requirements, budgets and manufacturing constraints, packaging projects involve a complex network of decisions that often remain hidden from view.

This session pulls back the curtain on the packaging process, offering both emerging and experienced designers a practical look at how packaging moves from concept to shelf. Amanda DeVries RGD & Dahlia Ishak will offer real-world examples and lessons learned from the industry, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, opportunities and collaborations that shape successful packaging projects. Whether you're new to packaging or looking to sharpen your knowledge, you'll leave with actionable tips and a clearer view of the entire packaging journey.

This panel session will be conducted as a brief talk, followed by extensive Q&A session to open the floor for discussion.

About Amanda DeVries RGD & Dahlia Ishak

Amanda is the principal and creative director of Eye Candy Design, a boutique branding and packaging design firm that creates fresh, iconic work for food and beverage companies. She has nearly 20 years experience as a brand consultant, art director and graphic designer. Amanda spent the first 10 years of her career in Ottawa, where governmental agencies kept her busy but not terribly inspired. In 2010, her family moved to southwestern Ontario to start an organic vegetable farm and this presented her with the opportunity to work directly with artisan food producers. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge through various teaching gigs and mentoring younger designers. She is the mother of 3 children who share her love of good food, vintage shopping and travel.

Dahlia has 15 years of experience as an agency brand designer and art director. This flexibility has allowed her to also be an owner-operator of multiple hospitality businesses. In 2020, Dahlia founded Public House, an award-winning branding & design studio with a focus on Food & Beverage businesses.The studio launched as an initiative to support local hospitality shops in response to pandemic closures and has since grown to serve local and national clients in the Food & Beverage, Hospitality and Start-up sectors.
She is passionate about creating thoughtful and memorable brands with personality that foster community and connection. Dahlia also teaches Graphic Design and Design Entrepreneurship to foster the confidence to use creativity to build things from the ground up.
Her work has been awarded and published in various media including The Dieline, Applied Arts, Monocle Magazine, Eater, Fast Company and Food Business News. Her studio, Public House Studio, has been named top 5 agencies to watch for 2026 by The Dieline.