Palo Alto, California – What is the one vehicle that brings the objectives of branding, protection, organization, theft deterrence, display, marketing, prestige, experience and authenticity together in the ultimate design challenge? Packaging!

Successful packaging seamlessly ties all these entwined interests together in a way that builds distinct identities and projects clear voices in a universe of ever-expanding competition.

As the guest speaker at PaperSpecs' free Webinar "Packaging: Tying It All Together," Steve Sikora, creative director and co-founder of Design Guys will talk about some of the most important considerations in packaging design.

"Steve Sikora brings unparalleled experience to this topic," says Sabine Lenz, CEO of PaperSpecs. "While his list of awards and clients (Apple, Aveda, Macy's, Virgin USA, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, among many others) is impressive all by itself, his fine art background and strong social consciousness enrich Sikora's expert view in a way I know Webinar attendees will find engaging."

As well as explaining the true nature of packaging, Sikora will discuss:
- Paper selection for packaging
- Why packaging is one of the best branding tools
- The ten essential criteria of good packaging
- Why packaging matters - even if you don't do packaging
- What tomorrow's packaging will look like

"Packaging design is perhaps the most compelling of creative activities," says Sikora. "Choosing formats, colors, materials, images; considering special finishes, odd shapes, display requirements; and reaching for environmentally sustainable objectives. As a designer, you need to be prepared to handle all of these elements in the effort to get the client's product or idea noticed the very first time … and looked for again and again!"

"Packaging: Tying It All Together" will help provide a solid foundation in packaging design, the principles of which translate into other areas of creative marketing.

This Webinar is free thanks to the generous support of Neenah Paper. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today for this special event at www.paperspecs.com/webinar.