Amanda Jane Rivera

Amanda Jane Rivera

Author

Amanda is a professional writer and brand strategist at Refine Packaging who is based in Los Angeles, California. With a background in writing and journalism, Amanda entered the manufacturing industry 6 years ago to explore her unique passion for beautifully conceptualized packaging. With years of packaging experience, Amanda has a deep understanding about how brand psychology and box design trends impact emotions and desired actions. When she’s not writing, Amanda can be found snuggling her two Beagles or outdoors sipping on sparkling white wine.

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More from Amanda Jane Rivera

How to Start a Product-Based Business: Packaging Guide

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

In product-based businesses, delaying startup packaging decisions to the final stage of product development can lead to rushed choices with serious consequences. With no time to measure and test boxes, packaging may end up oversized or lacking in stacking strength and damage control. In an interview with Food Navigator USA, packaging strategist Greg Lawson said that when packaging is a "downstream execution task," problems are likely...

Custom Packaging by Product Type: Food Packaging, Beauty, CBD, Candles, and More

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: Why Product Type Should Guide Packaging The right packaging starts with the product.  Food packaging needs...

Packaging by Industry: Custom Packaging Solutions for Food, Beauty, Ecommerce, and More

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Is generic packaging really the most cost-effective option for businesses? Not necessarily. While some may think generic is...

Color & Prepress Guide for Packaging: CMYK vs RGB vs Pantone, and Print-Ready Files Explained

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

CMYK vs RGB mistakes are one of the biggest reasons packaging projects experience delays, unexpected color shifts, blurry...

Packaging Finishes and Coatings Guide: UV, Spot UV, Lamination, and More Explained

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: Which Packaging Finish Should You Choose? Choosing packaging finishes gets easier when you start with the...

How to Choose the Right Printing Method for Custom Boxes

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Still think packaging is just for protection? Think again. Packaging can be an impactful marketing tool that enhances...

How to Design Packaging: Tools, Templates, and Dieline Workflow Guide

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Nailing your packaging design workflow right from the jump can be the only thing keeping you from a...

Custom Box Materials: Paperboard, Chipboard, Kraft, and Corrugated Packaging Guide

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Choosing a material for customized packaging is more than just selecting something to hold or cover a product....

Custom Box Printing Options: A Complete Guide

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Since a packaging’s look and durability influence marketability, choosing from popular custom box printing options is crucial for...

Custom Boxes vs. Stock Boxes: Which Should You Choose?

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Custom boxes vs stock boxes is a key consideration for growing businesses.  "Is our packaging helping us sell...

Cost Comparison: Custom vs. Stock Packaging

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

This article will go through the pros and cons of custom vs stock packaging to help you decide...

Custom Packaging for Food & Beverage Products

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

How many times did you choose a certain product over another one just because the former has attention-grabbing...

Folding Cartons vs. Rigid Boxes: Choosing the Right Packaging

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Folding cartons vs. rigid boxes – they may sound similar, but they serve different roles in packaging strategy. Brands...

Paper Bags vs Plastic Bags: A Sustainability & Costs Guide

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: November 28, 2025

Quick Take: Paper Bags vs Plastic Bags — Which Is the Best Choice for Your Business? Deciding on...

How to Ship a PC: Packing, Costs, and Safety Tips for Domestic and International Delivery

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: How to Ship a PC If you’re wondering how to ship a pc, here’s the short...

What Is Glassine Paper? Uses and Characteristics in Packaging

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: What Is Glassine Paper? So, what is glassine paper? If you’ve unwrapped delicate stationery, bought baked...

How to Mail Cookies: Complete Guide to Shipping and Mailing Cookies

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: How to Mail Cookies If you’re wondering how to mail cookies so they arrive fresh and...

How to Ship Shoes: Packaging Tips, Best Shipping Methods, and Cost-Saving Hacks

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: How to Ship Shoes If you’ve ever wondered how to ship shoes safely without spending a...

How to Write Dimensions: Order and Guidelines for Measurements

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: How to Write Dimensions Knowing how to write dimensions correctly is essential. The usual order for...

What Is Embossing? Techniques, Tools, and Creative Uses in Paper Design

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

If you’ve ever run your fingers over a wedding invitation or a business card and felt that slightly...

How to Use QR Codes for Smarter Product Packaging (5 Examples)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Smart packaging is changing the way we approach product packaging from both a business and consumer perspective.  As...

Candle Packaging: Standout Design Elements, Tips, and Ideas

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

The value of the candle box market reached $3.48 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $5.80...

Make a Splash with These 5 Creative Soap Packaging Ideas

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Soap packaging has come a long way from bland cardboard boxes. With the growing popularity of artisan cleansers...

Beyond the Box: Unwrapping Top Trends in the Custom Packaging Industry

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

This year unpacks innovative trends that will make your bubble wrap burst with excitement. However, these packaging trends...

What is the RGB Color Model? What It Is & Why It’s Avoided in Printing

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Color creation is a diverse process, varying according to the medium used. It also involves different color models,...

Raster vs Vector: Essential Printing Guide to Image File Formats

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

If you’ve been working with packaging for some time, you’ve probably heard about rasters and vectors before. These...

Ultimate Guide to Product Display and Custom Cardboard Display Boxes

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Despite the massive shift to e-commerce over the previous few years, retail stores are still incredibly important in...

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Paper Bags

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: What to Know About Custom Paper Bags Custom paper bags do more work than people give...

GSM vs. PT Unit System: Main Differences and Which is Best for Printing

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

When it comes to printing materials, it's common to see things measured in units like GSM or PT. ...

What is Foil Stamping? How Hot Foil Stamping Works in Printing & Packaging

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Have you ever wondered how some packaging gets its golden shine? Or what gives some custom boxes a...

What is UV Coating? Make Your Colors Pop With UV Coating for Printing

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: What is UV Coating? UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a clear and shiny liquid coating...

What Are The RGB & CMYK Color Models In Printing? Learn Color Modes.

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Color can make or break a product’s packaging design. Think about the red and yellow arches that are...

Embossing vs. Debossing: Which is Best for Packaging and Printing?

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

As you design your product's packaging, you might've come across the phrases embossing and debossing, and wondered what...

The Best Ways to Reduce Packaging Costs: Thinking Outside the Box

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

If you're looking for ways to reduce packaging costs while increasing profits, you're in luck. There are several...

Ultimate Guide to Custom Boxes for Product Packaging and Branding

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

If you're losing money on damaged shipments or packaging that does little for your brand, this guide to...

Product Photography: How to Take Epic Product Photos (+Why You Should)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Ever order something online without seeing a picture?   I didn’t think so. Very few people want to...

Box Templates: The 18 Best Packaging Box Template Resources

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: Where to Get Box Design Templates? Box design templates (also called dielines) help you accurately lay...

How to Recreate a Retail Experience with Ecommerce Custom Packaging (Subscription, Retail, etc.)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Packaging is all about enhancing the customer experience.   Beautiful and effective custom packaging can help you retain...

How to Measure Box Dimensions: Custom Packaging Size Guide

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: How Do You Measure a Box Correctly? Boxes are always measured and written as Length x...

Shipping Costs & Strategy Guide: Dimensional Weight, Carriers, and Cost Reduction Tips

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Quick Take: The Fastest Way to Reduce Shipping Costs Start with the box, not the carrier. Most US...

7 Affordable Ways to Make Your Product Packaging Pop

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: July 3, 2026

In 2021, consumers spent a whopping $870.78 billion on the web. That’s up from $453 billion just 4...

Ready to think outside the box? Let's get started!

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