Ear Lock Corrugated Mailer Box (3-Ply E-Flute): Dieline, Original Packaging Graphics & 3D Mockups

We're looking for an experienced packaging designer to create a complete, print-ready ear lock mailer box for Free Range Farm, which will hold Eggs. The job covers both the structural dieline and the full graphic design. The artwork should be your own original concept. The attached reference images show the mood and direction we like, but they are not designs to copy.

Box Specifications

• Style: Ear lock mailer box with dust flaps (roll end tuck front, FEFCO 0427 or equivalent)
• Material: 3-ply corrugated, E-flute (caliper approx. 1.5 mm)
• Box dimensions (L × W × H): 245 × 165 × 55 mm
• Outer liner: White
• Print coverage: Outside only
• Print method: Offset litho-lamination
• Product weight: 1 kg

Deliverables

1. Structural Dieline
• An accurate 1:1 dieline in mm, built from the inner dimensions, with E-flute board-thickness allowances applied at every fold
• Separate, clearly named layers: cut, crease, perforation (if any), bleed, safe zone, and dimensions
• Industry-standard line conventions (cut = solid, crease = dashed), set as non-printing spot colours on overprint
• All panels labelled, with flute direction and overall flat blank size marked
• Files: AI, vector PDF, and DXF. ArtiosCAD (.ARD/.CF2) is a plus.

2. Graphic Design
• 2–3 original design concepts covering all visible panels (top, front, sides, back and ear locks)
• Final artwork developed on the approved concept, with up to 3 rounds of revisions
• Layout space for:
o Logo, product name and tagline
o A mandatory information panel (we'll supply the text, e.g. MRP, net quantity, manufacturer details)
o Barcode and QR code
o Social handles
o Recycling and handling icons
o A shipping label area
• A print-ready PDF (PDF/X-1a or X-4) with:
o CMYK and/or Pantone spot colours, as agreed
o 3 mm bleed
o Images at 300 ppi at actual size
o Fonts outlined
o The dieline on its own layer
• Design suited to corrugated printing: no fine text or detail across creases, and minimum text and line sizes appropriate to the print method
• Fully editable source files (AI, plus PSD for any raster work), with packaged fonts and linked images

3. Product Visual Mockups
• Photorealistic 3D renders that show the true E-flute edge thickness and correct proportions. Generic templates are not acceptable.
• Minimum views:
o Closed box hero shot (¾ angle)
o Top view
o Front/side view
o Open box with product inside
o Flat artwork-on-dieline view
o Lifestyle/unboxing shot
• Formats: JPG and transparent PNG, at least 3000 px on the long side, plus the source mockup/3D file if one is used
• Optional (please quote separately): A 10–15 second opening or 360° animation (MP4 + GIF)

4. Print & Handover Package
• A one-page spec sheet (PDF) listing dimensions, board grade, colours/Pantones, finishes, print notes and the file list
• A list of all fonts and stock assets used, with licence details
• An organised folder structure with clearly named files
• Prepress corrections requested by our printer, for 30 days after delivery

Milestones

1. Dieline and test-fold file. We prototype it and approve.
2. Design concepts. We choose one.
3. Refinement and revisions.
4. Final print-ready files, mockups and handover package.

What We'll Provide

• Box dimensions
• Product photos and dimensions
• Logo and brand guidelines
• Mandatory text
• Reference images

Who We're Looking For

• Proven packaging design experience, specifically with corrugated mailer boxes and dielines (portfolio required)
• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills. ArtiosCAD, EskoStudio, Pacdora, Adobe Dimension or Blender is a plus.
• A working understanding of prepress for corrugated printing
• Clear communication and on-time delivery

Ownership

All work must be original. Full IP and commercial rights transfer to us on final payment. Please disclose any stock images, fonts or AI-generated elements, along with their licences.

Budget & Timeline

• Budget: ₹600 - ₹2000
• Deadline: 3 days

To Apply

Please start your proposal with the words EAR LOCK. Proposals without them won't be reviewed. Then answer these questions:
1. Share links to 2–3 corrugated mailer box or dieline projects you've completed.
2. What thickness allowances would you build into a 3-ply E-flute dieline, and where?
3. What is your fixed-price quote, and your timeline for each milestone?
4. Which software will you use for the dieline and for the mockups?