For package designers, the effort should go beyond looking outside of your category. It also should embrace looking in the right places outside of the store.

Ever wonder how some creative teams design the best packages on store shelves today? Certainly, they take a look outside of their own product category. But often, the best designers look outside of the store for inspiration.

On feed2meme.com comes a valuable article that should interest anyone on the branding team. The article lists 12 areas where designers can find fresh inspiration. As you might guess, the world of fashion is one of them, but more intriguing are the suggestions of architecture, photography, and … board games!

Or, getting back to nature or letting the sensations that go along with eating be your guide.

LPK Trends forecaster Valerie Jacobs discusses in more detail about finding aesthetic inspiration in nature.