And sure, on the surface, it can feel that way. You’re comparing a seasoned designer’s rate to someone offering a logo for a fraction of the cost. It’s tempting. Completely understandable.

For years, packaging has leaned heavily into headshop aesthetics. Loud graphics. Psychedelic colors. Fonts that feel more like a concert poster than a consumer product. That approach may have worked for a niche audience, but today’s cannabis customer is broader, more discerning, and frankly, more cautious.