Some clients, the dream clients, are easy. They're the ones that can visualize the project outcome with only some rough sketches of designs placed in front of them. We love these clients because they reduce the amount of explanation our ideas require.

But then there are the other clients, the clients who can't picture things in their heads for the life of them. And, as laws of the universe would dictate, they—nine times out of 10—have absolutely no idea that they are lacking this ability. We love them anyway. Most of the time, at least.

Two-dimensional designs are easy to get across. It's what we're moving toward anyway, so we don't end up going too much out of our way. But what about when we need a 3D mockup, say for a packaging project? Traditionally, designers would have two options:

They would have to produce a tangible object: printed on an office machine, cut out, and pasted up onto a blank package (and that's if the package itself exists in the first place).
The would have to render a realistic-looking image of the final product, ready for the store shelf.

Either way, it's a big pain in the behind and takes up valuable time and resources.

Now, I'm not one to normally shill for any old company. Sure, I have my favorites that I'll endlessly proselytize to friends and colleagues. I want these companies to succeed and stay around.

YellowImages.com is one of these companies. This site offers some of the best packaging mockup templates I've encountered. These hi-res, layered Photoshop files are highly customizable and utilize Smart Objects, so adding your graphics is extremely easy. Plus, images start at $15ea. for those who don't need (or want) to buy into their yearly subscription service.

These templates have saved me a lot of time and headache pitching ideas to clients.

Sales pitch finished.