Using AI To Create Product Labels vs. A Beverage Branding Agency

You’re probably going to be able to guess my stance on using AI to design product labels. It’s not about job security, I swear. In the past, year we’ve had many product owners come to us with AI designs. My own opinions and personal use of AI aside, if you want to use AI to generate ideas and your thoughts into a digital presentation to show to your CPG food package design agency, I won’t judge you too harshly. 

If you expect to save money and have the branding agency clean up your “nearly finished” whiskey label, you may have a rude awakening. I’m here to warn you, don’t expect to turn and burn onto the market after using AI. In fact, clients who came to us with AI label ideas ended up spending just as much time and money getting their labels “right” as the other clients who let us take the reins from the start. 

Here are some reasons why you should use AI cautiously when starting a new brand. 

Legal Ramifications

AI-generated alcohol branding can come with hidden legal risks that could expose your company to costly lawsuits, and copyright disputes. Virginie Glaenzer said it best, “The law hasn’t caught up to the tech, and that gap is exactly where risk lives.” Imagine growing a successful brand and the law catches up from behind. Woof.

Low-Resolution Files

Generally, the files AI creates are not high enough resolution for a craft spirits branding agency to use. Beyond that, if you plan to have any spot gloss, embellishment, foil stamping, etc., that will need to be added to a high-resolution file, which will still take quite a bit of time and money.

Unusable Illustrations & Icons

If your label design has any imagery or illustrations, the file is likely low-resolution and will need to be recreated by a designer. You guessed it, you haven’t escaped: $$$.

Lack of Heart & Soul

Asking AI to scan the internet and mash up existing ideas and designs isn’t a great basis for building a strong brand. Period. The notion that music is entirely borrowed may be polarizing, but at the end of the day, it’s “borrowed” unintentionally by humans. Even if your label design isn’t reinventing the wheel, a human touch is essential for a brand with emotional appeal. 

Need help navigating your CPG or alcohol brand strategy? Looking for a food packaging design agency? Book a consultation with us. 

If you’re wondering, no, I did not use AI to write this.