A designer can cost Rs 5,000-20,000 for a pouch design. If you're a small brand just starting out, AI tools can get you 80% of the way for free - if you know what to ask for and what to fix before printing. Here's the exact process we recommend to our customers.
The tools (all free to start)
1. ChatGPT or Google Gemini - generate the design concept and mockup images. Both now produce good label/pouch visuals from a text prompt.
2. Canva - turn the concept into an editable layout, add your real text, and export properly.
3. remove.bg - clean up your product photo for the window/hero image.
The exact prompt (copy, fill the brackets, paste)
"Design a [stand-up pouch with zipper] label for [brand name], a [product - e.g. Assam CTC tea] brand from [place]. Pouch size [width] x [height] inches, front panel only. Style: [premium/traditional/minimal/playful], colours [your brand colours]. Must include: brand logo placement at top, product name in large type, [250g] net weight at bottom right, a clear window space in the centre where the real product shows through, and empty space at the bottom for FSSAI details and MRP. Flat front-view mockup, print-style flat colours, no photorealistic shadows."
Generate 4-6 variations, pick a direction, then rebuild it cleanly in Canva with your real text. Don't print the AI image directly - here's why.
The 5 things AI gets wrong (fix before printing)
1. Resolution and colour: AI images are RGB screen images at 72-150 DPI. Print needs 300 DPI and CMYK - rebuild in Canva/Illustrator, don't upscale.
2. Gibberish text: AI renders fake letters. Every word on the final design must be retyped as real, editable text.
3. No FSSAI compliance: Indian food packs legally need ingredients, net quantity, FSSAI licence number, manufacturer address, batch/date, MRP and the veg symbol. AI never leaves proper room - see point 5 in our custom packaging checklist.
4. No bleed or seal margins: a pouch is printed flat then formed - the top seal, side seals and gusset eat into the artwork. Your printer must supply a keyline/dieline template; we provide one for every pouch size we print.
5. Fonts and logos: your final file needs your actual vector logo (AI/EPS/PDF), not the AI's approximation of it.
From design to printed pouch
Once your design direction is ready: check our 7-point checklist, then send the artwork to sales@manjushreepack.com or WhatsApp +91 98599 25186. Our design team can also take your AI concept and make it print-ready for you. Below custom-print quantities (300-500 kg)? Use a ready-stock pouch with a printed sticker of your AI design - same shelf impact, zero cylinder cost.