Hustle 17: CPG Packaging Design Agency
AI-driven packaging design works because brands in the CPG space are desperate to stand out on shelves and online, but most small and mid-sized companies don’t have the budget for a full agency like SmashBrand. When you mix AI design tools with real consumer feedback, you can deliver packaging that looks good and performs well in the market. This business solves a real problem, lets you work from home, and positions you as a strategic designer instead of just a graphic artist.
What the business actually is
This is an agency that uses AI to design, test, and optimize packaging for consumer packaged goods like snacks, drinks, supplements, skincare, and household items. Instead of just creating visual designs, you combine branding, psychology, and consumer testing to deliver packaging that grabs attention and increases sales.
AI helps you design faster, test ideas with digital focus groups, and use data to refine the final version. The result is a service that feels premium, research-backed, and far more valuable than basic design work.
Who it’s perfect for
This model fits you if you:
enjoy branding and product aesthetics
like the mix of creativity and strategy
want a high-ticket service with real business impact
like using AI tools to speed up the creative process
want something that can scale into a full agency
You don’t need to be a professional designer. You just need good taste, solid prompts, and a willingness to refine and test ideas.
Tools you need
Midjourney or DALL·E
Use these for initial packaging concepts, variations, mood boards, and style exploration.
Adobe Express or Adobe Sensei
Use this for refining your packaging layouts and creating professional print-ready files.
AI Consumer Testing Tools
Platforms like Upsiide, Poll the People, or Helio let you run digital focus groups and compare packaging concepts quickly.
Notion or Google Drive
Used for project organization, client onboarding, and storing all packaging assets.
System.io
Your offer page, intake form, portfolio page, and client delivery hub all live here.
Asana or Trello
Helps you organize design stages, testing feedback, and client revisions.
How you make money
Full Packaging Design Projects
Charge for the entire branding and packaging process. High-ticket and ideal for startups and CPG companies.
Brand Strategy Add-Ons
Offer naming, color psychology, brand personality, and storytelling. Easy upsell.
Consumer Testing Packages
Charge extra for running digital focus groups and delivering reports.
Monthly Retainers
Perfect for brands launching multiple SKUs or updating packaging regularly.
Template Licensing
Sell pre-built packaging templates or editable AI-generated concepts for passive income.
How to start
Step 1 — Choose your niche inside CPG
Snacks, drinks, beauty, supplements, candles, cleaning products, or pet supplies. Picking a niche helps your designs improve faster.
Step 2 — Build your offer page on System.io
Show before and after examples, explain your process, and highlight your testing capabilities.
Step 3 — Create your intake form
Ask for product details, audience, brand vibe, colors, packaging restrictions, and competitor examples.
Step 4 — Generate packaging concepts with AI
Use Midjourney or DALL·E to produce multiple directions. Focus on clarity, shelf impact, and emotional appeal.
Step 5 — Build final layouts in Adobe Express
Clean everything up so it looks professional and print-ready.
Step 6 — Run digital consumer tests
Use Upsiide, Helio, or Poll the People to compare concepts and gather real data.
Step 7 — Refine the final design with feedback
Use insights to improve clarity, color contrast, readability, and shelf appeal.
Step 8 — Package everything cleanly
Deliver concepts, mockups, test results, and final print files in a well-organized folder.
Step 9 — Pitch long-term retainers
Brands launching new flavors, scents, or variations will need more packaging. Lock them in.
Step 10 — Build your portfolio
Turn every project into a case study with before/after comparisons and test results.
Step 11 — Scale the agency
Bring on additional designers or AI operators as demand grows.
Step 12 — Build passive products
Sell packaging templates, AI prompt packs, and branding kits.
Word of advice
Packaging design isn’t just about looking good. It’s about selling the product before someone even touches it. If you focus on clarity, shelf impact, and emotional connection instead of just aesthetics, your agency will stand out instantly. AI lets you do the creative heavy lifting, but your eye for strategy is what makes clients stick with you.
