Adobe Illustrator Automation Expert for Label Creation

About the project

We are a manufacturing company based in Zagreb, looking for an Adobe Illustrator expert to design and implement an advanced system for automating label creation.

The goal is to replace our current manual process with a smart and flexible templating system connected to an external database (e.g., Google Sheets, CSV). We are looking for a solution that will enable a person without advanced design knowledge to quickly and accurately generate new label variations.

Main Project Goals:

Template System Development:

Create master templates in Illustrator, organized by product series or categories.

The templates must be "smart" – elements should automatically adjust based on the amount of text and other variables.

Connection to an External Data Source:

Enable all textual content (product name, ingredients, warnings, volume) to be automatically pulled from an external file (Google Sheets, CSV).

Dynamic Elements:

Implement a system to easily enable/disable ("turn on/off") legally required pictograms and symbols based on product specifications in the external file.

Automatic Generation:

Integrate an automatic EAN barcode generator based on the number provided in the external file.

Ensure the automatic input of unique identification numbers (e.g., UFI codes) into the designated space.

Required Skills and Experience:

Expert knowledge of Adobe Illustrator: Emphasis on working with Variables, Actions, and scripting (JavaScript / ExtendScript).

Experience in design process automation: An understanding of how to turn complex, repetitive tasks into a simple and automated workflow.

Data integration: Experience connecting Illustrator to external data sources (XML, CSV).

Analytical approach: The ability to analyze our existing designs and propose an optimal structure for the new templates.

Bonus points: Previous experience with similar projects involving dynamic labels, packaging, or catalogs.

Expected Deliverables:

A set of functional and robust Adobe Illustrator template files (.ait).

An example data file (e.g., a Google Sheet) that is clearly structured and ready for use.

A short and clear guide (written or video) for our team on how to use the system, update data, and generate new, print-ready labels.