How to make pixel art in Adobe Illustrator

Who would’ve thought 30 years ago that we'd be trying to create pixel art in Adobe Illustrator today? Back in the day, we longed for the highest resolution displays so that pixelation would ultimately disappear from our lives. But as Gen-X and Millennials start to reminisce on the "good old days" of Mario, Sonic, and Pokemon, the pixelated art has never been more popular and has become a popular and deliberate artistic choice for indie games, digital art, and yes, stickers.

![Guide to creating pixel art](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8002b78c-227b-421c-aadd-cf7d209db031)

Creating authentic-looking pixel art can be challenging. While well-known pixel artists such as [Eboy](https://www.eboy.com/) started out with Photoshop, Illustrator is still the preferred software when it comes to print projects. Because you know, vectors and stuff.

You’ve probably been down the road of stacking squares one by one, but that turns into a daunting task that can take hours to complete, especially with bigger illustrations that use more pixels. 

AI is another option, but as you work with AI-generated art you'll find that AI has its own artistic "style". As the world gets littered with more and more of this style, the demand for authentic, human-created art will grow more, not less. You'll want to make sure as an artist you're well-versed in proper techniques and making your own adjustments so that your "humanity" will come through.

Let’s speed things up so you’ll be ready in minutes.

##How to create quick pixel art in Adobe Illustrator

###Step 1 - Select your object

Select the object you want to convert to pixel art. This can be an illustration, a photograph, or anything else. If it’s a vector illustration you’ve already created, make sure to create a screenshot or export it as a JPG/PNG first as this method only works on bitmap images.

![selecting a bitmap image to start with](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8e4d15fa-fa59-4356-9830-43f03a57fe49)

###Step 2 - Set the number of pixels

Go to __Object > Create Object Mosaic__. Set the number of pixels you want to have horizontally/vertically and click on __Use Ratio__ to get square-oriented pixels. Hit *OK*.

![setting the number of pixels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/580182ed-090c-4242-9758-b36250d2ad33)

###Step 3 - Removing background pixels

Use the __Direct Selection Tool (A)__ and select one of the background pixels. Then, go to __Select > Same > Fill Color__ and hit __Backspace (⌫)__ to remove them all at once.

![remove the background](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e1681a8b-ccca-45f8-a13f-b1183cf3c09b)

###Step 4 - Remove the underlying image

For some reason, Illustrator always keeps the original image below the effect:

![Illustrator keeps the original image below the effect](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/73c4d957-fbb1-44bb-a1d1-c016ce58be4c)

To fix this, go to the __Direct Selection Tool (A)__ once again, select that underlying image and remove it using __Backspace (⌫)__. That looks better!

![that looks better!](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d3d6f5fe-cc1a-4f53-b565-b8594de87c17)

###Step 5 - Clean up unwanted pixels

Now clean up any unwanted pixels using the __Direct Selection Tool (A)__ or add additional pixels wherever you want. Minimizing the amount of different shades of colors can make your design appear cleaner and fresher.

![clean up extra pixels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/52735983-7f3d-466b-b2f4-0100d0d94b9e)

###Step 6 - Creating a border for die-cut stickers

In case you want to slap it on a [die cut sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers), a border around it will come in handy to create some cutting margin during the production process. It also makes it look like a sticker right away, right? 

Copy the complete design (__⌘+C__ on Mac, __Ctrl+C__ on Windows), go to __Window > Pathfinder__ and choose __Unite__. Then, set the color to white and go to __Object > Path > Offset Path__. After selecting your size and type of joins, hit __OK__.

![adding a border](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c673a11a-fa4f-4cae-bdcf-99ba3d1d3917)

###Step 7 - pasting the object over the border

Lastly, remove the inner shape and "Paste in Front" by hitting (__⌘+F__ on Mac, __Ctrl-F__ on Windows). This will paste the original artwork back in the exact same place. 

![your completed pixelated design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/175bba2e-e283-4f26-8ce5-097ee4b668a8)

Done! From here on you can make any further edits before sending it over to include in a larger design or to create products [die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) or [magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets). This method works best for images with high contrasts, but even converting images like a gradient to a pixel grid like this can become a true work of art. 

Have fun testing this method out with different types of images and adjusting the amount of pixels to see what it becomes. 



Pixels are "in" as the 80s and 90s take their turn to be retro-cool. Interested in making the next Minecraft or Mario? Learn how from our experts.

How to make money selling art online with YouTube influencer Mey Aroyo

Mey Aroyo is a creative entrepreneur and educator who empowers graphic designers, artists, and creatives to monetize their are online. Through her [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWS4mmfx3Eq5lHsqoWWYXg) she offers tutorials on print-on-demand services, affiliate marketing, and digital downloads, providing valuable insights into the age-old question, "how do I make money doing selling art online?"

Mey's journey into the digital realm began in 2011, focusing on SEO content and digital marketing. In 2017, she ventured into print-on-demand, a field that became her passion. She started her YouTube channel in 2021, dedicated to helping creatives establish successful online businesses. 

Her fans and followers admire her for her authenticity, practical advice, and inspiring journey, which empower and motivate them to pursue their own goals confidently. Her content is a valuable resource for any artist or entrepreneur looking to turn their passion for art into profit on marketplaces from Zazzle to Etsy to a number of print-on-demand marketplaces.

We’re excited to partner with Mey, who produced this fantastic video on her experiences starting her own Sticker Mule Store.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="5shN0IgYXVo?rel=0" />

Use these links if you'd like to jump to a specific part of the video.

__Introduction:__

- [0:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=0s) Introduction
- [0:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=15s) What is Sticker Mule?
- [1:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=70s) Who is Mey Aroyo?
- [1:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=94s) How to open a Sticker Mule Store

__Designing products:__

- [1:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=118s) Designing a t-shirt
- [3:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=223s) Designing sticker sheets
- [5:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=305s) Designing temporary tattoos
- [5:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=319s) Designing circle stickers

__Sticker Mule's tools and online proofing:__

- [5:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=356s) Using Upscale
- [6:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=397s) Designing keychains using Sticker Mule Studio
- [7:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=467s) How online proofing works

__Opening a Sticker Mule Store:__

- [8:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=510s) Opening a Sticker Mule Store
- [9:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=554s) Customizing your Store
- [10:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=625s) Adding products to your Store

__Making money:__

- [10:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=658s) Making money with Markup
- [12:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=745s) Making money with Commissions

__Mey's favorite Sticker Mule Stores:__

- [13:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=813s) GlassFairies
- [14:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=847s) Candice Stewart
- [14:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=878s) Mike Tyson

__Unboxing:__

- [15:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=908s) Unboxing: t-shirts
- [17:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=1024s) Unboxing: keychains
- [18:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=1114s) Unboxing: temporary tattoos
- [18:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=1129s) Unboxing: circle stickers
- [19:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=1164s) Unboxing: sticker sheets

__Conclusion: __

- [21:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shN0IgYXVo&t=1260s) Conclusion

Our thanks for Mey for giving us a try, for her thoughtful and in-depth review, and for sharing her fabulous creations!

If you'd like to own any of Mey's merch for yourself, it's all available at [her Sticker Mule Store](https://www.stickermule.com/mayamey). You can also follow Mey on [her YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWS4mmfx3Eq5lHsqoWWYXg) to learn much more about how to make money as a designer online.

If you're inspired to start selling your own merch, click here to learn more and get started.

<ButtonCta text="Sell stickers online" href="https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more" />




Mey Aroyo helps artists monetize their art online with tips on starting a Sticker Mule store, designing products, and boosting profits. 

How Fishtank merch generated $40k in sales in 2 weeks

__The Internet’s most addictive social experiment turned its hype into profit—and you can too.__

When Season 3 of [Fishtank](https://www.fishtank.live/) launched, the Internet was ready for another six weeks of chaos, laughter, and immersion in one of the most unconventional reality shows ever created. But what really made waves this season wasn’t just the action in the house—it was how Fishtank turned fan obsession into serious cash, all while growing its brand.

The secret? A partnership with Sticker Mule that required almost no effort from Fishtank but delivered huge results: a custom merch store that sold like crazy and built the brand’s cult status even further.

Here’s how Fishtank pulled it off—and how you can, too.

##Turning fans into customers—effortlessly

Fishtank Live isn’t your average show. It’s a 24/7 livestream where fans don’t just watch—they shape the action. Through AI-powered text-to-speech messages, playful pranks, and contestant “Fishtoy” gifts, fans are active participants. This level of engagement created a golden opportunity to monetize the fanbase with merch.

That’s where Sticker Mule came in. By launching a dedicated [Fishtank Merch Store](https://www.stickermule.com/fishtank), powered entirely by Sticker Mule, Fishtank unlocked a new revenue stream without lifting a finger. The store featured custom stickers, posters, and other designs that perfectly captured the humor and energy of the show.

The result? Fans went wild.

In just two weeks, the Fishtank Merch Store hit over $40,000 in sales, allowing the brand to earn over $11,000 in profit during that period. At one point orders flooded in so fast that Fishtank had to disable email notifications just to keep their inbox under control.

What made it work?

###A Built-In Audience

Fishtank fans were already highly engaged, making them the perfect market for exclusive merch. The store didn’t need a hard sell—fans were eager to support their favorite contestants and own a piece of the show.

###Seamless Integration
The Sticker Mule team worked closely with Fishtank to create designs that were authentic to the show. From contestants wearing Sticker Mule shirts to custom stickers scattered around the house, the brand became part of the Fishtank experience.

###Zero Operational Headache
Sticker Mule’s print-on-demand model handled everything: production, shipping, and customer service. Fishtank reaped the rewards without having to manage the logistics.

##How Sticker Mule boosted the brand and sales

The collaboration wasn’t just about selling merch—it was about making Fishtank even bigger. Fishtank fans aren't just viewers, they're participants, influencers, and superfans. Similarly, Sticker Mule wasn't just a sponsor, we were active participants in the experience.

###Herman the Mule’s Cameo
Sticker Mule’s mascot, Herman, [made a surprise appearance](https://x.com/fishtankislive/status/1859742430188405166), instantly becoming a fan-favorite moment.

![Herman the Mule visits Fishtank live](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/966906eb-d8ce-4df2-9c34-a4dc1d751287)

###In-House Challenges
[Sticker Mule sent its team](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTFXt4ePkq0) (and iconic orange-wrapped Cybertruck) to host a self-defense class for contestants, adding even more entertainment value.
![The Sticker Mule team and the iconic Sticker Mule Cybertruck pay a visit to Fishtank Live](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/71aded35-e35b-4687-ab0a-156c3df01be8)

###Constant Visibility
The dedicated merch link [StickerMule.com/fishtank](https://www.stickermule.com/fishtank) was featured [throughout the show](https://x.com/0x0celot/status/1856443890967998794) in a seamless and natural way. Viewers purchased products not because they were pushed onto them, but because they genuinely wanted them.

![Poster design contest at Fishtank](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d0f42296-92d4-4dde-bf28-0017f647a792)

##The takeaway: you can do this too
What happened with Fishtank is proof that you don’t need to be a massive brand to monetize effectively. By leveraging Sticker Mule Stores, creators and brands can turn their audience into paying customers without dealing with the hassle of inventory, shipping, or production.

Here's what our CEO, Anthony Constantino had to say: “Our goal with Sticker Mule Stores has always been to help creators connect with their audiences through merch. Seeing the Fishtank store take off shows just how powerful that connection can be. When fans love what you’re doing, the sales follow naturally.”

##Ready to cash in?
Whether you’re a creator, streamer, or entrepreneur, the formula is simple: build something your fans love, and Sticker Mule will handle the rest. [Start your store today](https://stickermule.com/stores/learn-more), just like Fishtank did, and see how easy it is to turn fan passion into profit.

As for Fishtank? Season 3's chaos might end on December 8, but the merch (and the money) isn’t going anywhere. Shop the collection at [StickerMule.com/fishtank](https://www.stickermule.com/fishtank) and grab a piece of internet history. 
If you’ve been waiting to turn your brand into a cult favorite, this is your sign. Sticker Mule makes it effortless—and the results speak for themselves.


Sticker Mule partnered with Fishtank Live to enable top quality, on-demand purchase of their iconic posters and stickers. See how it went.

Fishtank Live merch on Sticker Mule: turning branding into profit

How to create a fully editable 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator

Remember those times when you wanted to create a 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator using the good old Blend Tool? This required converting the text to outlines before you could proceed with the actual process of creating the text effect, and it would take a huge chunk of your time to do it.

But what if you wanted to apply it to a different word, try another font, or create multiple variations throughout a project? While it can be fun to create one of them, it will quickly turn into a hair-grabbing task if you have to do this too many times.

Luckily, Adobe Illustrator’s Appearance panel helps you build up your effects from scratch before you can save them forever as a Graphic Style. From there, you can use it over and over again. Magic!

##How to create an editable 3d text effect in Adobe Illustrator

###Step 1: Open the Appearance panel

Select your text and go to __Window > Appearance__ to open up the Appearance panel.

![Selecting Window > Appearance to open up the Appearance panel](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c94e07f7-6082-449b-bf03-2027cac729a4)

###Step 2: Add and organize fills

Remove any fill or stroke from the text. Then, at the bottom of the panel, head over to __Add New Fill__ and add 2 separate fills. 

The lowest fill viewed in the panel will be the shadow part and the fill above will be your text color.

__Tip: __Keep enough contrast between both colors to make it really "pop".

![Remove fill or stroke from the text](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/730c7abc-b0c4-48a3-8220-a445195a08a5)

###Step 3: Apply offset path for depth

Now go back and select the lower fill, click on the __fx__ icon at the bottom and go to __Path > Offset Path__. Choose your desired size and set the __Joins__ to __Round__. Click __OK__.

![Apply offset path for depth](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/08693765-0741-434c-b0e1-3760fd0783fd)

###Step 4: Transform and duplicate for shadow effect

With the same lower fill selected, head over to __fx__ again and go to __Distort & Transform > Transform__. In the Move section, add 0.5 px to both the horizontal and vertical sides. Then, choose the number of copies you want and hit __OK__.

![Transform and duplicate for shadow effect](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7bae3837-4fb4-4b11-b0cc-3d98193243bb)

###Step 5: Save as a graphic style

Go to __Window > Graphic Styles__ and drag your text into this panel. Now it's part of this document each time you open it. If you want to have this text effect saved for other documents as well, go to the library icon at the bottom left corner and select __Save Graphic Styles__. Make sure to remove any graphic styles in there that you don't want to save.

![Save as a graphic style](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fa65de98-62e4-4e57-ba69-bf58550bdfeb)

Well, that’s all! This way your text is fully editable and you don't need to create this effect ever again. Changing the colors, the depth of the shadows, and any other edits can be done through the Appearance panel after selecting the text. 

And as promised, whenever you want to change the text, it's kept intact so it will be ready to get swapped for another piece of text anytime you want.

The same Offset Path feature can be used to [create a sticker cut line](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line) as well, which is an important part of creating die cut stickers, and using this method will keep you from doing this manually.

Want to slap this design onto a sticker? Our [custom die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) would be a perfect fit. With thick, durable vinyl that protects your stickers from scratches, water & sunlight. 

<ButtonCta text="Start designing custom stickers today" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />




Learn how to create an editable 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator using the Appearance panel. Perfect for stickers and beyond!

Make a 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator

How to promote your Sticker Mule store

With [Stores by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/stores), there’s never been an easier way for artists, creators, and businesses to sell their own custom merchandise.

![How to promote your Sticker Mule store](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8c7a6d58-54a3-44e2-b221-90ce7319ecd0)

No matter what type of designs you sell, every store can benefit from promotion.

Before you promote your store, make sure it and each product is properly set up and optimized. [Learn more about setting up your store](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/open-custom-sticker-store).

Once your store is set up and optimized, it’s time to let people know about it.

##How to promote your store on social media

Social media is one of the easiest ways to reach existing friends and followers, while making new ones.

###Use photography & video

Assuming you still have some of your products on hand, get some pictures of your stickers or t-shirts in real life. No need for a fancy camera, an iPhone will do. Posting real pictures or videos of your products will help legitimize your store.

![Instagram post with photography](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2cb7f7d3-36d6-486c-96e4-c748701ac95b)

###Find your niche

Find the right audience for the designs you’re selling. Engage with other creators and people in the space – without spamming links to your store. As you build credibility and a following, it will be a lot easier, and more natural, to promote your store.

###Use the right platform

Figure out which platforms you should prioritize on based on where your audience spends their time. LinkedIn might not be the best place to promote furry stickers, but it might be great for promoting your company’s logo stickers.

![LinkedIn post with logo stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bcd0e740-fd1e-4da8-b22d-c874d24f4178)

###Link to specific items

While it might make sense to share a link to your store, don’t forget that you can link to specific items as well. If you share a picture of a specific item, it might make sense to link directly to that product page rather than your actual store – less work for your potential customers.

![X post with URL to item page](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3bee3881-2d6f-42aa-9556-db2e93c3e093)

Tip: Some social media sites deboost posts with links, so consider leaving a link in the comment of your post instead of the post itself.

###Prioritize quality over quantity

It might be tempting to constantly post links to your store, but be careful to avoid spamming your audience with low quality, repetitive content.

![Still of an unboxing video, YouTube screenshot](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f4c4afe2-63fb-46b4-8c39-86cff7df3bfb)

Put in effort to make each post unique. Consider creating a quality unboxing video. Or make a longer post explaining a particular design.

##Other ways to market your store

We’ve probably sold more stickers than anyone, so steal some of our strategies when promoting your products.

###Offer discounts

People respond well to time sensitive promotions. Consider lowering your markup for a short period, in order to entice people to buy your products. For example you might run a deal on a particular t-shirt: Get this shirt for $21 (normally $29). Just don’t forget to change the markup after the deal is over.

![Screenshot of markup feature](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/662aad44-df32-40a8-959d-9cad1dec0b08)

Tip: You can actually still make money with 0% markup thanks to Commissions.

###Utilize email marketing

If you have an email list, use it.

![Screenshot of email](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/04a4ae87-7ad8-41c3-bca1-8fa4a707f680)

We like to keep our emails short and direct (and sometimes funny). Use emails to announce a deal or a new product.

###Link from your website

If you have a website, link to your store. Or consider using images and linking directly to products.

Tip: The more quality links you can get to your store, the better your chances of showing up on Google.

###Rep your store

Put your stickers on your laptop. Wear your t-shirt. Show off your items in real life as much as possible.

![IRL photo of person wearing t-shirt](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3243e89f-bfbf-4afe-8b90-9e1dec220769)

If people like what they see, be prepared to tell them where they can buy.

###Encourage engagement

Of course you want people to buy your products, but getting them to like your items and follow your store helps too.

![gif of liking an item](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/192d27ad-d7b4-4705-87ce-02465b7ae5a0)

When someone likes an item, it’ll help its rank on the popular feed. When someone follows your store, your items will show up on their following feed.

##Conclusion

With a little strategy and creativity, you can connect with potential customers across social media, through email, and in real life. Make sure your products look great, your promotions are enticing, and your audience feels engaged.

<ButtonCta text="Set up your store" href="https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more" />

P.S. We’re building more features to make it even easier to promote your store and your products.


Learn how to effectively promote your Sticker Mule store! Discover tips for social media marketing, email campaigns, discounts, and more to boost sales.

Tips for promoting your sticker store

Custom sticker printing: Making custom stickers, part 2

In [part one of this guide](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers-guide), we covered design fundamentals and how to apply them in sticker design. In this post we'll cover how to get your designs printed onto top-quality vinyl, right here on Sticker Mule.

##5. Preparing your design for print

Before you send your design off for printing, there are a few things you need to check to make sure it’s print-ready.

###Choosing the right format

When exporting your design, make sure to use a print-friendly file format. Vector files like EPS or PDF are ideal for printing because they can be resized without losing any quality. If you’re working with raster images, make sure your resolution is set to 300 DPI (dots per inch) for a sharp result. Did you already export your design and aren't sure what resolution it was exported at? We’ve explained how you can check this [in this step-by-step guide](https://www.stickermule.com/support/artwork-ppi).

###Bleed margins

To make sure that your sticker doesn’t get cut off at the edges during printing, include a bleed area of 0.125” around your design. In Adobe Illustrator, you can easily do this by selecting your design and going to __Object > Path > Offset Path__. Now set the size to 0.125 inches. In the *Joins* section, select *Round* to create smoother corners. Hit __OK__. Now go to Pathfinder and select __Add__ to merge all elements into one path.

###Add a cut line

If you have designed a die-cut or kiss-cut sticker, a cut line is always useful for us to have. Decide where you want to have your sticker cut and create 1 shape out of that using the "Offset Path + Pathfinder" method described above. Place this inside a new layer, call it "Cut line" and give it a separate color that’s not used in your design.

###Resolution

It’s also a good idea to double-check that your design is at the correct resolution before exporting. With raster images, aim for at least 300 DPI to avoid any blurriness or pixelation. 

###Proofing your design

Before placing an order, it might be necessary to get a proof of your design. Here at Sticker Mule we offer [auto-approving proofs](https://www.stickermule.com/support/how-does-auto-approving-proofs-work). During checkout, our system will scan your artwork to determine if a proof is necessary. If you'd still like to receive a proof though, you can choose to have one sent by selecting ‘No thanks’.

![Upload option of Sticker Mule during the order process for custom stickers, with the option to auto-approve the stickers and save time.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1a8f9482-3d6f-4193-8995-c1d727922436)

If any of the above looks intimidating, we’re here to help. Our tools like [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) and [Print](https://www.stickermule.com/print) help simplify this process without using complex software.

Want to see what the process of designing a sticker in Adobe Illustrator can look like? We’ve made a [step-by-step video tutorial](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers?srsltid=AfmBOoooqIGG29Xu762Wm4xBqkU9T4Nj1Yqtc7W29alWMagyTcgSGTTl) showing exactly that.

##6. Printing your stickers

Once your print-file is ready, it's time to print! 

###Exploring your options

Once you've nailed down your sticker design, the next step is bringing it to life! There are several options for printing stickers, depending on your budget, volume, and the look you’re aiming for. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular choices:

- __Home Printing__ - If you're just doing this for fun and aren't too particular about quality, home printing is the quickest option. Invest in sticker paper compatible with your printer (inkjet or laser), and you can print your designs right at home. Just remember, the quality of your printer and paper will directly affect the final result, and that because home printing often involves a lot of trial and error the cost of consumables may not make this the most affordable option.

- __Vinyl Cutting Machines__ - For serious DIY enthusiasts or small businesses, vinyl cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette are game changers. These machines let you print and cut stickers at home, offering more precision and a professional finish compared to traditional home printing. Remember again, though, that when you factor in your investment for equipment, consumables, and your own time you may not be saving that much money (and the quality will often be subpar to a professional print service with million-dollar equipment and high quality materials). 

- __ Local Print Shops__ - For those who prefer professional-quality prints without the commitment of bulk orders, local print shops are a fantastic choice. They often offer a range of materials and finishes, such as glossy, matte, or waterproof stickers, and can help you fine-tune your design for optimal results.

- __ Online Printing Services__ - Online sticker printing services (like [us](https://www.stickermule.com/)!) allow you to upload your designs, choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, and receive professionally printed stickers delivered to your doorstep. This option is ideal for scaling to higher production volumes while ensuring top-notch quality. 

###Choose the type of sticker

Your choice of a sticker printer also depends on what kind of sticker you choose to make. 

The top custom sticker manufacturers (like [us](https://www.stickermule.com/)!) also accomodate unique options (like holographic or die-cut stickers) for businesses and creators looking to  tand out with special features.

Technically, most stickers fall into one of the two most popular categories as we described them in our last post: die-cut stickers and kiss-cut stickers.  

- __Die-cut stickers__

 - __[Die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers)__ - These stickers are cut into any custom shape you like, running along the contours of your design. They are used as collectibles, personal expression, promotional designs, and decorating laptops, water bottles, or vehicles.

 - __[Circle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/circle-stickers)__ - These stickers are die-cut into the shape of a circle. Circle stickers are most commonly used for branding, product labels, personalization, packaging seals, and event favors.

 - __[Rectangle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rectangle-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into the shape of a rectangle. Rectangle stickers are commonly used for product labels, business branding, signage, packaging, and informational displays.

 - __[Square stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/square-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into the shape of a square. Companies use square stickers for branding, product packaging, social media promotion, and decorative personalization.

 - __[Oval stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/oval-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into the shape of an oval. Oval stickers are most commonly used for product labeling, business branding, vehicle decals, and promotional giveaways.

 - __[Bumper stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bumper-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into a large rectangle. Bumper stickers are of course used for political statements, advertisements, humor, personal expression, and advocacy for causes.

 - __[Rounded corner stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rounded-corner-stickers)__ - These stickers are die-cut into the shape of a square with the corners rounded. Rounded corner stickers are most commonly used for sleek product labels, business branding, packaging, and professional promotional materials.

 - __[Clear stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/clear-stickers)__ - Clear stickers are essentially die-cut stickers printed on clear vinyl instead of white vinyl. They're great for things like windows and drinking glasses.

 - __[Front adhesive stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/front-adhesive-stickers)__ - These are stickers where your design is printed on the sticky side (think of a sticker you might get from the DMV). They're not quite as pristine as printed transfer stickers, but they still look great and are a lot quicker and easier to use.

 - __[Holographic stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers)__ - These are vinyl stickers with an overlay of reflective foil that appear iridescent and rainbow-like. They're used for futuristic and tech-inspired themes, as well as fantasy, space, and sci-fi themes. 

 - __[Glitter stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/glitter-stickers)__ - These are vinyl stickers that are laminated with a glittery, sparkly overlay. They evoke a feeling of playfulness and whimsy, andd are often used for festive, glamorous, and kids' stickers.

 - __[Static clings](https://stickermule.com/products/static-clings)__ - Afraid of commitment? Static cling "stickers" are die-cut stickers made of vinyl without any stickiness applied to them; through the magic of static electricity and molecular adhesion they "stick" to any clean and smooth non-porous surface like glass. They first became popular in the 1960s with holiday-themed clings for windows (e.g. Christmas snowflakes) and reached their peak in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with sports-themed clings and cartoon characters like Garfield. 

- __Kiss-cut stickers__:

 - __[Kiss-cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers)__ - As we mentioned in the last post, kiss-cut stickers are easy to peel and use because because the designs are cut through the vinyl layer but not the backing. They can be shaped just the same as any die-cut sticker. 

 - __[Sticker sheets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets)__ - Sticker sheets are essentially kiss cut stickers. The key difference is that a sticker sheet contains multiple kiss-cut stickers on a single backing sheet, allowing for various designs, shapes, or sizes to be arranged together. 

Here's a little "hack" for you. If you just need stickers for using (and not distributing), you can save some money by printing multiple copies of the same design on a sticker sheet. For example, 50 3" x 3" die-cut stickers cost $72, but ten 8.5" x 11" sticker sheets (each which can fit six 3" x 3" designs) cost the same, yielding you an extra 10 stickers. You can get even more savings at higher volumes.

- __Transfer stickers__:

 - __[Transfer stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/transfer-stickers)__ - Transfer stickers are made of pre-cut designs or text on adhesive vinyl, with a clear or paper transfer layer that ensures precise application by "rubbing" the pieces together until firmly adhered to a surface. Sticker Mule originally only sold regular transfer stickers on black or white vinyl. 

 - __[Printed transfer stickers:](https://www.stickermule.com/products/printed-transfer-stickers)__ - Recently, we introduced full-color transfer stickers with printing that allow you to use full colors, not just black and white. 

 - __ [Vinyl lettering](https://www.stickermule.com/products/vinyl-lettering)__ - This is a specialized kind of transfer sticker consisting of letters you can use to add words to storefront windows, car windows, or boats. You can, of course, use your own font in a transfer sticker or printed transfer sticker, but the 13 fonts we've provided for vinyl lettering are the most popular, appealing, and cleanest we've found.

![A shipping box with a blue ‘You’re in’ sticker applied to it.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c1456659-d819-414b-ae11-1dbd6b27edd4)

##7. Ordering your stickers
So, your file is ready and you have decided what type of sticker you want it to be. Now it’s time to place the order so you’ll have your beloved stickers in hand before you know it.

###How to order
When it comes to ordering your stickers, you’ll need to consider whether you want to print them in bulk so you can maintain your own inventory (for example, for distributing to your customers or selling on sites like Amazon or Etsy) or if you'd like us to print and fulfil your stickers on-demand as your customers order them. 

- __Ordering for inventory__ - Ordering upfront can save you money in the long run. Bulk orders typically reduce the cost per sticker, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to distribute a large number of stickers or use them for marketing campaigns, events, or merchandise. It’s an ideal option if you’re confident it will sell, if you need to have all stickers close by, or want to make a significant impact with mass distribution. Because larger print runs are more efficient, the more you print, the more you can save.

- __On-demand__ - If you sell stickers to your audience, you may want to go with an on-demand option such as [Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more) rather than dealing with the hassle of maintaining inventory yourself. This way your customers can order your stickers (as well as other items such as t-shirts, buttons, keychains, and much more) and we'll take care of printing them, hosting your Web shop, shipping them, and even handling customer service—at no additional cost over what you'd pay for the sticker yourself. By letting us take care of all of this, you can focus on what you do best—designing!

Many of our customers use Stores as their main storefront, but even if you sell on sites like Amazon or Etsy, this option is great for testing out different designs or catering to niche audiences. It allows you to experiment and update your designs without the commitment of stocking large quantities or the hassle of being stuck with leftover inventory if a design doesn’t sell as expected.

![Homepage of Sticker Mule Stores, a way to easily sell items such as stickers and t-shirts to make money online.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/27daa3bb-eaaf-4a69-8ec6-f75854e2c4e8)

It’s an easy and efficient way to monetize your designs with minimal effort and give your audience another way to support you—and [it takes seconds to set up](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/open-custom-sticker-store). [Have a look](https://www.stickermule.com/stores) at what other people are already selling on Stores.

##8. Marketing your sticker
Once your stickers are ready, the next step is to promote them effectively. Today, there are countless modern and creative ways to market your stickers and get your designs in front of potential customers and fans. Here’s how to leverage some of the most popular marketing channels:

###Social Media Platforms
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your stickers. Platforms like [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/), and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/), with their highly visual nature, are perfect for showcasing your designs. Share photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your design process to build excitement and connect with your audience.

###Engage with your audience
Host sticker giveaways or use trending hashtags to inspire your designs and increase visibility. For even more exposure, consider collaborating with influencers or content creators who align with your brand’s aesthetic. Tagging @stickermule or using the hashtag #stickermule helps us see your post. We might even share it on our channel!

###Sell directly via Stores
As mentioned, we offer a simple way to sell your stickers through our [Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more) platform. No need to worry about setting up your own web shop. We take care of all the logistics, giving you a straightforward platform to display and sell your designs. You can direct your audience to your own store through your social media channels, making it easy for followers to purchase your stickers. People are even browsing through the designs, making it possible for them to discover you on the platform itself.

![The search option of Sticker Mule Stores, showing the items other users have uploaded.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c16383af-acbf-4557-8b65-ced4bf30f478)

###Creative promotions
Stickers are versatile promotional tools. You can use them as freebies in your orders to add value to your existing products, include them as branded merchandise for events, or create limited-edition sticker runs to generate urgency. 

Many brands have successfully used stickers as a fun, shareable way to promote their business. Consider running a sticker campaign with your audience or using them in guerrilla marketing tactics, such as leaving stickers in public places for people to find.

###Email newsletters & communities
If you already have a newsletter or belong to an online community of designers or fans, stickers can be a great exclusive product to offer. Give your loyal audience early access to new sticker designs and create some hype around it. 

By tapping into these modern marketing strategies, you can reach your audience in engaging ways and turn your sticker designs into a thriving product line. Whether through social media, marketplaces, or direct sales, getting your stickers in front of people who will love them is just as crucial as designing them.

![A clear sticker of a vector illustration of a crocodile holding a sun umbrella applied to a glass of lemonade.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d1460929-1ace-4997-9876-89b54e1ecde2)

##Conclusion
Designing [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers) requires more than just an idea. It takes careful consideration of your idea, design choices, file preparation, and reaching your audience. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating eye-catching stickers that resonate with whoever the stickers are meant for and make your sticker journey a huge success.

Whether you're designing stickers for personal or business projects, keep experimenting and refining your process. And if you’re looking for where to print the best stickers possible, we produce them at the highest quality, with free online proofs and free shipping. Happy designing! 

<ButtonCta text="Order custom stickers" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />



We cover how to choose a sticker printer and other important questions about sticker production in part 2 of our guide to making custom stickers.

How to design stickers: Making custom stickers, part 1

Learn design fundamentals and how they apply to sticker design in part 1 of Sticker Mule's guide to making custom stickers.

How to open a Sticker Mule store

Back in June, we [announced](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/june-2024-updates) our launch of Stores in beta.

![Open a store on Sticker Mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2dfa42c8-54cb-4680-a5e0-b3e1c7b5de48)

We’re happy to announce that Stores is now officially open for business to anyone who wants to [sell stickers online](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more). That means that any Sticker Mule customer can create a storefront and sell not just stickers but any other product that Sticker Mule supports, including t-shirts, magnets, buttons, keychains, coasters, posters, and of course, hot sauce with your very own design.

Unlike online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, we don’t charge any fees to set up your store. When a customer buys a product, we charge you the same base price as for custom sticker orders. You can set your own markup, and any profit you earn is yours to keep—no extra fees.

Furthermore you don’t need to worry about setting up a storefront, taking orders, calculating sales tax, packaging, shipping your orders, or handling customer service questions. We’ll cover all of that for you. 

##How to set up your Sticker Mule store

If you have a Sticker Mule account, you already have a “My store” option in the drop-down in the upper-right corner. Click to expand it and select My store (or just [click here](https://www.stickermule.com/me) if you're signed in).

(Your store will be invisible to users and search engines until you add at least one product to it).

1. Click on the __Edit__ button to get to the __Edit Store__ screen. ![screen to edit your custom sticker store](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/aad904d6-55ec-4d38-a690-31b128cdd434)

1. Upload a 2000x500 image for your Store’s cover photo. This is what will show up on the top of your store pages. Make sure it is consistent with your company’s branding. You can download and use this 2000x500 image as a guide.![2000x500 image](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/21ccac0c-2c76-44ac-98ff-78cefe5108c9)

1. Upload a __profile picture__. This will appear with your cover photo on your storefront, and may also appear if you leave comments or reviews on the site. Any square image will work; we suggest you use a 400x400 image that's the same you use on social media like X, Facebook, or Instagram. 

1. Enter a __Display name__. This will appear as the main headline on your store page, as well as in your Store URL’s Title Tag for SEO. 

1. Enter a __Username__. By default we assign a random set of characters to every new store. Be sure to change it to something that represents you or your brand. This will be used in the URL for your store (www.stickermule.com/*username*).

1. Enter your __Bio__. You have a total of 200 characters, including spaces. Tell the world about yourself, what designs you specialize in, and what kinds of products you plan on selling. 

1. Enter a __Website URL__. We’ll create a link from your Store page to this URL to help users find your main site. As a bonus, you get some freshly squeezed SEO juice.

##How to list a product

In order to list a product, you must have already purchased it at least once. This can cost as low as $9 if you order one of our [custom samples](https://www.stickermule.com/samples). 

We do this so you can be sure your customers are getting a product that you’ve personally seen and approved in real life. 

You can choose any product from the “Products” menu and go through Sticker Mule’s famously simple process to create it. Our most popular products for consumers are [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers), [magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets), [acrylic keychains](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-keychains), and [T-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts). 

Once you’ve created your item, here’s how to list it.

1. Select __My Store__ from the upper right-hand corner.
1. Click the orange__ \+ Add item__ button.
1. All of the products you’ve ordered in the past will appear. Select the one you want to sell.
4. Enter the following:

![product information for selling stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6f7a6756-6023-4649-98a5-bef5514bf059)

 - __Title: __This is the name of your product that’ll appear on your product page, as well as in the Title Tag. __Hint:__ Include the type of product in the title. For example, if you’re selling a t-shirt with the image of a cute dog, enter “Cute Dog T-Shirt”.

 - __Markup: __By default, your product will be set to a base price that will cover Sticker Mule’s production and fulfillment costs. You can apply a markup to define the profit you’d like to make on each sale. For example, if the base price of a T-shirt is $19 and you add a markup of 20%. Your customers will pay a total of $22.80 for the shirt, and you’ll earn $3.80 in profit from the sale. You’ll need to verify your identity before you can set markups. See the tip "Maximize your earnings" below for more details.

 - __Mature content: __if your design shows images that you wouldn’t want grandma to see, please check this box.

##__Additional tips and tricks to help you sell stickers__

-  __Create a vanity URL on your domain: __If you have your own website, ask your technical team to create a vanity URL from your domain to your Sticker Mule Store.

 - For example, if your company is at the domain "yourcompany.com", create a redirect at "yourcompany.com/stickers" that redirects to your Sticker Mule store.
 - Show this to whoever manages your Web site; they should know what to do with it.
 - ```
RewriteEngine On```
```
RewriteRule ^stickers$ https://www.stickermule.com/yourcompany [R=301,L]
```

- __Link to your store: __Link to [your Store](https://www.stickermule.com/me) from your website and social media accounts. 

- __Test potential sticker designs digitally:__ Have your designer create some digital stickers on Facebook and see which ones resonate with your audience. Turn the winning designs into physical stickers. 

![turn your digital designs into real life stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1394b214-d341-40fd-9d27-e1338ddd650e)

- __Make stickers that people will want to show off: __Remember that your stickers are as much about making your customers look good as making you look good. Create designs that they’ll be proud to show off and that will elicit a positive reaction from their friends and family.

![make stickers that your customers will want to show off](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9d853d44-fd97-41f0-9ad0-dd20ff8bf04e)

- __Create scarcity: __While you’ll want to always be selling certain branded designs (e.g. your logo or tagline), consider creating limited edition designs for your most loyal fans to collect. These may be seasonal, commemorative, or other one-off designs. If a limited edition design takes off, fight the urge to flood the market with more; you’ll have more success in the long-run.

![create collectible stickers with scarcity](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a01d5799-ab88-493d-bcf1-6f6dfa9dc760)

- __Engage with your fans:__ Ask them to post photos of them with your products, such as wearing your T-shirt or showing your stickers on laptops and water bottles. Encouraging your fans to pose with your products does three things: your brand gets out-of-home advertising, you get earned media online, and most importantly, you give your fans something that makes them look good to *their* fans.

![social media feed with people showing off](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9c48c5fe-ef1f-4906-8877-962a1e503084)

- __Maximize your earnings:__ Once you [verify](https://www.stickermule.com/get-verified) your identity with us, you’ll be able to earn money two ways.

 - Set [markups](https://www.stickermule.com/support/how-do-i-markup-an-item-for-sale-in-my-store) on your products. It might take some trial and error before you find the perfect balance of affordability and profit.

 - Earn a 10% [commission](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions) on any purchase a customer you refer makes for one year (this includes your products, a product on any other store, or a custom product from Sticker Mule).

 - Note that in order to create markups and earn commissions, you’ll need to verify your identification. You’ll need a state-issued photo ID and a device with a Webcam. We partner with Persona, a leading identity verification provider, to ensure that your information is securely protected. Once you’re verified we’ll ask you to enter a PayPal ID so we can pay you.

- Our most important advice for how to create stickers that'll sell? Use the "ooh!" test. Print a bunch of sample stickers and show them to your family and friends. If they smile politely, those won't sell. If they go "ooh!" and want one then and there—you've got a winner.

Visit our [Help](https://www.stickermule.com/support/stores) section for more answers to questions about Stores, and be sure to follow [this blog](https://www.stickermule.com/blog) over the coming weeks and months for new announcements and tips to help you succeed. 

Happy selling! 

<ButtonCta text="Start selling stickers online" href="https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more" />

Sticker Mule doesn't just let you create the world's best stickers, we help you sell them too. No setup or referral fees. Start selling today!

Open your own custom sticker store

Fall 2024 updates

###White label hot sauce
You can now order [custom hot sauce bottles](https://www.stickermule.com/white-label-hot-sauce). Same flavor of Mule Sauce, but designed by you.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="oR6boSqvHQY" />

###Printed transfer stickers
You can now order full-color [printed transfer stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/printed-transfer-stickers). Printed transfer stickers make it easy to apply intricate, full color designs to any smooth surface.

<WistiaVideo videoId="oc38ypapa0" />

###Store growth
Our Stores platform continues to grow, as we keep making improvements.

We now have over 12,000 stores and have paid out [over $18,000 in earnings](https://www.stickermule.com/stats/commission-earnings).

###Markup for Stores
You can now add markup to any item in [your store](https://www.stickermule.com/me).

![stores-markup](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5aebc919-280b-43e2-a4d6-6f830db7be1c)

Set the percentage you want, and you’ll see the new retail price along with the minimum profit you’ll receive on each order. All markup profit goes directly to you, the store owner.

###Store bios
You can now add a bio to your store. This is a great place to tell potential customers about your brand and the type of items you sell.

![Store bios](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/facf5833-c30a-4406-9fa9-1bde5ab1aa7f)

###Improved Store discovery
We moved Stores to the top of our main navigation.

![Store discovery](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c8d8f087-93dc-4fda-833e-4be1bf664b2a)

People can browse by [newest items](https://www.stickermule.com/stores), items from [stores they follow](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/following), or the [most popular items](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/popular). And you can “like” individual items now too.

###Added Store email notifications
If you have a store, you can now get notified when you make a sale, or when someone follows you.

![Store email notifications](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/05dcde7b-199e-4b7f-b47e-3851fba65d4a)

###New press page
We’ve been in the news a lot lately, so we made a [new press page](https://press.stickermule.com/).

###Added Giphy integration to Stimulus
You can now easily add gifs to your [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/) posts with our new Giphy integration.

![Stimulus Giphy integration](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fde958d7-dcb1-4ba7-87dd-8f6e694f6062)



Learn what new things we launched this Fall. Including 2 new products and more updates to Stores.

How to make stickers look professional

Stickers are great for business and branding. But no one wants ugly stickers. And your business might not have a big design budget. So how do you make high-quality, aesthetically pleasing [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers)?

Here are 8 tips anyone can use to make their sticker designs look professional.

##1. Define your brand identity
Your business should have its own personality. Who are you trying to sell to? What is your message? Your visual identity should reinforce these ideas.

Before you get to the design itself, put your Art Director hat on and decide what your brand identity should look like. Use a tool like [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/) to gather ideas and create a mood board for your brand identity.

![pinterest mood board](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/43f5d669-d485-46b4-80ea-d9fa81d48c43)

Try to narrow it down as much as possible – it’s important to have a consistent style.

##2. Choose the right color palette
Colors impact the perception of your brand.

Each color evokes an emotion. Blue = trust. Green = nature. Yellow = creativity.

![color meaning chart](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a1dcdbfe-ae75-4d61-bdae-6c09de732d14)

Decide on 1-2 main colors you want to represent your brand.

Use a free tool like [Coolors](https://coolors.co/) to create a color palette.

##3. Select appropriate typography
The font you choose for your brand is very important. Study the designs you like from your mood board. Identify attributes in the fonts that might work best for your brand.

Use a site like [Google Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/) to browse and download free fonts.

###Serif vs sans-serif
![serif-vs-sans-serif](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/377d1d16-6034-4720-a650-6f8600dd9e0b)

Serifs are the fancy little decorations on the ends of each letter.

Serif fonts are often used to convey a formal, serious tone. While sans-serif fonts convey a friendly, casual tone.

###Font weight
![font-weight-comparison](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b5aa4b64-ac1b-4779-a1dd-4eab7e4218ff)

Many fonts include multiple variations of weight (i.e. light, normal, bold).

The thickness of your font will also impact the tone of your brand. Thinner fonts usually convey a more delicate, feminine tone. While bolder fonts convey a strong, masculine tone.

##4. Use high-quality images and graphics
Anything you print should be at least [300 pixels per inch](https://www.stickermule.com/support/artwork-ppi). This will ensure your stickers don’t look pixelated or blurry.

If you have various versions of your logo or design, use a vector file (.pdf, .ai, .eps)  if possible. [Vector graphics can be scaled infinitely](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images) without losing resolution. You can transform any image to vector format for $14 using [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw).

![low-resolution-to-high-resolution](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7ee84f9b-b9ae-4b2a-b680-2dba3790f679)

Or if you have a particular photo or image that you need to use, but it’s not high resolution – you can make high resolution with another free tool, [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale).

##5. Keep your design simple
You can create high quality designs using our free design tool, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). Choose from hundreds of professional templates or start from scratch.

The best sticker designs are usually simple.

![qr-code-stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3c286be7-2ed8-44e0-860e-79821771e44f)

Don’t include more information than you need. If you want to include some sort of contact information, consider limiting it to one form of contact (i.e. email address). Or you can add a [QR code](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-make-custom-qr-code-stickers) to direct people to a specific landing page.

##6. Experiment with shapes
Keep in mind that die cut stickers will automatically be cut to fit the shape of your design. This works great for plenty of designs and most logo stickers.

![die-cut-stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1ffda9cb-be36-4005-a9bc-6bfec5919d56)

But depending on your design and brand, you might want to go for a more traditional shape, like [circle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/circle-stickers), [square stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/square-stickers), [rectangle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rectangle-stickers), [oval stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/oval-stickers), or [rounded corner stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rounded-corner-stickers).

##7. Consider the finish
Any sticker is going to look good with a matte finish. But depending on your design you may want to try a holographic or glitter material to give your stickers a unique shine.

![matte-vs-holo-vs-glitter-stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d43a7d59-734d-4639-8dd1-878f08273052)

##8. Get feedback and iterate
Before committing to a large batch of stickers, you can order [custom samples](https://www.stickermule.com/samples). This is a good option for testing your design in real life.

![sticker-irl](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a2f228d0-266b-4998-9d39-c35454bcaf86)

Give some stickers away and ask your friends and coworkers for feedback. They might be perfect or you might need to tweak a few things. Shop with confidence when it’s time to place a larger order. And you can even save money when you order multiple designs at the same time.

##Conclusion
Getting professional stickers doesn’t require a professional designer. Be thoughtful about what you want, look to other designs for inspiration, and always be willing to experiment.

<ButtonCta text="Order custom samples for $9" href="https://www.stickermule.com/samples" />


Here are 8 tips anyone can use to make their sticker designs look professional.

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