Our 25+ Favorite Graphic Design Resources in 2022

Here at Sticker Mule, we've noticed that a lot of our customers are aspiring digital artists. To help them become the kick ass graphic designers, we've prepared this  tutorial especially for them! 

Whatever your working preferences, having the right selection of graphic design tools at your disposal is essential in order to work effectively and do your creative ideas justice. Made up of both hardware and software, the range of tools available to graphic designers is vast, as are their price tags, so being able to select the right tools that match your current level of expertise is critical.

From tablets and laptops, to [free photo background removing apps](https://www.stickermule.com/trace), here’s our must-have tools for the graphic designer beginner.

## What are the basic tools needed by graphic designers?

### Hardware

First of all, you’re going to need some basic devices and tech to complete your graphic design projects. 

__1. A high-end smartphone__

If ever you needed an excuse to splash out on a top of the range smartphone, kickstarting your graphic design career or hobby is it!

While the majority of the population will get by with standard specs on their mobile devices, a graphic designer will likely demand a little more from it.

*Making edits*

A top end smartphone, with a large screen can be a gamechanger for your productivity levels, allowing you to edit on the move. 

*A great camera*

A graphic designer is always on the lookout for opportunities to take some top-class original photography to use either as inspiration or to use directly in their designs. You can expect a high-end smartphone to come with a high-end build in camera, meaning you’ll always be equipped to snap that critical shot when the opportunity arises. 

__2. A powerful laptop__

It’s well known that designers tend to have a strong preference towards Macs over PCs for their work. Precisely why, is a tricker question to answer! Google designer, [Austin Knight](https://austinknight.com/writing/designers-prefer-macs), asked a bunch of designers why they prefer Macs. Ultimately, it comes down to legacy (the Mac was developed for designers), better font rendering, better user experience, plus…. They’re pretty!

MacBook Pro's are typically seen as the best option for any designer ([Techradar](https://www.techradar.com/news/best-laptops-for-graphic-design) crowned the Apple MacBook Pro with 13-inch screen as “the best laptop for graphic design in the world”). However, it has also been argued that you get more power for your money with an iMac. 

If you’re [designing stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers) (and we hope you do!) you're essentially designing for print so having that extra power will make your life easier, helping all of your software, such as Photoshop, to run more smoothly. 

__3. A graphics tablet__

A graphics tablet (or pen tablet, or drawing tablet) looks similar to a standard tablet device, however, it is a very different piece of equipment. A graphics tablet connects to your main device, your Mac for instance. It has a touch-sensitive drawing surface which you can ‘draw’ on with a stylus which then acts as a cursor on your monitor. With a bit of practice, it becomes much easier to control than your typical mouse.  

[Wacom](https://www.wacom.com/en-us/discover/draw) is the most popular manufacturer of graphics tablet, so you’d be in good company beginning your search there. It’s compatible with both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

*Who needs a graphics tablet?*

Not every type of graphic designer will need to have a graphics tablet, but if you are someone who wants to work on many different types of graphic design projects, or would like to work on animation or illustration projects, then a graphics tablet would be an important tool for you.

### Software & Design Tools

Once you have your hardware items, now it’s time to equip them with the software. You have a number of options here. You can go straight for the well known Adobe Creative Suite (now called the Adobe Creative Cloud) which includes the likes of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and more. 

Or, if you’re not in a position to make that financial commitment, it might be a good idea to try out some online alternatives. Let’s run through your options.

#### Photoshop

Photoshop is used by almost any kind of designer such as web developers, graphic designers and photographers. It’s most commonly used for image editing, retouching and creative mockups.

__Online Photoshop alternatives:__

__[GIMP](https://www.gimp.org)__

This is an open source, free, image editing tool. It only required a small download and includes many of Photoshop’s most popular features.

__[Pixlr](https://pixlr.com)__

Pixlr is a free online photo editor based in the cloud. It’s built by Autodesk, the makers behind other powerful tools such as AutoCAD, so it certainly comes with pedigree. It’s a simpler, smaller solution to photo editing compared to Photoshop but is easy to use and fast! Perfect for beginners. 

__[Lunapic](https://www1.lunapic.com/editor/)__
 
Lunapic is another free, online graphic editor. It’s got plenty of options and functionally to play with and you can also edit video.

#### Illustrator

Illustrator is a vector-based editing software. It is different to Photoshop, which is pixel-based. It is used to create designs such as logos, graphics, vector illustrations and fonts. The advantage of vector-based software over pixel-based is that a vector graphic does not lose quality as it is scaled up or down in size. This makes it a better option for anything that is intended for print.

__Online Illustrator alternative__

__[Inkscape](https://inkscape.org)__
 
Like Illustrator, Inkscape is a vector-based software, but is open source and free! The options are comprehensive, allowing you to do most of what you can do on Illustrator. It’s also regularly updated. 

#### InDesign

InDesign is a desktop publishing software, frequently used for creating print materials like brochures, flyers, magazines and even books.

__Online InDesign alternative__

__[Scribus](https://www.scribus.net)__

Scribus is an open source desktop publishing application. It’s free, and a great alternative to InDesign, allowing you to easily layout designs for print materials.

#### Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a timeline-based video editing software used by everyone from filmmakers and TV broadcasters to journalists, students and YouTubers.
 
__Online Premiere Pro alternative__

__[iMovie](https://www.apple.com/lae/imovie/)__

If you’re like most designers and opt for a MacBook for your graphic design work, then Apple’s iMovie program is a highly reliable and beginner-friendly alternative to Premiere Pro, covering you for basic effects, transitions and cuts.

__[DaVinci Resolve](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/)__

While iMovie is great for beginners, it wouldn’t be right not to mention DaVinci Resolve. It’s a wholly comprehensive, free editor featuring advanced trimming, editing, and effects. It might be a little complex for beginners, but if you’re looking for something free, with some advanced features, look no further than DaVinci Resolve.

#### After Effects

After Effects is the industry standard, animation-based tool used for visual effects and motion graphics. While Premiere Pro focuses on video editing, After Effects is the tool that help you create the extra flourishes that make all the difference, such as title sequences and 2D cartoon animations. 

__Online After Effects alternative__

__[Blender](https://www.blender.org)__

Blender is free to use and can accomplish pretty much anything After Effects can, so it is a genuinely powerful alternative. However, beginners should be warned that it does have a reputation for being more difficult to use.

## What are the best graphic design resources?

Now that you’ve got a handle on the fundamental devices, software and online tools you’ll need for your graphic design, here’s a handy rundown of some additional tools you can add to the mix for some extra touches and details. 

[![free remove bg background](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3b1d3c04-dffa-43a6-aefb-568da027e135)](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free online ai background remover")

- For free background removal
  - [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace)  
- For fonts
  - Fontshop
  - Google Fonts
  - Emotype
  - BeFonts

[![online free design software](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9e1205e9-56aa-45b8-8bc4-89f0a2d28ae4)](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design app")

- For design software online
  - [Canva](https://www.canva.com/)
  - [Studio - Design](https://www.stickermule.com/studio)
- For icons
  - Noun Project
  - Flat Icons 
- For stock photos
  - Shutterstock
  - iStock
  - Pixabay
  - Unsplash
- For resizing high-quality images
  - [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale)
- For vectorizing images 
  - [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw)
- For free stock videos
  - Coverr
  - Mixkit
  - Motion Places
  - Videvo
- Social Media Mockups
  - AdParlor 
- Device mockup generator
  - ScreenPeek
  - Shotsnapp
- Brand design mockup
  - Mockupworld 

## What are the best websites for design inspiration?

As you progress with your designs, you may, like most creatives have at one time or another, find yourself in need of some inspiration! Well, don’t worry. Here are some great sources to help inspire your creative juices.

__[__Behance__](https://www.behance.net/)__

Behance is an online platform that allows designers to showcase their portfolios whether they be graphic design, fashion, illustration, photography or web design. Not only is it a great outlet for designers to display their work, it’s a fantastic museum of creative excellence to spend some time exploring to inspire your own creative ideas. 

Oh, and it’s also free to use!

__[Dribbble](https://dribbble.com/)__

This is another fantastic resource for your design inspiration or to showcase your work. It is free to use, BUT if you want to use it as a channel to showcase your work, bare in mind that it is an invite-only community. However, there’s nothing to stop you from using it as a source of inspiration with amazing designs to browse in branding, illustration, print, product design, typography and web design.

__[Httpster - Websites ](https://httpster.net/)__

If websites are your jam, check out Httpster for a treasure trove of web design inspiration. 

## What websites or apps can I use to make money out of my designs? 

Let’s get down to the business side of things.

You might be content to keep your graphic design projects as a fun side hobby. Or, you might be interested in exploring how you can make money from your designs. Aside from working professionally in a design role, there are other ways in which you can monetize your love of design. Here are a few means to consider.

__1. Start a Patreon campaign__

Patreon is an online platform designed to help creators of any type get paid for the art they create. All you need to do is set up a free account, create a page telling people who you are, what you do and why they should make a financial contribution to your work. Artists usually offer some small incentive in return such as exclusive material. 

__2. Take on freelance gigs__

There are tonnes of vibrant platforms out there where potential customers are matched with willing designers. You could sign up to Fiverr, for example and list some4.  ‘gigs’ you’re willing to do for $5. Once you’ve completed a number of these $5 gigs, you become eligible to offer higher priced gigs and earn more money.  

__3. Sell your graphics to stock image sites__

Maybe you have some stunning photography as a result of that high-end smartphone we discussed. Or perhaps you have some original graphics gathering dust. These are just two examples of design work that you could potentially sell to stock imagery sites like Shutterstock. 

__4. Create customized stickers in Sticker Mule and sell them__

Etsy is a great platform for designers to sell their work. Browse Etsy and you’ll find custom prints, canvases, t-shirts and... stickers! Check out this interesting [thread on Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Etsy/comments/ckrc5y/just_hit_100_sales_on_our_etsy_selling_stickers/) about how one illustrator turned their designs into [customized stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers) with Sticker Mule and hit 100 sales selling them on Etsy. 

Choosing the right graphic design tools can be challenging, especially for beginners. There’s a lot of choice out there and a lot of eye watering price tags. Our advice is to keep it simple in the beginning. Focus on getting a suitable laptop with a high res monitor, a high end camera (or smartphone) and a graphics tablet if you want to try some illustration (you can’t go far wrong with a Wacom). 

When it comes to software, the Adobe Creative Cloud will equip you with all you need but keep in mind that there are some very impressive free software alternatives available that would definitely be worth checking out if you’re not ready to splash out on the Adobe Cloud.

Happy designing!

<ButtonCta text="Design your first customized sticker" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />

Choosing the right graphic design tools can be tough for a beginner. Here we discuss the key hardware, software and how to make money from your designs!

Custom wall decals & stickers for kid's room

Decorating children’s rooms can sometimes be more demanding than tackling the interior design of adult rooms. Children grow up so quickly, and their likes and dislikes change so rapidly! No wonder it’s a major challenge to create a room that will grow with them! 

But instead of looking at a long-term plan that will work through childhood, and trying to make the time, effort, and money spent worthwhile, how about reconsidering your options? Choose an easy, safe, and economical decorating option that you can change with minimal effort.

If you’re stuck for inspiration... How about stickers?

## Why use stickers as wall decals for children’s rooms?

Back in the day, kids used to love sticker books – collecting lots and lots of themed, colorful stickers, and filling up the empty spaces.

Today, stickers have evolved and developed, and literally come of age! Stickers and decals now [have a multitude of uses](https://www.insider.com/tiktok-renter-friendly-apartment-hallway-ceiling-hack-target-wall-decals-2021-4 "viral wall sticker trend"), and they have become a powerful decorating tool for children’s rooms. As a result, more and more people are using them as a cheaper, easier, and more effective option than paint, stenciling, wallpaper, or other more traditional decorating tools. 

They have also become a decorating tool that you can use to involve your kids so that they are part of the process. 

## How do you use stickers as decorating tools for children’s rooms?

Wall stickers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Made from some sort of self-adhesive fabric, they can be used in a multitude of ways to add color and character to rooms. 

Better still, custom stickers make it possible for creative parents to design amazing rooms for their kiddies. Less creative parents can come up with an idea and get help from specialist companies that manufacture quality products. Either way, you’re going to get something that adds a unique decorating touch to the room.

Whatever you have planned, wall stickers for kids’ rooms open up possibilities beyond most people’s imaginations. 

The options available for décor use today are awesome!

First of all, wall stickers and decals can be designed to look like posters. For instance, [custom stickers for children’s rooms](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/wall-decals) can be a standard poster size – 24 inches x 36 inches (610 mm x 910 mm). Or they can be bigger, up to 96 inches wide by 56 inches high (2.5 m x 1.5 m). That’s big, and it can make a statement and add character to any boy or girl’s room. 

The possibilities are endless! You can print out a shape, a tree, a face, a car, a doll’s house, or maybe a horse, a dog, or a cat!

Just be sure to choose [good quality wall stickers and decals for kids rooms](https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics). Top-quality vinyl and fabric-like material last the longest. Some high-quality designs can be reused though they might not be quite as sticky the second time around. 

## How do you use stickers to create a theme in children’s rooms?

Whatever design medium you decide to use for your children’s rooms, a theme of some sort will add impact and character. 

If your kids are very young, you can decide on the theme, but if they are older, consider asking for their input. After all, they are going to be the ones waking up or going to sleep in the environment you are creating.

Theme options are vast and varied. Here are some ideas:

- Trees and forests are popular themes. You can start out with one or more tree wall stickers, depending on the effect you want to create. Opt for one type of tree or mix two or three designs. Add flowers to the branches or stick butterflies, birds, and/or bees around the tree wall stickers. Introduce a few leafy pot plants to add interest and life to the room.

- Flowers can be used on their own, to create the effect of a flower garden, or flower wall stickers can be used to form a border around the room, just below the ceiling or at dado height. You could make the theme a fairy garden, creating a little extra magic in the room. If you have flowers in your garden, get your kids to pick some now and then and have a vase of flowers in the bedroom too. 

- Cat and dog wall stickers are also popular with children, and again, the possibilities are endless. If your son or daughter has a special pet, you could have a custom sticker made that is life-size or even larger than life – depending of course on the size of the animal. Dog wall art stickers can be used on their own or you can add balls or paw prints. You might prefer to have a silhouette of two or three cats, perhaps playing with birds or just sleeping. 

![Children-Room-Wall-Graphic](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cfd77a102245adba9da5021d7de29b7975730f56)

- Teddy bears are another wildly versatile option. You could have one big teddy above your child’s cot or bed, or a line of them matched with a real teddy collection. Or what about a teddy bears’ picnic? You could use kids’ cartoon wall stickers for the bears and combine them with tree wall stickers. Or have a big custom bear wall sticker made and stick it up with a few pots of honey and lots of bumblebees. 

- If your kid likes sports, you can also redecorate featuring their team and the sporting heroes they adore. For example, football wall stickers range from action designs to balls and shirts. You could have silhouette figures dribbling or kicking balls, or real-life football stars. You could frame your kid’s first football shirt and have action stickers all around it. Or if they’re into martial arts, make judo or karate the theme with one or more martial arts wall stickers on a feature wall, perhaps with your child’s name in vinyl lettering above the stickers. 

- Cars and trucks and motorbikes are also one of the more popular children’s rooms themes. Make the theme more definitive by focusing on racing cars or race track stickers and decals. If they’re collecting hot wheels or any other racing car toys, include them in the decor by having them on display. 

Whether the idea of flower wall decals, kids cartoon wall stickers, or any other wall stickers and decals appeal to you, you need stickers that are durable. If you’re going with custom wall stickers, Sticker Mule works from photographs or any type of artwork. You’ll get free online proofs and free worldwide shipping. 

Our wall decals are what children’s room designers love to use so try it for yourself!

<ButtonCta text="Get your own wall graphics now" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics" />

Thinking of redecorating your child’s room? We’ll tell you how you can use vinyl wall decals which are safe and easy to remove! 

How to make a Sticker Mule public profile

Make your Sticker Mule public profile in seconds.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="vHjEnEizBW0?rel=0" />

While [logged in](https://www.stickermule.com/login) to your Sticker Mule account, click “Profile” from the dropdown menu.

Next, click “Edit profile”.

Currently you can do the following:

- Upload a profile picture
- Change your name
- Customize your public URL
- Add a link to your website
- Add a background photo

More features coming soon.

Learn how to set up your Sticker Mule public profile in seconds.

Your guide to creating the ultimate marketing pack

Marketing is crucial for any business. It's what helps you gain new customers, keep existing ones, and generally grow your brand. But what makes for effective marketing? 

That's a question pretty much everyone's trying to solve. And the real answer (and probably the most hated!) is "it depends on your business."

While that much is correct, some fundamental marketing tools will apply across most industries and sectors. For example, branded items are one of the best marketing tools out there to grow brands, and it's an opportunity to be creative. Whether you're opting for [fun marketing stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets), printed t-shirts, and mugs, or really any physical item with your logo on it, it helps your brand gain exposure, and it's one of the best ways to get your name out there.

![no treble sticker sheet](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d11bc03651bf72e38866fb27b5779d9270b2adcc)

## What is a marketing pack?

A marketing pack (or marketing kit) is essentially a portfolio of items representing your brand and allowing others to get to know you. While the items you choose for marketing and branding will differ, what's important to remember in this context is cohesiveness! You want your marketing pack to tell a story about you and tailor the items to whoever is on the receiving end. 

### Where do I start?

The fundamental rule to follow when thinking about items to include in your marketing pack: What does this say about my brand, and why am I including it? 

Think about the story you are trying to tell and what existing materials you have that communicate this effectively. 

One of the best ways to put together a marketing packet is to start assembling different flyers, brochures, and promotional material you already have to see what's missing. This could be a mix of 1-pagers around your services and processes and more detailed brochures and tri-folds that go into more detail. 

If you have that ready to go, you're pretty much halfway to putting together a great marketing kit! And if not, you'll only need to spend a little bit of time creating these materials because the other half of your marketing toolkit will likely consist of promotional items.

## Why do I need a marketing kit?

The main reason a marketing pack is useful is that it's an introduction to your brand. By including items that reflect you and your brand, you're able to educate new customers with more ease. It's an excellent tool for retention since it serves as a reminder for existing customers to rediscover your brand! 

The effectiveness of marketing stickers and other promotional tools is tethered to the quality of items you choose and what they say about you. A marketing pack is an educational and promotional piece all at once, and it's designed to sell you. 

Depending on who is on the receiving end of a marketing toolkit, you can tailor materials to address their issues, show your brand is a solution to their problems, and add some more branded items for promotional purposes. 

A marketing packet is a business development tool at its core, and its purpose is to sell your brand. Although the way you sell your brand through the marketing pack will change across audiences, the goal remains the same. 

The earlier point about brand story plays a significant role here. If you've spent any kind of investment on creating branding material (which you likely have!) then this is one of the best ways to showcase it. 

Clients and customers connect more to a business when it has a clear narrative and story, and marketing packs help cultivate that story and bring it to life. And when you tailor it to your audience, you'll see more uplift and conversion because they will feel like you truly understand their issues and how to solve them. 

A marketing kit is just as much of a discussion about your capabilities as it is about your brand. That's why it's crucial to include a mixture of items to create a successful marketing pack.

![Custom keychains](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/96700908e39f133dbc5aa1d86a3f07ee9c5d2f6b)

## What goes into a marketing kit

There's no hard and fast rule about what goes into a marketing pack. However, some common items could include 

- Booklets with case studies
- Brochures with company information 
- Business cards

There could also be more 'fun' branded items like:

- Marketing stickers
- Pocket folders
- Keychains 

Ideally, you're choosing a mixture of things that are reflective of your brand. 

The effectiveness of marketing stickers and other promotional items is well-documented in building brand awareness and loyalty. By including fun items alongside informational materials, you can balance out your marketing pack to be promotional but not too aggressively sales-y. 

Whether you're choosing to go for sticker marketing or other items, it's essential to think about the whole look - the earlier point about cohesiveness comes back into play. 

You want your items to have a consistent look with branding and, more importantly, include both unique and functional items. Adding in items to your marketing kit that don't really serve a purpose will likely lead to many binned items. (Never good!)

A marketing packet doesn't need to be super heavy and loaded with unnecessary materials. Think about the audience receiving this packet and what they need to know most about you.

![Custom stickers for marketing toolkit](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9233a3080a60d3af516b1118e0c320babe268677)

For example, if it's someone who is somewhat familiar with your brand already, you might want to include:

- Case studies tailored to their industry
- Marketing stickers and 1-2 other promotional items such as a pocket folder and keychain
- Detailed information around your processes and services

If it's an entirely new customer that you've just been introduced to and you're hoping to set up an initial call, your marketing pack could include:

- Brochures introducing your company 
- A brief overview of services and processes that may interest them
- Marketing stickers, and one other promotional item such as the one mentioned above

You can mix and match as needed, but creating a pool of items to choose from makes the process of putting together a marketing pack much easier. You can keep copies of brochures and other flyers, and promotional materials handy and have a box of branded items ready to go. Assembling the marketing pack will become a faster process, and you'll be able to send the marketing packet to new and existing clients faster.

Your marketing kit is all about putting your brand front and center. It should include information and objects that communicate your story compellingly and excitingly and encourage the recipient to get in touch!

At Sticker Mule, we've created marketing stickers across industries and sectors, so we know just how to create eye-catching, memorable promotional items to include with your marketing packet for maximum success! Check out our high-quality sticker sheets, and get started with your marketing pack now. 

<ButtonCta text="Get sticker sheets from $9" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets" />


A marketing pack is one of the best ways to promote your brand. Including a mixture of promotional materials and branded items helps you stand out!

How to design the best custom bike stickers

Bike stickers, whether for your mountain bike, sports bike, dirt bike, or really any bike, are one of the best ways to customize your bike and make it feel like your own. Used by both teams and individuals, bike name stickers and other custom bike stickers are a unique way to distinguish your bike from others. Plus, they are designed to be durable and weather-proof, so your bike stickers will be able to withstand all kinds of weather and terrain. 

If you’re not sure how to design your bike sticker or what types of things you should be keeping in mind during the design process, our guide will help you design the best bike sticker ever.

## Why have a custom bike sticker?

The first thing to consider in the design process is establishing why you need a custom bike sticker. 

It might sound a bit obvious, but having a clear reason for why you need it informs the design process and makes expectations clear from the start. For example, if you’re designing a sports bike sticker for your team, you will need to consider how many people there are, whether any extras are required and whether you want just your logo, names, or a combo.

![A bike covered in stickers parked by a wall](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e10cc9fad8105512c6719f40dbc9629a9beb6654)

If it’s just for you, you’ll want to consider what you would like to express with your bike sticker design. Is it just a matter of identification, or is it a representation of a hobby, interest, or thought? For example, some people like to get mountain bike stickers of their country’s flag or a street bike sticker with a funny sign or slogan. 

There are a lot of custom bike sticker designs out there that will be a good fit. But again, knowing what you want and having clear expectations will always be a good thing in this process. 

Why? Because this information, in turn, will help in designing the actual bike sticker because you will know exactly what needs to go on it right from the start. Custom bike sticker designs completed by a professional will usually offer free proofs, and you will go back and forth on the design. However, having clearly defined designs will help reduce the number of amends needed.

![Custom bike frame sticker](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7945d86260b08386b807a0088ba9f01429bfb0f4)

## What should my bike sticker design be?

We’ve touched upon this a little earlier, but it bears some more discussion. If you’re thinking about how to make bike stickers and how to design a bike sticker, there is a lot of inspiration out there. 

We’ve compiled some examples of the [best bike stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/bike-stickers) if you’re looking for inspiration, and here is some advice for the design to ensure you get the best look possible:

- Do you want it to stick invisibly or have a die-cut shape for your mountain bike sticker or BMX bike sticker? 
- Do you want a longer text phrase or something short like just your name or your team member’s names? And what kind of font would you prefer?
- If you’re going for a symbol or a logo of some kind, what kind of colors will look best for your custom bike stickers, and do you already have a design file that can be used for proofs?
- What is your timeline for the bike stickers? Do you need it before a specific day, and does anyone else need to approve the custom bike stickers? (i.e., other team members for custom mountain bike stickers, etc.)

In terms of how to design your bike stickers, there are a few ways to go about this. You could create your own design on programs such as Illustrator or other free alternatives, browse on the internet for examples, or use your team’s colors and logos. 

If you’re designing just for yourself, you can opt for bold colors to make your bike sticker stand out, or pick unique words and phrases and create a die-cut shape design for a cool look! 

### Custom bike sticker sizing

It’s also necessary to think about quantities and the actual size of the sticker. Size-wise, depending on your bike, dirt bike stickers, street bike stickers, and mountain bike stickers, among others, can start from 2x2 and go up to 5x5, so you can choose a small and subtle design or something larger and more eye-catching depending on your needs. 

Bear in mind that pricing for your custom sticker design will depend on the quantity you’re ordering, with higher quantities commanding a bit of a discount, which is great for teams. Even if you’re ordering individual stickers for yourself for your BMX bike or a dirt bike sticker, you’ll be able to find affordable options. 

## What are the best stickers for my bike?

Once you have a design picked for your bike sticker, what are some of the key things you need to look out for when you’re thinking about how to design your bike sticker?

![Personalized bike frame sticker](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a976e8af0421801c1ae995c4f5582576d43cee6d)

### Vinyl material

Generally, for the best results, you should use vinyl for stickers. This is the best material as it is durable and prints colors and designs well.

### Weather-proof 

Whether it’s a mountain bike sticker or a dirt bike sticker, or any kind of bike sticker, it needs to be able to withstand rough terrain and weather without being damaged! You should ideally be looking for vinyl stickers that are UV-resistant at the very least. The best stickers for your bike should also be scratch and rain-resistant.

### Durable 

How long will your custom bike stickers last? Most bike stickers can last for at least 5-7 years, especially if they are laminated and can resist damage from the elements.

Ultimately, when you’re thinking about how to design a bike sticker, your primary focus should be endurance. How long will it last, and how much does the bike sticker design resonate with you? You don’t want to pick something you’ll get bored of too quickly if it’s for your individual needs. If designing for a team, you want to ensure that your bike sticker looks professional and high-quality. 

If you’re not sure what bike sticker designs are best for your needs, or you just need a bit of guidance on how to design the best bike sticker, get in touch! At Sticker Mule, we’re experienced in creating unique bike stickers custom-designed for you, and we’re here to make your vision come to life.

<ButtonCta text="Shop bike stickers" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/bike-stickers" />


Custom bike stickers make your bike stand out. If you’re not sure how to design a bike sticker, here are some important considerations to keep in mind.

How to make custom bike stickers

Design Your Own VSCO Stickers

## What are VSCO stickers?
To understand VSCO stickers better, we first need to talk about VSCO kids! The name VSCO comes from the popular photography and photo editing mobile app that is used to apply filters to their photos. A VSCO girl or VSCO kid belongs to a subculture of Gen Z that emerged in 2019 and gained popularity on Instagram and Tiktok. They are known to dress and accessorize similarly, which make them distinguishable from everyone. Some notable VSCO kid styles are oversized t-shirts, Birkenstocks, friendship bracelets, scrunchies, and water bottles decorated with lots of stickers!

[VSCO stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/vsco-stickers) are known for their cute aesthetic with a pastel color palette, and hand drawn quality to them. Most VSCO designs are of animals, plants, nature, and inspirational quotes or funny statements. One distinguishable look that is associated with VSCO stickers is the white padding that borders around the design. 

## Where can you use VSCO stickers?

VSCO stickers are usually seen on:

-	Water bottles like hydroflasks
-	Phone cases
-	Laptops or laptop cases
-	Mirrors
-	Airpod cases
-	Lockers
-	Instax, Polaroid or other instant cameras
-	…or virtually anywhere with a smooth surface!

## Are VSCO stickers waterproof?
Different VSCO stickers are made of different materials. Some stickers are made with just simple sticker paper, which makes them lose their quality and adhesive when getting wet. Other stickers are made with differing qualities of vinyl. 

Vinyl stickers are sunlight damage resistant and they are able to keep their vivid, bright colors for a long time. Vinyl stickers are also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about your stickers peeling off when you are washing your water bottle! 

## Where do I find VSCO stickers?
VSCO stickers are available online from a lot of major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and others. You’ll also be able to purchase VSCO stickers from popular marketplace sites like Etsy. There are a lot of artists and small businesses that offer their designs as VSCO stickers on their own websites. 

Bigger retailers sell huge bundles of stickers for cheap, while smaller businesses and independent artists sell their stickers at a slightly more expensive price point. While there are a whole lot of designs and sellers to choose from, most of these options do not offer customization or allow you to make your very own sticker design.

## How do you design VSCO stickers?
There’s a lot of ways to design your own VSCO sticker. You can design using programs like [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-remove-backgrounds-in-photoshop), [Illustrator](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers), or [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). You can also draw your artwork digitally using apps like Procreate and Affinity. 

One stand-out feature of a VSCO sticker is its hand-drawn aesthetic, pastel color palette, as well as the white border that pads around the design. So, for this instance we will use Procreate to draw our own design:

### 1.	Create a new canvas in Procreate.
![Design VSCO stickers in Procreate](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b034616e8f19c433008fe932ee6fbb66dda9f62c)

### 2.	Draw your design and fill in all the colors.

![Draw VSCO design in Procreate](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/964bd426e8d593fbb7cfb0b62171c8449f6e2af7)

### 3.	Add in your text.

![Add text for VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/099aaeba3b1ecc2ce542e3f2d514ea5419d50a39)

### 4.	Hide the background color layer and create a new transparent layer for the white border under your drawing.

![Hide background color layer VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cb025829f5f2b1e5584012f73e260bf510f4be28)

### 5.	Draw and fill-in a white border around.

![Fill in white border VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/990714e75dbd198d5c9e97cba3b154773ec0c146)

### 6.	When you’re happy with your work, export and save! 

![Export VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/11fd37c9cbf8a1976f843d184dceda527ff8bda4)

You will now then be able to print your design from your device using your home printer and sticker papers! 

Keep in mind that when printing your own design using inkjet vinyl sticker paper, expect to get a lower quality sticker. Some inkjet printer ink does not adhere well to vinyl, ending up smeared on the paper. Stickers made this way are also not guaranteed as waterproof.

## How do you make VSCO stickers without a printer?
You can always purchase VSCO stickers from a lot of retailers like the ones mentioned above, but you will not have the option to personalize or use your own design. With Sticker Mule, you’ll be able to have your very own VSCO sticker design printed and cut! 
Getting your design uploaded to Sticker Mule is super easy! 

1.	On Sticker Mule’s homepage, select custom stickers. You will be then able to pick from a wide variety of sticker styles like die cut, round, rectangle, sticker sheets, clear, transfers, and even holographic! 

![VSCO stickers by sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3af8f2d887d218eea2873d438934e6df047c139d)

2.	Pick the type of sticker you like. 
3.	Select the size and quantity of stickers you want to order. 

![VSCO stickers select size quantity](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ffa5f222c576e006d8b95652e895f6b585772ce4)

4.	Upload your artwork. You will also be able to type in specific instructions if necessary.

![VSCO stickers upload artwork](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ecb950519397b9db5e4fd5d656b587cf711fd8e3)

5.	You’ll see your sticker design in your cart! Checkout and put all the necessary information needed, like your shipping address and payment information.

![VSCO stickers checkout](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/551b9e4de12be509316870e18318a2d82b4b399a)

6.	Review your proof shortly after checkout and request changes until you’re happy. Sticker Mule’s proof approval process lets you work directly with them to ensure your stickers will look exactly how you want.
7.	You will get your die cut stickers with 4 day turnaround and free shipping!
Sticker Mule is the easiest way to get your VSCO stickers printed! You’ll be able to order prints of your custom stickers in any shape or size (yes, even holographic!) on premium vinyl that is durable and weather resistant. Sticker Mule’s custom stickers feature a special laminate that protects them from exposure to sunlight and water. You will also rest easy knowing that you can put your sticker-filled water bottle in the dishwasher and still have the stickers looking brand new after washing! 

<ButtonCta text="Print VSCO stickers" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/vsco-stickers" />

Learn how to design and print your own personalized or customized VSCO stickers in this step-by-step guide! 

DIY car window stickers

Consider the clothing that you’re wearing now. Apart from their obvious function of covering your essential nakedness, clothes are your statement to the world. They express your mood, your disposition, your individuality. When it comes to your vehicle, this type of self-expression can be tricky to exhibit. A paint job can be monotonous, if not downright expensive. Kitschy car accessories like fuzzy dice or dashboard dogs are just too gimmicky. If you want to extend your self-expression to your automobile, there is a simple answer: car stickers.

Car stickers come in numerous varieties, but today we’re going to zone in on car window stickers, the perfect accessories for style and self-expression. Car window stickers may not seem like much, but they have plenty of advantages.

## Benefits of Having Car Stickers

__1. Car stickers are great for branding.__

There’s no better and more cost-efficient way to declare—and spread—your brand to the world than via your vehicle. Car stickers are ideal giveaways, whether you have an event, handing out stuff curbside, or offering freebies. Stick on your logo, your emblem, your signature color and let others do the same. 

__2. Car stickers informative.__

Vehicle stickers have long been used as promotional material and through them, you can advertise your business address, contact information, and even operating hours.

__3. Car stickers can share some good wisdom.__

Everyone loves a bumper sticker, but more than that, from tattoos to stickers, everyone loves a good quote or mantra that they can apply to daily life. Put an encouraging statement for the potential road-rager in front of you. Stick on a funny joke for some traffic jam entertainment. The possibilities are endless.

__4. Car stickers can serve as a warning.__

New driver? Baby on board? Make sure other drivers know so they can be extra cautious around your vehicle.

__5. Car stickers are decorative.__

Put your face on your vehicle—and quite literally, too. Whether you want to stick on a self-portrait or an actual photo on your window, the point is, you can with car stickers. You can put your favorite characters, a random symbol, even your own customized doodle. It’s your quick, fun, affordable, and even temporary way to show off your personality when the outside world can’t see you inside your vehicle. 

__6. Car stickers can show off your affiliation__.

Uber driver? You can display the iconic U on the corner of your windshield. Slap on your business logo, too. Whether you’re riding a company vehicle or your own personal automobile, car stickers can help you spread your businesses and affiliations around.

__7. Stickers are generally fun.__

We’ve all collected stickers back in the day and they’ve always been good fun. There’s just something personable about it, light and easy. Of course, you can’t go overboard stickering your car (the law is different per country), but even if you just have an inconspicuous sticker on a small corner of the rear window, it’s still a fun throwback to the good old days.  

## Kinds of Car Window Stickers

What kind of stickers would be good for your car? The problem is there are too many varieties to choose from that it can get confusing. We’ll quickly break it down for you so you can make the proper decision based on your needs and design.

__1. Clear stickers__

Make your design stand out with clear stickers. The margins are transparent to make the design look seamless against the window, but the colors are backed with white ink to really make it pop. They’re made with a special vinyl that can be printed and cut to your exact specifications.

__2. Front adhesive stickers__

These window decals have adhesive on the front of the design to be applied on the inside of a window, virtually making it perfectly protected and weather-proof.

__3. Transfer stickers__

Transfer stickers are probably the easiest to install, especially for designs with complex and multiple pieces. The sticker is attached to a transfer tape which you can then stick to your preferred surface. You can use your hands or a piece of fabric to apply pressure on the decal, making sure that it’s properly sticking. You may also run a credit card over it to reinforce the adhesion. Remove the tape slowly so that you don’t actually peel the sticker back.

__4. Static Clings__

Designed to firmly hold against the glass without an adhesive component, static clings are preferred for temporary or seasonal graphics that don’t require a lot of commitment. What we love most about static clings is that it’s reversible, either side sticks well on glass surfaces.

__5. Vinyl lettering__

Ideal for text designs, vinyl lettering stickers uses the same transfer-type system as transfer stickers, making it easier to apply long or multiple words or letters.

__6. Die cut stickers__

The end-all, be-all of stickers, die cut stickers are weather-proof and fool-proof. It uses an incredibly thick vinyl that is resilient against scratches, water, and sunlight. It’s the ultimate sticker.

## How to Customize Your Car Stickers

There’s a simple reason why you should customize your vehicle stickers: because it’s just so easy. [Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/), for example, makes it a cinch. Once you have your graphic finalized, you just need to visit stickermule.com and the good folks there have everything set up for you:

1. Select the type of sticker you want from the aforementioned.
2. Choose the size—Sticker Mule has standard sizing and custom cuts—as well as quantity. Remember, the more you order, the cheaper the cost.
3. After uploading your design, Sticker Mule staff will come back to you with proofs within eight hours. This way, you can check how your graphic will look before printing. If you need to make edits, just send a message and Sticker Mule will do the modifications for free.
4. Wait four days for your order to arrive. Have fun stickering!

## Why it’s fun to use stickers on your car 

- Stickers reflect your personality and you’ll realize that the only way to truly capture that that is to customize everything all the way. This way, your choices are reflected in every step of the production process. Buying car stickers from stores are okay, but you might find everyone else doing the same.
- You know what will fit your vehicle. A pimped-up ride definitely needs something custom to go with it. You want it in a very specific corner of your rear window? You got it. You want it to fit your side window exactly? Done. Every millimeter, your design.
- You can go crazy with your creative juices. Seriously, let loose. We’ve mentioned earlier that the possibilities are endless and that’s because they really are. Your car stickers are only limited by your imagination and, of course, the requirements of the law. 

## Frequently Asked Questions About Car Window Stickers

__Are car window stickers removable?__

Yes, they absolutely are. Static cling stickers don’t use any adhesive so they are very easily transferable, without leaving any gucky residue. As for the traditional type of sticker, Sticker Mule suggests using a [good adhesive remover](https://www.stickermule.com/support/what-s-the-best-way-to-remove-old-stickers). Sticker Mule utilizes only the best and most durable materials, so you can bet that when you do peel off your sticker, if won’t rip apart into pieces, making the job even harder.

__Do car window stickers go on the inside or the outside?__

Both! Sticker Mule, for example, offers [front adhesive stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/car-window-stickers) that you can stick on the indoor side of the car window, protecting it from the elements. However, their die-cut stickers, which you can stick on the exterior side, are virtually everything-proof.

__How to apply car window stickers?__

It’s not that difficult to stick on car window stickers, but you have to be extra careful. Though application depends on the type of sticker you have, all of them require you to start with a clean and dry window. Dirt and moisture will tamper with the adhesive qualities of the sticker.

Make sure to mark the area where you want your sticker. You can even put placeholders first to see how it would look before attaching the actual thing. When you’re in the right position, start with one corner first then ease in the rest of the sticker. Watch out for air bubbles; this, again, could also affect the quality of your sticker. 

Once you’ve fastened the sticker, rub it smooth with your fingers. For varieties like transfer stickers or vinyl lettering, you need to further run through the sticker with a credit card (or something similar) to let out tiny excess air bubbles that got away and ensure that it has properly adhered onto the surface.

__Where to buy car window stickers?__

You need to find a place that can address your needs, offer a wide range of car sticker types, and make the entire process seamless. Sticker Mule does all of this and more via their website. In fact, they make it so effortless and fun, you might get hooked on stickering your vehicle.

<ButtonCta text="DIY Car Stickers for $27" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/car-stickers" />

Discover the different types of stickers and decals for your car. Create your own car window stickers by following these steps!

How to resize images without losing quality

We live in a digital era. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that the manipulation of digital images is quite a big part of the digital ecosystem.

From resizing the image, to changing the resolution, to simply editing the image without losing quality as you do so, these processes have become, faster, easier and better at giving great results.

Keep on reading to find out how to resize images online for free using [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale), without losing quality: no Photoshop required!

## Why resize an image online?

The most common reasons for resizing images online are simple: people want to use images on their websites, social media platforms, or digital brochures., but can’t find the right image at the size they need. 

Opting to resize an image online is a great route to take for those who don’t have access to professional tools like Photoshop – or lack the professional skill to use them properly. 

Online image resizing is faster, easier, and with [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) it’s totally free. 

## Resizing images online to boost website performance

Image size can affect your website’s performance. Remember, the larger the files, the more work your web page has to do; larger images will lead to slower web pages. 

Each pixel in an image takes a certain number of bytes to encode, so the fewer pixels in an image, the smaller the file size will be. Find out what size your website displays images at, and resize them according to the requirements. 

Fun fact: it is always a better idea to resize images to be a little bigger than the intended display size. If you resize images, it will eliminate the unnecessary pixels while cutting down on file size significantly.

Now, you may be wondering, what if you have a small image size that needs to be bigger? Is it even possible to make an image bigger in scale without losing quality? 

## Resizing smaller images to make them bigger

How many times have you found the perfect image for that newsletter, website or sticker, only to find the image itself is impossibly tiny. 

Fret not, there is an answer to your problem: upsizing! 

Before we get into more details about upsizing an image, let’s first explore a few reasons why upsizing may be a necessary step.

## Resizing images for print

If you need to print an image, or you want to turn a photo into a sticker or poster, it can turn out extremely blurry, undefined and pixelated if the image isn’t resized correctly.

The good news is that resizing an image is not very complicated. It’s quick and easy to learn how to resize an image without losing quality, and the right tools make it possible in a heartbeat. 

## Is it possible to upsize images without losing quality?

Yes, it is! As mentioned earlier, these days it’s pretty easy to resize images without losing their quality. Before we get into the upsizing process, you have to understand the basics behind the resizing of an image's pixels.

## The technical bit: how an image resizer works

Have you ever zoomed in really close on an image before? If you have, you probably saw those small squares inside the image; those squares are called pixels. Pixels have assigned colors and positions on an image – this is where the name Bitmap comes from!

There are various image file formats used online. Image types like JPEG and PNG tend to be the most common; both of these file types are technically Bitmap files, consisting of thousands of tiny pixels. 

When you click and drag an image to make it larger, the individual pixels are stretched and expanded, resulting in a blurry, pixelated image. 

Modern image resizers, like Upscale, use intelligent solutions to create new pixels, padding out your image to the size you want without compromising on quality. 

## How to resize an image online with Upscale

Thankfully, you can get your hands on our top-rated free image resizer, called Upscale, which you can use to take all the work out of resizing images. Using the power of artificial intelligence, you are now able to make your image bigger, without losing quality.

### How to resize an image using Upscale

__Step 1:__
[Create your Upscale account](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) to resize an image online for free.

__Step 2: __ 

Upload any image and Upscale will convert your image to a variety of high resolution outputs.

__Step 3: __

Magic! Your image will be up to two times bigger than its original size. You can now download the image in your preferred specs.

Upscale will not make your pixels bigger – it makes your image bigger. Its clever technology analyzes your image to create brand new pixels. Just upload your image and within a few seconds, you will be able to download your upgraded, larger image.

The best part of it all? Upscale is a free online image resizer that you can use quickly and easily whenever you need to. 

<ButtonCta text="Resize your image with Upscale for free" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />


Wondering how to resize an image without losing quality? Learn how in our step by step guide: all online, no Photoshop required!

How to customize your address label

It’s your wedding. Christmas. Your thirtieth birthday. Maybe you just want to throw a big party. Now imagine yourself at your writing desk, repeatedly writing down your return address on the invitation envelopes. It’s okay for the first fifteen, but by the twentieth, you notice that your handwriting is getting a bit shaky. 

Soon, you can barely move your fingers and you notice that your address is getting shorter and shorter. You could always print it out on your computer, but there’s just no personality in the Times New Roman text. Then there’s that whole mess with glue and tape. The easy answer? [Customizable address labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/address-labels).  

Think of a personalized address sticker as a kind of signature to your letter or gift. It inadvertently speaks about the thought you put in it. And while writing in longhand does share a touching sentiment, you can convey the same emotion effortlessly with your own fun return address labels. 

## Where can you use address labels?

![address-labels-1](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/01d853b09fd8e2657c80e3191d25e9900b03957a) 

### Mail

This seems like a fairly obvious choice, but snail mail is making quite a comeback. You don’t even have to send letters over post to use a fun custom address label. Simply stick them on your envelopes and parcels instead of a signature. You can even use them as gift tags.

### Commerce

Selling something? Mailing labels are simple and concise and they get the message across with ease. Stick them at the back of your product to let customers know how they can reach you—for feedback, more orders, and just a general question.

### Labeling

Apply these stickers to your personal items. Trust us, you’ll never confuse that stapler with your colleague’s ever again. Lent a book to a friend? He will definitely return it because it has your name on it in a big, beautiful, conspicuous label.

### Branding

Do you have a personal logo or symbol that you simply want to own? There’s no better way to establish your brand than by sticking it everywhere—on your things, on everything where you can put your name. 

### Give them to someone

Beautifully laid-out name stickers would make the perfect gifts for everyone, from excited newlyweds to that friend who’s finally been promoted to your compulsive aunt who loves to label everything. 

## Quick tips on designing your address labels

Here’s the first thing to remember: stand out. Make sure your envelope or box sticks out from the pile in the mailing room with the right design.

### Keep it short and simple

Decide on the text you want to include. Address labels have to be a certain size, that is, don’t make them too big. There’s only a certain amount of stuff you can pile on. If you want your mailing label to be conspicuous, try not to crowd the space with text. Do you want to highlight your name? Your full name? Your entire address complete with a zip code?

If you’re using your letter stickers for business, you might want to be succinct and formal with your full name, position, and address, but if you’re designing it for friends and family, then you have a little more leeway for fun. 

### Mix and match the colors

By nature, address labels are quite small, maybe four inches wide at most (although Sticker Mule can definitely adjust the size and shape of your sticker label to your preferences). Make sure to choose the complementing colors for the text and background so that each detail could still be seen. Remember: your address sticker has to be legible. 

### Go with a theme

If you’re not really savvy with design, going with a theme will help you streamline your ideas. It can also help convey your brand. Are you earthy and holistic? Go for warm tones with nature elements. Are you flamboyant and a little flashy? Bright colors are the way to go. Having a template, even a free ready-built one will make things easier for you on the design side. 

### Add extra visual elements

Do you have a logo handy? You might want to put that in there to strengthen your brand. Are you using these labels as gift tags? Make it a touch more sentimental by inserting a photo of your family or dog. 

### Proofread!

It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of designing custom address labels, but don’t forget the essentials. Read your text. Make sure you’ve dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s. Check for typos, misspellings, loose punctuation. Is your house number correct? Yes? Then, it’s time for printing.

## How to get customized address labels?

Everything is smooth sailing once the design is done. At Sticker Mule, you can get your custom labels as fast as four days, which means that in less than a week, you’ll be attaching your name on everything. Seriously, they can print as many as 10,000 labels (and you’ll be saving 95% in the bill). 

### Specify your size and quantity

This is the very first step, which is easy enough because you already have your template ready. Sticker Mule offers stickers in square shapes, but they also accommodate custom sizes. You can have as few as a 50-piece roll, but it’s always more advisable to buy these things in bulk.

### Upload your design

You already have it. Just send it out. If you’re having design hesitations, Sticker Mule even allows you to skip this step until you are ready to dive in and make that commitment.  

### Check out

Check your sizing, quantity, and make sure you’ve uploaded the proper file. You’ll be asked to pay upon checkout. Remember, and we can’t emphasize it enough, the more you order, the more you save. You can even purchase other kinds of stickers, apart from address labels to avail special discounts. 

### Check the proofs

In a matter of hours, you’ll receive the proofs of your design. At this step, you get to check how your design will look against the sticker paper. There might be subtle changes to your colors and fonts and minor adjustments may be required. 

### Sticker away

Happy labeling!

<ButtonCta text="Get 50 labels for $45" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/address-labels" />

Customized address labels are a fun way to personalize your letters, gifts, packaging! Here are our step-by-step instructions on how you can design your own.

How to make kick ass product labels

How do you design branded product labels and stickers? Your product isn’t just any old product, and your label shouldn’t be a boring, old sticker.

Whether you’re figuring out how to personalize a water bottle yourself or you want a simple roll of circular stickers with only your logo, you can make it happen on Sticker Mule.

Are you ready to make your own product labels? Let us walk you through what makes a kick ass product label step-by-step.

## Why custom product labels are amazing

What does it matter what label goes on your packaging? Isn’t the product inside enough to win over customers?

[Custom product labels](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels) are your customers’ first interaction with your best-idea-turned-amazing-product. The label — and the packaging — is the very first thing they see. First impressions are important, so your label needs to make a good one.

Your product labels help your good ideas stand out from the crowd whether you have retail stockists or you sell direct-to-consumer. The right label helps your product stand out on the shelf: it grabs consumers’ attention and differentiates your items from the other merchandise.

Product labels elicit feelings in customers that they identify with again and again whenever they see and purchase your product. You can harness the power of good design to take your customers on a journey that begins with the first visual experience and repeats itself over and over again as your first-time customers become brand allies.

Labels do more than show your best face to the world. They also make you dependable and accountable. For example, food product labels contain ingredients lists and regulatory information (where applicable). You can also add contact information, including social media links. 

When you add all this information, your label says, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. Let’s be friends, here’s how!”

## What goes into designing a kick-ass product label

What makes a product label say “pick me”? It’s all about the core elements of design.

### Distinguish yourself from the competition

The first rule of making amazing product labels is this: make it yours. You don’t have a product like anyone else’s, so you don’t want their labels either.

Get out of the office and take a look at what the competition is doing to avoid any designs that look too close in nature. You can switch it up by choosing a different shape or size, and of course, using your own artwork and brand messaging.

### Use visual hierarchy to grab attention

What’s the first thing your buyers will see when they encounter your packaging? You’re in control of where their eye goes, and you can use the principles of visual hierarchy to control the delivery of your brand experience.

The concept of visual hierarchy includes a list of building blocks including but not limited to:

- Size
- Scale
- Color
- Alignment
- Contrast
- Proximity
- Whitespace
- Texture
- Typeface
- Style

To pin those building blocks down, [Adobe](https://xd.adobe.com/ideas/process/information-architecture/visual-hierarchy-principles-examples/) says you should:

- Adjust the size and scale based on what you want the reader to focus on
- Play with color, contrast, and whitespace to help the most important elements stand out
- Use alignment and proximity to generate depth and lift important features off the page
- Select the right typefaces and style to prioritize content

It’s up to you to use these blocks to create something special.

If you’re new to the concept of visual hierarchy, you can find a great primer from the [Interaction Design Foundation](https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/visual-hierarchy).

### Match the label with the product inside

What would your customer expect to find inside your packaging? Your product, of course. But what kind of experience do they expect? Guide them from the outset by matching your custom product label with the spirit of the product.

What do we mean? We can boil it down like this: if you have a simple, down-to-earth product, use a simple label. If you have a luxurious product, use a luxe label. Does your product feature dull colors? Use a muted color scheme. Got a loud, colorful product? Grab an equally lively label.

It sounds strange, but your labels set expectations. You want your product to match them to create a sense of continuity for your customers.

### Make sure the design translates across other shapes and sizes (optional)

Branding requires consistency, so you want the label you painstakingly workshopped to translate across other shapes in sizes — or at least make sure the key elements do. You want any custom promotional products, like bottles, to match your packaging and vice versa.

The best designs are those that you can alter slightly to translate them to other shapes or sizes. Whether you have an oval or a square sticker, your customers should always be able to recognize it as yours!

## How to make your own product labels

Are you ready to make a product label guaranteed to surprise and delight? Let us walk you through the steps. Here we go!

### Step 1: Choose your shape

Custom labels come in a range of shapes and sizes. Your first step is to choose the right shape. Naturally, your shape should complement your packaging or product shape and provide enough room for your images and any information your label must contain.

Here’s a short guide to narrowing down the right shape.

- Rectangle labels work best on elongated containers or when you want to use your label as a seal. You’ll also want a rectangle label if you need it to wrap around the body.
- Square labels work well for providing lots of information, including pricing labels. A square offers a more modern look and works best on containers with a distinct front and back (e.g., boxes, square tins, and bags).
- Round labels fit perfectly on round packages and containers. You’ll choose a round label if you want it to appear on a curved lid. They also work well as packaging seals (such as on packing paper or on bags). Choose round labels for promos.
- Oval labels provide minimal coverage and work well for short bottles or jars. These shapes work well with minimalist designs that don’t need much space to look good (e.g., simple logos and not much text).
- Arched labels provide a unique look that’s perfect for creating a vertical-focused. If you want to know how to make your own personalized wine bottle labels, these are a great place to start. They’re often used on wine and beer bottles, but you can also apply them to lotions and other personal care products, particularly those in pump bottles.

### Step 2: Guesstimate your size

How do you choose the perfect size for your product label?

Put your rulers away because the process starts with a hunch and a rough measurement of your container or packaging. When your label is ready, it should fit all the relevant information and allow your artwork to jump off the print. The text and font should be legible, and the images should be easily recognizable. The label should also complement the vessel: it should be proportionate to the product or packaging. (Is that a tiny label, or just a really big box?)

So how big should your product label be? It’s all up to you, your design, and what needs to go on the label.

Sticker Mule provides a helpful range of popular sizes plus the opportunity to create your own custom size. You don’t necessarily need to know what you want down to the centimeter. We’ll determine your exact size during proofing.

### Step 3: Upload your artwork

With your shape and size ready to go, it’s time to give us the goods. Whether you have a graphic that’s ready to go or you use [Sticker Mule’s design tools](https://www.stickermule.com/tools), you can upload your artwork through the Stick Mule label creator or email us your artwork if that’s easiest.

Once we have the art, Sticker Mule will translate your design into a kick ass custom product label. And in a few hours when it’s ready, you’ll get a proofed version in your inbox. 

### Step 4: Final proofread

You have a brand spanking new sticker in your inbox! Before we go to print, we want to make sure you’re completely happy.

So, take another gander at your label. Does the design look the way you imagined with the shape and size? Print off the proof and stick it on your packaging to get a real feel for the way it fits on your product.

Not happy with something? Send it back with your notes. You can request changes to each proof for free until you’re happy.

Finally, before you hit approve, do a final proof-read and double-check all the details, including:

- Product name
- Net weight
- Contact info
- Ingredients
- Instructions

No one wants a roll of custom product labels with a critical typo!

### Win hearts and minds with kick ass custom product labels

Your product labels aren’t just stickers. They’re your superpower, and they should be as cool and exciting as your product.

Custom product labels give you the power to grab your customer’s interest and inspire them. Product labels also contain all the essential information needed for consumers to make an educated purchase.

Anyone can make your own kick ass product labels, and Sticker Mule can help. 

Are you ready to print your first roll of kick ass custom labels? We offer custom samples, so you can test your labels before placing your order. Try your hand at designing your first stickers now.

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Do you know how to make custom product labels that stand out? Read this guide for label design inspiration and more!

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