Best Stickers and Labels Design Ideas

Written By: Matt Clark | Article Date: October 4, 2021

Designing a custom sticker but stumped on how to start? Maybe you already have a unique idea in mind but need some design inspiration to get you started. Whatever stage of the design process you're in, these fantastic design ideas from our print professionals can show you different ways to create custom stickers.

Highlight Your Product's Standout Features

This first design tip is helpful when creating product labels. What's your unique selling point? Each day, consumers are bombarded with promotions and endless options to choose from. A standout label that clearly communicates why your product is better than the competitors can create a lasting impression on your target market.

Combine Complementary Colors

As a designer, you already know that certain color combinations catch attention and evoke consumers' emotions. When choosing colors, it's also essential to understand how different hues interact with each other.

In a color wheel, complementary colors are opposites. Take the red and blue colors in this beer label, for example. The contrasting warm and cool hues make a distinctive label design, but the darker tones maintain a professional and classic look.

If you're unsure about what colors to use, a color wheel can help you decide on the right color combinations for your sticker and label designs.

Make a Standout Statement

Stickers and labels are not just for promotions and products. They're also a form of self-expression. They can reveal a great deal about ourselves, like our favorite kind of music, the teams we support, and even our political ideologies.

If you have something important you'd like to say, put it on a sticker. Whether it's relatable, thought-provoking, or even shocking, your message will surely get noticed when you put it on a sticker.

Enhance Your Design With the Right Coating

Your artwork is just one aspect of label printing. Choosing a suitable material and coating is just as important because it can enhance or diminish your design.

For example, vivid designs are better off printed on a solid opaque background like white vinyl, as clear BOPP might wash it out. Matte coating can add a chalky appearance to brighter hues and soften the tones for a more modern effect. On the other hand, gloss will amplify the colors and make them pop.

Go Clean and Minimalist

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Simplicity makes an impact. The minimalist label on this candle matches the matte pastel packaging. When you remove the unnecessary design elements, you give your brand or message a chance to stand out.

Design With a Specific Sticker Material in Mind

While printing stickers and labels, keep in mind that your design and material should work cohesively. That said, your sticker design can also highlight unique material features. If you're using textured sticker paper, you can underscore its tactile aspect by using minimal text and graphics.

If you're designing stickers and labels for products in glass packaging, clear BOPP stickers offer a clean "no-label" look that lets you get creative with your layout.

Create Your Own Patterns

Start by making shapes that relate to your brand or product. Doing this exercise helps you experiment with different patterns to convey the right mood for your customers. Shapes and patterns can also help you distinguish between products with the same packaging but other contents.

Sticker Printing With PrintRunner

Free shipping. Order more, save more. We offer free shipping throughout mainland U.S. for qualified orders.

Free file proofs. From checking your file color settings to your trim and bleed, our print experts can proof your file to make sure it prints according to your exact expectations.

If you don't have a design yet, you can create one using our online design tool. Use the toolbar to upload your logo and images or browse from readily available stock images. You can also add text and shapes, change colors, and create a sticker design to suit your business branding.

Free sample kits. We know that seeing is believing, so you can request a free sample kit that includes our popular print product samples, including custom stickers. This helps you compare our variety of paper stocks, coatings, and features. You can specify the type of product you want to see, and we will include it in your kit.

How to Design Stickers and Labels Online

Our online design tool is quick and easy to use! Just follow these steps:

Step 1. Select your preferred sticker printing specifications on the order calculator, such as format, size, shape, quantity, and material.

Step 2. Click Design your File Online, and you'll be redirected to the design tool.

Step 3. Use the upper toolbar to upload and search for images, add text and color, and create shapes.

Step 4. When you're done, you can save your design to access later or click Proceed to Checkout to confirm your order and payment.

Stickers and Labels FAQs

Can I print stickers in any shape?
Yes. We can trim your stickers and labels to your design's exact size and shape. Let us know you want custom die-cut shapes by selecting Custom in the order calculator.

What's the most durable sticker material?
White vinyl is our toughest adhesive. It is ideal for outdoor use and products exposed to heat, refrigeration, or water.

How do I get my design checked for free?
Upload your design, then select the PDF Proof option. If we don't find any issues, we will create a PDF proof and send you an email notification to download your proof. Please allow up to 12 hours to receive this email. If we find problems with your files that require your attention, a representative will contact you to work on a resolution.

What is the minimum order quantity for custom stickers?
This depends on what type of sticker you want to print. You can check the minimum order quantity of each kind of sticker using the order calculator. Select your preferred sticker format using the dropdown options, and the calculator automatically shows the amounts you can choose from.

When will I receive my stickers and labels?
This depends on your location and the selected printing turnaround time. You can check the estimated delivery date using the order calculator. Just input your ZIP code, and it automatically provides the available shipping options and costs to choose from.