Stickers design tips – a complete guide

In the fast-paced marketing world, stickers have become an effective tool for delivering messages, promoting brands, and bringing a unique touch. Whether you’re a business owner working to improve your brand’s image or just someone looking to add some creativity to your personal projects, knowing how to design a sticker can make a difference. 

In this user-friendly guide, we’re going to share some easy-to-follow sticker design tips, and we’ll look at the many creative ways stickers can be used in marketing. Let’s get started!

1. Define your stickers’ purpose

Designing a sticker isn’t just about making it look good; it’s about ensuring it serves its purpose effectively. Whether you’re designing to promote a brand, express personal style, or support a cause, your sticker should clearly embody that objective. This clarity influences design elements like color, shape, and text placement. By defining your sticker’s purpose from the outset, you ensure it’s not just a pretty decoration, but a meaningful piece that resonates with your audience.

Stickers in branding

In the world of branding, stickers hold a unique power. They’re not just affordable marketing tools but also creative expressions of a brand’s identity. Adorned with your logo, company name, or an engaging tagline, these stickers can be placed on product packaging, storefront windows, or even customers’ personal items. 

The beauty of it all? Each sticker becomes a mini billboard for your brand, sparking conversations and turning your customers into brand ambassadors. Truly, stickers are a fun, innovative way to leave a lasting impression.

Picture that shows how stickers can be used for a company's branding to make a great first impression with their customers.

Stickers in marketing campaigns

Embrace the power of promotion sticker design! They’re a cost-effective yet impactful way to capture attention, engage customers, and amplify brand visibility. More than just an advertising tool, stickers are miniature canvases that carry your brand’s message and identity directly to your audience. 

A well-executed sticker marketing campaign can spark conversations, inspire brand loyalty, and even turn customers into brand ambassadors. So, next time you’re planning a strategy, remember the power of the humble sticker.

Stickers for businesses

From the bustling world of multinational corporations to the welcoming ambiance of local coffee shops, stickers have etched their mark in the business landscape. They are not just decorative pieces, but potent brand ambassadors that transform mundane product packaging into memorable experiences. For example, floor stickers can be used to welcome your clientele to your business, or coffee shop stickers can be used to brand your amazing lattes. Just imagine the possibilities!

Even in political campaigns, stickers serve as persuasive tools to propagate messages, such as “I voted” stickers to create a community easily and fast. Their affordability and versatility make them a popular marketing choice for businesses of all sizes. So, the next time you spot a sticker, remember, it’s more than just an adhesive label.

Stickers for personal use

In the realm of personal expression and creativity, stickers have found their unique place. They bring a splash of personality to everyday items, be it your laptop or water bottle, turning them into personal style statements.

As tools for DIY projects or personalized gifts, they add a touch of whimsy and charm. No longer just promotional tools or product labels, stickers have evolved into creative outlets, transforming ordinary objects into vibrant works of art.

2. Choose the correct size and shape

Don’t overlook the importance of size and shape – they’re far more than mere aesthetic choices. These elements play a vital role in how effective your sticker is at conveying its message. Too big or too small, the wrong shape – these can detract from your sticker’s impact, whether it’s meant for marketing or personal expression. So, think about where it’s going to be placed and what it’s supposed to achieve before you decide. This way, your sticker will not only look good but also make a strong impression.

Find more about this topic in our complete sticker sizing guide.

Sticker sizes infographic explaining the main dimensions.

3. Keep a simple design

In sticker design, less is often more. An overly complex design can muddle your message, alienating instead of attracting your audience. A simple, uncluttered design, on the other hand, allows your core message to shine through clearly. 

Remember, the most impactful stickers are those that convey a powerful message with minimal elements. So, aim for simplicity, and purposefulness in every element, and your sticker will not just be seen but remembered.

4. Choose eye-catching colors

The colors you select for your sticker design can make a world of difference. Bright, eye-catching hues like yellow, red, or orange can instantly grab attention, helping your sticker to stand out in a sea of others. However, color choice isn’t solely about visibility. 

Different colors can trigger specific emotions and responses, so they can subtly shape the way people interpret your message. Remember, every color tells a story – make sure yours tells the right one!

5. Pick bold typographies

Embracing bold typography in your sticker design is more than an aesthetic preference; it’s a strategic move to enhance your message’s impact. The appropriate font has the power to attract attention, build emotional rapport, and strengthen your brand’s character. 

Therefore, when designing a sticker, lean towards bold, legible typefaces. These not only boost visibility but also provoke the intended emotional response from viewers. It’s all about leaving a lasting impression!

6. Don’t forget about the branding

Branding plays a crucial role in sticker design. A well-branded sticker isn’t just visually appealing, it’s a powerful tool for brand recognition, loyalty, and trust. It should reflect your brand’s identity through consistent use of colors, fonts, and tone. 

But it’s more than aesthetics – it’s about creating an emotional connection with your audience. Therefore, when designing stickers, ensure they’re not just attractive, but also a true representation of your brand’s essence.

7. Set your stickers bleed

In the realm of sticker design, setting the bleed is a significant step that can’t be overlooked. The bleed extends your design beyond the cut line, therefore eliminating any potential for unsightly white borders after trimming. 

It’s a matter of precision, preserving your design’s integrity during the printing process. So, when you’re working on your next sticker creation, remember to set the bleed – it’s an integral part of achieving that professional, seamless look.

8. Test before printing

Ensuring a successful print run for your sticker designs begins with thorough testing. This crucial step helps to avoid costly mistakes and waste, ensuring that your labels can withstand various conditions they might encounter. 

More than just a preventive measure, testing is your pathway to perfection, allowing for optimal print quality that yields professional and visually appealing stickers. In the realm of sticker design, remember that a stitch in time, or rather a test in time, saves nine!

9. Get inspired with sticker templates

When designing stickers, drawing inspiration from templates can be game-changing. Templates offer a diverse range of ideas and styles, serving as a springboard for your creativity. More than just an idea bank, these templates provide a framework that can be easily customized, saving you valuable time in the design process.

With a template, you’re no longer facing a blank canvas, but a well-structured design waiting for your unique touch. So, let templates inspire and expedite your sticker design journey.

A collection of 3 sticker templates that showcases some of Wepik's content on this topic.

Find more Sticker Templates

As we wrap up, remember that designing stickers is a blend of creativity, strategy, and understanding your audience. Utilize templates for inspiration and to expedite the process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your brand’s personality shine through. The world of sticker design is vast and exciting, so dive in and start creating your unique masterpieces!