How to design business cards with Studio

Learn how to create your own business card design using [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) – the free online design tool from Sticker Mule.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="3NsH0vA0TY4" />

##Free online business card maker

With Studio by Sticker Mule, designing your own business card takes minutes. Let's create one for a personal trainer. While we can choose to design our business cards from scratch, Studio offers an ever-expanding library of free templates. So we'll start there. We can [find business card templates under branding](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/branding). Already, we're seeing some designs that would work well for a personal trainer. Let's go with this one.

Now that we're in the Studio editor, we can make any necessary changes to the design. To start, let's swap out the text. This business card will be for Herman Mule. And for the title, we'll use a personal trainer. Let's change the phone number and the gym Herman will be operating out of is Hard N Heavy. Let's change the social handle too. Now, this is already looking great and we could stop right here, but let's really make it our own by customizing it.

We can select all the elements and change every instance of blue to a different color. For Hard N Heavy let's go with a deep red. Perfect. Next, let's change the font Arvo seems like it would work well with our gym name, Hard N Heavy. Lastly, let's go into the asset sidebar and see if there's a final way we can customize this design. The emojis and other graphics don't feel like a good fit here, but a line would help to separate the top and bottom portions of the design. Let's use this basic line. We'll move it into place, extend it across the entire design, make it red, and increase the thickness of it. Maybe we could also nudge this kettlebell down so it looks like it's resting on our new line. Great.

Let's select preview to get one last good look at our business card. Looking good, Herman. Once we're happy, we can either download it as one of several formats or select print to place an order. And that's all it takes to make your very own [business card](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/business-card-magnets). We hope you enjoyed this video, and that with Studio, your next design project takes less time and less money. Take care.

<ButtonCta text="Try Studio for Free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />

Create your own business card design using Studio – the free online design tool from Sticker Mule.

Free business card maker to design business cards online

What is the easiest font to read on posters and flyers?

There's a question that pops up often enough when you decide to design your own [custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters "custom posters") and [custom flyers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-flyers "custom flyers"): **What fonts should I choose?** 

![best font for posters and flyers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2c295f18-3a3e-436f-a7eb-f1559e54f68b)

It's a good, obvious question. But frankly, when you see so many hastily put-together posters or barely-legible custom flyers, you kind of suspect it's not taken too seriously.

The fact is there's a universe of fonts available out there, and an equally vast, encyclopedic amount of knowledge to match. Humble mortals with neither time nor inclination to pore over volumes of typographic lore and unravel matters of kernings and counters, block size and x-height, may be prone to… well, simply giving up and going with the first font that comes along.

And hence the same boring style posters and illegible flyers you see around.

But it doesn't have to be like that. Rightly chosen, fonts can convey professionality and authority or informality and friendliness. They can make for a clean, minimalistic style, or intricate, sophisticated designs. 

Most importantly, they can be easy and pleasant to read — which is arguably the key element in text-intensive posters and flyers.

## A quick note on serifs and how we read

To begin with, let's make one thing clear: We're not taking sides on the serif vs sans-serif debate. Nope. Instead, we'll simply present the facts of the matter. You be the judge.

A serif, in case you don't know what it means, is that tiny finishing stroke or tail that completes a letter. Times New Roman has it for instance.

For a long time, it was argued that serifs guide the eye along a horizontal line since they help connect one letter to another. That was kind of their reason for being. But when we started switching from printed material to electronic screens, that little extra spec was shown to create too much visual noise in small screens and very diminutive text. 

So most of the fonts born of the digital age are in fact clean, sans-serif (that's French for "without a serif", by the way. Fancy!) Like the one we're using now.

Also, it turns out that [we don't actually read in a clean horizontal left-to-right line](https://www.creativebloq.com/ux/how-human-eye-reads-website-111413463). Rather, we scan pages up and down and often follow something like an F letter, drawn from top to bottom. So the serifs really lost a lot of their relevance, except as a style device.

## What makes a font easy to read?

OK, so what really makes a font easy to read is a combination of several aspects, including the following.

- **Color contrast**. Ever had the bad luck to sit through a presentation where yellow letters are shown over a white background? Yeah, contrast is key.

- **Kerning**. We're getting a little terminological here, but kerning is simply the spacing between letters or characters. Too little kerning typically means poorer legibility in small types (as the ones often used in leaflets).

- **Font size**. This is a pretty obvious one, but still surprisingly easy to get wrong. Obviously, the font size in a poster will differ from that in a leaflet, but how the size connects to the other elements in your design is a key element to readability.

- **Whitespace**. That's all of the space in your design that's not taken by text or graphics. Too little of it and your text will lack air and be hard on the eye; too much and it'll get lost in the middle of the page.

- **Leading**. That's the vertical space between one line and the next. Again, too little leading complicates reading; too much makes each line seem disconnected from the next.

- **Alignment**. How aligned your font is to the left or right impacts readability a good deal. Typically, we're more used to left-leaning alignment, but you don't want to overdo it and go hard left either!

- **Hierarchy**. This deals with the key points in your text — those that should attract the reader's attention first. Proper hierarchy can be achieved with a mix of style elements such as **bold** or *italics*. However, be wary of overusing these elements. It is typically a good rule of thumb never to use more than one way of setting text apart (no bold + italics, please).

- **Complementary fonts**. A clever device in hierarchy and a common technique in poster and flyer designing is employing different, but complementary fonts. That's an art in itself, but you can benefit from the [many ready-made suggested pairings on the web](https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/10-ways-to-pair-fonts-for-maximum-impact) or harness the power of AI with [Fontjoy](https://fontjoy.com/), which will suggest unique pairings for you.

## What are the best fonts for posters and flyers?

Armed with all this knowledge, we can finally look at some of the easiest-to-read fonts for flyers and posters.

### Serif fonts

Let's begin by looking at four serif fonts for posters and flyers.

__1. Times New Roman__

![time new roman poster font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0fb6e8ed-f1be-425f-a5fd-0ea6a72cde4a)

Created for British newspaper The Times in 1931, Times New Roman has since established itself as one of the primary, most respected, and well-known typefaces, including on the web — it's what every unformatted HTML text looks like.

For a respectful, sober, and professional look, you can never go wrong with Times.

__2. Garamond__

![garamond font on a poster wall](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1a5260cc-0a56-4f59-8b34-551ac0435aed)

Harking back to book printing in Renaissance Italy, Garamond is another timeless serif font that is incredibly easy to read in leaflets or larger printed materials. And in spite of being literally a centenarian typeface, Garamond has lost none of its actuality. It's still a common and respected choice in modern design.

__3. Georgia__

![custom flyer georgia font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/70922739-d1ca-4b12-a16f-429449223d6a)

Going back to something a little more recent, we have Georgia: a font invented for none other than the Microsoft Corporation in 1993. And guess what, it was invented especially to be legible in small screens, meaning it'll never fail you in a leaflet either.

__4. Trajan__

![trajan font on a poster](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9ec1b97e-159c-42c8-b602-e7224a928e6b)

Trajan is also a recent creation (1989), but is inspired by a very ancient letterform — the [Roman square capitals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_square_capitals) used at the base of Trajan's Column, in Rome. There's a classic for you!

Trajan was created for large displays, rather than printed text, making it a perfect font for a very classy-looking poster.

### Sans-serif fonts

Serif-less fonts tend to be preferred nowadays for a more minimalistic and clean style. You can't go wrong with any of the choices below.

__1. Arial__

![best font to use on a poster - try arial](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/51e1d947-5151-422c-8432-f3de2002fa20)

Arial was created for computers, is in every computer, and has been in every computer since its 1982 inception. It's a simple, some would say boring, font, but it gets the job done. 

__2. Calibri__

![calibri is an easy font to read on a poster](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f37227f6-343f-4dd3-9e83-680a2162e245)

Calibri is another so-called "humanist" typeface, meaning it takes inspiration from classic Roman types, as well as calligraphy. Replacing Arial as the go-to for many of the Microsoft products since 2007, Calibri is a bit more rounded, a bit more modern, and a tad more spaced apart. 

__3. Verdana__

![verdana font on a flyer is easy to read](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bd47ec46-1b65-4f1a-9bf9-eeee1b1c0481)

Verdana letters are also a little more spaced than Arial types, making them easy to read even with considerably reduced sizing — flyers, anyone? But it's also heavier than Calibri, making it an apt choice for poster headings.

__4. Helvetica__

![best and easiest font for a poster could be helvetica](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/51017f68-f8b4-4658-9def-fdd20d4da3a9)

Similar to Arial in terms of letterform and weight, Helvetica brings a sophisticated, but simple-looking aesthetic that gives it great popularity in modern design trends. 

__5. Tahoma__

![tahoma font to use on poster and flyers for easy reading](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4c42666a-ac4e-4740-93b5-c9e7c2f94644)

Another recent, digital-era invention, Tahoma is a clean, professional-looking font that makes for easy reading on both digital and printed screens. Popular with resumes, it can also be just the right fit for the body of your flyer.

__6. Trebuchet MS__

![trebuchet ms is a good font for posters](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8034fa3b-1ec3-49d4-a12e-dcdf511e57ac)

If you want a font named after a [badass medieval siege weapon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebuchet), look no further than Trebuchet. A sans-serif font with a lot of serif envy, Trebuchet is a neat middle-ground between modernity and antiquity that will serve your flyers well.

__7. Roboto__

![roboto wall poster font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfc651ed-1eca-48d3-a9a4-71fdf0cc3b50)

Roboto was invented by Google and has been the go-to font for Android devices for 10 years now. Remember how we mentioned counters earlier on? That's the empty space within each letter. Well, Roboto's counters are huge, meaning it is extremely legible in even very small prints. 

__8. Open Sans__

![open sans wall poster font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/78e3019c-b86b-4262-8602-a8529b73098c)

Open Sans was also designed by Google for a "neutral, yet friendly appearance". It works great for any medium, print or digital, and is pretty professional-looking too!

__9. Montserrat__

![best font on a poster could be montserrat](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3aaa17f6-81f0-4acc-9eb1-da0238045904)

I just love Montserrat — it's so classy. And guess what: it takes inspiration from street posters in the historic Montserrat neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Now you cannot not love it.

Montserrat is eminently readable, fairly round, and of course,  awesome for posters.

__10. Avenir__

![one of the best fonts for flyers is avenir](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/01618e3a-f4c4-443c-971b-315204815467)

Named after the French word for "future", Avenir exudes a combination of modern elegance and simplicity that make you think of a very avant-garde-looking New York café. For much the same reasons we saw above, it's easy to read in large or small prints and a fantastic way to give your posters a touch of style.

__11. Futura PT__

![good font for posters futura pt](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2fcd4593-c6b1-4a29-a4c8-f61d5756570e)

The Futura typeface was created in the early 20th century and took inspiration from the Modernist art movement for a balance of simplicity, clarity, and functionalism. It's a rather austere German font, and it can be paired well with serif fonts such as Times and Garamond.

__12. Bonus font: OpenDyslexic__

![easy font to read for dyslexic people](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4d555358-148c-441c-ad9e-c2332c988aaa)

[OpenDyslexic](https://opendyslexic.org/) is a free font that addresses common issues that hamper dyslexic persons' ability to read. Very different from all the classic and modern options seen above, OpenDyslexic has a somewhat blotted look that won't be popular with everyone. But it can be a great — and inclusive — option depending on your specific use case. And it's definitely an easy font to read on flyers or posters.

## Finishing strokes

All of the above fonts will do just fine in your poster or flyer, but they're just a stepping stone into the beautiful world of typography. There are a million other options out there, for those of you inclined to explore and be creative. 

Just remember that both legibility and readability are a fruit of a combination of style elements. So look for the perfect font, but remember spacing, alignment, contrast, and the like. 

If you want to test different fonts and pairings, remember you can always enjoy our web-based design app, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). It's free and a joy to use!

<ButtonCta text="Start creating posters in Studio for free!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />


What are the best fonts to use for poster or flyer printing? Well here are 12 fonts that are easy to read and view from distances that make them great for poster or flyer printing.

Make images bigger without losing quality with Upscale

[Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) is a free [tool](https://www.stickermule.com/tools) that makes images bigger without losing quality, instantly.

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

Just upload your image and within a few seconds, you’ll be able to download your upgraded larger image. Or you can use your new artwork to order custom stickers and more with a single click.

<ButtonCta text="Try Upscale for free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />




### Why we made Upscale

Some images are small. They're not bad, they're just small. You can save an image to a bigger size, but this just makes each pixel bigger – and you end up with a pixelated, distorted image.

It’s even more problematic if you try to print a low-resolution image ([we recommend artwork be at least 300 ppi](https://www.stickermule.com/support/artwork-ppi)).

Luckily, Upscale makes it easy for anyone to improve the size and resolution of their artwork. Using AI, Upscale creates brand new pixels, allowing your image to be 2x the size with 4x the pixels of the original image.

![make image bigger](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fdc1721c2cf40d5acff214da986d3a34f8892909)

![make any image bigger without losing quality](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfe0e8d36794c08d5193f3772fafbacbe5f15942)

![free tool to make image bigger](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e1de5023b5e1a0c62adc6ac4fd47134e8f4fdf1b)

<ButtonCta text="Try Upscale for free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />


Want to make an image bigger? Upscale is a free online tool that allows you to make any image bigger without losing quality for free!

The evolution of t-shirts: A decade-by-decade style trend journey

What makes a t-shirt a t-shirt? Well, easy: its T-shaped format! Besides literally being a "tee", t-shirts are also associated with a certain kind of material (cotton) and with their very own atmosphere (informality). Tees are simple to make, comfortable to wear, and worn just about everywhere.

![the history of t-shirts decade by decade](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b5f3bc36-354d-4990-af9c-3feb717efb32)

In fact, nowadays, t-shirts are perhaps the most common element of clothing all over the world. But it wasn't always like that — in fact, the humble tee has only been with us for a little over a century. 

From its origin as a 19th-century working man's garment to the modern trends of the 21st century, the t-shirt has come a long way in a short time. Let's take a look at how it developed over the years.

### The birth of t-shirts

![1800s t-shirt origin story from the union suit](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8a340f78-b45d-4963-8998-61a9196abfbb)

Believe it or not, t-shirts come from a very ridiculous-looking (by our modern standards) piece of clothing called the union suit. We highly recommend [googling union suit](https://www.google.com/search?q=union+suit) sometime, there are definitely a few chuckles to be had.

Well, at some point in the late 19th century, workers in mines and docks seemed to have fallen into the habit of cutting short the top piece of their union suit. Because seriously, those things were hot to work in. And there you have it — the first version of the t-shirt was born.

### The early 1900s and armywear 

![t-shirt history from the military](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ce653520-ee27-41a9-9239-fb28d1c1d2af)

Once the effectiveness of lighter clothing in the mines was realized, it didn't take long for the military to discover them. First issued by the US Navy, they were soon a staple undergarment in all branches of the military. They made for a comfortable piece to wear under a soldier's uniform and were great for fieldwork in hot climates.


Fast forward a few more years and we have World War I spreading the tee's popularity even further. No longer an undergarment only, t-shirts now started seeing ample use in all kinds of manual labor, including agriculture. They also became a popular garment for boys — cheap, good for running around, and easier to clean than regular shirts.

In 1920, "t-shirt" became an accepted word in the English language and had the honor to make it into [Merriam-Webster's Dictionary](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/T-shirt "t-shirt definition"). Now we're talkin'!


### 1930s-1950s: T-shirts enter mainstream fashion

Ranch workers in the Great Depression wore the t-shirt often, and so did Navy men during World Word II and afterward, and for pretty much the same reasons mentioned above — they were cheap, comfy, good for physical work, and cool.

![50s t-shirt history](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ed15dfd3-7464-466f-a1b4-6a6c151d54fe)  

However, it wasn't until the early '50s that the t-shirt became cool in the other sense of the word. And for that, as you may have guessed, we have Hollywood to thank for. After Marlon Brando wore it in A Streetcar Named Desire, the t-shirt finally had its big moment. Now it could never not be cool again. Now it was a cool, manly, edgy, rebellious type of garment — something for the James Dean and Marlon Brando would-bes to eagerly copy.


The t-shirt had finally come of age. No longer perceived as an undergarment, it was its own thing and could be proudly worn everywhere.
  

### 1960s-1980s: T-shirts as a form of expression

![t-shirt history during 70s and protests](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a46cbd6d-cc86-4f82-a831-6c8d474c7eb7)

The 1960s brought two things that further changed and popularized the t-shirt: advancements in screen printing and, of course, a big societal shift in favor of freedom and personal expression.

The first change made it possible to print t-shirts with all kinds of text and images printed on them. The second made people want to give wings to their creativity and spread slogans  — and for that, the t-shirt was a favored means of expression. 

Besides being a vehicle for political-cultural expression, it didn't take long for tees to be channeled for advertising, as major companies like Coca-Cola and Disney started printing out t-shirts with their logos and company slogans.
  

### 1990s-2000s: T-shirts go global

![t-shirt historys during the 90s and sports wear](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/62ede000-c253-4383-aa59-13519d6e3248)

T-shirts had been a staple of hip-hop and rap culture for some time, but the 1990s and the spread of streetwear made them go truly global for the first time — the relaxed, casual style of the t-shirt and sneakers was simply too easy to fall in love with. 

Add to that the growing popularity of sportswear, driven by brands such as Nike and American sports franchises, and the tee further consolidates its worldwide appeal.

### 2010s-Present: The evolution continues

![2010s t-shirt history of style trends](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/25d82d1c-90ec-4b79-a2a9-13e8f902e99c)

For the past couple of decades, people continued to find new and creative ways to wear their tees. Our age is one of easy customization, and [custom printed t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts) now show our love for popular movies and series, favorite bands, or favorite designer brands. Internet meme culture, too, is very present and brings an extra touch of humor to tees everywhere.

T-shirts have also been reinvented in different materials — the so-called performance t-shirts, popular in various athletic endeavors, have turned into their own athleisure fashion trends. The good old, simple t-shirt is still going places.

### Conclusion

From a second-rate working undergarment to possibly the most popular item of pop culture, the t-shirt has no doubt come a long way. And it's likely got even more future than past — if recent trends are anything to go by, the t-shirt is likely to be a key theme of exploration for future fashion and customization trends. What can we say? We're all for it!

It's anyone's guess where the t-shirt goes next, but one thing is for sure: it's not leaving our culture anytime soon.

<ButtonCta text="Start making your own t-shirts today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />

T-shirts have been around since the 1800s, learn the fascinating history of this everyday garment in this new blog series on style trends.

How to convert PNG to SVG

Scalable vector graphics or SVGs are made from mathematical paths, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without losing clarity. This makes SVGs and other [vector formats](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images) superior to PNGs and other raster formats, which are limited by the number of pixels they contain.

To convert PNGs to SVGs, there are a few ways to get this accomplished. You can convert PNGs to SVGs manually through design programs or you can [use an online service like Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "convert png to vector online") to create a real vector file from a non-vector image. But whatever you do, be weary of free online services that promise to do it for free in seconds. These services will just change the format of the file without drawing the vector paths that make vectors so valuable.

To help guide you on the journey to get the best possible vector file result, let's go over each method to converting png to svg in a bit more detail.

### Use a vector design app
You can recreate your image in vector format from scratch using an app like [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers). Recreating artwork takes some design skill, especially for more complex artwork.

![illustrator ui for vectorizing a png image](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f8e4d8fb61be22f11b5bec2afe27cbdf8643a608)

Once you are done you can export your image as an SVG.

### Use an auto-vectorization tool
Illustrator has an [Image Trace tool](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-use-image-trace-in-adobe-illustrator), that converts any raster to vector with just a few clicks. The results from this tool (and others like it) vary widely depending on the complexity of your artwork.

![raster to vector](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7084286daa27ce03bbfdab7bfd1a6836fcedde98)

*Note: there are many tools that technically convert your artwork from PNG to SVG, but just change the file extension – not the artwork itself. You'll need to look elsewhere to obtain a true vector version of your artwork.*

### Use a vectorization service
[Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) is a service that upgrades any image into a vector format for a flat rate of $14, regardless of the complexity.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nr7tGu9yKh4?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Upload your PNG, checkout, and within hours you’ll receive an online proof showing your vector graphic will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy (or cancel if you’re not happy).

Upon approval, you’ll be able to download the artwork in its new SVG format.

<ButtonCta text="Order a Redraw for $14" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

Converting PNGs to SVGs doesn't need to be hard and complicated. Find out how to convert any PNG into a SVG with this guide!

Where to put stickers on your car? Here's a car decal guide!

Did you know that there’s a way to personalize your vehicle without spending an arm and a leg on a new paint job or foiling? You read that right, and it’s so easy, you can do it yourself (with a little help, of course). Motorcycle and car stickers are a fun, efficient, and stress-free trick to send a message through your automobile. The best part is that there are so many ways you can use it to show off your personality.

Are you ready to put a little pizzazz in your car?

## Think about the vehicle sticker you want

First off, this is not a tattoo where regrets aren’t optional. Still, make sure you’ve basically figured out what you want in your vehicle sticker before making any decisions. Do you want a subtle car sticker or an attention-grabbing motorcycle decal? Do you want it on the bumper or the window? Do you want a funny graphic or a fail-safe mantra? 

Go beyond the usual “bullet hole” or “spider web” design. [Custom vehicle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/car-decals "custom car stickers") allow you the freedom to get pretty much whatever you want and the endless possibilities will surely ignite your creativity.

## Interesting uses for vehicle stickers

A custom vehicle sticker can send an invaluable message with very little effort. Think it’s just a random accessory for your vehicle? Think again.

### 1. Display your business

Business badges and business names are popular templates in the car sticker industry. Whether you’re using a company car or just presenting loyalty via your personal automobile, decals or stickers are a convenient way to encourage business. Witty or notable vehicle stickers can rouse the oldest marketing tool in the world, word-of-mouth, which remains the best way to endorse a modest enterprise. When done right, affordable stickers can also yield massive return of investment.

Stick your logo on your car door, add your e-commerce website on your rear glass, or put your logo on the windshield—treating your vehicle as a mobile advertisement can help promote your brand anywhere you go.

![putting on a car decal on the rear windshield](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e85ba21c5134e1eb776e742003b85e5651b63c80)

### 2. Voice out your personal message to the world

[Bumper stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bumper-stickers) were yesterday’s social media status update. These sayings exhibit your life views and broadcast them to whoever sees your car or motorbike. It doesn’t even have to be words. It can be a symbol, an emblem, a joke, or even a cartoon character that speaks to you at this point in your life. If you want to get philosophical, the sticker you choose expresses who you are the moment you apply it. Your vehicle can be sort of a personal diary that way.

![custom car bumper stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f8d7d43f46990641e3709c996456dc85778beb76)

### 3. Show off what’s close to your heart

Family car stickers are some of the most famous designs. We’ve all seen it: drawings with mom, dad, brother, sister, baby, and Spot. You can’t really fault a classic. The beauty of having a sticker custom-made is that you can go beyond the usual stick figures. 

However, these family stickers have been criticized lately for being threats to security. (For example, a potential identity thief would clearly know the names of the members of your family right away!) So an alternative would be stickers about your hobbies. Do you like football, basketball, or hockey? Maybe you're into cartoons and comic books?

![custom face stickers for car decals](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/27809cb6ef1d9b7de40ad21a69ca69ad177a19a4)

### 4. Hand them out as gifts

Bespoke gifts are always a hit, so you can imagine how well a custom car or motorcycle stickers would go over when you give them away. They can be as intimate as a personal message to your loved ones or as great corporate giveaways. Hey, that’s another way to spread your brand around.

![custom funny car sticker](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/621494a09b863ac8656b551104e72138a25d9b18)

### 5. They’re really versatile

There’s no law that says vehicle stickers have to be used for your automobile alone. Sturdier than your average sticker, these kinds of stickers can be waterproof as well as transferable and can be made with a variety of materials. You can essentially stick them on any similar surface, like metal, plastic, or glass. Put them in your room. Display them at your storefront. Stick them on your mailbox. Spread them on the floor. Did we mention there are endless possibilities?

![custom car sticker lettering transfers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4a9020ca88363477fba43fe30f75fcf91f049369)

## Why should you choose stickers to decorate your vehicle?

### 1. Vehicle stickers are inexpensive

Think of stickers as your accessories. They’re those little extras that can really take a look above and beyond. Unlike an overhaul, like a new coat of paint or car wrap, stickers are much more affordable. (Pro tip: Bulk orders are priced even cheaper at Sticker Mule.) Besides, how many ways can you really demonstrate your personality with a shade of color?

### 2. Vehicle stickers are adaptable

Stickers and decals are the way to go if you want to add a personal touch to your ride without the huge commitment of a paint job (remember that time you wanted a nice navy shade but it came out bright blue?). Car stickers can be as subtle as a few inches or as extreme as a hood-sized piece of art. You can cover the entire body of your motorbike or just stick a cutesy one on the back of your side window.

### 3. Vehicle stickers are fast

At Sticker Mule, the turnaround process is as fast as four days — perfect for an auto that needs a quick makeover. Some varieties are transferable (Sticker Mule has [bumper magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/bumper-magnets "custom bumper magnets") available, too), so you can switch them around in case you get tired of them. With stickers, you can express yourself more freely and, because they’re more reasonably priced, you won’t feel too bad when you suddenly want to change them up.

### 4. Vehicle stickers are entertaining

Since when is a paint job ever amusing? Funny car stickers are always a good idea. It can be a smart joke, a clever pun, or even a humorous cartoon. Imagine being stuck in a traffic jam and the only thing to entertain you is the car in front. You see all these cool stickers featuring witty remarks and shrewd drawings. Suddenly, traffic isn’t too bad. Do your part in alleviating traffic-related stress and sticker up.

## Where to put your vehicle stickers 

Placement is everything! Do you want your car sticker to be visible and shouty? Or do you want it to be soft and inconspicuous? Every part of the car or vehicle has its purpose when it comes to being a background for your sticker.

### Windshields

Apart from fun designs, windshields are popular spots for important stickers that send an official, immediate, and direct message: car passes to quickly let you through, company-issued insignias, or notes that signify position or status.

![custom car window clong](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d5d9762530ba699f879f2230aeb38bd3b21e379b)

### Rear windows

Rear windows are great for stickers that you want to be seen. Everyone looks at the rear windows — from passersbys walking past your parked car to the driver behind you. Just make sure to stick to the tops and corners so as not to obstruct the rearview.

![custom rear window car sticker](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1cd8ba96dbac033c22d724d2dddce56f59cd3732)

### Doors

The sides of your vehicle yield a lot of space, making them the perfect canvas for large look-at-this car decals that are ideal for advertising and brand promotion. Car doors are also popular because any number or size of stickers you add won’t block your driving view.

![custom car door stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e63ded760a892c3fab5ad508f8f2fa06db4ab781)

### Windows

Windows are the perfect backdrop for clear stickers that make the colors and shape of your design pop.

![personalized car window stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6342dbc452b37f968d823a9071687665c886575f)

### Bumper and fenders

Ever a classic, bumpers are the best setup for sending a message that will stick, no pun intended. Bumper stickers are famous for being used in political statements, famous quotes, and timeless sayings.

![custom car bumper stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f12882301fea71aa79d60a289e2d4c5b05475a18)

### Gas tanks

The gas tank of a car has only enough space for an understated sticker, but a motorcycle, offers the biggest canvas and therefore creates the biggest statement. 

## What to remember about your vehicle stickers

It’s easy to get carried away with the look of your custom car sticker and where you want to put them, but don’t forget the logistics of it. Not all vehicle stickers are created equal, so once you’ve finalized your sticker’s appearance, make sure to tick off this checklist to ensure only the best sticker quality.

### 1. Durable and weather-resistant

Don’t think of your sticker as just a sticker. It’s a message, a piece of your personality and imagination, so make sure it lasts. Bumper stickers, for example, are exposed to the elements. Even front-adhesive window stickers can take a beating from fogging. Make sure your stickers can weather them all. Sticker Mule prints their stickers on premium vinyl that can withstand even the rigor of a dishwasher

Their [bumper stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bumper-stickers), on the other hand, are made with thick, durable vinyl and are covered in a special dirt-proof, dust-proof, sun-proof, and rain-proof laminate. With these extra layers of protection, your bumper sticker may last longer than your car engine. 

### 2. Hassle-free removal

Sure, stickers are easy to put on, but are they easy to remove? The promise of stickers compared to a paint job, for example, is that they’re generally easier to handle—and that goes both ways. Say you’re tired of a sticker or you want to promote something else. You wouldn’t want bits of adhesive on your glass or your paint peeling off. At Sticker Mule, bumper stickers and car stickers come with a removable adhesive that won’t damage your vehicle's paint.

### 3. Do a final check on your design

Your design looks great on the computer screen, but that doesn’t automatically translate well on vinyl. Sticker Mule’s processes ensure that customers can see how their stickers will look prior to printing so that they’re assured only of perfection.

## Stickers or decals?

Many people often refer to stickers and decals interchangeably, and though they share a similar purpose, stickers tend to have an adhesive front or back while decals come in a special paper meant to be transferred to another surface. 

Depending on your design, either type can work for your vehicle. If you want more details so you can make an informed decision, here are some of the available decal types offered at Sticker Mule.

### 1. Transfer stickers

Fully customizable and easy to transfer, these vinyl decals (available in black or white) are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

### 2. Vinyl lettering

Relaying a message? Vinyl lettering lets you spell out what you want to say

### 3. Front adhesive stickers

Though not completely weatherproof, front adhesive stickers are perfect for clear surfaces. You can stick them on the interior side of your window so they’re offered a semblance of protection.

### 4. Clear stickers

White print is used as a backdrop for your designs to really make the color stand out.

### 5. Die Cut Stickers
Protect your custom design with a thick, durable vinyl that makes it pretty much weatherproof.

## How to stick your vehicle stickers

### 1. Clean the surface

It’s a no-brainer. The grime on a dirty surface will adhere to your sticker, weakening its adhesion. Make sure to clean your vehicle with soap or rubbing alcohol and wait for it to completely dry before doing anything else.

### 2. Choose your location

While car and motorcycle stickers aren’t as permanent, it’s still preferred to know where exactly you want to put them. Your window? Sure, but what about the angle? How far away should it be from the edge? Try positioning your sticker without removing the backing. You can even hold it in place with tape so you can review how it looks from various angles.

### 3. Don’t be hasty

Being overly speedy will make you prone to mistakes. With your sticker in place, take out the paper backing bit by bit and touch only the edge so as not to tamper with the sticker’s adhesiveness. Carefully press the sticker on the surface as you peel it off the backing. Smoothen everything as you go along, ensuring no folds and air bubbles. Make sure to finish neatly by trimming off any excess margins that don’t stick on any surface. 

## How to order custom vehicle stickers

Customization seems like a lot of work, but it’s really not. At Sticker Mule, it’s an efficient but careful three-way process.

### Step 1: Make your design

Go crazy and let your creative juices flow. This is the first step of customization: composing what you want and exactly how you want it. Luckily, we've made the process a bit easier at Sticker Mule with our Studio design tool. Just head on over to the [bumper sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/stickers/bumper-stickers "custom bumper sticker templates") or [other sticker templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/stickers "different shape sticker templates") section and pick a design that works for you and get started designing!

### Step 2: Go to the Sticker Mule website and start the order process

Once you have a design, just choose what kind of [custom sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers") you want and decide on a size (custom sizing is also available). If budget is a concern, the prices are helpfully published as well to aid you in your decision-making. The next page lets you upload your artwork, specify the quantity, and that’s essentially it.

### Step 3: Check the proofs

Make sure that the stickers will come out exactly as you envisioned them. You get to see proofs of your design before your stickers are printed so you can make adjustments on the sizes, lines, and colors. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed by the results.

<ButtonCta text="Create your own custom car stickers today!" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/car-decals" />

Rear-window or bumper sticker? Find out some useful tips and tricks on how to put stickers on your car. Finding the perfect location for you car stickers doesn't need to be tricky! 

40 cool sticker ideas that are trending in 2023

[Custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "print custom stickers") can be used for just about anything — from fun uses (plastering your pet's head all over your belongings!) to serious ones (showcasing political affiliations or "baby on board" stickers). If you're low on inspiration for your next batch of stickers, check out our latest list of sticker ideas to jumpstart your creativity. 

![cool custom sticker ideas](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9071a532-3503-470c-83c5-a9fb351ea1bc)

__1. Sustainability and eco-friendliness symbols__

If you already do your part for the planet, consider inspiring others with a nature-friendly design. "Green" sticker ideas include:

- A recycling symbol
- A "Save the Bees" design
- A "Save the Amazon" sticker

__2. National parks and travel destinations__

![custom travel stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9c64be77-5818-4583-b729-8e9cf35da7b9)

Adventure is a popular theme for [car stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/car-decals "custom car stickers"), but you can also show your love for travel on just about anything — including your favorite suitcase! 

- Yosemite National Park logo
- Eiffel Tower illustration
- "Adventure is a state of mind" (Alastair Humphreys quote)

__3. Holographic and iridescent stickers__

We already talked a little about the [big holographic trend in design](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/8-graphic-design-trends-getting-popular-in-2023) lately. So why not try out some new [holographic sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers "custom holographic shiny stickers") ideas? Here are a few for you:

- Holographic unicorn
- Iridescent geometric pattern

__4. Retro and vintage aesthetics__

Harness the spirit of the 90s — or whatever decade is your favorite — with emblematic graphics for the period. A couple of ideas:

- Cassette tape illustration
- Vintage VW van design

__5. Space exploration and galaxy themes__

![custom space stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3093413e-e5b9-409f-aec6-50c6bfce992c)

Always popular with Whovians, Trekkies, Star Wars fans, and sci-fi appreciators in general, this is a theme as infinite as space itself — and your imagination. Try these ideas for a start:

- Mars rover sticker
- Astronaut floating in space
- TARDIS in a wormhole

__6. Music and band logos__

Share your love for your favorite band and get a good conversation starter to boot! 

- Rolling Stones tongue and lips logo
- Nirvana smiley face
- ...and just about any other symbol you like!

__7. Inspirational quotes and affirmations__

Cheesy commonplace or valuable life advice? An inspiring quote can be perfect for a bumper car sticker or wall graphic depending on your viewpoint. Think of things like:

- "Whatever you are, be a good one" bumper sticker
- "What if they're wrong and you're right" wall graphic

__8. Popular TV show and movie characters__

Rather than buying overpriced merchandise, make your own fandom swag — starting with stickers. Try all-time beloved characters like: 

- Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian
- Eleven, from Stranger Things

__9. Mental health awareness and self-care reminders__

With our modern epidemic of clinical anxiety and depression, it's never a bad idea to share a message of positivity and encouragement — for yourself and others. A couple of ideas:

- "It's Okay Not to Be Okay"
- "Worry is a choice." — Gavin de Becker
- "Breathe" with a calming waves design

__10. Virtual reality and augmented reality themes__

![virtual reality stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3d6b7728-14dd-4bed-b21b-2a3a333cd5f3)

Are you all about the metaverse? Show it on your custom stickers with things like:

- VR headset illustration
- AR interactive game scene

__11. Internet and meme culture references__

It's memeing time! Put your favorite meme on display in a sticky fashion. Ideas:

- "This is fine" dog meme
- "Two Buttons" meme template (with your text of choice)

__12. Climate change activism and environmental slogans__

Put on display a little bit of your ferociously pro-Earth side with a sticker such as:

- "There is No Planet B"
- "Protect Our Oceans" (with a turtle design)

__13. Abstract and geometric patterns__

These can always be a good way to add a little bit of color and customization to your belongings. Go with:

- Colorful mandala pattern
- Hexagonal honeycomb design
- or anything else that strikes your fancy!

__14. Futuristic and sci-fi designs__

For those with a geeky penchant. Try: 

- Cyberpunk cityscape graphic
- Robot head illustration
- "Don't Tell Me About Life" Marvin sticker

__15. Pop art and bold typography__

To make your design pop, opt for ideas like:

- Lichtenstein-inspired comic strip
- Warhol-style banana sticker

__16. Celestial bodies, moon phases, and zodiac signs__

Whether you're an amateur astronomer, a bit of an astrologer, or simply appreciate celestial-themed designs, you can't go wrong with these ideas: 

- Crescent moon and stars
- Favorite constellation sticker
- Zodiac sign illustration

__17. Kawaii and cute characters__

![kawaii anime stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/151bcd17-6a5a-4163-86e9-5fae09c8e460)

Inject a dose of cuteness into your life with your favorite Kawaii figures! 

- Kawaii cactus character
- Cute sushi roll with a smiley face

__18. Video game icons and characters__

Gaming can be a big part of your life and your personality. So show a little love for your favorite video game characters and icons by putting them in custom stickers! Try:

- Mario from Super Mario Bros.
- Link from The Legend of Zelda
- Any other favorite character!

__19. Minimalist and line art portraits__

Line art is trendy and fun — just the right relaxed vibe for a car or water flask sticker. Minimalist sticker ideas:

- One-line face drawing
- Minimalist Frida Kahlo portrait

__20. Social media platform logos and icons__

You can mix these with your username or use them alone.

- Instagram logo
- Your Reddit avatar sticker
- YouTube play symbol

__21. Animal and pet illustrations__

We're a pet generation and we know it. Celebrate the awesomeness of our best canine and feline friends in your stickers:

- Sleeping cat sticker
- Playful dog design
- Custom [dog photo sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/dog-stickers "custom dog photo sticker")

__22. Inclusive and diverse representations__

If you're all about inclusiveness and tolerance, inspire others to coexist peacefully with a well-displayed sticker. Think:

- "Live and let live" quote
- Jewish-Christian-Muslim unity flag
- "The more variety, the better society" quote sticker

__23. Hobbies and craft icons__

Show the world your passion. Sticker ideas for hobbies and crafts include:

- Camera icon for photography
- Paintbrush and palette for painting
- Chess knight on chess squares
- Football

__24. Minimalistic plant and botanical designs__

Got a bit of a green thumb? Make stickers to match! Here are a couple of sticker ideas for the plant lover in you:

- Monstera leaf silhouette
- Succulent plant illustration
- "Home Is Where My Plants Are" flower pot sticker

__25. Food and drink illustrations__

![custom food symbol pictures](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fbec78c6-6331-4c25-bed6-27aee0150a29)

You say foodie, I say gourmet. You say appreciator, I say bon vivant! Let your love for food and the good life inspire your next design.

- "Good food, fine wine" text with a bottle of wine graphic
- Steaming cup of coffee design
- Tacos illustration

__26. Hand-drawn and watercolor designs__

A penchant for the graphic arts should never go unattended. And stickers are the perfect way to channel it! Go with: 

- Watercolor mountain landscape
- Hand-drawn feathers pattern
- Boat at sea drawing

__27. Tech gadgets and devices__

Are you an utter, complete, confirmed, incorrigible techie? Then you just have to show that on your stickers. Try:

- Oh For Fox Sake sticker with the Mozilla Firefox
- "Don't Worry, I'm From Tech Support" funny cat sticker
- "Have You Tried Switching It Off And On Again?" laptop sticker

__28. DIY and maker culture symbols__

DIYers are a select, but growing community. Help other members of the clan recognize you by adding a custom DIY sticker to your belongings. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

- Sewing machine illustration
- 3D printer design
- I S2 DIY sticker

__29. Optical illusions and 3D designs__

Just have some fun with weird shapes and optical illusion graphics. Any of these can be a good conversation starter:

- Penrose triangle sticker
- Impossible staircase design
- Optical illusion elephant

__30. Cryptocurrency and blockchain icons__

![doge coin custom stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d9e8308f-17ea-4bac-9b96-462920cf9c3a)

DeFi is the mot du jour, isn't it? If you're on the crypto bandwagon and proud of it, show your passion for everything decentralized with car or laptop stickers featuring:

- The Bitcoin logo
- The Ethereum emblem
- A Doge

__31. Upcycling and zero-waste themes__

Are you hyper-waste-conscious? Then don't waste the opportunity to share the message on your favorite stickers. Ideas:

- "Choose to Reuse" text
- Mason jar with a reusable straw

__32. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness imagery__

Spiritually inclined? In touch with your true self? Or simply inspired by ancient Eastern wisdom? Remind yourself that all is Maya — and make the reminder stick! Here are a few ideas:

- Lotus pose silhouette
- Om symbol
- Buddha statue sticker

__33. Fitness and workout motivation__

Not just for fitness coaches, these stickers can mix a little fun with a little inspiration in a memorable way. Couple of ideas for you:

- Dumbbell illustration with "I feel stronger already" text
- "Sweat is Just Fat Crying" quote with funny graphic

__34. Sports team logos and mascots__

![sports logo stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0730d157-12e2-4ef2-8d0d-84ae9473d9ad)

Showcase your affiliations in the world of sports! 

- New York Yankees logo
- Chicago Bulls mascot

__35. Activism slogans__

If you're fighting the good fight with your deeds, why not do it with your words too? Stickers are the perfect channel for that. Proclaim your dedication to your preferred favorite social causes with things like:

- "Build Back Better" car sticker
- "Come and take it" window decal

__36. Superheroes and comic book characters__

The Man of Steel, the Caped Crusader, or any other superhero can be a big source of inspiration — and a fun way to remind yourself of your heroic potential. Try something like:

- Spider-Man pointing graphic
- Wonder Woman emblem
- Batman with "My Superpower: I'm Rich" text

__37. Street art and graffiti-inspired designs__

Street art can be a big source of design inspiration — some companies even have logos made after them. So try your hand at that with:

- Banksy-inspired stencil art
- Colorful graffiti tag

__38. Mythical creatures and fantasy themes__

![custom mythical creatures fantasy stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/70e39dab-fcb9-4361-bd18-4166c4a3566d)

Add a touch of fantasy to your [laptop](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/laptop-stickers), phone, or water flask. Ideas are plentiful:

- Dragon illustration
- Mermaid silhouette
- Gollum "My Precious" sticker

__39. Cultural and heritage symbols__

Whether it's your true ancestry or a heritage symbol you'd be proud to be a part of, the world of heraldry and ancient symbolism has plenty to offer. You could start with:

- Celtic knot design
- Hamsa hand symbol

__40. Personalized and customizable name stickers__

Create decorated name stickers — your name or someone else's. Get creative with our [online Studio app](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) and flaunt that name! Try:

- Name with a floral background
- Name in a script font with a geometric pattern

## And there you have it

That's 40 ideas to get you started in (or help you further explore) the fun world of stickers. We hope you'll find one that inspires you to create your own custom stickers — and have them printed on Sticker Mule. 

So what are you waiting for? List your favorite ones and get to work designin' and printin'!

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


Stickers can be cool or cute but also great for promoting brands and causes. Here are some popular sticker ideas for 2023 to help make cool stickers!

Ready to print checklist with sticker sizes for printing

If you’re a designer, chances are you spend a lot of time in the digital realm. And while you might be the best pixel pusher around, the rules change when it comes to print design. Here’s a checklist of everything you need to do to make sure your design is perfectly print-ready.

## Dimensions: At least 300 PPI
If you’re working with vector artwork, you can go ahead and check this off. If you’re working with raster artwork, you’ll want to make sure it is at least 300 PPI (pixels per inch). You can increase the resolution of any artwork file automatically with [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale).

If you plan on using a logo, text, or illustration for print, we recommend tracking down a vector (or high resolution) version of the artwork if possible. If you need help, we recommend checking out our vectorization service: [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw).

![raster-to-vector](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7084286daa27ce03bbfdab7bfd1a6836fcedde98)

To measure your artwork’s PPI, divide the width of your artwork’s dimensions by the width of your desired print size. For example, if your artwork was 600 pixels wide and you planned to have it printed 3 inches wide, you’d only have 200 PPI. This would result in a low quality print and may cause your artwork to look pixelated. In this case, it would be best to either recreate your design at a higher resolution or go for a smaller print.

To figure out the maximum size your artwork should be printed at, divide the dimensions of your artwork by 300. For example, if your artwork was 600 x 450 pixels, the maximum size would be 2" x 1.5".

(Note: DPI *or Dots Per Inch* refers to the resolution settings of the printer, while PPI refers to the resolution of the artwork. Occasionally these two terms get mixed up.)

For example, if you want to [print stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/ "print stickers online"), the following dimensions are some popular sizes and resolutions that should be good for stickers;

- 2" x 1" (Min = 600 x 300 pixels) (Good = 1200 x 600 pixels)
- 2" x 2" (Min = 600 x 600 pixels) (Good = 1200 x 1200 pixels)
- 4" x 2" (Min = 1200 x 600 pixels) (Good = 2400 x 1200 pixels)
- 4" x 4" (Min = 1200 x 1200 pixels) (Good = 2400 x 2400 pixels)

----


## Color Mode: CMYK
Digital screens use a combination of red, green, and blue light (RGB) to form different colors, while printers use a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink (CMYK) to form different colors.

![rgb-vs-cmyk](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5afdee4db5bfc9c8f1d2e0283687cf1e496118d6)

You can convert your colors from RGB to CMYK (or vice versa) in most applications by simply changing the color mode. Most online design tools like [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool image editor") or [Canva](https://www.canva.com/ "canva online design tool"), you can skip this since they convert all orders to CMYK files.

However, while RGB can display a very wide color gamut for screen viewing, the same bright, vibrant colors may not be achieved in the more limited CMYK color space available for printing.

When designing something for print only, it is best to start in CMYK color mode, or at least be aware that some RGB colors might look different when printed.

----

## Units: Inches
Designing with inches (instead of pixels) will help you in a few ways. First, it’ll help you figure out the exact dimensions of your print without having to do any math. But more importantly, it will help you indicate any cut lines or bleeds in a way that is compliant with most print shops’ requirements.

For example, Sticker Mule’s [transfer stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/transfer-stickers) require that any solid parts of your design be at least 0.07" thick. Working with inches makes this possible to measure.

----

## Cut lines
Cut lines tell the print shop where to cut your print.

![cut-line](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfe4f5f0959a990b8fd79a76d60707e8d5f9a560)

Some print products, such as [die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers), can be cut into any shape. At Sticker Mule we will automatically figure out your cut lines for you if none are indicated. By default, this is usually a uniform offset of the shape of your artwork.

[Indicating your own cut lines](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line) will give you full control over how your print is cut and can often speed up the proofing process. Cut lines should be indicated with a 1pt stroke.

----

## Bleeds
A bleed is anything being printed that extends beyond the cut lines. Bleeds are necessary whenever you want something to extend beyond the trim edge, leaving no white margin. 

At Sticker Mule, this is another thing we will add for you automatically as needed if possible. However, if you have something that is especially complex that you would like to be printed “full bleed” (to the edge of the print), then you will need to make sure it extends at least 1/16" past the cut lines.

----

## Outline text
This is a pretty basic rule when it comes to design, but it is often overlooked. Since there’s no way to ensure that a print shop will have all the fonts you use in your design, it’s best to make sure any text used is converted to outlines.

<WistiaVideo videoId="ke3fvba7fj" />

In Adobe Illustrator you can do this by selecting the text then selecting *Type > Create Outlines*.

----

With these items complete, your file should be perfectly print-ready. It’s usually best to save the file in its native format (Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketch), in case you need to revisit it later. Most print shops (including Sticker Mule) will accept artwork in their native formats.

As mentioned before, certain colors will often look different between digital and print – there’s no way around this. 

Once you've perfected the print file, why don't you try printing some stickers in different shapes and sizes today at Sticker Mule!

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


Stickers come in different sizes and dimensions, so we've compiled a checklist to make sure your studio, canva, and procreate canvas file is ready for printing.

How to design mailers

[Poly mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/poly-mailers "Custom poly mailers") and [bubble mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bubble-mailers) are great options for shipping physical goods. They're lightweight, weather-proof and great for showing off the personality of your brand.

But your packaging is only as good as your design. Here are some tips for designing custom mailers.

![full bleed custom mailers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/898974f2-df46-4d4c-86a2-c99a9b913d24)

In this tutorial, we’ll be using Adobe Illustrator as well as online design tools like [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) – to help make our custom mailers as reality!

##Design the mailers for free online with Studio
![design full bleed bubble or poly mailers in studio for free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/750aca0d-ef1c-4aee-9272-bb47a3ea9492)
Sticker Mule's [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) is an innovative and user-friendly platform that brings your creative vision to life! With this cutting-edge design solution, you can effortlessly craft custom full-bleed mailers to elevate your brand's identity and captivate your target audience. Whether you're promoting an event, launching a product, or simply looking to make a bold statement, Studio provides the perfect canvas for your masterpiece. Dive into a world of limitless possibilities as you explore an array of stunning templates, vibrant color palettes, and seamless design capabilities that make creating eye-catching mailers a breeze.

To get started using Studio to design custom mailers;

1. Head on over to Studio's [poly mailer category](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/packaging/poly-mailers "free online templates for poly mailer bags") of free online templates

2. Decide on a template to use

3. Press "start designing"

4. Customize the mailer online for free

5. Press "Order print" on the top right corner to get your custom mailers printed and delivered to you!

That's all it takes! Try it today to see how simple it is to design your own custom mailers with Studio.

## Design mailers in Illustrator
<YouTubeVideo videoId="_setqIszzCc?rel=0" />

### Download a mailer template

First, we need to download the appropriate template. This will ensure that our artwork not only is set up to the correct size, but that nothing gets cropped off by the poly mailer's white border.

[Click here for poly mailer templates.](https://www.stickermule.com/template/poly-mailers)

[Click here for bubble mailer templates.](https://www.stickermule.com/template/bubble-mailers)

[Bubble mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bubble-mailers) offer more insulation and protection than standard [poly mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/poly-mailers), but the design process for each is the same.

### Designing your mailers

In this tutorial, I'll be using the smallest sized mailers. Once our template is downloaded, we can open up Adobe Illustrator. In this demonstration, we will be creating a horizontal design. Because of this, our first step will be to rotate the template. Start by going to the artboard tool, making sure your art board is selected and then changing the layout to horizontal.

Next, we need to rotate the actual template. So unlock the instructions layer, select everything. And then while holding shift, rotate the template. Be sure to relock the instructions layer afterwards so that you don't place your artwork in the wrong place. If you're also working with a horizontal design, be sure to make note of which side you want the opening of the mailer to be on. In our case, it'll be on the right. Now with everything set up, we can begin laying out our design.

![how-to-design-mailers-01](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1dbf623a374d73274695e69f4a537379ba6336c8)

Ours will feature a character, a logo, some text, and a pattern. So to begin, we're going to bring in a few brand elements and put them on the artwork layer. Something you may notice right away is that designs get cropped if they fall outside of the gray box. This represents the printable area. Since poly mailers are printed with a white border, use this as a guide to make sure that nothing important gets cut off. It's also worth noting that the gray box itself won't be printed. So keep it in mind as you're designing that everything behind your artwork will be white.

First, we're going to create a blue rectangle-like shape along the bottom of the mailer. This will hold our logo and our pattern, and it's going to follow the white border that the poly mailer gives us. An easy way to do this is to create a rectangle, then use the direct selection tool to move just one of the anchor points lower. This is what we're after. Let's give it a light blue fill using one of our brand colors.

![how-to-design-mailers-02](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c476ede9420235e9dd69075a26e824fef04d950f)

Next we'll place our robot character so that it looks like he's standing on this shape. By right clicking and going to a range, we can bring him to the front. He may be a bit too large, so we'll just bring him down a touch as well. And we'll just nudge him over to the side of it and get him right where we want him. Notice how the left side of this character is being lined up right along the border of the printable area, but not going past it. This is to make sure that the character lines up with our wedge shape at the bottom, but isn't cropped off by the white border.

![how-to-design-mailers-03](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cad8c0525c58ad43a665b74f46e626b10a4ea07d)

Now let's place the logo. So we'll again, arrange it and bring it to the front. And we're going to give it a white film. Now, we want to position it in the bottom right corner, but first we're going to shrink it a bit and line it up with the bottom of our character's feet. We may want to add some more space around the logo later on, but for now, this works. Next, we're going to include some text. This is a great opportunity to inject some personality into the design. Ask yourself, "What would be a fun message for your customers to read?" For the CourierBot brand, we're going to play around with this idea of robots delivering packages to people. Now for CourierBot, we already have a font selected and that's Proxima Soft, extra bold. And since this is clearly too small, we're going to bump it up to 50. Now we'll add in some line breaks and set the letting to something a bit smaller. Perfect.

![how-to-design-mailers-04](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fe96e0c75ff29cc48bc8801a427c7a3b831c88c4)

Once we have the text arranged how we'd like it, we're going to add some brand colors to it. So for the majority of the text, we'll be using the brown, but we're going to select a couple of keywords and add additional colors. It only seems suited to have cold robot hands as blue and warm human heart as red. Just like that.

![how-to-design-mailers-05](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0d3d7b2a8cb2c769b2127f91b6a9e4b329e81bf0)

We're also very carefully going to place the block of text right in the corner of the printable area. That way it should line up with our rectangle shape at the bottom. We're not finished yet, but this is a good place to double check that we're happy with the placement of all of our elements. One way to do this is to create a rectangle that's the size of the entire printable area, and then give it a white fill. Now, if we place this rectangle behind the rest of our artwork, we're going to get an idea of what the final printed mailer is going to look like. In the case of our design here, we're just going to make a couple slight adjustments to give some more breathing room to some of the elements and to make sure they're lined up exactly as we'd like.

![how-to-design-mailers-06](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9242b8449779c42ad81c5eaa8214caeaef4335b4)

Now that we're happy, we can remove that rectangle. It's important that any texts be outlined before sending off to print. Since we're happy with the current layout of ours, it's a good time to do that. Just right click the text and select create outlines. The final step we're going to take in this design is adding a pattern to our light blue shape. This will take some finessing, so we're going to speed through most of it.

![how-to-design-mailers-07](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7517dcf5e03ec847f5d546104c3e4fd1c0625293)

Once our design is complete, all we need to do is rotate everything back to the original orientation. So grab the art board tool, unlock the instructions layer, switch the orientation back to portrait and then rotate all of our artwork once again. Now let's save our hard work and we're ready to send our design off to print.

### Feeling stuck for ideas?

Here are some other layouts that were great as mailers. Hopefully, they can help inspire your own.

![how-to-design-mailers-08](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/09d4e0e49e68d61dd70503a1aa0f4d9a67e2f155)

If you don't want to have an obvious white border on your mailer, consider placing it on a white background like we've done here.

![how-to-design-mailers-09](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c11759eb1eff2a60b53e376c2448115b78e0bf94)

Or if you don't want it to matter which angle your package is viewed from, consider a pattern approach, like this.

When in doubt, you can always submit your design as is to Sticker Mule and receive a proof of what it's going to look like. If something doesn't seem right, just request a change and we'll be happy to make it for you.

### Order your own custom mailers

<ButtonCta text="Try custom mailers for $9" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/poly-mailer-samples" />

Here are some tips for designing custom mailers and making your packaging stand out.

Packaging your Etsy products: Tips, tricks, and ideas to stand out

What happens after you spend hours perfecting your products, setting up your store, and marketing your products on Etsy?

The coveted sale!

Whether you’re just starting out as an [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/ "etsy marketplace") seller or you’re a pro with thousands of customers, branding and packaging your products can take your store to the next level, increase customer love and loyalty, and bring in new business through referrals.

For example, if you’ve ever opened an Apple product, you can tell the company puts a lot of thought into their brand and packaging. The design of the boxes carefully contour the products and everything fits perfectly. It’s clean, neat and simple yet feels techy and fancy.

How a product is packaged often leaves a satisfied thought in the buyer's mind that [affects how they see that company](http://marketingzeus.com/article/increase-your-perceived-value-increase-your-sales) in the future, how they talk about it with others and their possible future orders.

> When you make your customers smile even after the sale they are more likely to spend money with you in the future.”

## Impressing your customers

Etsy is the most creative community of homemade sellers online. Your buyers appreciate creativity and talk about the products they find. Few online communities and stores rely so much on word-of-mouth as Etsy does, so it makes sense to take extra measures to delight customers in that way. 

How you brand and package your product is a simple way to ensure future orders and get satisfactory feedback on your sales. Remember, your reviews are key to showing others how great your product is and give others confidence that they’ll have an equally rewarding experience when buying from you. 

This can be done without a huge investment and goes a long way in impressing customers. 

Impressing customers with a great buying experience does not need a huge investment and can be done with a few simple tricks and hacks to your packaging and “unboxing”.

Below we’ll look at how to create or update your branding and packaging to delight your customers and get more sales.

## What is branding & how can you do it well?

![Branded packaging tape example](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7b1c61ad234fb13e557fe4f7c33adcd9ea7f7ed4)

**What company offers Free 2 Day Shipping to their premium customers?** 

**Amazon**- of course. They’ve gone out of their way to make sure the world knows that if you sign up as a Prime customer, you’ll always get 2 day shipping. 

They’ve branded themselves well (with a little help of their iconic [custom packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape "custom shipping tape")) as the go to place for online shopping that doesn’t take forever to get in hand. Whenever their customers go online to look for a product, they know to check Amazon because they already get awesome shipping. 

You can do something similar with your store. [Custom packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-packaging "custom packaging") helps people think of for a certain product or service when a particular problem comes to mind. 

Every time your business interacts with the buyer, or gets in front of them (with one of your purchases) you have the opportunity to help them remember you for next time. 

So you want to make sure they are: 

1. Enjoying the emails, packaging and buying process with your business.
2. Making a connection with you and your store that they’ll remember later.

## 6 simple ways to improve packaging for Etsy sales 

![Branded salt scrub packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfe751a707a8bc3d560c6b56689bf2c05c8de5e4)

1. **Wrap or bag your products before placing them in a shipping container.** When you take extra care to double package like this, your buyers will see that you take pride in your work. 
2. **Dress it up.** Decorate with [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers"), stamps, ribbons, ties, drawings, tags, or other small embellishments that show you’ve taken extra time to care about their orders. 
3. **Use eco friendly products.** Buyers are becoming more aware of their carbon footprints, and especially appreciate sellers that understand this. Use paper instead of plastic and reusables (like cloth bags) when you can. 
4. **Keep it safe.** While remembering to be eco friendly, take extra care when you are packaging fragile items. 
5. **Keep it secure.** While some products aren’t fragile, they might still be damaged in shipping- ripped paper, untied bows, wrinkled, etc. Always go beyond what you need to, to make sure you ensure a quality experience for your customer. 
6. **Surprise them.** People love to get surprises. You can include little gifts as a thank you, without breaking the bank. A popular way to do this is to include something related to your brand, so that it works for multiple purposes.

## 6 tips for branding your Etsy products

![Packaging box with branded stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3f995e8da431bcc157e29ee0cf172dbb3e2a523a)

1. **Have a professional logo and official business name.** People need something to recognize. Choose a name and logo that accurately depicts your business. You can get creative too with a logo shape that represents what you’re selling.
2. **Use your company name and logo in all of your communications.** Consistency is key! Your customers will appreciate the simplicity and predictability when you use your company name and logo in your emails, on invoices, in shipping and on receipts. 
3. **Place your logo or brand name on all items.** Use your logo in strategic ways by branding your box as it travels across the country, attach close your tissue paper inside, or to fix instructions to your products such as packaging, item tags, price tags and directions. 
4. **Give the gift with branding.** A simple way to delight your buyers is to include a small gift. This could be [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers"), bags, stationery, or a promotional item.

Here is a tweet of a consumer talking about how she loves getting stickers in her orders:

!["Getting stickers with my order makes me your customer forever"](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4afde1dd320c0104306be6fb35004d7b367ee701)

And, in this article by Shopify, they discuss how [using small gifts and packaging inserts help your brand to meet or exceed expectations](https://www.shopify.com/blog/18989252-5-ways-to-use-packaging-inserts-to-increase-customer-loyalty-and-revenue) with your customers.

5. **Stay on theme.** Keep your colors, graphics, and style on theme. A simple style will present a professional brand that consumers are more likely to trust and will make it easier for them to identify and recall your store when you send promotional emails or ask for a review.
6. **Decorate the outside.** especially in bigger cities, this is really common for companies to put their logos and brand names on the outside of the box, make sure it’s easy to understand what your company offers from the logo/name, so it works as an advertisement for you.

Here’s a great article by Everything Etsy where they share some [creative packaging ideas](http://www.everythingetsy.com/2014/02/16-packaging-ideas-etsy-sellers/) or popular Etsy shops. 

## Getting started With stickers & labels for branding & packaging

![Branded beard oil packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4569c5e62eeca92471a4193c9d4a1c8f6c9b1aa1)

**Decide what you need, by asking yourself:**

* Where can I use labels for my products? This is a good question if you sell products that come in bottles or jars. 
* Do I want stickers for my packaging? This is an especially good option if you are shipping to large cities. 
* Would my customers enjoy stickers of my logo or brand? 
* Do I want to include stickers for every order or just orders over a certain amount? 
* How many labels or stickers will I need for a few months of orders?

**Get your design**- If you don’t already have a logo or design for your Etsy business, there are a lot of design tools you can use. Check out our free design tool, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). 

**Place your order**- When you have your design ready and you know how many labels and stickers you want to order, you can choose the type of [label](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels "custom labels") or [sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "stickers online") you want and upload your design. 

## Conclusion
By branding your Etsy products and shop, your buyers will see you as a professional and legitimate store that appreciates their customers and strives to impress them. Go ahead and use some of the tips we’ve shared above, like decorating, or being creative with your packaging and shipping. 

<ButtonCta text="Start making custom packaging for Etsy" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-packaging" />

Learn how to improve packaging your etsy products to increase future sales with these neat ideas.

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