Custom Stickers are taking over NYC!

Sticker Mule is on a mission to get out the word to New York City about where to get their [sticker printing](https://stickermule.com/ "custom sticker printing nyc") done. 

![custom stickers new york city subway sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f021b894-a2a9-4a3e-a18c-3d3574d3881f)

If you are in NYC or anywhere in the [tri-state area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-state_area), you may notice a big increase to the amount of mules (like Herman below) you’ll see around in the next few weeks. 

![herman sticker mule mascot mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/aba1d9d6-45e1-4856-992b-408fdd891331)

That’s because we’ve committed to spreading awareness through the magic of [omnichannel advertising](https://blog.hubspot.com/service/omni-channel-experience) throughout the northeast United States. We are advertising some of our favorite videos, including our hugely popular [$10 for 1 sticker ad](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4EHHB176OU) that includes some of the best animation you’ll ever see on your silver screen. In addition to TV, we will also advertise on radio, streaming services, in subways, on expressways, and everything in between!

Our biggest (at least physically) ads are in Times Square and tower over 30 ft spreading sticker goodness to all the people of New York City. This is in addition to dozens of other billboards on major highways and highly trafficked areas in New York.

Since our creation in 2011, we’ve strived to provide the [best quality custom printing service online](https://stickermule.com "print stickers at sticker mule"). But it doesn’t just stop at our printed products, our entire company is committed to going above and beyond. From our top-rated customer support to launching new products like [t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom shirts printing") or even new technology like the happy social network, [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/ "the happy social network stimulus"). We’ve aimed to be the best with everything we do and hopefully we can spread this knowledge to the New York area and beyond! 

If you are in the Albany or New York area, hopefully you’ll see some of our ads out in the wild. But don’t worry, if not, this is just the beginning of big things for Sticker Mule and we can’t wait to share more in the near future. 


Where to print custom posters? Sticker Mule of course!

We’re excited to announce the newest Sticker Mule product – [custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters)!

<YouTubeVideo videoId="cDRG_nx2fH0" />

This may be a bit controversial, but there's a case to be made that [custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters) are the OG blog or social media post. Before even MySpace or Blogger was a thing, posters quickly transformed your thoughts into an easily spreadable mode of communication that could be viewed by thousands at a time. Some may say that [the dancing baby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_baby) was the first viral sensation, but nay we say, it was the poster when it went "viral" in the 1890's with the invention of [Lithography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithography). 

![poster online custom printed](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/68b3042f-4ee0-4b9f-8dba-f57f82f8f34e)

Regardless of where you stand on the topic though, ever since the 1890's, poster printing hasn't really evolved and it's been a bit unattainable for us normal folk. You first had to probably find a designer or design it yourself using expensive design tools. Then, once the poster is actually designed, you had to find a place that can print large sizes which many local convenience store printers just don't do. Well just like the 1890's, that's all over.

Sticker Mule is happy to announce that we are now printing __[full sized posters with no minimums](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters)__ and with free quick delivery in the USA! 

To help you design your custom poster, we offer hundreds of pre-designed [poster templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/events/event-posters "poster design templates pre-made ") that you can edit to suit any need. Use custom posters to promote your event, idea, movie, art, business, and more.

![custom poster templates create your own](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5cc43641-15b5-4f67-9600-9165dff416d4)

<ButtonCta text="Print your own custom posters" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters" />

StickerMule makes custom printed posters online

Our 25+ Favorite Graphic Design Resources in 2022

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

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

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

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

### Hardware

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

__1. A high-end smartphone__

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

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

*Making edits*

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

*A great camera*

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

__2. A powerful laptop__

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

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

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

__3. A graphics tablet__

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

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

*Who needs a graphics tablet?*

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

### Software & Design Tools

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

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

#### Photoshop

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

__Online Photoshop alternatives:__

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

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

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

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

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

#### Illustrator

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

__Online Illustrator alternative__

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

#### InDesign

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

__Online InDesign alternative__

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

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

#### Premiere Pro

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

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

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

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

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

#### After Effects

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

__Online After Effects alternative__

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

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

## What are the best graphic design resources?

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

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

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

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

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

## What are the best websites for design inspiration?

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

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

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

Oh, and it’s also free to use!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

__1. Start a Patreon campaign__

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

__2. Take on freelance gigs__

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

__3. Sell your graphics to stock image sites__

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

__4. Create customized stickers in Sticker Mule and sell them__

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

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

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

Happy designing!

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

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

How Roman Pizza uses Mule Sauce

We asked [Roman Pizza](https://www.romanpizzamenu.com/) #HowDoYouMuleSauce - this is how they answered. 

<YouTubeVideo videoId="bYITOrMmyAg" />

Pizza is the perfect partner for [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce). Try it on a classic white [pizza with broccoli](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/spicy-broccoli-pizza-recipe) or add some snappy flavor to a cheese or Margherita pie.   Mule Sauce packets are just the right serving size for your slice-to-go. Need more to dip your crust? Opt for a bottle of Mule Sauce to make a pool of hot, sweet flavor.

We want YOU to tell us #HowDoYouMuleSauce. Post a photo or video of your favorite way to use Mule Sauce on social media, and don’t forget to add the hashtag #HowDoYouMuleSauce and tag @StickerMule in your post.

<ButtonCta text="Get Mule Sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce" />

Learn how local pizza place, Roman Pizza, does Mule Sauce.

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" />

##Transcription

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 card 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 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" />

Learn how to create your own business card design using Studio – the free online design tool from Sticker Mule.

How to make a classic beer cocktail with Mule Sauce

We asked [Frog Alley Brewing Company](https://frogalleybrewing.com/) #HowDoYouMuleSauce - this is how they answered.  

<YouTubeVideo videoId="N4x1evNpKl8" />

Make a Michelada, a classic beer cocktail, with a kick of heat from [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce). Here’s how:

__Ingredients:__

- Light-bodied beer
- Lime
- Salt
- Mule Sauce

__Steps:__

1. Take your favorite light-bodied beer (like a lager, pale ale, or Frog Alley’s kolsch). Pour into a glass, or feel free to mix it up right in the bottle or can
2. Add a squeeze of lime from 1-2 lime wedges (add as much as you like)
3. Shake some salt into your beer - equal to a small pinch
4. Spice it up with as many dashes of Mule Sauce as you like
5. Drink up!

We want YOU to tell us #HowDoYouMuleSauce. Post a photo or video of your favorite way to use Mule Sauce on social media, and don’t forget to add the hashtag #HowDoYouMuleSauce and tag [@StickerMule](https://www.stimulus.com/stickermule) in your post.

<ButtonCta text="Get Mule Sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce" />

Learn how to make a Michelada, a classic beer cocktail, with a kick of heat from Mule Sauce.

How to make a Sticker Mule public profile

Make your Sticker Mule public profile in seconds.

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

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

Next, click “Edit profile”.

Currently you can do the following:

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

More features coming soon.

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

How to skip proofing (and save time)

At Sticker Mule we’re always looking for ways to save you time. Now, when you upload perfect artwork, you can skip proofing to get your order even faster.

<WistiaVideo videoId="rwsjxpvji0" />

After checkout, we automatically scan the artwork in your order to estimate if a proof is necessary. If your artwork looks perfect we give you the option to skip proofing.

If you’re concerned about your artwork you can still request a proof as normal.

### What is perfect artwork?
If your artwork file is high quality and includes any necessary [cut line information](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line), we call that “perfect artwork.”

Some examples include:

- [Vector artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images)
- [Template artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/templates)
- [High resolution images](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale)
- [Repurposed artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/support/reuse-artwork)
- [Redraw designs](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw)
- [Studio designs](https://www.stickermule.com/studio)

Skipping proofing is just one more way Sticker Mule helps you save time and get your orders faster. Upload perfect artwork and try it today.

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

At Sticker Mule we’re always looking for ways to save you time. Now, when you upload perfect artwork, you can skip proofing to get your order even faster.

How to order custom t-shirts

We just launched [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts)! It’s the best way to turn any design into a kick-ass shirt.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="M3pWYC9AAVM?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

It’s now easier than ever to order custom t-shirts.

First, select a shirt color. We offer 6 base colors to choose from:

- White
- Black
- Midnight Navy
- Heather Gray
- Classic Orange
- Kelly Green

Next, enter a quantity for each size you want. Our sizes include: small, medium, large, XL, XXL. You can order one t-shirt for $19 or save money when you order multiple shirts at a time.

Next, upload your design. You can also specify where you’d like your design to be printed: full front, center chest, or pocket. We’ll automatically format your artwork and scale it appropriately for each size ordered.

Shortly after checkout, you’ll receive an online proof showing how your t-shirt will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy.

Each design is printed on a soft, tagless t-shirt, made of 100% ring spun cotton.

Every order is produced in 4 days or less and ships free (to U.S. & most countries worldwide).

Use custom t-shirts to promote your business, rally your team, start your own clothing line, or just to make your friends laugh.

<ButtonCta text="Order custom t-shirts" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />

We just launched custom t-shirts! It’s the best way to turn any design into a kick-ass shirt. Use custom t-shirts to promote your business, rally your team, start your own clothing line, or just to make your friends laugh.

Bubble the mailers, double the fun

We now offer [custom bubble mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bubble-mailers)!

<YouTubeVideo videoId="Bety-wMSq1I?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Bubble mailers are a popular option for shipping physical goods. Whether you run a small online shop or a major e-commerce business, custom bubble mailers are designed to help you deliver in style.

Each bubble mailer order can be printed in full color and includes fast production and free 2-day shipping. We ship fast so you can ship fast.

While [poly mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/poly-mailers) work well for shipping soft goods, bubble mailers feature a thick bubble lining to add extra protection to whatever’s inside.

Our bubble mailers are made from a durable, tear resistant polyethylene material and can be printed in full-color at no additional cost. Each mailer also features a self-adhesive strip, allowing you to quickly fill, seal, and ship your packages.

<ButtonCta text="Order custom bubble mailers" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/bubble-mailers" />

Bubble mailers are a popular option for shipping physical goods. Whether you run a small online shop or a major e-commerce business, custom bubble mailers are designed to help you deliver in style.