Save up to 80% on UPS shipping rates with Ship

Introducing [Ship](https://www.stickermule.com/ship). A free tool to help you save time and money generating UPS shipping labels.

<WistiaVideo videoId="xc5sb7b35n" />

At Sticker Mule, we ship tons of packages every day. That’s how we learned to negotiate the best shipping rates available. Now we’re passing those savings on to you. Save up to 80% on UPS shipping rates with Ship.

##How it works
Ship has an easy to use interface and is completely free to use – you only pay for the labels.

To get started, add the address you want to ship to and the address you want to ship from.

![Ship addresses](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c444b448-660c-47f1-bd3d-6e2ae9e475f7)

Next, choose what type of package you are going to ship.

![Ship package configuration](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bfd5f888-1f9a-4f50-b620-c2445781f106)

Next, compare shipping rates, and select your desired shipping method.

![shipping methods](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fdb7907f-d0aa-4be3-9795-efeb32d683e1)

Print your label, stick it on your package, and drop it off at your [nearest UPS Store](https://www.theupsstore.com/tools/find-a-store).

You won’t get charged for the label until it’s received and scanned by UPS.

From the [Ship dashboard](https://www.stickermule.com/ship/home), you can track the status of all your shipments and easily share tracking information with your customers.

![Ship dashboard](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c923fb3b-87b9-47c9-882a-9ca25c4a3758)

Save time and money on your next shipment with Ship.

<ButtonCta text="Try Ship today" href="https://www.stickermule.com/ship" />


Introducing Ship. A free tool to help you save time and money generating UPS shipping labels.

Introducing Ship

Sticker Mule launches white label hot sauce

##Create your own brand with award-winning Mule Sauce

![ricky berwick custom hot sauce](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a349c5df-d7a9-40b3-b548-3f58306cf025)

*Globally recognized social media sensation Ricky Berwick is partnering with Sticker Mule to captivate audiences worldwide.* 

__AMSTERDAM, NY, Aug. 14, 2024__ – Sticker Mule, the Internet's most kick-ass brand, is excited to announce the arrival of its new White Label Hot Sauce, allowing customers to customize Sticker Mule's award-winning “Mule Sauce” with their own branding. 

To boost the debut of White Label Hot Sauce, Sticker Mule partnered with Internet personality Ricky Berwick. Together, they launched a [marketing campaign](https://x.com/stickermule/status/1823491742986850535) to promote this major new product. Berwick is a globally recognized social media sensation, celebrated for his creative and hilarious video content that captivates audiences worldwide.

"Mule Sauce started as a dare but it's become a sensation with 1 million bottles shipped annually. Now, with white label hot sauce, we're allowing everyone to use our award-winning recipe to promote their business, brand or just have fun," said Anthony Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule. 

Since launching in 2019, Mule Sauce has become a fan-favorite condiment, earning a loyal following with its unique sweet heat and versatility that enhances any dish. Mule Sauce has quickly positioned itself as an everyday hot sauce, rivaling iconic hot sauces like Tabasco, Frank's RedHot, and Sriracha.

“If you’re an influencer, you’re an idiot if you don’t buy white label mule sauce to grow your brand. I’m buying it and selling it because I’m not an idiot and because it’s delicious,” said Ricky Berwick. 

Sticker Mule’s white label hot sauce is perfect for restaurants, brands, influencers, or as a unique gift. Customers can easily upload their design, and Sticker Mule will prepare an FDA-compliant label. Or, start with a design template and create a label using Sticker Mule's intuitive [design tool, Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). Once the order is placed, customers receive an online proof showing how their hot sauce will look, with free revisions until they are happy.

Mule Sauce is featured in every White Label Hot Sauce bottle. It’s known for its perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a three-out-of-five heat intensity. It pairs well with nearly any dish and adds almost zero calories, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal.

For more information visit [Sticker Mule’s website](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-hot-sauce).

###About Sticker Mule
Sticker Mule is the best way to buy and sell custom merchandise, including stickers, t-shirts, magnets, buttons, labels, packaging, keychains, temporary tattoos, and an award-winning hot sauce. Founded in 2010, it’s now powered by 1,200+ people in 30+ countries, with factories in New York, South Carolina and Italy.

###About Ricky Berwick
Berwick is a globally recognized social media sensation, celebrated for his hilarious video content that captivates audiences worldwide. He was born with a physical disability (called Beals-Hecht syndrome) that limits his movements. Ricky embodies the message that “disability is not inability,” using his creative talents to entertain and inspire through his skits and witty reporting via the 'Crippled News'. The Canadian entertainer has also established himself as an entrepreneur, leveraging platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to build his brand and connect with millions.

###For media queries, please contact: 
James Colistra, Director of Public Relations, Sticker Mule

Email: james@stickermule.com


Create your own brand with award-winning Mule Sauce. Sticker Mule, the Internet's most kick-ass brand, is excited to announce the arrival of its new White Label Hot Sauce.

Make your own hot sauce bottles!

Make your own hot sauce brand with [white label hot sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-hot-sauce)!

<WistiaVideo videoId="zejycuu1gc" />

##Our sauce. Your label.

We already make [kick-ass hot sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce) and [kick-ass labels](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels). So we decided to combine the two and let everyone make their own kick-ass hot sauce bottles.

![bottles of white label hot sauce](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/61d0bd49-a0c5-4f0f-af33-6c6d18d29169)

White label hot sauce is perfect for local restaurants, marketing events, weddings, or gifts for your team.

Upload your design and we’ll automatically prepare an FDA-compliant label for your hot sauce. Or, start with a design template and design your hot sauce label with [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). After ordering, we’ll send you an online proof showing how your bottles will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy.

![custom hot sauce with tacos](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9679d2f0-4286-41fe-bdc3-7a2e8b6f7377)

Each bottle features our award winning [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce). It’s the best everyday hot sauce, pairs well with anything, and adds almost 0 calories. It features a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, measuring 3/5 in heat intensity.

Get your own hot sauce bottles today.

<ButtonCta text="Order white label hot sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-hot-sauce" />


Introducing custom white label hot sauce. Our sauce, your label. Create your own everyday hot sauce brand. Free shipping.

July 2024 updates

###New stores
We added over 400 stores this month, including big names like [Mike Tyson](https://www.stickermule.com/u/tyson) and [Ricky Berwick](https://www.stickermule.com/u/rickyberwick). We now have [over 7,300 stores and counting](https://www.stickermule.com/stats)!

###Sell on your store
We made it easier to add items to your store.

![sell items from the proofing screen](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e466cba8-a10a-4a5e-b6c5-07e61400c235)

As soon as you approve a proof, add it to your store with the click of a button. Or easily add previously ordered items from [your store page](https://www.stickermule.com/me).

###Goodbye profiles
All Sticker Mule Public Profiles are now [Sticker Mule Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores). This is a simple change that helps clarify our new mission of becoming the Internet’s favorite place to buy *and sell*.

###Studio updates
Now you can paste images directly to [your canvas](https://www.stickermule.com/studio), browse fonts by category, and search fonts on mobile. We improved image rendering and upgraded our Trace model for [better background removal](https://www.stickermule.com/trace).

###New video
We made a fun commercial to show off [custom tattoos](https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos).

<YouTubeVideo videoId="b7eb_L3cBPA" />

###X giveaways
We started giving away $500 for [every post we made on X](https://x.com/stickermule/status/1814824791699788072). Rumor has it, more crazy giveaways are coming soon.

###Redraw reviews
People love [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw). We made reviews public to show just how much (4.7 stars). [Convert any image to vector for $14](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) and see for yourself.

###What’s next?
We’ve got more exciting Store features & partnerships to announce soon. And a spicy update to [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce).

Don’t forget to be nice to people!


Learn about what we did in July. Including some exciting updates to Stores.

How to make custom QR code stickers

QR codes make it easy to direct people to a specific webpage, share WiFi, share contact information, and more.

With QR scanners being built directly into iPhone and Android cameras, there’s never been a better time to add custom QR codes to your IRL marketing and promotions.

As easy as QR code stickers are for people to use, they’re just about as easy for you to make.

##How to generate a custom QR code (free)
Generating a QR code is simple and doesn’t require any technical expertise.

First, head to [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). Studio is a completely free and easy to use online design tool for non-designers.

![design online, fast](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/065a5f14-5761-456f-81c9-20655af02b2b)

Click the *Create design* button.

Next, click the *Graphics* tab on the left side.

Here, you’ll see a handful of QR code styles. Each one is completely customizable. Select the design you want and it will get added to your artboard.

With the QR code design still selected you can choose between 4 different QR code types:
- URL
- WiFi
- Contact
- PDF

Select the type you want, fill out the necessary fields, and then click Generate QR code. The QR code on your artboard will automatically be updated. You can pull out your phone and instantly test the QR code for yourself.

With your custom QR code made, you can adjust the size, design, and colors however you like. Just be sure that the QR code itself has enough contrast with the background so it remains easily readable.

When you’re happy with your design, you can share it, download it, or immediately order prints.

##How to order custom QR code stickers
If you designed your QR code in Studio, click the Order prints button.

![Use QR codes for custom prints](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/600f507f-998e-45b0-8801-865f494c5d08)

From here you can adjust the size and quantity, then order your [custom QR codes stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers). Or browse other products to make [QR code magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets), [QR code floor graphics](https://www.stickermule.com/products/floor-graphics), and [more](https://www.stickermule.com/more).

If you already have a QR code design, simply order any of our [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers), then upload your design file.

Shortly after checkout, you’ll get an online proof showing how your custom QR code stickers will look before they’re printed. You can test the QR code and request changes to the design for free until you’re happy.

##Use QR code stickers today
QR code stickers are a great way to direct traffic to your site, share online restaurant menus, generate sales, share contact information, and engage with your customers.

![QR code stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/96ea79e0-60f9-4e81-bf1d-8d7d1a5be80d)

Start generating QR code stickers for your business today.

<ButtonCta text="Generate QR code sticker" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />


Learn how to quickly generate custom QR codes for free. Then use your QR codes to make custom stickers.

June 2024 updates. More ways to earn money with Sticker Mule.

Hopefully you find some time to kick back and relax this summer. And with our June updates you might even be able to earn money while doing so.

##New ways to earn passive income
![easily make money online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f350d906-cf30-4ce9-94f4-66185c9ad831)

###Commissions
We launched [Commissions](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions). Refer people to Sticker Mule and earn 10% on every order they place in their first year. Currently available in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with more regions coming soon.

###Stores
We launched [Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores) (beta). Stores makes it easy to sell your designs on custom products — and works alongside Commissions. Visit [stickermule.com/me](https://www.stickermule.com/me) to create your store and add items. Markup coming soon.

###Stats
We added [Stats](https://www.stickermule.com/stats). We love transparency so we’re making all the internal stats related to Commissions and Stores public! See total earnings, total products sold, and more.

##Improved design tools
![remove backgrounds with Trace](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fa32e671-0de1-4da4-a0db-3e89d9605110)

###Trace
We made big improvements to [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace). We updated the underlying AI model, resulting in cleaner, more precise background removal. Try Trace for free and see for yourself!

###Print
We made improvements to [Print](https://www.stickermule.com/print). Now all the functionality from Trace and [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) are built directly into Print – so you can remove the background and increase the resolution before ordering your custom products. And now you can also customize your artwork in [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) from Print with a single click.

##So many giveaways
![Tesla Cybertruck](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ef314af8-5a5d-4b5d-8929-6daebf9cf174)

###Cybertruck giveaway
We are [giving away a real Cybertruck on X](https://x.com/stickermule/status/1805719962767569062). Repost to enter.

###Stimulus giveaways
We added product giveaways to [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/). Connect your Stimulus account to Sticker Mule and [give away products](https://www.stimulus.com/stimulus/p/FcqnuBulSiud7wsgTEZ1jg) from your store. We also [added a $50 giveaway option](https://www.stimulus.com/stimulus/p/sEoBsagSTASnfv1aMFw6fA) to Stimulus. And you can now [see how many giveaways are running](https://www.stimulus.com/giveaways) on the platform at any given time.

###Stimulus Credit
We added [Stimulus Credit](https://www.stimulus.com/referrals). Now referrers and referrals both earn credit. The credit can be used for product giveaways – and soon for Stimulus Stores. Speaking of referrals, we also added [referral stats](https://www.stimulus.com/stats), so you can see how many people have signed up via referrals and how much has been given away.

##What’s next?
We’re continuing to focus on ways to help you earn money. We also have some exciting updates to our existing products. And of course, more giveaways.


With our June updates we introduced more ways to earn money with Sticker Mule.

How to make custom temporary tattoos from a photo

The Sticker Mule array of custom products just got a new addition: [custom temporary tattoos](https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos "custom temporary tattoos")!

![make custom temporary tattoos from photos](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9616189a-b832-41d0-ae98-97dd7f5ed354)

These newcomers are exactly what the name suggests: tattoos that you get to sport for a couple of days but that, just like an ephemeral Sunday afternoon, will eventually vanish without a trace.

The thing about temporary tattoos: they're a fantastic way to express yourself, with no limits to your creativity — and no commitment to wearing them the rest of your life. 

##Why choose temporary tattoos?

As most millennials will remember, temporary tattoos were big with kids in the '90s, and lately they've found a new burst in popularity — largely [driven by social media and influencer trends](https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/john-yuyi-instagram-artist "social media trends in custom tattoos").

It was time to bring that trend back, as temporary tattoos have plenty of fun applications (no pun intended!). You can use them to:

- Find out __how you would look like with tattoos__ (if you've never got one)
- __Try out a design before you commit__ to getting it inked on your skin forever
- Surprise everyone at work or at a party (and __let them think for a while you got an actual tattoo__)
- Use them as a fun way to incorporate your branding at __parties or events__ — you can even consider swapping party wristbands for party tattoos!
- Copy __tattoos from celebrities__ or movie characters for a bit of cosplay fun (we're partial to the John Wick 'Fortuna Fortis Adiuvat', not gonna lie)
- __Indulge the mean streak in you__ and horrify a purist family member, because why not
- Conversely, if you *are* the purist family member (oops), __let your kids play around with temporary tattoos__ — maybe this will keep them away from the real thing?

But really, the uses you can have for temporary tattoos from photos are limited only to your imagination and to how much fun you're prepared to indulge in.

##Choosing the right photo for your custom tattoo

![choosing the right photo for a custom printed tattoo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1508610e-e35b-45b3-9f48-5d4164dc3766)

One thing to keep in mind as you plan your awesome new temporary tattoos: your output is only as good as your input. (Or, as they say, "garbage in, garbage out".)

Here, this means you want to look for high-quality, sharp photos that will print well and look great as a tattoo. If your image has a low resolution or is pixelated, it won't translate well into a printed design — it may look blurry or simply not print clearly enough. 

If you found the perfect photo, but don't have it in a decently-sized file, remember you can leverage our free Upscale service to [increase the resolution of pictures with AI](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "upscale image ai free").

##Design considerations for temporary tattoos

Keep a few elements in mind when designing your custom temporary tattoos — these will help you get optimal results for your design.

- __Contrast__. A high-contrast image where at least one color pops out from the rest is a great way to craft a compelling and attention-grabbing tattoo.
- __Silhouette__. The more nitid a silhouette you get, the better your tattoo will look on your body. You want it to show clearly, not edges that fade into your skin.
- __Visual hierarchy__. Make sure you plan what parts of the tattoo you want to give more emphasis to, and which ones will be more immediately visible. For that, you can benefit from our free proofing process, which gives you a chance to check out your design before pulling the trigger on your custom tattoo order.
- __Color choices__. There is [plenty to be said about colors](https://www.glamour.com/gallery/cute-watercolor-tattoo-ideas "colorful tattoo ideas") and their impact on your tattoo design. For instance, small tattoos don't do so well with too many colors (as they can blend into each other and lose their sharpness); grey and black can be great for intricate, contrast-replete designs, and so on. One thing to note is that if there are [any white segments in your tattoo, they will print as transparent/see through](https://www.stickermule.com/support/can-you-print-white-ink-on-custom-temporary-tattoos "what happens when you print white ink on custom tattoos").
- __Scale/detail interplay__. More intricate designs tend to do better for larger tattoos, whereas less detail-rich graphics can be printed in a wider variety of sizes.
- __Design elements__. Pay attention to how the different design elements come together to form a nice tattoo. Lines, space, texture, balance, movement — these and other aspects will help in creating a tattoo that truly stands out.

##Using design software to create your tattoo

There is no shortage of options for designing your custom temporary tattoo. If Photoshop is your thing, you can of course craft your design there.

However, in case you're looking for an easier-to-use option, you'll find [Studio by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool for printing") is a handy tool that should more than meet your requirements. 

Studio is:

- __Browser-based__, meaning you can use it on pretty much any device
- Requires __no downloads__
- Allows you to __order with just a couple clicks__ once you finish your design
- Is free!

##Step-by-step guide on transforming a photo into a tattoo-ready design
![custom tattoo online design tool free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/78772eaa-f46a-4ae4-8134-98825ba2f9d7)

Depending on the picture in question, it can be easy enough to make it into a design ready for your skin. But regardless of difficulty, the following steps should see you through to your desired goal:

1. To begin with, __clean up your image__. This likely means removing any background that interferes with your design — and here, too, you can benefit from Sticker Mule's very own [background remover tool](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free background remover").
2. __Adjust the contrast and saturation__. Make sure your design gets to the desired level of sharpness and color intensity.
3. __Upscale your image__. If your image has a low PPI (pixel per inch) ratio, you may want to upscale it using our AI-leveraged tool, [Upscale by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "upscale image for free with ai"). This only takes a minute and can significantly improve your final result.

##Preparing your design for printing

With your image looking just the way you want it, it's time to prepare it for printing. This is a simple enough process:

- Make sure the __file format is an accepted one__. At Sticker Mule, we work with most common formats such as .jpg, .png, and .img.
- Preferably, use [vector artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/support/file-formats "best practices when printing with vector file formats"). If your file is not vector, it should have a PPI ratio of 300 or more
- Make sure your graphic __margins are not too large__
- Submit your design and sit tight — our team will get back to you with a __digital proof showing what your print will look like__

Additionally, you may want to try doing a test print on paper with your home printer before you approve the proof and we start the production process. If, as usual, your home printer isn't working, just chuck it out the window and proceed with your order. You should be fine!

###Creating a design from scratch

While [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design studio") may be super easy to use for creating tattoos from photos, sometimes it may be hard to get the creative juices flowing if you are designing a brand new design from scratch. In that case, a little-known trick to spudding potential custom tattoo designs is that you can hire professional digital artists to [design custom tattoos for you for as little as $5](https://www.fiverr.com/categories/graphics-design/tattoo-design "hire professional designers for tattoos"). 

Even if you don’t like the final result, the whole process can still be rewarding by helping you fine-tune your idea so you can eventually get an amazing result from what was just a little seed of an idea!

##Applying your custom temporary tattoo
![custom temporary tattoos application](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7c865f48-b191-4277-903c-cfe12c9a5414)

Now I hear you say, "This is just a temporary tattoo — no brainer!" Well, yes, but keep a couple things in mind to avoid smudging your design, ensure your tattoo keeps looking great on your skin for a little longer, and ensure safety.

- Make sure you __clean the area of application__ beforehand. Consider using a light moisturizer half an hour before you apply your tattoo
- __If you have thick/coarse hair, shave the area__ in question before application
- __Avoid heat, water, or dirt__ in the tattoo area for a couple of minutes after applying
- If you're concerned about potential allergic reactions, __try testing the tattoo on a small patch of skin__ before making the final application. If you're allergic to adhesive, avoid applying to sensitive or broken skin areas

When your temporary tattoo has served its term and it's time to take it off, any of the below methods works fine (and better than soap and water, which we don't recommend):

- Baby oil/olive oil/other analogous oils
- Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
- Scotch tape (but if you have thick hair, [you know what to expect](https://youtu.be/6CTSUjT4Xuk?si=yb7a9HVe1zg618xC&t=44 "funny ripping hair scene from 40 year old virgin")!)

##Creative uses for your custom temporary tattoos
![custom fake tattoos from sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ff1940d0-2578-412e-a7a2-360147816c95)

There is no lack of creative ideas for your temp tattoos. Try these personal ideas:

- Give out as swag to promote your own personal brand
- Flaunt at festivals and parties
- Experiment and test your looks before committing to a real tattoo
- Incorporate as part of your cosplay
- Challenge yourself or friends to wear bold tattoos publicly — for a day!
- Have fun with your kids
- …and many more!

And that's not all. Temporary tattoos also have quite a few professional applications, not least of which is their use as branding for business, in giveaways, as part of promotional events or commemorations, and, of course, as merchandise.

##Conclusion

Just as with any of our other main products, [custom temporary tattoos](https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos "custom temporary tattoos") are above all about having fun. Whether as a conversation starter or a way to have a few laughs with friends, temporary tattoos are the perfect way to exercise your creative side a little.

Now is the time to tap into your creativity and explore new avenues for your style. Try our custom temporary tattoos — the quality is on us, and the fun is on you!

<ButtonCta text="Create your own custom tattoos from photos today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos" />

 Learn to transform any photo into a custom temporary tattoo with our easy guide. Perfect for personal use or events. Click for full instructions!

Step-by-step campaign marketing guide using custom buttons

Do pin-back buttons win campaigns? Well, if you're looking to gain an edge for your campaign, they just might be the answer!

[Campaign buttons](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/campaign-buttons "custom campaign buttons for politics") are a quirky way to grab people's attention and __they boost voter turnout__. And if you get your messaging right, you might just end up creating an iconic piece of American history.

![i like ike custom campaign button slogan](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/487149d6-4c59-4d42-8bd9-250ab49da208)

Their appeal is easy to understand. Pinback buttons are an easy, but subtle way to convey support for your politician of choice. Often, a person who would rather not flaunt their political allegiances in yard signs or car decals will still be open to the discrete, but firm political messaging that campaign buttons offer.

This, by the way, is key. If you're planning to add pinback buttons to your campaign swag items, it goes without saying you want to focus on your messaging. A campaign button may be a simple enough object, but if done well it is an amalgamation of your entire strategic planning. Let's find out how.

##Step 1: Establishing the foundation: Identifying key issues and messaging

![political canvassing with custom campaign buttons](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c5cad06e-f26b-4668-8bb0-22b0e6b81457)

Your messaging is only as effective as the issues underlying it. This means to craft a powerful and compelling narrative, you will need a wide grasp of your voters' preferences: what they're happy and unhappy about, what they fear most, what impacts their day-to-day lives and well-being the most.

This, of course, is politics 101. But it's still worth emphasizing.

- Getting into the hearts and minds of people is what canvassing is all about:
- Going from door to door
- Getting to know the people who'll be (hopefully) electing you
- Finding out what matters to them.

This is also where you'll want to harness the [power of polling](https://www.pewresearch.org/course/public-opinion-polling-basics/ "power of polling in political campaigns"). Polling is one of the most impactful political institutions brought to us by the last century. It's your best systematic tool for __gauging preferences on a large scale__ and avoiding deadly biases, and __should not be disregarded__ no matter whether you're running for state attorney, councilman, or even a seat in Congress.

###Campaign pin-up buttons in practice

Want to see an example of proper political messaging? Look at Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign. 

Take the issue in everyone's mind — the economy, as the US was in the midst of a recession. Polling amply confirmed that [82% of US voters found the economy to be either fairly or very bad](https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/03/us/the-1992-campaign-poll-in-poll-voters-are-unhappy-with-all-the-choices.html#:~:text=The%20level%20of%20concern%20about%20the%20economy%20remains%20remarkably%20high%3A%2082%20percent%20say%20it%20is%20either%20%22fairly%20bad%22%20or%20%22very%20bad.%22 "when polling is bad using messaging"). Then take the need to deliver a pithy, convincing message, and remember brevity is the soul of wit. 

Mix all these ingredients and we get the famous slogan: "It's the economy, stupid."

That's the sort of message you aim for. Short, yes. But very, very well-planned.

###Other prominent examples
![gallery of campaign buttons throughout usa history](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a76b6314-a0a6-45ee-84c2-119fe48cd8e1)

Let's go over a few more historical instances, shall we?

- A message that seeks to inspire: The Obama "Hope and Change" slogan button
- A recovery promise: Reagan's "Let's Make America Great Again", repurposed and made famous by Trump's 2016 campaign
- A bit of humor: Nixon's "They Can't Lick Our Dick" campaign button (Yes, seriously.)
- And finally, a good apolitical example: Wendy's 80s "Where's The Beef?" button

##Step 2: Creating impactful campaign buttons
So campaign buttons are essential to political messaging. Why? A few reasons. 

- They're inexpensive
- Easy to produce
- Easy to wear 
- They are a quiet way to express support

Plus, they're a great little thing to hand out in canvassing, in campaign committee meetings, or to friends and acquaintances. 

Most importantly, they are a neat little mobile packaging of your political campaign: name, logo, voting date, slogan, and party colors. All of these can be combined to make the perfect campaign button.

###Craft a button your grandson will want
![custom buttons that make a grandfather and grandson happy](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a88a3daa-cdac-460b-a3b5-60479aae9273)

Here's one thing to keep in mind when designing your campaign buttons: people like them because they're durable. Definitely more durable than your average election swag.

I mean, who keeps old election yard signs lying around? Not too many people I know of. Dirty, beaten down, worn off decals don't have that much of a life expectancy either. But a campaign button?

That, my friend, is a collectible. The best ones will pin themselves onto the fabric of American history, and be handed down for generations to come. Some will even make it into [famous museum collections](https://youtu.be/OU-AMdbWbRA "video of famous museum collections"). 

##Step 3: Integrating buttons into canvassing
![custom political campaign buttons](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/145d14f1-38ad-4497-ada8-91926759d7f8)

Campaign buttons can be a great device for your canvassing — and canvassing, as you know, plays a key role in election campaigns. Face-to-face interaction with voters will help you gain insights into their thinking, but it also __makes you a more concrete person to them__, increasing trust and familiarity.

In fact, canvassing is crucial not only for gaining and understanding voters, but as a core component of your __get-out-the-vote strategy__ — that is, convincing your electors to [do the irrational act](https://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/fall-2012-politics-issue/does-your-vote-really-count-why-act-voting-irrational/ "does an individual vote even matter anymore") of getting up and going to the ballot box for you.

This is why it's fundamental to train your canvassers on:

- Communicating a consistent message
- Active listening
- Compassion for voter’s lived experiences
- Extemporizing to connect with voters

You and your team can benefit from courses such as [this master class on canvassing](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-canvassing-learn-about-the-campaign-technique "masterclass on what canvassing is"), on top of understanding basic voting psychology, voters' biases, and how to talk to voters.

Campaign buttons play well into canvassing, not only as a way for canvassers to identify themselves but also as a small gift to voters.

##Step 4: Enhancing canvassing effectiveness

A few strategies go a long way to making your canvassing more effective. Make sure you provide proper training to new canvassers — above all, they should be familiar with good conversation practices. 

Keep in mind that __canvassing is a campaign all of its own__, so it should have a clear objective — whether that is to acquaint yourself with new voters or to simply get them out to vote (GOTV).

You should also __have a set script for canvassing conversations__, including the line of argument to follow and answers to common voter questions. It's also a good idea to have your volunteers train among themselves, simulating conversations with voters and answering frequent points.

A practiced canvasser will also find ways to go beyond the script to drive home his or her point. 

One way to do that is by sharing a personal story that ties in to the reason why it's important to vote, for example. Another, as mentioned above, is to leave a campaign button that both serves as a physical reminder of the visit — and a call to action, — and draws on the positivity that comes from receiving a gift.

##Step 5: Data-driven canvassing optimization
To ace your canvassing game, you'll need a good plan for the several aspects you'll be tackling, such as:

- __Managing__ your canvassing team
- Providing __field reports__ and collecting insights
- __Scheduling__ events 
- __Building and segmenting__ a contact database

For these and more, it can be a good idea to leverage the power of technology. There are plenty of software CRM targeting specifically this type of political activity, such as [E-Canvasser](http://ecanvasser.com/ "canvassing software for elections") or [Mobilize](https://www.mobilize.us/ "mobilization software for political campagins").

A centralized platform will help keep track of the many different aspects a canvassing operation entails, allowing you to __adjust your strategies based on the collected feedback and data insights__.

In its turn, this feedback can be leveraged towards adapting or reformulating your campaign messaging, as well as refining the messages in your buttons and other campaign swag.

##Step 6: Building social proof with button visibility
There is another way buttons support your campaign, and that is by __building social proof for your campaign__. Social proof — the phenomenon whereby people tend to mimic the behaviors of other members of their social sphere — can be leveraged through __visibility and a sense of sharedness__, and that's where buttons make their mark.

The simple act of wearing a badge, button, logoed t-shirt, or any symbol of some sort, can make a person feel more connected to the cause or institution associated with it. This, in turn, [strengthens the perceived value](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endowment_effect "what is the endowment effect") of their membership and the actions associated with it. Which, in this case, is __going out to vote__.

With this in mind, you can distribute your campaign buttons at meetings or public events and have your canvassers wear them and carry some to give out to other contacts. As seen above, __buttons carry a perception of value__ (a collectible, a nifty little token) that makes them an excellent giveaway for your campaign supporters.

Finally, don't forget the power of the Internet. Make sure your button-distributing campaign is __well-represented on your main social media__: sharing pictures of the buttons and people wearing them will make them seem more desirable and bring further visibility to your campaign.

##Step 7: Microtargeting with customized buttons
![targeting political campaigns with custom buttons](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/afe274b6-73c4-489e-a903-7b71f9fbf7c7)

Want to take the power of your button campaign even further? Consider targeting specific voter demographics and customizing your buttons accordingly.

How this could work is simple:
- Once you have a large enough database on your electorate, you __begin by segmenting according to relevant demographics__ — age bracket, minority groups, commitment to social or environmental causes, gender, and so on. That's something that should be par for the course in any campaign.
- Next, brainstorm with your team and __come up with different button designs that appeal to different demographics__. Ideally, you'll be able to bring to button form the different causes your campaign is committed to, whether that's individual rights or environmentalism. 
- Finally, remember to __style your buttons according to the groups they're targeted for__. Millennials might appreciate a more minimalistic design whereas a baby boomer would like a more classic style. (Never mind Generation X, they're all online.)

To distribute these targeted buttons, __leverage the power of your databases__ (hopefully you are building a good one with the right platform) to determine where to distribute which — whether that's in train station gatherings, town hall meetings, or good old door-to-door knocking.

##Step 8: Continuous strategy evaluation and adjustment
It's hard to get things right the first time, so be sure to give yourself space to experiment with different ideas and adjust as the feedback comes in. 

Remember to be organized with your A/B testing —  that is, testing how two or more sets of parallel ideas work with different groups, and drawing actionable conclusions from the results. This can be used for your general campaign messaging, but also for specificities such as your campaign swag: distribute different batches of buttons and other campaign swag to different canvasser teams, keeping a record on how these are received. This will help you orient going forward.

As with anything else, the secret to success is observing and adapting, even if that means never getting out of a [constant improvement loop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OODA_loop "why improving constantly is good").

##Step 9: Integrating buttons with overall campaign strategy
Your campaign buttons are all the better if they tie in with the rest of your campaign strategy. This means you should:

- __Retain messaging consistency__ throughout your campaign swag, online marketing materials, etc. 
- Pair your pin-up button with your campaign's __overall visual themes__
- Seek to __integrate your buttons__ with other parts of your campaign. 

For this last point, think __social media themes, popular moments__ in the campaign, and even __memes that arise during the campaign__ — all of these provide good opportunities to up your campaign badge game. 

Recent case in point: two pins for the 2024 election (see below). One is pro-Trump, one is pro-Biden. Both reflect a good dose of self-aware humor, with one playing on Trump's famous social media presence and the other rolling with the "Dark Brandon" meme that was even embraced by the President himself.

![political campaign buttons from 2024](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/12152ac3-77ac-45fa-a5f2-d536626b6142)

These are just a couple of examples, but the potential for integrating your pin-back buttons with the social media environment is virtually (no pun intended) limitless. You can simply go online, find what light your campaign is being portrayed in, the memes about it, etc., and take your ideas from there. 

Before you know it, you'll have a campaign button worth speaking of!

##Step 10: Post-campaign reflection and learning
Once the campaign is over, it's time to reflect and summarize what you learned from it. That's regardless of the result. Whether a bitter defeat or a resounding victory, this campaign is unlikely to be the last. And in today's fast-shifting environment, drawing the right conclusions can give you the edge you need for the next time around.

There is no lack of tools here, either. You'll want to compare survey data to actual results, gather insights from advisers and campaign collaborators, and — very importantly — keep in touch with your voters and maintain a tight database of the contacts made along the way. 

##Conclusion

Ultimately, the success of political campaigns hinges on a wide variety of factors. Current societal trends, how effective your team is, how effective the opposition is, the value of your campaign promises. And so on.

Some of these things may be outside of your control. But key ones aren't. You can always __improve your strategy, up the vigor of your campaign__, and __boost the enthusiasm__ of your followers. These things are malleable and, to no small extent, willpower-driven.

So be proactive. Think of all the ways you could be improving the way you move your campaign marketing forward. And don't forget to leverage the historically-proven power of campaign buttons to drive your point home, pin it, and make it something to remember.

<ButtonCta text="Start winning campaigns with custom buttons!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/campaign-buttons" />



Discover the ultimate guide to leveraging custom buttons in your political campaign. Essential reading for anyone aiming to secure victory. Learn how now!

How to remove the background from your logo

Whether you are a professional designer or happen to dabble in image editing from time to time, you've probably needed to edit a logo at some point or another.

Maybe you needed to repurpose a graphic, or maybe the job was simply to fine-tune a logo. Whatever the specifics, you've also likely had to remove a logo background at some point — and that isn't always an easy task. Depending on the complexities of the logo, detaching it from the graphic background can range from a bit of a headache to a well-nigh impossible and time-consuming undertaking.

![free background remover AI app](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fba7428d-0154-42fa-9a00-a08cd8b99c77)

[Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free online background remover app") is here to help ease that task — remove the logo background, remove your headache, clear that furrow on your brow, and leave you with a neat and happy logo file that you can use anywhere.

It's all free and very intuitive, so let's show you how to make the most of Trace.

##What is Sticker Mule's Trace?

[Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "remove background from image for free") is a browser-based image background remover. That means you can use it without installing any software, whether on your laptop, phone, or tablet.

To remove the background from your image, Trace leverages AI technology that recognizes the central object or theme in your picture and instantly detaches it from the rest.

You can use Trace to remove the background from a photograph (and convert it into a [custom sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers online")) or with your logos and other professional graphics. The main thing is that Trace, while carefully developed and highly effective, is also a fundamentally accessible and easy-to-use tool. 

Plus, it's 100% free, whether you use it for 1 or 100 files.

##Benefits of removing the background from your logo

There are quite a few scenarios where you might want to cleanly detach your logo from its background. A few instances might be:

- __You don't have access to the original logo file__ and need to extract it from a website or from another file (in that case you might also want to use [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "improve the resolution of any image for free with AI") for a higher-definition graphic.)
- __You want to use your logo on top of other marketing materials__, such as a website banner or even a [wall decal](https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics "custom wall decals and stickers"), but without an unseemly white margin spoiling your looks.
- __You need your logo as a watermark__, whether for a business presentation or a PDF user guide.

And, of course, there's no end of possibilities to use your logo as branding. Take packaging, for instance. You can add your logo to everyday and seemingly unimportant items such as [packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape "custom packing tape"). There are few better ways to increase brand awareness and client retention at such a low cost.

Another example? Social media. A [2022 Renderforest Survey](https://www.renderforest.com/blog/brand-statistics "brand statistics study") shows that 75% of consumers think a brand's logo is its most identifiable symbol. If you want social media recognition, featuring your logo front and center across your media stack is a must.

There's no such thing as overexposing your logo, so it's a good idea to make sure you have a readily available logo file (with no pixelated background parts attached!)

##Using Sticker Mule's Trace — Step by step

If you've decided to give Trace a go for your logo project, that was the main step you needed to learn about. The rest is super straightforward:

1. Head over to [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free image background remover") and log in to your Sticker Mule account. If you don't have one, registering is just a couple of clicks (use your email or connect with your Google account.)
2. Click '__Choose file__' or drag and drop your graphic to the central area on the page. You can upload pretty much any image format, including JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, WEBP, and so on.
3. After a few seconds, you'll be redirected to a 'Trace complete' page. And that's it! Download your newly minted, background-less logo, or send it directly to print with one of our custom products.
4. [Optional] If you want to continue editing your logo, one click on the '__Customize__' button will take you to our [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design software tool") tool, where you can further improve your logo or even add a new background to it altogether.

Here's an example of a quick Trace conversion. As you can see, the graphic was neatly separated from its background:

![remove background from photo for free for a logo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c6a8fa39-7258-452b-b8e3-7a5282c930e8)

##Tips for best results

What can you do to ensure Trace outputs the best possible version of your logo? There are a couple of things to have in mind:

- __Upload a graphic with the highest possible definition__. The sharper your initial graphic, the better your output will be, so make sure the uploaded image has a good pixel ratio.
- __Consider enhancing your image before running it through Trace__. You can easily do that with [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "ai upscale image"), as mentioned above.
- __Further refine your Traced logo with Studio__. Another great image-editing Sticker Mule tool is [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "design online for free"), also free, browser-based, and super intuitive. Use it to enhance your logo further or give it a new background, if needed.

##Applications for background-free logos

Let's recap once more some of the many brand-recognition uses for your transparent background logo:

- Adding your logo to [custom packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-packaging "custom packaging printing"), such as packaging tape, mailers, or [stand-up pouches](https://www.stickermule.com/products/stand-up-pouches "custom printed stand up pouches")
- Superimposing your logo onto website banners, headers, or avatars
- Printing your logo on [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom sticker") for giveaways
- Making [custom branded t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts for brands") for your employees or branded merch
- Watermarking presentations, website pages, product use instructions, and other company content
- Using your logo as a social media avatar
- Creating new versions of your logo with other colors
- …and plenty of other applications. 

##To sum up

Logos are the essence of branding — they are and should be everywhere. If you agree with us, it's time to generate your own background-free logo file. Do that and you'll be well on your way to giving your customers the coveted branded experience.

<ButtonCta text="Try removing your logo background with Trace now!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />



Learn a simple way to create professional logos by removing the background from any image with our background remover tool called Trace! Simply upload any image or photo and watch the background instantly vanish before your eyes...it's like AI magic!

How to design custom t-shirts from scratch

There are few things as fun as literally wearing your own creation. This is perhaps why [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts") have become so popular over the past few years — they're a way to showcase your creativity, have fun with new designs, and easily dress in a unique way.

![woman wearing gray custom t-shirt from sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b62d9766-23d8-4e3c-8df9-bda597865bf2)

It's perhaps no surprise, in fact, that the global market for custom-made clothes has been on a meteoric rise — worth $51.8 billion in 2021, it's [projected to reach no less than $131.6 billion by 2030](https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/custom-made-clothes-market-101188 "custom t-shirt and clothing market trends"). It's no secret: people want to dress custom.

##Designing your custom t-shirts

There are plenty of ways to design your own t-shirts, but few, if any, are better than Studio.

###What is Studio? 

Essentially, it's a canvas for your creativity — a browser-based, user-friendly platform for devising your own designs and creating your own custom-made products.

Unlike other, more complicated apps, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool with free templates") removes all the hurdles from your creative process, at the same time providing an ample library of templates as a starting point for your creative endeavors. 

##How to use Studio

To work with [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool"), all you need is a browser and an internet connection. In fact, you can even create from your smartphone. Let's take a look at how that process works.

###1. Choose a template

![custom t-shirts free templates](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/66e723bc-d2e4-48d0-b857-735f0ffe24f6)

Studio comes with a [vast library of free t-shirt templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts "free custom t-shirts templates"). Whether you are designing a t-shirt for a sports team, for your company, or just for good old fun, you'll likely find a Studio template that's just the right starting point for your needs.

And don't worry about spending time thumbing through templates either; just select the category you have in mind and browse the top templates for that particular subject.

###2. Edit your template

![editing a custom shirt template online free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bc722438-7cb7-4047-87cc-3294b37c1d74)

Even if your template is nothing more than a blank canvas, editing is as easy as adding new text or drawing elements, dragging them into place, adding color… it's all done in a few clicks (or taps, if you're on your phone). 
While you're at it, keep in mind a few key points to ensure your design looks well put together and appealing, including:

- The right combination of colors. It's not about how many colors you work into your design, but the extent to which they match. You can do some research on how different colors complement each other, for starters, and play with several combinations as you go.

- Text is often the first thing that gets noticed in a design, so use fonts that match the vibe you're going for. We [wrote a bit on the subject of fonts](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/what-is-the-easiest-font-to-read-on-posters-and-flyers "best fonts to use for t-shirts and poster printing") before, but it is a topic worth exploring in depth, as it can make or break your visual style.

- Placement. How harmonious the different elements in your overall design look — that's also key to your success. You can find out a little more about the rules of design composition and layout [here](https://99designs.com/blog/tips/design-composition-and-layout/ "tips on design composition").

###3. Print it out

Once you're happy with your design, you can download it or send it straight to print with Sticker Mule. All you have to do is choose your t-shirt size, quantity, and order. Before your t-shirt is produced, you'll get a free sample proof showing you what it'll look like with your design — if need be, you can request further changes before giving the green light for the printing process. 

Once you complete your order, your t-shirts will be coming to you in just a few days!

##Printing your custom t-shirt

Did you know you can print your own custom t-shirt at home and at little cost to yourself? That's one of the options we'll explore below.

###DIY printing

If you're a fan of doing things yourself, why not try DIY t-shirt printing? It's easy, doesn't take long, and yields fairly good results for more casual use cases. 

Take a look at [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1QSgRSzoFY "create your own t-shirt at home tutorial") and you'll see you don't even have to invest in complicated equipment to print your own t-shirts (although you can get professional results if you're willing to fork out around $1300 as an initial investment for a shirt-printing machine!)

To print your own custom design onto a t-shirt at home, all you need are a regular printer, an iron and ironing board, a blank t-shirt, and some transfer paper.

The steps are simple, too:

1. Print your design onto a sheet of transfer paper
2. Lay out your t-shirt onto the ironing board and place the transfer area over the area you want your design to be printed on
3. Carefully iron over the design a few times, making sure you smooth out the whole of the design.
4. Remove the backing on your transfer paper and glory in your newly-printed t-shirt!

That's the gist of it, anyway.
 
##Going the professional route

![custom t-shirts of cats and pets](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9edbff82-a284-4b5a-a805-c8704fbe4859)

DIY printing is a fun way to personalize your tees at a low cost, but it may not be for everyone. For starters, the quality of the design will inevitably turn out to be inferior to the design on a professionally printed t-shirt — the shapes will be less crisp and nitid, and the design is likely to wear off faster. 

On top of that, it's a time-consuming process. If you want your design stamped on a large number of t-shirts, you'll find yourself spending hours ironing stuff back and forth. Maybe not the best investment for your time.

###Online printing services

With that in mind, there's a simpler alternative: [get your custom t-shirts printed out for you](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts printing") by a professional printing service like yours truly, Sticker Mule.

It'll save you headaches and the potential disappointment of making a mess of your design — and ruining a t-shirt. And that inevitably happens on a long enough timeline of printing your own stuff.

In fact, if you intend to print your design on a large number of t-shirts, you may find ordering your tees from an online service can be a lot more cost-effective. Just check out the mouth-watering bulk discounts we offer on [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom shirts printing") — order enough and you can find yourself paying less than $10 for professionally printed, high-quality, 100% cotton t-shirts.

Order now and enjoy holding your crisp, nice new tees a few days from now!

##Conclusion

As you can see, designing your very own t-shirt with Studio is a no-brainer. All it takes is a browser, an internet connection, and a little bit of inspiration — and remember our 2000+ templates are all there to help you with that!
Plus, once you have your design ready, sporting it in quality-printed t-shirts is only a matter of a few clicks and a few days' wait. Your Sticker Mule-made t-shirts will stick around for years.

<ButtonCta text="Browse all the free custom t-shirt templates today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts" />


Your step-by-step guide to designing your own custom t-shirts online for free. When you're happy with the design you can either order them online or print them at home!

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