How to Create Labels That Stand Out

Looking to make your brand stand out? Custom labels are where it’s at! Whether you're crafting product labels, address labels, or roll labels for bulk items, the right design can make all the difference. A great label not only catches the eye but helps shape how customers see your brand. Let’s dig into the essentials of designing labels that make a lasting impact, from picking materials to nailing the perfect finishing touches.

Start with a Purpose

Before you dive into design, think about why you’re creating this label in the first place. Is it showcasing key product details, doubling as an address label, or highlighting your brand? Are you slapping it on personal items or on products that will grace store shelves?

Knowing your label’s purpose will guide your decisions on material, size, color, font, and layout. It’s like creating a roadmap for your design. If you’re feeling stuck, grab a label template as a starting point. A clear purpose from the get-go will make your labels look sharp and communicate like a pro.

Choose the Right Material for Your Custom Labels

The material of your label isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the backbone of how your label will look and feel. Here’s a quick rundown of popular options:

Paper Labels

Affordable and perfect for items that don’t need water resistance, like address labels and indoor packaging. Paper labels keep it simple while looking great.

White and Clear Polypropylene Labels

Durable, waterproof, and made to last. Polypropylene (waterproof) labels are ideal for labels that might get wet, like those on bottles, jars, or bath products.

Silver Polypropylene Labels

Want to give your product a touch of luxury? Silver metallic labels add that premium vibe, while also making your brand stand out on any shelf.

The key? Choose materials that match your label’s environment. Got something that’ll face the elements? Go for polypropylene (waterproof) labels.

Design Tips for Eye-Catching Labels

When it comes to designing a standout label, color and typography are your best friends. Here’s how to make them work for you:

Color Choices

Stick to your brand colors for consistency, but don’t be afraid to choose colors that pop. Earthy tones like green and brown give a natural feel, while metallics like silver and gold scream luxury. Whatever you choose, make sure your text has enough contrast to be easily readable.

Fonts and Typography

Clear, readable fonts are a must. Use bold fonts for the product name or key info, and save lighter fonts for the smaller details. Keeping it to two fonts will help the design stay clean and polished.

Images and Icons

Add personality to your label with small images or icons. A leaf icon says “natural,” while a seal symbol can suggest quality. Icons quickly communicate features without bogging down the design.

Pro Tip: Try sketching out your layout first. It’s a great way to play around with ideas before jumping into design software.

Include Key Branding Elements

Your label should scream your brand! Keep essential branding elements like your logo, tagline, and colors front and center to ensure instant recognition.

Place your logo prominently, but make sure it doesn’t overshadow other important info. A tagline like “handcrafted quality” or “sustainably made” can add extra personality. Icons for “organic,” “vegan,” or “cruelty-free” can also be a great touch, communicating product qualities in a flash.

Add Finishing Touches for a Polished Look

A few thoughtful choices can take your label design from nice to knockout. Here’s how to choose the finishing touches that best suit your brand and product:

Matte vs. Glossy Finishes

Choosing between a matte and glossy finish can make all the difference in how your labels look and feel. Matte paper labels offer a soft, refined look that works great for brands with a minimalist or artisanal vibe. Glossy paper labels, on the other hand, have a vibrant, eye-catching shine that enhances colors and adds a bit of glam—perfect for products meant to stand out on the shelf. Both options are available in paper material, so you can pick the style that best fits your brand’s personality.

Metallic Finishes

For brands wanting to add a touch of luxury, a metallic finish on your label is a game-changer. Our silver polypropylene material lets you play with metallic effects to create standout designs. By selectively applying white ink, you can control where the metallic shine shows through. Leave areas without white ink to showcase the metallic silver, or add colors directly to the silver background for a custom metallic look in any hue. This flexibility lets you highlight specific design elements, giving your product a premium feel - simply specify white ink placement in the special instructions section at the cart page.

Clear Elements

Clear labels are a fantastic choice if you want your product to shine through. Made from durable clear polypropylene, these labels allow parts of your product’s packaging to show through the label itself, creating a seamless look. This is especially great for transparent or frosted bottles and containers where you want your product to be front and center while still showing off your brand. Clear labels add a modern, clean finish that’s perfect for products with a minimalist aesthetic or natural appeal.

By picking the right material and finish, you’ll create labels that stand out and make a memorable impression on your customers.

Test Your Label Design

Before printing a big batch, start small to test your label design on a real product to see how it holds up. Is the text easy to read? Are the colors on point?

It’s a good idea to check durability too. Expose the label to different conditions like moisture or changes in temperature to make sure it performs as expected. Testing ensures your labels look amazing and stand up to real-life use.

Finalize and Print with Stomp’s Custom Label Tool

Once your design is ready, it’s go time! Stomp’s easy-to-use design tool makes ordering a breeze. Upload your file, get a digital proof, make any tweaks, and approve the design. With fast printing, you’ll have your custom labels in hand in no time.

Stomp offers tons of material and finish options to match your brand style. Start by uploading your artwork today!

FAQs About Creating Custom Labels

What’s the best material for custom labels?

Paper is great for indoor use, while polypropylene (waterproof) is more durable and water-resistant, making it ideal for situations where the label is exposed to moisture or other elements.

How can I make my labels stand out on crowded shelves?

Bold colors, clear fonts, and finishing touches like metallic elements will grab attention.

Why are custom roll labels best for high-volume orders?

Roll labels are easy for machines to apply, saving time and cutting down on mistakes—perfect for large batches!

Do you offer white ink for custom labels?

Absolutely! Printing white ink on clear or silver labels creates a sharp, high-contrast look that stands out. Simply request the white ink placement in the special instructions section at the cart page.

How much does it cost to print product labels?

The cost of custom label printing varies based on factors like the type of material, label size, quantity, and any special finishes (such as metallic or gloss). Basic paper labels tend to be more affordable, while waterproof materials like polypropylene are slightly more costly due to their durability. Ordering in bulk generally lowers the per-label price, making custom label printing a budget-friendly option for high-volume orders.

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