Custom stickers are one of the most affordable, creative, and effective tools for self-expression, branding, and marketing. Whether you’re selling them online, using them as part of your
packaging, or handing them out at events, your sticker design can make or break its appeal.
If you’re wondering how to make custom stickers that actually sell, you’re in the right place. At Unique Print, we’ve printed thousands of custom stickers for artists, small business owners, and major brands—and we know what works. Here are our top design tips to help your stickers stand out.
1. Start your Custom Sticker Project with a Clear Purpose
Before you jump into colors and fonts, ask yourself:
- What is this sticker for?
- Who is it meant to appeal to?
- Where will it be used?
Designing a sticker for laptop decoration is very different from creating a product label or a kids’ reward sticker. Knowing your audience helps you tailor your design for maximum impact.
2. Keep your stickers Bold and Simple
Tiny details can get lost—especially when your sticker is small. Stickers that sell tend to have:
- Bold lines and high contrast
- Minimal text
- Recognizable shapes or symbols
A clean design reads better from a distance and pops in photos, which is especially important if you’re selling online.
3. Choose Colors Strategically
Color evokes emotion and attracts attention. Consider:
- Bright, contrasting colors for fun and vibrant stickers
- Earth tones or neutrals for a more minimalist or eco-friendly vibe
- Brand colors if you’re designing for a business
Make sure your color palette works well in both digital and printed formats. We recommend using CMYK color mode for the best print accuracy.
4. Use High-Quality Graphics and Text
Stickers are printed at relatively small sizes, so quality matters.
- Use vector graphics whenever possible for sharp lines.
- Set your resolution to at least 300 DPI.
- Keep fonts legible—avoid super thin or elaborate script fonts unless they’re big enough to read easily.
If you’re not sure your file is ready for print, our team can double-check it for you.
5. Experiment With Shape and Cut Style
Your sticker doesn’t have to be a boring circle or square! Some popular cut styles include:
- Die-cut: follows the shape of your design
- Kiss-cut: easy-peel stickers within a square or rectangle backing
- Sticker sheets: multiple designs on one sheet, great for collections or themed sets
Unique shapes instantly grab attention and give your sticker a custom look.
6. Add a Finishing Touch
Want your sticker to feel premium? Consider finishing options like:
- Glossy or matte laminate
- Holographic or glitter effects
- Clear vinyl for see-through backgrounds
These small upgrades can make your stickers more desirable and help justify a higher price point.
7. Test Before You Launch
Before printing hundreds of stickers, try a small batch to test your design. Share samples with friends, post mockups on social media, and get feedback. You might be surprised at which designs people respond to the most!
Ready to Print Your Custom Stickers?
At Unique Print, we offer high-quality custom sticker printing with fast turnaround times and expert guidance. Whether you’re printing your first sticker sheet or ordering bulk custom stickers for your brand, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Need help with sticker design or file setup? Contact us anytime—we love bringing your ideas to life
Adam Greenberg
