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The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Sticker Makers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
You’ve got your design ready, a great idea brewing, and a shop waiting to be stocked, but your first sticker order? That’s where things can start to feel a little scary.
Because here’s the truth: even the most creative people make the same few mistakes when printing stickers for the first time. And yes, they’re easy to avoid once you know what they are.
Let’s walk through the biggest ones so your first order is a smooth, sell-out success.
What are die-cut stickers?
Die-cut is a method that cuts through the sticker material and backing paper. This means die-cut or contour-cut stickers can be precisely cut to the shape of your design. Die-cut can of course be traditionally square, circular or rectangular. Still, you also have the option to have the cutline follow the contours of your artwork, adding the possibility to make them more visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
Contour-cut stickers can offer several advantages; their possibility of unique shapes has the potential to create a polished and professional appearance, elevating the overall aesthetic of your design. The high level of flexibility, as they can be cut into any shape, adds versatility which enables you to create stickers that perfectly align with your creative vision.
Die-cut stands in contrast to kiss-cut stickers, a technique that involves only cutting through the sticker/vinyl layer and not through the backing paper. Kiss-cut stickers are perfect for creating peel-off stickers, and it’s often used for sticker sheets with multiple designs on a single backing paper.
What are die-cut stickers?
Die-cut is a method that cuts through the sticker material and backing paper. This means die-cut or contour-cut stickers can be precisely cut to the shape of your design. Die-cut can of course be traditionally square, circular or rectangular. Still, you also have the option to have the cutline follow the contours of your artwork, adding the possibility to make them more visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
Contour-cut stickers can offer several advantages; their possibility of unique shapes has the potential to create a polished and professional appearance, elevating the overall aesthetic of your design. The high level of flexibility, as they can be cut into any shape, adds versatility which enables you to create stickers that perfectly align with your creative vision.
Die-cut stands in contrast to kiss-cut stickers, a technique that involves only cutting through the sticker/vinyl layer and not through the backing paper. Kiss-cut stickers are perfect for creating peel-off stickers, and it’s often used for sticker sheets with multiple designs on a single backing paper.
What are die-cut stickers?
Die-cut is a method that cuts through the sticker material and backing paper. This means die-cut or contour-cut stickers can be precisely cut to the shape of your design. Die-cut can of course be traditionally square, circular or rectangular. Still, you also have the option to have the cutline follow the contours of your artwork, adding the possibility to make them more visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
Contour-cut stickers can offer several advantages; their possibility of unique shapes has the potential to create a polished and professional appearance, elevating the overall aesthetic of your design. The high level of flexibility, as they can be cut into any shape, adds versatility which enables you to create stickers that perfectly align with your creative vision.
Die-cut stands in contrast to kiss-cut stickers, a technique that involves only cutting through the sticker/vinyl layer and not through the backing paper. Kiss-cut stickers are perfect for creating peel-off stickers, and it’s often used for sticker sheets with multiple designs on a single backing paper.
Eliminate file errors
Always, always (we mean it), design and export in CMYK color mode to make your printed stickers true to your design. Try to design in real print size and save in high resolution (300 dpi is ideal).
File setup made simple
Upload your design in any common format (PNG, JPG, PDF, AI, or PSD), and our proofing system shows you exactly how your sticker will look before you hit print.
Choose the right material
Our regular white vinyl material can't go wrong, but if you're after flair and adding that lil' extra to your stickers, opt for holographic, glitter, or any of our special materials.
Custom cuts done right
Our editor shows you the final shape of your sticker based on your chosen shape. You also have the opportunity to choose the thickness of the cutline: small, medium, or large.
Pro tip: Leave a comment
If you have special requests regarding material or effect placement, or if the default cutline doesn’t follow the shape of your design, leave us a comment, and we’ll work our magic.
Still unsure? Ask for help!
Still unsure? Our Customer and Graphic Support Team loves helping creators fine-tune their first designs. You’re not bothering us; it’s literally our favorite part of the job.
Ready to skip the rookie mistakes?
Creating stickers that look and feel professional isn’t about luck, it’s about finding the right partner.
With StickerApp, your first order doesn’t have to be a learning curve — it can be the start of something you’re truly proud to sell.
Upload your design today at StickerApp.com and turn your ideas into stickers that actually match your vision.
