How to Design a Label the Ultimate Guide

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Agreat label design is not only a practical business necessity, it can be an excellent space for creative ingenuity. Whereas logos often must be small and versatile, product labels provide a much larger canvas. But creative label design must serve a purpose: informing the prospective buyer about their purchase. They do so both directly—with copy that identifies and describes the product—and indirectly—with color and artwork that convey the overall experience. All in all, to design a label is to create an expectation, which is why it is so important to send the right message. How to design a label Design by OrangeCrush Designing a label can seem like a complicated undertaking at first. Labels must accomplish the task of standing out and evoking the product’s unique qualities all while fitting within the company’s established brand.

There are also technical considerations: what information to include and where, the shape of the container, and the limitations imposed by printing expenses. To simplify all of this, we’re going to walk you through every step in this complete guide to label design. The product label checklist — Before you can create or commission a label design, there are a few things that the client will need to have ready for the designer ahead of time. This will make the design process go much smoother, ensuring that you avoid any rushed, last-minute design changes due to a lack of planning. Packaging background remove service dimensions The container, of course, comes before the label. Begin by researching packaging suppliers or manufacturers (a quick Google search can help you find one in your area), and choose a container. Be sure to take note of the material, size/shape and pricing for bulk orders. There are common label sizes associated with most standard packaging types, such as a 12oz beer can or a 750ml wine bottle. Usually, as long as you know the packaging dimensions, the designer can creatively determine the appropriate label dimensions that will fit.



Label design for a cocktail syrup Design by green in blue Printing service The printing service will take the final design file and create your finished label. All the same, it is good foreplanning to find out the printer’s technical requirements and pricing before seeing a designer— file formats, sizing restrictions, costs for additional colors, or fancy extras like foiling, finishes and mattes. Some printing services (like Vistaprint) provide readymade blank label templates based on your dimensions. Selecting a printer in tandem with your packaging manufacturer will help you make sure the label size and adhesive will work with your packaging shape and material. Some packaging suppliers may double as a printing service or have printers they recommend (or vice versa). Logo and branding A label design is no substitute for a logo, and it is a common rookie mistake to commission a label design before giving any thought to your company brand. A logo represents the overall business’s identity through a simplified symbol whereas the label acts more or less as a signpost for a particular product.