Crackling with an entrepreneurial spirit and propelled by a surge of creativity, an unexpected hero has been capturing the DIY space - stickers. These small art pieces have swiftly become a cultural phenomenon and transformed simple decorations into a thriving industry.
But, as every artist knows, your brush matters just as much as your vision. In the world of DIY stickers, your equipment shapes your business’s trajectory. It’s not enough to just understand the market; selecting the right tools is an equally vital aspect of your sticker-making journey.
Without jumping too far ahead, let’s acknowledge the impressive capabilities of our own laser and blade cutting machine, the xTool M1. It is a hybrid machine that cuts and engraves materials, making it an ideal tool for crafting customized stickers.
image credit: unsplash
Further, this article aims to illuminate your path through this sticker-studded landscape, where making and selling your own stickers can turn into a prosperous endeavor.
In This Article
- What You Need to Start Making Your Own Stickers?
- What Types of Stickers Can You Make?
- How to Design Your Stickers to Sell?
- How to Make Stickers to Sell?
- How to Sell Your Stickers?
- FAQs of Making Stickers
What You Need to Start Making Your Own Stickers?
If you want to make your own stickers to sell, it requires more than just a keen eye for design and a passion for creativity. You will need several essential materials and pieces of equipment.
1. Sticker Paper
Sticker paper forms the base of your product. Depending on the type of stickers you wish to create, you may choose between vinyl, clear, glossy, matte, or even waterproof sticker paper.
2. Design Software
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced designer, you will need graphic design software to bring your sticker ideas to life. Adobe Illustrator and Canva are popular choices for professionals while beginners can try using free online sticker tools like Canva.
3. High-Quality Printer
If you want your stickers to be as good as your designs, you need an exceptional printer. A printer that handles high-resolution prints, and is compatible with the type of sticker paper you are using.
Two options are commonly available for sticker printing-laser and inkjet printers. Inkjet printers are common and affordable for making high-quality image stickers. They produce high-quality images, however, they have slow printing speeds, making them suitable for small businesses. For stickers with textual information, laser printers are a great solution. They are high-speed printers, making them suitable for those who need a much large sticker volume.
Overall, inkjet printers are considered best as they can handle all types of sticker materials. Hp Envy Wireless, Cannon Pixma IP870, and Epson XP6000 are some top models to consider for sticker printing.
4. Cutting Machine
A high-quality blade-cutting machine is crucial to ensure precise cuts and minimize wastage. Machines like the xTool M1 come with sharp, durable blades and versatile cutting abilities, making them an excellent investment for your sticker business.
If you want to cut or engrave something, and you're not sure whether to use a laser cutter or a blade cutter? Well, the xTool M1 is the best of both worlds. It’s a hybrid machine that can do both laser cutting and blade cutting.
And here’s the kicker – it has got a 16MP high-resolution camera. This isn’t just any camera, it’s a smart one. It can see the whole workspace and give you a real-time preview of your work. So, you can see exactly what’s happening as it’s happening. No more guessing or hoping if it turns out right.
There’s more to the story. You can place materials of different shapes inside the M1, it will detect their existing layout and shape, and then you can imprint any designs on them in real-time.
The xTool M1 is also super easy to use. Even if you are new to this, you will get the hang of it in no time. Its app is designed for beginners, so you don’t have to be a pro to create amazing stickers.
xTool M1: Key Highlights
- Hybrid cutting machine blending the precision of laser and blade cutting
- Can cut through 3mm acrylic and 10mm wood in one pass
- Has an exceptional movement accuracy of 0.01mm
- Can cut a range of materials including leather, vinyl, paper, fabric, and iron-on
- 16 MP camera provides real-time workspace preview
- Equipped with a blue light filtering lid for eye protection
- Built-in fan for rapid smoke and dust elimination
What Types of Stickers Can You Make?
The sticker material dictates what type of sticker that needs to be created. There’s a range of materials that are commonly used for creating colorful stickers. Some key sticker types sold in the market are:
1. Paper Stickers
Paper Stickers ©KawaiiPenShop
Paper stickers are the most common and affordable type of stickers. They come in various finishes, including matte, glossy, and semi-gloss. Being simplistic, they offer good print quality, which makes colors and details pop.
Due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness, paper stickers can be used for a variety of applications such as envelope seals, name tags, product labels, and promotional giveaways.
Paper stickers are not water or weather resistant, which makes them less durable compared to vinyl or other types of stickers. They may wear off easily when exposed to harsh conditions. That’s why they are not suitable for outdoor use.
2. Vinyl Stickers
Customized Vinyl Stickers ©Etsy
Vinyl stickers are made from PVC and have a shiny surface that can make colors appear more vibrant. Though they are tough and more durable than paper stickers, they are not inherently waterproof. They are usually coated to offer some degree of water and UV resistance.
Vinyl stickers are ideal for product labels, marketing materials, or any application where a shiny and attention-grabbing effect is desired. However, they can show fingerprints and scratches more easily than their matte counterparts.
3. Matte Stickers
Matte Stickers ©PrintMarket
Matte stickers have a non-shiny surface that provides a more subdued and professional appearance. They are easier to write on than glossy stickers. The matte finish makes them perfect for applications that require a more sophisticated or understated look, such as business stationery, envelope seals, or planner stickers.
However, matte stickers are termed giant ink absorbers since their printing consumes much more ink compared to other materials. Also, colors might not appear as vibrant on matte stickers, and they are also allergic to water, a drop of water could ruin them!
4. Holographic Stickers
Holographic Sticker ©BlueandBlue
Holographic stickers, a newcomer in the sticker family, have a rainbow effect that changes depending on the viewing angle and light. They are most waterproof and UV resistant.
Due to their aesthetic looks and water resistance, they are great for decorative purposes, product labels, or promotional stickers as they stand out and give a futuristic appeal. Albeit, holographic stickers are slightly more expensive than other options and their shiny surface can sometimes create glare.
5. Mirrored Stickers
Holographic Sticker ©BlueandBlue
Mirrored stickers have a highly reflective, mirror-like surface. They are typically waterproof and scratch-resistant. This makes them ideal for decorative purposes, craft projects, or any application where a shiny, mirror-like appearance is desired.