Embedded Files
How to start
How to start
In this guide, we will be going over two programs Procreate and Illustrator
Procreate
Is an Raster graphics iPad app, if you do not have an iPad you can use alternative design software
Set up to create non-geometric cut lines for stickers
Adobe Illustrator
Vector graphics software available on both windows and mac
Cut lines for Stickers
Perforated cut lines for sticker sheets
Using silhouettes to create vector based outlines for cut lines
Check out the Design Software page for links to download each software or to find alternatives to Procreate
Design
Design
Not sure where to start?
Check out the Design Tutorials page
This can be a great place to start if you are unfamiliar with a program or want a refresher. There's also some resources at the bottom of this page for some sticker sheet ideas. Sticker sheets can make great gifts too, Halloween related or not!
Sticker sheet example
Here's an example of a sticker sheet that was a gift.
Grinch/ Christmas themed with the persons name
*All sticker elements designed in Procreate / Cut lines created in Illustrator*
Procreate
Procreate
First, you will want to create a custom canvas in Procreate
Canvas Size
The canvas should be at least 8.5" x 11" or 850px X 1100px. DPI shouldn't be lower than 300
*Not using Procreate, use similar settings in whatever design software you feel most comfortable in*
For more information about DPI check out this video
When creating any sticker design or artwork it should fill the size of the canvas unless you know the exact size each sticker will be within the sheet.
Making a large design smaller loses less detail than increasing the size of a small image
Examples below:
Increased loss of detail when the size of the original image is scaled up
Set up for non-geometric cut lines in Procreate
Set up for non-geometric cut lines in Procreate
One way to create cut lines that follow the shape of the sticker design is to duplicate the design of the sticker and fill it with black. This will create a silhouette of the design making it easier to trace the image in Illustrator
Steps below:
Not sure how to duplicate layers, check out this quick link here
Merging Layers
First,
If you've created the design in multiple layers you will want merge the layers in a non destructive way -
Duplicate the layers then merge them together to create a single layer of the design. This will preserve the layers but also create a single version of the artwork
Click the link below for
First, select the image layer
Swipe left then click "Duplicate" to create a copy of the layer
Change active color to black
*A darker color will help when it's image traced*
Select layer then click the layer again for the options panel to show up > Click "Select"
The background should look like the picture to the right and only the image should be selected
Click the highlighted layer again to show the options panel and click "Fill Layer"
This will fill the selected layer with the active color, which is black
The silhouette of the design should be filled with black
Last step is to export the artwork as a png file you will need to export both:
Sticker design
Black Silhouette of sticker
Illustrator
Illustrator
Color Library
Color Library
Before Printing your stickers, you will need to assign specific colors using the Roland Versa Works color swatch library
Download the Library here
Follow the instructions below to load the swatch to your Illustrator
Copy the downloaded file the corresponding folder below:
For Windows
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator 2022/Presets\en_US\Swatches
For Macs
/Applications/Adobe Illustrator 2022/Presets.localized/en_US/Swatches
Open Illustrator > Select New file
Change units to Inches
Width: 5 in
Height: 7 in
*Max dimensions, Artboard can be smaller*
Once you are happy with the artboard dimensions Click "Create"
The artboard in Illustrator is the size canvas or paper size
For a more detailed explanation of Artboards and how they can be used click here
Layers in Illustrator
Layers in Illustrator
Before starting your design in Illustrator, it's a good idea to setup your layers.
Layers in Illustrator work different than Procreate or Photoshop. They are essentially transparent folders to sort items/objects. You can create subfolders, lock layers, and hide layers too!
Not sure how to use layers, click here to learn more
*The more complex or more parts to the design the better it is to have layers*
How many layers should you use for a sticker sheet?
Example: At least 3 - 4 layers separating cut lines, stickers designs, and background elements, or however else you like to organize your work to make your life easier
Stickers Designs
Cutlines
Background
Perf Lines
Layer example: Each element separated into separate layer for easy selection and filtering
Opening your files in Illustrator
Opening your files in Illustrator
Select "File" > "Open"
Navigate and select the files you would like to open in Illustrator
Or alternatively drag and drop each file into Illustrator
Image Tracing
Image Tracing
Step 1
With the black silhouette image selected > Go to the Properties panel > Select "Image Trace"
Image trace is located on the bottom of the properties panel
Step 2
Select the "Silhouette" option
Step 3
Select "Expand"
Most important step! This will convert the image into a vectored path
Step 4
Change the fill to none and assign the stroke to any color so it is visible.
Step 5
Using the Selection tool align the outline over your sticker design.
Repeat Steps 1 - 5 for each sticker design you have to create a cut line for
Assembling!
Assembling!
This is the fun part! With all the individual elements created you can finally put it all together
Adjust the parts of your sheet as you see fit
Cut Lines
Cut Lines
You will need to specify two different colors in Illustrator using the Roland Versa works swatches for the stickers and the sticker sheet border.
Stickers - Magenta / Single cut
This will only cut the top layer out of the vinyl for the stickers
Sticker Sheet - Grey / Perf cut
This will cut out the sticker sheet
Sticker border Magenta cut color
Sticker Sheet Perf Grey cut color
Once design cut colors are set and you are happy with your design save it as a PDF
Resources
Resources
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