Your Guide to Creating Awesome Water Bottle Label Artwork

So, you’re ready to take your apartment community’s branding to the next level with custom water bottles. That’s awesome! But before you unleash your inner Picasso, let’s talk about artwork.

Your label design is the star of the show. It’s what catches the eye, communicates your message, and makes your bottles stand out. But getting your artwork just right can be tricky. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

This guide will walk you through the essential tips and best practices for creating water bottle label artwork that truly shines.

1. File Formats: The Digital Art of the Matter
   First things first, let’s talk file formats. Not all file types are created equal, especially when it comes to printing. Here’s the lowdown:

   Vector is King: Whenever possible, submit your artwork in a vector format like .AI (Adobe Illustrator) or .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript). Vector graphics are made up of mathematical equations, which means they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. That means crisp, sharp lines and details, no matter how big or small your label is.

   High-Res Raster: If you’re working with raster images (like JPGs or PNGs), make sure they’re high-resolution. Aim for at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). This ensures your images will look sharp and clear on your labels, not blurry or pixelated.

   PDF Power: PDFs can be a good option too, especially if they’re created from vector artwork. Just make sure they’re high-resolution and that all fonts are embedded or outlined. You can use our PDF label templates as a great start.

2. Resolution: The Clarity Conundrum
   Think of resolution like pixels on a screen. The more pixels you have, the sharper the image. For print, we need a lot of pixels to ensure your labels look crisp and professional.

   300 dpi is the Magic Number: Aim for a resolution of 300 dpi or higher for your artwork. This will ensure your images and text look their best when printed on your labels.

   Low-Res = Blurry Mess: If you submit low-resolution artwork, your labels might end up looking blurry or pixelated. Not a good look for your brand!

3. Color Mode: CMYK vs. RGB
   Computers and printers speak different languages when it comes to color. Computers use RGB (red, green, blue) color mode, while printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black).

   CMYK for Print Perfection: Make sure your artwork is in CMYK color mode before you submit it. This will ensure the colors on your labels match your design as closely as possible.

   RGB Can Cause Color Shifts: If you submit artwork in RGB mode, the colors might look different when printed. This is because printers use a different color mixing process.

4. Fonts: To Outline or Not to Outline?
   Fonts can be tricky little things. If you don’t handle them correctly, they might not show up correctly on your labels.

   Outline Your Fonts: The safest bet is to outline your fonts before submitting your artwork. This converts the text into vector shapes, ensuring they’ll print exactly as you intended.

   Embed Your Fonts: If you can’t outline your fonts, make sure they’re embedded in the file. This allows the printing software to access the font information and print it correctly.

5. Bleed: The Edge of Glory

   Bleed is a printing term that refers to extending your design slightly beyond the edge of the label. This ensures that there are no white gaps around the edges of your label when it’s cut.

   Add Bleed to Your Design: Most printing companies will require you to add bleed to your artwork. Typically, a bleed of 1/8 inch is sufficient.

   No Bleed = Potential Problems: If you don’t add bleed, you might end up with white edges around your labels, which can look unprofessional.

6. Proofing: The Final Check
   Before your labels go to print, you’ll receive a proof to review. This is your chance to catch any errors or make any final adjustments.

   Review Your Proof Carefully: This is where you should spend most of your time, measure twice cut once sort of thing. Take the time to carefully review your proof. Check for typos, color accuracy, and overall design.

   Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you have any questions or concerns about your proof, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your artwork is print-ready and your custom water bottle labels look amazing. Or you could just have us handle it all for you. Contact us today to discuss your project!