Road Bumps On The Way To Getting Great Labels

October 18, 2018 By Doug Danosky

It’s not uncommon for label printing projects to encounter bumps in the road on their way to completion. These problems often include a design that looks great on your computer monitor but doesn’t look the same on press. Or, maybe the colors on the label don’t match your brand standards. Another very common road bump is missing fonts and artwork that your label printer needs to make sure the job is a success.

Not to worry. Here are some of the road bumps and pot holes you may encounter on your next label job and what to do to fix them.

Road bumps and how to avoid them:

Attempting to do accurate color matching from a computer screen

No two screens display color exactly the same way, nor do they match up with the way in which a flexographic press prints colors. This means that what you see on the screen may not match what comes off the press.

The only way to determine exactly how a label will print is to run a proof on a printer that is calibrated to the exact color settings of the flexo press. At T&L, we use a color match proofing system to ensure our label colors are spot on, every time. We don’t eye-ball it, we let a computer do the match

Here’s how our system gets the color spot-on, every time: We utilize a high-end digital proofing printer that is calibrated to the exact color profile of our flexographic press. We show these proofs to the client and also give a color matched proof to our press operator, so he has a precise understanding of the color values that must be achieved on press.

Most label printers don’t have a color match proofing system which makes it much harder for you to imagine what your job might just look like, or NOT look like..

Sending incomplete art files

Sometimes, we receive artwork in the form of a PDF file and frequently the file doesn’t contain all of the data we need to create a high-quality label. Missing logos and fonts are often the stumbling blocks. If we’re lucky, we can re-create the artwork but this process gets complicated because of the huge number of fonts that are available today.

The best format for label artwork is EPS. This file format contains the vector and font data we need to successfully complete the project.

There’s a difference between digital and flexographic printing

Often, food companies will trial multiple variations of products and labels as part of their consumer research process. They will produce small batches of products and will digitally print 100 or so labels of each variation to be used in limited-run consumer tests.

Once the food company has finalized their product and label design, they use flexographic printing to produce the labels in quantities, because it is much less expensive than digital on a per-label basis.

There’s only one problem with this approach: Labels produced on a digital press will not look the same as those that are produced on a flexographic press. Many digital presses are doing color matching of label designs using a range of 6 to 8 colors whereas a flexographic press will typically use just 4 colors to properly match them. It’s more accurate.

The best solution is to use printed proofs whenever possible.

Properly formatting vignettes in label designs

A common mistake we see in label designs is improperly formatted vignettes. Vignettes are gradient screens and often, they are formatted using a color range that goes all the way to zero (gradient fades to white) . A flexographic press cannot accommodate a gradient screen value of zero and as a result prints the file incorrectly.

Taking a proactive approach, T&L we typically open the file and adjust the gradient to print correctly. In other words, we don’t simply run the files a customer gives us – we take steps to ensure they will print properly, saving you time and money.

We are here to help dodge these bumps in the road. Ask us a question

4 Unexpected Uses for Custom Die Cut Labels

July 23, 2018 By Doug Danosky

Labels come in many different shapes and sizes—but with custom die cut labels, the sky’s the limit!

Truth is, when your label fits, it blends so seamlessly with your product that your customer won’t even think twice about the packaging. When a label is the wrong size or fit, it sticks out like a sore thumb and causes all sorts of issues.

A poorly sized or misshapen label can interfere with the usage of your product, detract from your packaging’s appearance—or worst of all, fall off! When your label size and shape don't fit, your product appears sloppy and less than professional. When it comes to medical labeling, a poorly fitted label could be quite dangerous!

Fortunately, with custom die-cutting, your label’s size, shape, color, and more are all completely customizable. At T&L Graphic Systems, we create and print all kinds of custom die cut labels—from precision medical labels to large drum labels. We can print in almost any size or shape, up to 16” wide (with custom-shaped blank labels available in sizes up to 20”). You’re only limited by your imagination.

Considering custom die cut labels? Here are four unexpected uses for custom labels you may want to consider.

For Promotion & Events
If you’re visiting a tradeshow or hosting an event, it’s all about the labeling. Connecting with new customers means getting your logo on promotional materials and packaging…and right into their hands. Labels tell a story—they convey important information. In many ways, labels and packaging are just as important as the products inside them.
Labels may list ingredients, share important instructions, and give details about the contents of a package. Adding a custom die cut label to your giveaways, gifts, and promotional items helps your brand appear cohesive and consistent. Every item a customer or client receives from you should tell them exactly who you are. Think of your custom die cut labels as business cards that fit right on your packaging and products!
To Fit Unique Packaging
The strongest draw of custom die cut labels? They fit your unique packaging shape and size. Are you hoping to fit a label on a curved surface? Do you need to cut a label so it doesn’t hide the product beneath it? When it comes to custom die cutting, labels are made to fit nearly any item!
As you design your packaging, your label should fit smoothly and seamlessly. Your label should enhance the overall look of your product and never hide important features or details. Custom fit labeling is especially important when it comes to food labeling and medical labeling, where information is vital to the use and safety of packaging contents.
To Stand Up & Stick On
Does your label hold up under pressure? With custom die cut labels made to fit any-shaped package, rest assured your label will stay on. We offer a variety of special adhesives, materials, and finishing for all our custom die cut labels. These labels will stand up to temperature, water, chemicals, and other situations where the wrong label could fail.
Liquids and labels often don’t mix. If a label isn’t cut to fit the product properly, moisture can seep in and the label will slide off. A custom label cut ensures your label will fit your product like a glove! You won’t face any loss of revenue due to packaging or product defects simply because a label doesn’t fit or stick on as expected.
To Catch the Eye of Your Customer
You can’t judge a book by it’s cover, but customers certainly judge a package by the label. We’re so accustomed to seeing labels in everyday life, we hardly notice them. Your label should stand out—get your customers eye and hold their attention.
Custom die cuts allow you to create labels in unique shapes that speak to your customer. Add to the aesthetic appeal of your product with a beautiful label to share your message with all those who view it.
It may not seem the shape of a label would make much of a difference, but in reality, the shape is as important as the size, color and other factors. At T&L Graphic Systems, we’ll help you design a beautiful custom die cut label to fit your packaging needs.

Contact us today to learn how your product label can really stand out!

Design a Label That Gets Noticed!

April 17, 2018 By Doug Danosky

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but business owners know: customers certainly judge a product by its label!

It turns out customers often buy a product simply based on the outside packaging. In fact, in a study of beer drinkers, almost none of them could identify a brew without the label. Consumers often buy simply because they like the look of a label or sticker.

Your product label needs to be eye-catching. It needs to grab your customer, convey a message, stand out, and effectively get noticed. That’s a lot of work for a simple label! Yet, we see examples of effective, beautiful labeling every day, with almost any product we handle.

So if you’re wondering how to design a label that gets noticed, there are a few basic graphic design elements to understand. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your product label conveys exactly the message you want customers to receive!

1. Shape (Including Label Size & Cut)

The shape of label helps to draw in customers’ attention. You should select a shape to complement your packaging, but you aren’t limited to shaping to fit just one product—using variable printing, you can ensure one label design will work across several different items. With a few simple changes to the product style name and UPC (for more on obtaining a UPC visit GS1US.org), a similar label design and shape will make your entire line appear cohesive.

Design your label with the product packaging in mind—how much of the product do you want to show through? Size, shape and cut play an important role in helping your product stand out.

2. Color

Bold colors grab your customer’s attention with a splash. Color graphics and photos are an important addition when you want your label to pop. Follow your company’s branding guidelines of course. Full-color (also known as process or CMYK printing) will ensure you’re able to match your brand PMS (Pantone) colors exactly on your label.

Your base label color is also important—choosing a clear, white, cream or even foil background will have a huge impact on the look and feel of your label. It will also change the way the colors appear on the final product. Basic color psychology teaches us neutral, calm colors convey peace, luxury and comfort. Bright, crisp colors on the other hand, keep your product looking modern and fresh.

3 Style

Much of what we remember about a label comes from the style and design (it’s also much of what can go wrong when you design a label). The design of a label makes appear memorable and distinctive. Of course, you’ll want to include your logo, but you also need to include important product details, measurements, instructions and other important pieces of information (including the UPC barcode).

Font plays into the style of your label as well. Serif fonts convey your brand is classic, stalwart and trust-worthy. Sanserif fonts are often used to convey a brand that’s sleek, modern and hip. Using typography parings will also catch consumers’ eyes, but limit yourself to no more than three fonts to avoid looking too busy. Striking, bold images and graphics will help you maximize your message, but don’t shy away from using whitespace as well.

4. Finish

Your label finish is the final touch to packaging a great product. Use touches like metallics, foils and embossing for extra special labels where your design will appear to leap right off the package. Matte or glossy finishes are available for almost any label.

UV curing will add a layer of protection to keep your label from smearing, fading or getting damaged. Laminations help resist moisture and stand up to harsh environments. Label protectants are available to help your label hold up anywhere your product goes—from the microwave to a garage to the outdoors.

Knowing how to design a label and choosing the right label for your product is a big job—we can help! If you have custom printing label needs, T&L offers great label solutions for any product.

What’s Color Got To Do With It?

December 5, 2017 By Doug Danosky

There is no denying that color is an important influencer in the products we buy, the opinions we form and the choices we make. Up to 90 percent of people base their buying decisions on color... so businesses feel the pressure to get their label colors right. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to selecting the perfect colors, we can give you a hand.

Colors Have Meaning

People exposed to particular colors have physiological reactions that can imply certain perceptions, moods and feelings. We'll review a few common color associations to get you started in understanding the proper use of color. Here are a few common color associations:

Red: Raises people’s blood pressure and heart rate, and is often associated with movement, excitement, passion and danger.
Orange: Stimulates areas of the brain that trigger feelings like enthusiasm or anxiety, and is considered a confident, warm and cheerful color.
Yellow: Increases mental activity, is often used to highlight important points for memory, and is associated with happiness, caution and energy.
Green: Promotes harmony and balance in the brain, and is synonymous with health, nature, peacefulness and envy.
Blue: Associated with security, logic, and a calm mind, but can feel uninviting.

Don’t Rely on Color Stereotypes Alone

While it’s helpful for you to understand typical associations people have with colors, you also must consider the context of your audience. Before selecting a label color, think about the industry, cultural, competitive or gender perceptions that could impact the effectiveness of your marketing or communications. Take yellow, the “happiness color,” for example. While this may seem like the perfect uplifting hue for hospitals, there are industry-specific use cases for yellow, such as prevention protocol, care instructions, and fall-risk notifications, that might deter its use within a medical setting.

Eye-Pleasing Color Combinations

Color Wheel Businesses today have access a whole spectrum of color choices and combinations for their labels. When harnessed properly, color combinations can quickly become your most powerful design element. Consider these basic techniques when combining colors:

Complementary: Colors located on opposite sides of the color spectrum, like blue and orange, are defined as complementary colors. They are effective at highlighting contrast or making a bold statement, but can be overwhelming in large doses.
Analogous: Neighbors on the color wheel, analogous color combos coexist nicely and evoke feelings of harmony and serenity, making them ideal for grouping related components, text, or visuals.
Triad: This color scheme uses any combination of three evenly spaced colors from around the color wheel, such as shades of green, violet, and orange. To ensure your information stands out, leverage one dominant color against two supporting accent colors.

Let’s talk about color for your project

Just because your color choices work well with one medium, doesn’t mean they will translate to your custom label. We are well-versed in the psychology of color, design, and label best practices, let’s chat about your project.

Sometimes You Need to Blow Their Minds with a “Wow” Label

September 29, 2017 By Doug Danosky

When a simple one-sided label won’t do the trick, you need a “wow” label. Here are our favorite unique labels, that will elevate the functionality and appeal of your product.

Instant redeemable coupon labels

Whether you want to reach customers with direct mailings or at a point of purchase, instant redeemable coupon (IRC) labels are an eye-catching alternative to traditional clip or tear-away coupons. Using an intuitive, dry peel-off card design, IRC labels provide consumers with an interactive and immediate way to access promotional offers, coupon codes, barcodes, sweepstakes, rebates and more.

Ensure that your IRC label functions properly by using an ultraviolet (UV) coating to protect and secure the print below the peel-off layer and a residue-free adhesive that holds without the mess.

Scratch-offs

Scratch-off labels are another creative and interactive solution for delivering information or promotional offers. Scratch-off labels use a tear-proof film material, topped with a scratch-off primer and metallic ink layer, to create an engaging, hands-on customer experience.

High quality, fresh ink is a must. If you’ve ever encountered a poorly functioning scratch-off, it’s likely a result of low-quality or expired ink. The ink, which only has a three-month shelf life, is specially formulated and must be mixed to order, so plan on about eight to 10 days for order completion.

Piggyback labels

Piggyback labels are the ultimate convenience labels, providing users with a handy pre-printed or blank label that can easily be removed and applied anywhere. As the name implies, a piggyback label consists of two labels, where one label piggybacks, or sits atop, another label. A middle layer is used to adhere the top layer, or face of the label, to a bottom liner that sticks to the surface to which it’s applied.

Piggybacks have seemingly endless customization options, so think through the features and use cases that will help you reach your goals and a positive return on your label investment.

Variable image labels

Often utilitarian, variable image labels pack the ultimate punch for manufacturers, supplier, distributors and direct mail advertisers. Have you ever checked the status of a package to find that it’s at a particular pre-shipping location? Well, that detailed tracking was likely made possible by a scannable barcode printed on a variable image label.

These truly one-of-a-kind labels contain barcodes, personalized text, images or other information that changes from one label to the next, which allows companies to scale their operations while maintaining control over things like inventory, marketing messages, routing and complex workflows.

Thanks to advances in printing technology, variable printing is a cost- and time-effective way to customize individual labels. However, mistakes can be costly, so remember to carefully proof your data, such as sequential numbering logic or copy variations.

Self-Laminating Labels

If you’re looking for a resilient label that will withstand everyday wear and tear, dirty, or even extreme outdoor conditions, self-laminating labels stand above the rest. These durable and customizable labels typically consist of a smudge-free layer for writing and an overlying, clear laminate layer that can be self-applied by the user.

Selecting the best materials for your use case is critical to the success of your self-laminating label, so carefully consider your end users’ requirements for durability, adhesive strength, pliability, colors, pre-printed fields, permanence, and other factors.

Conclusion

Finding a trusted label supplier that can help you find the best label - no matter how unique - can be challenging. At T&L Graphic Systems, our experienced team works to understand your needs and find a solution that’s right for you. Check out our latest white paper, How To Create The Perfect Label.

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