Custom labels printed in full color offer affordable advertising and promotion even when made in small quantities. In this week's article, we present innovative ideas for using labels to promote your business, event, product or service. There are many ways to make labels, each with advantages and disadvantages. When large quantities (a thousand or more) are needed, labels can be printed and die cut. If the shape is non-standard, the cost of making the die makes this process prohibitive in small quantities. For smaller quantities, labels with complex shapes or intricate detail can be digitally printed on adhesive vinyl and contour cut. Compared to die cut labels, there isn't the associated cost of die creation, but the cost per label is a bit higher in larger quantities. There's a trade-off or break even point in quantity, digitally printed labels are the best solution for small quantities. Compared to paper labels, our digitally printed labels have fabulous, vivid colors. An additional benefit, our labels made of adhesive PVC are waterproof. Many online sites sell labels made of paper they refer to as water resistant, charging an additional premium for waterproof, and assume you'll find a suitable adhesive. Using our labels for water bottles for example, the bottles can be completely submerged in ice water and the label won't be affected. Event Promotion Labels can be applied to water bottles, wine, beer, coasters, place mats, canned goods, promotional items, mason jars - the possibilities are endless. The use of custom labels adds a level of professionalism that won't go unnoticed. The attractive appearance will be remembered by your prospective customers. Templates are available for the most popular water bottles. Browsing existing relevant designs and clip-art will help you design a memorable custom label to promote your business. Product Prototypes In early product design, having product labels made in large quantity is prohibitive. Any changes needed will mean additional cost. Digitally printed adhesive labels are especially effective in relatively small quantities. The print media is available in either a gloss or matte surface, and with removable or permanent adhesive. For additional body and protection, labels can be laminated before being contour cut. Contour Cut Labels Most labels will be contour cut, meaning that excess material is cut away leaving only your label design. To contour cut your label, the edge must be easily distinguishable. If the artwork for your design is in a vector format, determining the edge is relatively straightforward. If your artwork is in a raster format, it's best to submit your art in a format that supports transparent backgrounds. A Photoshop .PSD or .PNG file should suffice. Regardless of the art format, cutting requires a vector of the design edge, so submitting a raster design will likely incur some design charges to have a vector cut line created. If a vector format or transparent background raster isn't possible, there must be significant contrast between the edge of your design and the background in order to create the cut contour vector needed for production. About Spectrum Signs Spectrum Signs is an independent, locally owned, full service sign manufacturing company located in south Orange County - Mission Viejo, California. We are affiliated with over 240 independent sign companies with access to resources nationwide. This affiliation provides significant discounts from sign suppliers, and allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising in quality and service. For more information, contact: Spectrum Signs 23382 Madero Suite L Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 297-3800 Spectrum Signs