A label has been defined as a classifying phrase or name applied to a person or thing; a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it. In this sense, a label attached to a certain thing or product ensures that consumers can easily identify and recognize the brand which in return helps companies and organizations successfully sell and market their products.
Labels are also good decorative design that will help attract consumers. But more than that, it is a good means of communication between the company and the consumer to help inform them about the company, product, or special event it embodies. Thus, it is important that a label is able to carry the brand as well as convey useful information to the consumers.
A label holds such a big importance in helping the company thrive. Thus, it is a must to make sure that it is created well. It should be able to capture the attention of the consumer and at the same time inform them about the product and the company. Labels for food should also include its nutritional value so that consumers know how much nutrition they can get from it. To help make sure that you make an effective label for your products, here are the essential elements you should include:
1. Color: As much as you want words to stick, sometimes they just don’t. That is why when making a label for a product you put into the market, it is always best to take advantage of visual presentations. In this sense, using an eye-catching color will surely spark the curiosity of consumers. However, you need to consider some factors before deciding what color to choose. Does the color complement your container? Does it relate or represent your brand?
2. Graphics or Illustrations: Aside from the colors, another visual presentation you can take advantage of is the use of graphics or illustrations. One good way of establishing brand identity is through the consistent use of one image or graphics all throughout the range of products you manufacture. For example, Coca Cola consistently uses their famous red background and white font image in all their products, which in return has made a lasting imprint on all the consumers.
3. Readability: Labels are their to inform and catch the attention of the consumers; however, that objective cannot be achieved if they cannot read what is written on the label. Thus, it is important to have the colors, graphics, and fonts balanced out. Instead of looking overcrowded and messy they should complement each other. Consumers should still be able to read what is written on the label even if there are more than two or three elements involved.
4. Font: The font style, size, and color you choose will surely affect the readability of the contents of your label. Avoid using extremely basic fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, and overused fonts such as Papyrus or Monotype Corsiva. Don’t be afraid to use something new; try out font styles and colors that will complement the overall appearance of your label. Just remember to make sure the font size is readable once the label is printed out.
5. Size: Aside from making sure the label can fit all the content, it should also be the right size for the container. For example, when using a round container you need to decide either to use a one large label or separate front and back labels; this is mostly the case for bottle labels. Choose which will best allow you to establish your brand and company and provide information about the product such as the ingredient/materials and regulatory information.
6. Shape: Contrary to what you may think, labels can come in any shape. For example, Heinz has consistently used an unusual shape for their label and that has become part of their brand image and identity. In your case, you can try out other shapes than the usual rectangular or square shapes. However, you need to remember that this may also affect the cost it will acquire during its production.
7. Symbolism for events or flavors: Companies usually produce products in line with a certain season or event. For example, Pepsi has produced products especially for the football season featuring various famous football player images on the label. The brand has also made labels especially for a specific flavor like its cherry vanilla flavor. Doing symbols or representations in your label will help the consumers to know what season or present the product represents or what flavor it should taste like.
8. Material: The material to be used for the label should also be considered once you start designing process. This is because the material you use will affect the final outcome of your design. You need choose the right material so that you can ensure that your label enhances the overall packaging for the product. It is common to use white, clear, or a cream textured paper for labels.You may also see luggage label examples.
9. Finish: The finish of your label can either be glossy or matte. You need to choose which look is the best present your brand to the public. Choosing a matte finish provides a more classic look and makes the contents of the label easy to read. While choosing a glossy finish will add some impact to the colors on the label and provide a shiny, reflective look.
10. Contact information: Aside from all the aesthetic elements, providing your company’s contact information ensures that your consumers can get in touch with you, if needed. This also makes your brand more than just a passive selling and marketing tool, rather a brand that actively seeks and aims to help their target consumers. You can include your contact number, a website, and a physical address in the label.
When you say label, it means that there is an indication as to what an object means, who it belongs to, what its made of, and so on. Basically, a label provides useful information about a person or things; this is the case for product labels, address labels, shipping labels, etc. To help you create an effective and amazing label, here is an easy guide you can refer to and follow:
1. Outline a design: It is always best to start with an outline when creating a label. In your outline you can sketch out the design that you want to achieve, that way you will have a basis when laying out the design and rendering it. An outline can also be easily changed since it is basically just a primary sketch of what the final output should look like; you can brainstorm with your team on what the layout should look like, what the colors you should use, where to place the images and text, and so on.
2. Determine what label shape and size to use: Connected to making an outline, you should also determine what the shape and size the label should be. Determining this aspect early on will help you make the appropriate considerations and adjustments. Both of these are still part of the design aspect, that’s why it is essential to do this step alongside with the creation of the design outline. It is also important to note that when choosing the shape and size of the label it is important to consider how it complements the container of the product. You may also see rsvp label examples.
3. Choose the material and finish: As mentioned earlier, the material of your label can affect how the design can look. Thus, it is important to choose a material that will allow you to maintain your aesthetics while remaining readable and understandable. Same goes with the finish of your label, choose what you think is more suited to your overall aesthetics, i.e. choose a glossy finish if you want the label to look more chic and matte to look more sleek.
4. Incorporate design with texts: Once you have the previous steps covered, you can proceed to incorporating all the designs for the final layout. This means you incorporate the designs along with the texts you want to include. Make sure you choose the font style, color, and size that carries your aesthetics but is still readable to the public. In addition, use an image, aside from your business logo, that you want your brand to be perceived. In addition, the texts should provide information about the product and brand so that the consumer can be convinced to purchase the product.
5. Finalize layout: Before you render the layout you have come up with, make sure there are no longer mistakes and errors. Finalizing the layout before printing means that you check if the layout follows through what has been decided on, from the color down to the placements of images and texts. This step will ensure that your labels look exactly how you planned it to be and that it proudly represents your brand.
Here are some additional tips in creating an amazing label:
Labels can be used for anything, even for people; therefore, it has various types that you can choose from. To give you options that you can choose from, here is a list of some types of labels:
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about labels:
Here is a list of functions of labeling:
A good label is creative and at the same time informative. It can help in promoting the brand and provide the consumer with the essential information about the product and the company. It should also be consistent, uses vibrant colors, has great graphics, uses readable fonts, and an amazing finish. And obviously, a bad label is the total opposite of a good label, so avoid making a bad label at all cost.