How to Make Campaign Stickers

Make campaign stickers as an alternative to buttons. Stickers promote a candidate or cause effectively. Stickers cost less to make, too. Just print a slogan on pre-cut adhesive labels. Keep space and time in mind. Campaign stickers provide limited design space. You only have seconds to impress people with a slogan, so aim for campaign stickers that are simple and memorable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Labels

1. Acquire labels on 8 1/2 by 11 inch sheets. There are a variety of labels from which to choose. For example, Avery makes address and name labels. Whole vinyl sheets are also available from online retailers.

2. Formulate a slogan for the campaign stickers. List the qualities of the candidate or the benefits of the cause. Look at the items, then develop a catchy two- to-four -word phrase. For example, an organization that wants to start a recycling campaign may choose a slogan such as "Recycle to Restore."

3. Locate a template that matches the label's shape. Go to the template section of the Microsoft Office Online or Avery websites. Download the desired template. Or use a desktop publishing program of your choice. Just make sure the dimensions of the graphic match the size of the label.

4. Replace the text and pictures on the template if necessary. Choose a font that is legible at a distance. Select an image that prints crisply.

5. Run a test sheet on copy paper to check the design of the campaign stickers. Avoid making mistakes on the sticker paper by printing a test sheet to proof. Check the layout and text for errors (see Tips and Resources below).

6. Print the campaign stickers. Make sure the paper is loaded correctly. Set the printer to the highest DPI setting or the best printing option for clear copies.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine the paper feed before printing a test sheet. Place a single sheet of copy paper in the carriage. Mark the top of the sheet with a pencil, then press "Print." Look for the pencil mark on the printed copy. If the pencil mark appears on the printed side, then load the sticker paper in the carriage adhesive side down. If the pencil mark is on the blank side, load the sticker paper adhesive side up. Get your campaign stickers from an online printing service. Submit your sticker design to an online company. Some printing services require a minimum order. Double check the guidelines before placing an order. Why order 10,000 campaign stickers when you only need 100? Spray campaign stickers with a protective coating such as Preserve Your Memories.
• Do not select a small font because the letters fill with ink. For instance, letters with an open space, such as "O," do not print neatly in any font less than 8 point. Avoid stacking sheets with wet ink. Lay plain paper between the sheets then stack when dry.

Resources

• Make Stickers at Microsoft
• Avery Templates
• Campaign Design Tips
• History of Political Advertising