Creating Custom-Shaped Labels: Tips from Rose City Label

Custom shapes are a fun way to make your labels stand out, but the process can be trickier than working with standard shapes. Below are our tips to help you set up a file for a custom die line—so you can get the exact shape you want without any surprises.

Watch the Tutorial

1. Set Up Your Artboard to Match the Desired Label Size

  • Size matters. Make sure your artboard size matches the final label size you want. In the example, we used a 3″ x 4″ artboard.
  • Align carefully. Position your shape to align perfectly with the artboard’s boundaries. This positioning will help ensure accurate cutting and printing.

2. Watch for Sharp Corners & Tight Curves

  • Die limitations. If your design has extremely sharp corners or tiny details, the die-maker may be unable to produce them. It’s best to avoid tiny or delicate shapes or simplify them so they can be cut cleanly.
  • Adjust as needed. If a corner is too sharp, remove or smooth it out so it meets manufacturing requirements.

3. Use a Dedicated Die Line Layer

  • Keep the die line separate. Place your die line on its own layer named something like “Die Line.”
  • Stroke only. Set the die line as a stroke rather than a filled shape to differentiate it from the rest of your design clearly.

4. Create a Spot Color for the Die Line

  • Define a spot color. Name it something like “Die Cut” in your swatches. This should be set as a Spot Color, not CMYK or RGB.
  • Check separations. In your Separations Preview (if you have one), you’ll see your new die line spot color listed alongside the usual CMYK inks.
  • Overprint. Set the stroke to overprint so it doesn’t knock out or alter the artwork underneath.

5. Don’t Forget Bleeds

  • Set bleed values. If your design extends to the label’s edge, ensure you have the proper bleed (usually around 0.125″ beyond the cut line).
  • Avoid white slivers. Proper bleeds ensure there aren’t any thin white edges after cutting.

Why All This Matters

Following these tips will save you time and headaches. The die line is crucial for telling our manufacturing equipment exactly where to cut the label. Clear setup and proper spot color designation mean fewer revisions, lower costs, and a quicker turnaround for your project.

Need More Help?

Check out the video for a step-by-step demo of creating a custom die line. Or reach out to our team here at Rose City Label for guidance—we’re always happy to help you get the perfect shape for your project.

Thanks for reading, and happy label designing!

Label Spotlight: The Art Behind Good Tide Vodka by Northwest Natural Spirits/Wildroots

Label Spotlight: The Art Behind Good Tide Vodka by Northwest Natural Spirits/Wildroots

At Rose City Label, we know that a great product deserves a show-stopping label—and the Good Tide Vodka label from Northwest Natural Spirits is proof of that. This label is more than just eye-catching; it’s a testament to how design, technical precision, and creativity make a product irresistible on the shelf.

Good Tide Vodka’s label is a perfect blend of elegance and tropical charm. The vibrant leaf and floral pattern immediately transports you to a lush paradise, while the bold, gold-accented “Good Tide” logo draws the eye and exudes sophistication. This isn’t just a label—it’s an experience waiting to happen.

So, how did we help bring this label to life? Here’s a peek behind the curtain:

  • The Material Matters: Printed on HP005b Metallized Bopp. The metallic base adds a shimmer and depth that makes the design pop.
  • Precision Presswork: We ensured unparalleled color accuracy and detail by Utilizing the HP Indigo and Delta presses.
  • Challenges Turned Opportunities: To achieve the stunning gold effect without actual foil, we printed in CMYK with white ink, creating a luxurious look while keeping the label production efficient and cost-effective.

This label showcases the power of thoughtful design and expert execution. It doesn’t just complement the vodka—it amplifies its story, inviting consumers to pick up the bottle and “Make Waves,” as the tagline suggests.

At Rose City Label, we believe every label has a story to tell. For Good Tide Vodka, the story is one of craftsmanship, quality, and a touch of the exotic. Whether you’re designing your next big label or need help making your product shine, we’re here to make your vision a reality.

Here’s what you should take away: A label isn’t just a sticker; it’s your product’s first impression. Make it bold, make it beautiful, and make it unforgettable—just like Good Tide Vodka.

Ready to create a label that stands out? Let’s talk!

Label Spotlight: Oak Knoll Pinot Gris – Portland Rose Festival 2023 Collectors Series

Label Spotlight: Oak Knoll Pinot Gris – Portland Rose Festival 2023 Collectors Series

At Rose City Label, we believe a wine label does more than identify the bottle—it tells a story, draws the eye, and helps your wine stand out on the shelf. The 2022 Oak Knoll Winery Pinot Gris label, designed for the Portland Rose Festival 2023 Collectors Series, is the perfect example of how great design and precision printing combine to create something unforgettable.

A Collector’s Edition Worth Celebrating

This isn’t just a wine label—it’s a piece of history. Commemorating the iconic Portland Rose Festival, this collector’s edition label celebrates one of the city’s most beloved events. With its bold design and shimmering foil embellishments, it captures the vibrancy of the festival while making the bottle a keepsake for wine lovers and event enthusiasts alike.

Special event labels like this one add a deeper connection to the bottle. They evoke memories, celebrate milestones, and create an emotional tie between the product and its audience. By pairing great wine with a standout collector’s label, Oak Knoll ensures its customers are buying more than wine—they’re buying an experience.

A Label That Pops

This label radiates the vibrant energy of the Portland Rose Festival. The striking design features:

  1. A glass of Pinot Gris is front and center, with Portland’s iconic skyline in the background.
  2. Bold, celebratory patterns and vivid colors capture the festive spirit of the event.
  3. A clear holographic foil embellishment that gives it a sophisticated shimmer, catching light and drawing attention from every angle.

These elements don’t just make the label attractive—they make it unmissable.

How We Brought It to Life

Creating this label took expertise and care. Here’s what went into it:

  • Material: Printed on HP006 Bright White Felt for a textured, premium feel that reflects the quality of the wine inside.
  • Presses: These are produced using the HP6900 Indigo digital press, Delta, and hot stamping techniques, ensuring vibrant colors and precise finishes.
  • Embellishments: The transparent holographic foil adds that wow factor, making the label shine and reinforcing its collectible appeal.

Why Collector’s Edition Labels Matter

Labels like this are more than functional—they’re a way to honor special moments. A collector’s edition label ties your wine to an unforgettable occasion, symbolizing celebration and pride. Customers are drawn to the exclusivity, making your product both desirable and memorable.

Oak Knoll’s Pinot Gris label perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Portland Rose Festival. It’s a testament to their brand, wine, and the Portland Rose Festival.

Let’s create your next showstopper and turn your product into a cherished memory. Whether you’re commemorating a special event or looking to make your wine stand out on the shelf, Rose City Label is here to make it happen! Reach out today!

Label Spotlight: The Art of Distinction – Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey

Label Spotlight: The Art of Distinction – Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey

Here at Rose City Label, we’re always thrilled when a label tells a story, and Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey label does just that. This isn’t just ink on paper; it’s artistry meeting craftsmanship, wrapped around a bottle of world-class whiskey.

Let’s dive into what makes this label so captivating and why we’re proud to have brought it to life!

A Collaboration of Bold Ideas

First off, the client, Rogue Ales & Spirits, teamed up with the brilliant Hagen Moore, their Marketing/Creative Director, to craft a design that reflects the sophistication and spirit of their Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey. This label is a testament to their dedication to quality, from the whiskey to the packaging. When we got the ticket for this project, we knew we were in for something special.

Material and Technology: It’s All in the Details

Rogue’s label is printed on HP022 Everopaque Bright White Felt, a material that gives the bottle a sturdy, luxurious feel the moment you pick it up. This paper choice wasn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about texture. It feels rich, inviting you to savor every detail before opening the bottle. The Everopaque material stands out for its brightness and opacity, ensuring every ink drop and foil application is as vibrant as possible.

Embellishments That Dazzle

Now, let’s talk about the embellishments. This label runs through a hot stamp twice to add stunning black and red foil accents. Why go through the hot stamp twice? Because quality demands extra steps! The black foil gives the label depth and contrast, making the bold “Morimoto” name pop. The red foil, meanwhile, adds a layer of elegance, perfectly placed in the Japanese calligraphy and seal. These touches aren’t just decorative—they create a memorable impression, making the label as unique as the whiskey itself.

Presses That Mean Business

For those who love to geek out over print technology (we do!), this label was printed on our HP6900 and Delta presses, plus an additional hot stamp. The HP6900 handles digital printing with sharp precision, while the Delta press is versatile enough to handle multiple materials and finishes. Together, they create a crisp, durable, and visually arresting label. The numerous press processes allow us to combine intricate details with long-lasting quality, which is perfect for a high-end product like Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey.

Aesthetics That Tell a Story

The label design itself is a work of art. At the top, the iconic Rogue logo instantly commands attention. Below it, the name “Morimoto” stands in bold, crisp typography, with “Single Malt Whiskey” elegantly understated. But the real magic happens with the striking Japanese calligraphy that spans the label, a nod to the heritage and artistry infused in every bottle. The calligraphy, accented with a vibrant red seal, brings authenticity and respect for tradition, fitting for a single malt with character.

Why This Label Stands Out

This label isn’t just any whiskey label; it’s a masterclass in using materials, technology, and design to create something unforgettable. Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey label demonstrates what happens when a brand pushes for excellence in every detail. Every aspect of this label is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the product inside, from the choice of premium materials to the double hot stamp embellishments.

At Rose City Label, we take immense pride in helping brands like Rogue Ales & Spirits realize their vision. When you hold a bottle of Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey, you’re not just looking at a label—you’re experiencing the story of craftsmanship, dedication, and bold choices that make a product exceptional. And that’s what we’re here for, to bring those stories to life, one label at a time.

So, next time you’re looking to make your product stand out, remember that the details matter, and we’re ready to make those details shine.

Packaging Matters: How a Professional Can Help Your Sales Soar

Packaging Matters: How a Professional Can Help Your Sales Soar

In today’s crowded marketplace, making sure your product stands out on store shelves is more important than ever. With so many options vying for consumers’ attention, you only have a few seconds to capture their interest. But did you know that packaging plays a huge role in catching consumers’ eyes? According to Ipsos research, 72% of consumers are influenced by product packaging, and 67% say the materials used in the packaging matter.

One of the biggest trends in packaging today is sustainability. According to Ipsos, 85% of consumers consider sustainability when purchasing. This is especially true for younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z. Brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging are more likely to win over these consumers.

Personalization is also becoming more important in packaging. It’s estimated that personalized packaging will double in the next decade, thanks to advances in digital printing. But it’s important to strike a balance between personalization and brand recognition. Your packaging should be visually appealing and instantly recognizable as your brand.

As an SGP-certified, eco-friendly print partner, we have the skills and expertise to help you navigate these challenges. We can provide digital labels with vast personalization options, while also ensuring that your packaging is sustainable and visually appealing. We are ideally positioned to help you soar in 2023. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you create packaging that will stand out on store shelves.

Consistent Color over Time – here’s how!

Consistent Color over Time – here’s how!

Consistent Color Over Time – RRWC

In our business, many of or new label print jobs are considered ‘RRWC’ – Re-Run With Change.  This is not a NEW item (something we have never printed) and not an exact reprint – it is somewhere in the middle.  The most common example in our business is wine labels.  If we printed 2018 Chardonnay last year, and then this year you want another run – 2019 Chardonnay – then this item is RRWC.  We have printed Chardonnay before, but we are updating (changing) to the new vintage and often a new alcohol percentage.

 

Baled Cans

Revising the Current File – Best Option

When we get an order for Rerun with Change, the BEST option is for Rose City Label to revise our current file and send a proof for approval.  This is the best way to ensure a color match with the existing item.  This is the best way to have consistent color printing.  Providing a new file is not required – and can be detrimental – on RRWC jobs.  Letting us make the file changes per your specification is the best option for the most consistent color printing.  

Fine Tuning After the File is Submitted 

Part of the difficulty with the submission of new files on RRWC jobs is that internally we do several additional processes to your submitted files after the proof is signed.  There is considerable calibration, setup for die cutting and potential foil stamping, and several other steps before the file is ready to print.  And, then we color correct the output to match the desired end sample.  All of this work has to be redone from scratch when you submit a new file.  This is a huge additional task that adds no value to your label production and actually slows down delivery of your labels.

Unintentional Changes = Big Time Wasters

Finally, sometimes when a new file is submitted for a RRWC job, there can be very small, unintended changes that throw off the color match to the previous label.  One small change in how a logo was built, one small change in a background image… Any of these changes can make a big difference and add hours to the label production. Because we don’t generally know what has been changed, we end up spending extra time playing detective to find the correct formula to match the prior label.  This is wasteful in time and material, and adds no value to the final label.

RRWC – Don’t Submit a File, Just Submit your Edits

For best results, trust the experts at Rose City Label to make your edits and send corrected proofs for approval.  Don’t waste time and energy sending new files unless you want a different look!  If you want consistent color printing, let us use the existing file as the base to work from, and edit from there.  Together, this will allow us to get the best results with the fastest turn around time.

Thank you for partnering with us and trusting our 94 years of label experience work for you.  Questions?  Call us today!