If you’ve ever wondered why your colors look different on-screen than they do in print, this video is for you.
In our latest tutorial, we explore two common color spaces—CMYK and RGB—and explain why CMYK is critical when designing labels for print.
Watch the embedded video below and read on for a detailed overview.
Why CMYK vs. RGB Matters
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Best for anything going to print.
Prints on surfaces that reflect light rather than transmitting it.
More accurately represents how your final printed labels will look.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
Best for digital displays (computer screens, TVs, projectors).
Has a wider color range than CMYK.
Many bright colors in RGB can’t be reproduced exactly in CMYK.
Setting Up Your Document in CMYK
Check Your File Mode
In Adobe Illustrator, go to File > Document Color Mode, then select CMYK Color.
Anything you create or import will adopt the CMYK color space.
Convert Imported Images
If you’re using Photoshop artwork in your Illustrator file, open that image in Photoshop.
Go to Image > Mode, and select CMYK Color.
Expect a slight color shift—especially if the image has colors that don’t exist in the CMYK range.
Be Ready for Changes
Some vibrant colors—like intense greens or pinks—may dull or shift noticeably when you switch from RGB to CMYK.
Converting ahead of time lets you see these shifts before sending your files to print.
Example: Bright Colors in RGB
In the video, we demonstrate how colors like neon greens and pinks can appear vivid in RGB but look more muted in CMYK. This is a normal (yet sometimes surprising) result of working within a smaller color space. By converting to CMYK early in your design process, you’ll avoid unexpected color shifts on the press.
Video: Watch and Learn
Here’s the full walkthrough in our video. We’ll show you exactly how to switch color modes in Illustrator and Photoshop, why it matters, and what to watch out for when working with especially bright hues.
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.
Welcome to our new series, where we share quick technical tips for better label design! This post will walk you through creating a simple rectangular or circular label template in Adobe Illustrator, including bleed and safety margins. Check out the embedded video below for a step-by-step demonstration or read below for a quick tutorial.
Key Steps and Tips
Document Size and Bleed
Create a new document (e.g., 4″ wide × 3″ tall).
Set bleed to 1/16 inch (0.0625″).
This 1/16″ bleed applies no matter the overall label size.
Inside Safety Margin
Create a guide 1/16″ inside the label to mark your “type limit” or “die safety margin.”
In Illustrator, you can do this by drawing a box the same size as the label and then using an Offset Path at –1/16″. Convert it to a guide so it won’t print.
Shape Options
Rectangles: Use the desired dimensions (e.g., 4″ × 3″).
Circles: Set your artboard to the size of the circle (e.g., 1″ × 1″).
Tell your CSR (Customer Service Representative at Rose City Label) the shape and size so it’s clear whether you’re printing a circle, rectangle, or any other shape.
Background and Bleed
Extend your background color or imagerybeyond the bleed line.
The red line (or outer border) marks where the label will be cut. Make sure your background or any non-critical design elements continue past this line.
Safe Zone for Text and Critical Graphics
Keep all important text and imageswithin the 1/16″ safety margin inside the label.
This ensures important elements won’t be trimmed off or look misaligned if the label shifts slightly during cutting.
Why This Matters
Prevents Trimming Errors: Setting up bleed and safety margins ensures your label designs come out crisp and professional without unwanted white edges.
Maintains Legibility: Keeping text within the safe zone avoids accidentally cutting off important info.
Simplifies Production: Printers have consistent guidelines to follow, reducing back-and-forth corrections.
That’s all there is to it! Embedding a proper bleed, creating clear safe zones, and specifying the correct shape upfront will help your labels print perfectly every time.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your label designs, feel free to contact our team. We’re here to help you get the best results possible!
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!
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:
A glass of Pinot Gris is front and center, with Portland’s iconic skyline in the background.
Bold, celebratory patterns and vivid colors capture the festive spirit of the event.
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!
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.
