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How to make digital stickers

Digital stickers are increasing in popularity, not only among digital planner enthusiasts but also for social media graphics and all kinds of digital products. Digital stickers are also called digital clipart, and creating them is a fun, creative hobby that lets you add your style to your digital annotation app. It can also result in some money if you decide to start selling them.


If it's your first time here: Hi, I'm Amada! I sell digital stickers on Etsy and Creative Fabrica. I love experimenting with different styles and making everything from very realistic digital stickers to holographic washi tapes. In this post, I'll tell you everything you need to know to start making digital stickers!

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How to make digital stickers. Digital stickers on an ipad

How do I make digital stickers?

Crafting digital stickers usually begins with a color palette or theme in mind. Whether you draw inspiration from pop culture, trends, or just a color you have a knack for, defining a clear theme sets the tone for your entire sticker set.


From there, consider the visual style — whether you prefer minimalist designs, intricate illustrations, or a vibrant mix of colors. Once your vision is clear, the creation process involves utilizing design software to bring your ideas to life. A good place to start could be to make a mood board of colors and patterns or textures in the program you want to make your stickers in. 


A digital sticker is easy to make. It is simply some kind of graphic saved as a .png file on a transparent background. Before you start, it can be helpful to brainstorm what you would like to make before deciding on where to start. Do you want to make Memo pad note stickers? Washi tapes? Ripped paper pieces? Hearts? All of these are fairly easy to start with.


What software do I need to make digital stickers?

I prefer to make digital stickers in Photoshop and Keynote, but you can also make stickers in Canva. If you don't have any of these programs but have a Mac computer, Keynote is already on your hard disk! It's a great place to start creating your first digital stickers.


For those aiming to delve into advanced features and intricate designs, Photoshop remains a powerhouse in the realm of graphic design. I actually use all three of the softwares, depending on what kind of sticker I'm making.


Digital papers for digital sticker making

Where can I find graphics to use for my digital stickers?

The heart of captivating digital stickers lies in the quality of graphics used. Platforms like Creative Market and Creative Fabrica boast an extensive library of high-quality graphics, fonts, and illustrations that can breathe life into your creations. If you love bright colors, The Digital Paper Library is a perfect place to start. Here, you'll get 100 beautiful textures for commercial use with a lifetime commercial license and no limits to the amount of end products. This invaluable resource is a treasure trove for adding colorful dimensions to your digital stickers.


What can I use digital stickers for?

The versatility of digital stickers extends far beyond mere embellishments. Elevate your digital planners, inject personality into your social media presence, or curate vibrant digital scrapbooks. Digital stickers are a powerful tool for personal expression, allowing you to tailor your digital space to reflect your unique style and interests.


Where can I sell digital stickers?

Transforming your passion into profit is a natural progression in the digital sticker-making journey. Platforms like Etsy, Creative Market and Creative Fabrica are excellent avenues for selling your digital stickers. Understanding the nuances of each platform, leveraging social media for marketing, and creating a strong brand presence are integral aspects of successfully selling your digital creations.


Hand-drawn digital stickers on an iPad screen

What should I keep in mind when I create my first digital sticker set?

If you want to sell them, I would focus on choosing a color palette and theme and making many stickers that fit together. The sticker sets that sell best are usually ones with many stickers in them. Consistency in style across the set ensures visual cohesion, making your stickers more appealing to users. Consider the preferences of your target audience, and strive to strike a balance between uniqueness and relatability. 


Embrace the learning curve, experiment with different techniques, and, most importantly, let your creative intuition guide you through the process. Have fun with it! Embark on your journey of mastering the art of digital sticker creation armed with these expert insights.


As you navigate the creative process, remember that each stroke, color choice, and design element contributes to the unique narrative of your digital sticker set. Happy crafting!

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