Let’s be honest. Holographic stickers are having a moment, and it’s all thanks to their unique vibe. The flashy and eye-catching material is dimensional and on-trend ,not only for personal use, but for branding and professional use, too. 

So, whether you’re a DIY-er, marketer, designer, or brand seeking to stand out, holographic sticker design can help. Of course, you’ll need a quality holographic design to do so, in a positive light. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide! 

Here, we’ll dive deep into the trend, sharing pro tips from the expert StickerGenius team and beyond. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about creating the striking stickers with the utmost quality and care. 

What Is a Holographic Sticker?

Not familiar with holoagraphic materials? Let’s start with a quick definition and explanation of all the basics. Holographic stickers are vibrant decals made with a special material that reflects light to create a rainbow-like, color-shifting effect. They change appearance as you move them, adding a dynamic and dimensional look to any design.

This rainbow-like, or ultra-dimensional look is achieved using a metalized, or iridescent film in designs. In general, the film is typically used as the basis for the design. However, adding to their versatility, these stickers can be fully holographic or selectively, with just certain aspects of the design using the application. 

Now that you have a rundown of all the basics, are you wondering how you can create and craft these kinds of stickers for yourself? Let’s move on to the materials and supplies needed to do so next. 

Materials Used for DIY or Professional Holographic Sticker Designs 

For the utmost quality in print, design, and execution, it’s always best to seek out a professional printer for sticker designs, especially specialty applications such as holographic types. But, in the case you’re tackling holographic sticker designs on your own, here are a few key materials you’ll need: 

• Holographic vinyl or printable sticker paper
• Inkjet printer with dye-based ink
• Clear laminate (glossy or matte for protection)
• Cricut or Silhouette machine for cutting (or scissors for DIY)

For any sticker design, you’ll also need software to create print-ready file types, such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, etc. Again, you can skip the trial-and-error and avoid a waste in material costs by finding a professional to bring your holographic sticker design to life instead. 

At StickerGenius, it’s as simple as uploading your file, choosing your finish, and our team handles the rest! Another factor that can affect the result, or quality, of your sticker is its initial design. Some designs work better than others. 

To learn how to design your sticker right from the start, next we’ll cover the top best practices and tips. 

Holographic Sticker Design Tips 

Moving on to the actual design of your stickers, it always helps to have advice from those who have done it before. So, without further ado, here are some of the tips and tricks behind effective and attractive holographic sticker designs -  

1. Leave Empty Areas: Remember, holographic material is often used as the base of stickers or projects. So, strategically leaving empty or transparent areas allows the vibrant light and color-shifting effects to shine through.
   
2. Play with Light Colors: For the most part, lighter colors or hues interact best with the holographic effect, adding a reflection that really brings the effect to life. On the other hand, dark color blocks may mask the effect, so they should be avoided for the most impact.
   
3. Use Contrast: Black outlines and white fills are natural ways to emphasize the shapes and boost the readability of your stickers. These are elements that make designs “pop” versus those that don’t.
   
4. Watch Color Saturation: Adjust for vinyl interaction, and play with muted tones vs bold ones. Light or pastel shades tend to enhance the holographic effect, while overly dark or saturated colors can overpower or block it. Aim for a balance that allows the reflective background to shine through without compromising your design’s clarity.
   
5. Design with a Neutral Background: When working on a neutral background (like white) it’s easier to visualize the negative space in which the holographic material will peek out of.
   

Lastly, it’s best to use mockups or digital previews to visualize how the holographic layer will react with different parts of your design. You can do this in design programs like Adobe Illustrator or Canva, or by using holographic overlay mockup templates available.

Holographic Sticker Design Printing FAQs

Still have questions? We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about holographic sticker design. 

Can you print holographic stickers on an Inkjet? 

Yes, but you’ll need to use dye ink versus standard ink used for printing on regular paper.

Does holographic vinyl affect color? 

Yes, designs shift depending on light and angle, which means you’ll want to review the best types of color to use (as we mentioned earlier!) and oversee saturation and contrast. 

Can you use regular printers? 

With the right material, yes, but commercial printers offer superior durability and quality in overall appearance.

Why Choose StickerGenius for Holographic Stickers 

For specialty stickers, like holographic types, it’s always best to select a printer that specializes in stickers and various materials. StickerGenius is a leading printer of multiple sticker varieties (holographic, included!), thanks to its advanced printing capabilities, experience, and expertise. 

Our Genius Vinyl material is built to last, offering durable, scratch-resistant, and weatherproof qualities, so your designs stay vibrant and protected. You can also choose from custom finishes like gloss, matte, or selective laminate to create the exact look you want. Plus, we offer no minimum order quantities, making it easy to print just a few or scale up for larger runs. 

With simple online ordering and fast turnaround times, StickerGenius helps bring your holographic ideas to life effortlessly. Want to bring your design to life? Upload it today and let us do the magic! 

Holographic Sticker Designs: The Final Word

If you’re looking to keep up with the trends, or simply stand out amongst a sea of competitors…holographic sticker designs can do just that for your brand, organization, personal entity, or beyond. Of course, as you’ve learned here, the key to quality, effective holographic stickers lies in innovative design, and often, professional printing, or working with the right materials and tools at the very least. 

Whether you’re a pro or a DIY-er, a great design starts with smart use of color, space, and contrast, and ends with premium printing. Ready to hand off your design to the professionals? Or, looking for additional support to make your project the most successful it can be? Start designing, and get in touch with the sticker experts and professionals at StickerGenius. Ensure your sticker design steals the spotlight - get in touch with our team now!