Labels & Logos
As presented at the 2007 HSMG Conference
I spoke at the 2007 Annual Conference of the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild on the subject of Labels and Logos. The presentation went over the pros and cons and resources for the different parts that make up a good label. Following are the links that were discussed at the presentation. I promised I would post them, so here they are.
Note that each link opens in new window.
Label Papers
Fonts
Watch out for free fonts from questionable websites. Sometimes fonts downloads can include spyware or scumware. Check the user agreement if there is one, sometimes info about what's being downloaded is hidden in the document.
Also, remember that unusual fonts will generally have to be converted to images if you decide to use them on your website. Conerting them will often degrade the quality, so it's something to think about if you are planning to select a "signature" font for your product labels, promotional matierals and website.
- 1001 Fonts (Free)
- DaFont (Free)
- Wanted Fonts (Free)
- Font Shop
- MyFonts (this is my personal favorite)
- AGFA Monotype
- International Typeface Corporation
- Aenigma Fonts
- The Astigmatic One Eye Typographic Institute
- Blue Vinyl Fonts
- Fountain
- Larabie Fonts
- Misprinted Type
- Pizzadude
Clip Art and Images
ALWAYS check the user agreement for any clip art you purchase or download. The fine print in some off-the-shelf clip art packages say you can use the image freely EXCEPT on a product for sale (so no labels). Other fine print might include not using a picture of a person in a way to imply that they are endorsing a product, not selling a product with the image, not including the image under your copyright, etc. Generally an image that you purchase or download is still owned by the person you got it from, even though you have rights to use it.
If you do decide to use an photo or clip-art image for something really important (like your company logo or a primary part of your product labeling) be sure to check the fine print and maybe even run it by a lawyer before you invest large sums of money in getting things printed.
- stock.xchng (photos)
- Morgue File
- iStockPhoto
- Getty Images
- Jupiter Images
- Dreamstime
- Photos.com
- Fotosearch
- Shutterstock
- ClipArt.com
Also check at ebay for discount coupons for clipart.com - Microsoft Clip Art
- Clip-Art.com (collection of clip art links)
Design Resources
- Principles of Beautiful WebDesign by Jason Beaird
(Excellent design tips for any type of graphic work) - The Ideabook.com
- Ideabook Graphic Design Tutorials
- Before and After Magazine (print and e-mail)
- Many graphic design links
