Custom Printed Paper Coffee Cup Design Tips

Custom Printed Paper Coffee Cup Design Tips

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23 January 2024

Even though we offer a design service – and an online cup design tool – many customers like to have their own graphic designers produce the layout for their custom printed paper cups. Some even like to design their own themselves.

Software for Cup Designs

• Illustrator is the way to go. The best software to prepare cup design with is, without doubt, Adobe Illustrator (AI).
• It gives the biggest flexibility for adjusting the design to cup template.
• You can also work with InDesign and Photoshop, but AI is our recommendation.

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Paper Cup Printing Color Model

• Work in the CMYK workspace. Avoid RGB or spot colors when not needed.
• Our main printing process used for printing cups is high resolution full color process CMYK.
• This process is great for accurate representation of photos and graphics.
• If you have specific Pantone references for your brand, no problem. We convert all Pantone references to the CMYK version of this reference using up-to-date Pantone Color Bridges Books.
• For the most part this is very accurate. But there are some colors to watch out for.
• The colors with the most discrepancies to be aware of are bright oranges – such as PMS 021.
• Please be aware that some spot colors cannot include our usual food safe inks.
• Pastel and Neon color palettes are a couple more examples. Always please enquire first.

PAPER CUP PRINTING FAQs

Vector vs. Raster Graphics for Cup Designs

• Rasterised logos are a common issue we encounter. (JPG, PNG and GIF are raster – these are harder to resize without compromising quality in final print.)
• I recommend vector all the way as it gives more flexibility in color corrections. Plus print quality is generally better. Vector files – Adobe Illustrator (AI), EPS and the right types of PDF can be more easily manipulated, resized and color corrected while maintaining higher resolution for a better quality appearance in print. If a designer created your brand and logo, you should ask for vector master files so you can produce a wide range of versions for a range of use for signage, advertising and of course branded paper cups!

Black Needs to be Black

• Black mixes using all 4 Process Colors are not recommended as they might print as dark brown due to high ink coverage.
• To print black we advise using K100% only, additionally to achieve deep black Cyan boost between 40-60% can be used.

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Small Text Sizes and Tiny Elements

• Text 6pt and below might not be legible.
• Please take care with small imprints and symbols like: © ® and ™.
• If it’s not readable when you print it on your printer, it won’t be on the cup.
• Line thicknesses below 0.5pt might differ from screen appearance, especially on matt finish cups with dark backgrounds and bright graphic elements.
• This is due to uncoated paper which ‘soaks’ in some of the ink.

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Follow the Grid

• Use our gridlines to adjust elements using warping effect in Illustrator to make elements appear straight on the cup.
• Ideally elements need to be arched so envelope distortion matches horizontal and vertical lines of the grid.
• Finally, the text must feature the same curvature as the provided grid pattern to ensure that the printing results appear optically correct and linear.
• This approach is also used when positioning images.
• In this case, we also recommend creating a new image layer and adjusting the edges of the image to fit the pattern.
• There are some exceptions like vertical text or circular elements, where warping might affect general proportions of the elements.

Geometrical Shapes

• A paper coffee cup is 3D object, which can be very challenging when you want to depict shapes like circles or squares.
• Of course a cup itself isn’t cylindrical. It’s tapered towards the bottom making the actual design template to appear curved.
• Generally, the bigger the shape the more awkward it will appear on the cup.
• I have my own rule to not make circles or squares wider than 80% of the base diameter.

Seamless Designs on Cups

• A cool idea – but sometimes hard to execute.
• Please be aware any bands and patterns running around the cup may not join correctly at the seam due to movement when the cup is formed.
• Please allow for 1mm movement up and down.

Bleed it Out

• One of the common mistakes is forgetting about bleed.
• Bleed is an extra print area added beyond the cutting line giving that extra safety when cups are die cut.
• Without bleed we can get white lines visible at the edges of the seam- something nobody wants to see when cup is supposed to be a solid color all around.

Paper Coffee Cup Design Templates

• Here’s a selection of rectangular and curved templates.
• You can edit or adjust stock cup designs by using our interactive, online cup designer tool if you click ‘Design Your Own‘ on individual products in the products section.

When you’re ready you can click here to UPLOAD YOUR ARTWORK

If you have any further questions it’s best to ask us when you get your Quick Quote

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How to Design Eye-Catching Custom Paper Cups?

Are you tired of serving drinks in plain, boring paper cups? It’s time to unleash your creativity and design eye-catching custom paper cups that will leave a lasting impression on your customers. Custom paper cups not only elevate the look of your beverages but also promote your brand and create a memorable experience for your customers.

With a little imagination and attention to detail, you can transform your paper cups into mini billboards for your business. Whether you own a coffee shop, restaurant, or catering service, designing custom paper cups allows you to showcase your brand’s personality and values.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of designing eye-catching custom paper cups. We will explore various design techniques, color schemes, and branding strategies to help you create unique and visually appealing cups that stand out from the crowd. From choosing the right materials to printing techniques, we will cover everything you need to know to bring your custom paper cup designs to life.

Part I. Benefits of Using Custom Paper Cups for Branding

In today’s competitive market, branding plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. Customization allows businesses to create a unique identity that sets them apart from the competition. Custom paper cups offer an effective way to achieve this by allowing you to personalize your marketing materials.

• 1. Brand Visibility: Custom paper cups prominently display your brand logo and message. Whether used in-house or given away at events, they act as portable billboards, increasing your brand’s visibility as they are carried around.
• 2. Eco-Friendly Image: Eco-conscious consumers appreciate businesses that make environmentally responsible choices. Using custom paper cups, which are biodegradable and recyclable, can help you create a more eco-friendly image.
• 3. Design Flexibility: You have full control over the design, allowing you to align your cups with your brand’s color scheme, logo, and message. At LOKYO, we support customized paper cups in different materials / different sizes, such as 8OZ kraft paper cups, 10 OZ biodegradable coffee Paper cups, plastic free paper cups, Dispersion Aqueous Paper Cups, Single wall paper cups or Double wall paper cups, and so on. Feel free to ask us for more customization possibilities.

Incorporating custom paper cups into your branding strategy can be a smart move for your business. Whether you’re a small start-up or a well-established company, the benefits of customization, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly appeal make custom paper cups an attractive option to enhance your brand’s presence.

Part II. Understanding the Design Process for Custom Paper Cups

Custom paper cups have a wide range of applications across different industries. One popular use is in the coffee shop industry. Coffee shops often serve their beverages in custom cups to enhance their brand identity and create a cohesive look. Customers love to take pictures of their cups and share them on social media, further spreading the brand’s reach.

Restaurants and catering services also find great value in using custom paper cups. By incorporating their brand elements into the cup design, they create a seamless brand experience for customers who order takeout or delivery. It’s a simple yet effective way to reinforce brand recognition and leave a lasting impression on customers.

Furthermore, custom paper cups are commonly used in events such as conferences, trade shows, and parties. They can be customized to match the theme of the event, providing a unique and personalized touch. This not only adds to the overall aesthetic but also serves as a form of advertising as attendees carry the cups around the event.

Part III. Tips for Choosing the Right Colors and Fonts for Custom Paper Cups

Now that you have a solid foundation, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to designing eye-catching custom paper cups.

1. Learn the Latest Trends in Custom Paper Cups

Start by researching the latest design trends and gathering inspiration from various sources. Look at successful examples of custom paper cup designs and analyze what makes them visually appealing and memorable.

2. Define Your Brand Identity

Clearly define your brand’s personality, values, and target audience. This will help you make design choices that align with your brand and resonate with your customers.

3. Sketch and Conceptualize

Begin sketching out different design ideas, focusing on the visual elements that represent your brand. Experiment with layouts, patterns, and typography to create unique and eye-catching designs. As a food packaging manufacturer for 26+ years, LOKYO has over 5 professional designers to provide you with free designs.

4. Choose Colors and Fonts

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Select colors and fonts that align with your brand’s identity and evoke the desired emotions. Consider the psychology of colors and how different font styles can convey different messages.

5. Incorporate Branding Elements

Integrate your brand’s logo, tagline, or any other visual elements into the cup design. Ensure that they are prominently displayed and easily recognizable.

6. Optimize for Legibility

Pay attention to the size and placement of text and graphics to ensure they are legible on the cup’s surface. Consider the cup’s shape and any potential distortion that may occur during the printing process.

7. Get Feedback and Refine

Share your design concepts with colleagues or trusted individuals to get their feedback. Make necessary adjustments and refinements based on their input to enhance the overall design.

8. Finalize and Prepare for Printing

Once you are satisfied with the design, prepare the artwork files according to the printer’s specifications. Ensure that the files are in the correct format and resolution for optimal printing results.

By following these steps, you can create eye-catching custom paper cup designs that effectively promote your brand and captivate your customers.

Part IV. Printing Options for Custom Paper Cups

Incorporating branding elements into your custom paper cup designs is a key aspect of creating a cohesive brand experience. Here are some tips on how to effectively incorporate branding elements:

1. Prominently Display Your Logo: Your logo is the visual representation of your brand, so it should be prominently displayed on the cup. Choose a size and placement that ensures it is easily recognizable and legible.

2. Integrate Brand Colors: Use your brand’s primary or secondary colors in the cup design. This helps create visual consistency across all brand touchpoints and reinforces brand recognition.

3. Include Taglines or Slogans: If you have a catchy tagline or slogan, consider incorporating it into the cup design. This can help reinforce your brand’s message and create a memorable experience for customers.

4. Use Brand Icons or Symbols: If your brand has any distinct icons or symbols, consider incorporating them into the cup design. This can further enhance brand recognition and create a unique visual identity.

Remember to strike a balance between incorporating branding elements and maintaining a visually appealing design that is not overpowering. The goal is to create a design that effectively promotes your brand while still being visually appealing to your customers.

Part V. Ordering Custom Paper Cups – Finding the Right Supplier

When it comes to printing custom paper cups, there are several options to consider. Here are some common printing techniques:

1. Offset Printing: Offset printing is a popular choice for high-quality, large-volume orders. It offers vibrant colors and precise details, making it ideal for intricate designs. However, it has a longer turnaround time and higher upfront costs compared to other printing methods.

2. Digital Printing: Digital printing is a cost-effective option for smaller volume orders or designs with multiple variations. It provides quick turnaround times and allows for customization. However, the color accuracy and vibrancy may not be as high as offset printing.

3. Flexographic Printing: Flexographic printing is commonly used for large-volume orders. It is a fast and cost-effective option that offers good color reproduction. However, it may not be suitable for designs with complex details or gradients.

4. Customization Options: Some printing suppliers offer additional customization options, such as embossing, foil stamping, or spot UV coating. These techniques can add a premium look and feel to your custom paper cups, creating a memorable experience for your customers.

LOKYO’s foil-stamping recyclable paper cups, made from 100% eco-friendly raw materials, have a double-layer design that not only provides better heat retention but is also suitable for hot beverages such as coffee and tea.

When choosing a printing option, consider factors such as your budget, order volume, design complexity, and desired turnaround time. Discuss your requirements with different printing suppliers to determine the best option for your custom paper cups.

Conclusion and How to Choose Custom Paper Cups Manufacturer?

Once you have finalized your design and printing requirements, it’s time to find the right supplier to bring your custom paper cup designs to life. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a paper cup supplier:

1. Experience and Reputation: Look for a supplier with a proven track record in producing high-quality custom paper cups. Read reviews and testimonials from other customers to gauge their reputation.

2. Printing Capabilities: Ensure that the supplier has the necessary printing capabilities to meet your design requirements. Discuss the printing techniques, color accuracy, and customization options they offer.

3. Quality of Materials: Ask about the quality of materials used for the cups. Ensure that they are food-grade and eco-friendly, aligning with your brand’s values.

4. Customer Service: Good customer service is crucial when working with a supplier. Ensure that they are responsive, proactive, and willing to address any concerns or questions you may have.

5. Price and Turnaround Time: Compare prices and turnaround times from different suppliers. While cost is a factor, prioritize quality and reliability to ensure a smooth and successful order process.

Consider requesting samples from potential suppliers to assess the quality of their work firsthand. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you make an informed decision.

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