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Top 5 San Diego Brands Nailing Print Branding, Packaging, and Swag

San Diego isn’t just about beaches and sunshine—it’s also home to some seriously cool brands that are killing it with their print branding, packaging, and swag. As a San Diego-based printing company, we can’t help but admire how these local businesses are using print to elevate their brand identity and create memorable experiences. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into our top five picks!

By Will ThurmanFebruary 19, 2025

1. Ballast Point Brewing

Why They’re Killing It: Ballast Point Brewing is a true San Diego legend, and their print branding reflects their fun, adventurous spirit. From the bold colors to their iconic logo on cans and bottles, they’ve mastered the art of standing out on the shelf. But it’s their limited-edition beer packaging that really sets them apart. Take their “Victory at Sea” stout series, which has some of the coolest, most artistic label designs we’ve ever seen. It’s like a mini art gallery on your beer fridge!

Unique Campaign: The “Victory at Sea” beer campaign came with special-edition cans and collectible swag, like posters and T-shirts featuring the stunning artwork. Their packaging didn’t just sell beer—it told a story.

Ballast Point Victory at Sea cans showing their unique illustration style. — Image Credit

2. Café Gratitude

Why They’re Killing It: Café Gratitude isn’t just serving up delicious, plant-based dishes—they’re also serving up some seriously stylish print branding. Their minimalist, earthy aesthetic is reflected in their sleek menus and eco-friendly packaging. From reusable takeout containers to their beautiful typography on every product, Café Gratitude’s branding is as warm and inviting as their food. Plus, their bold colors and positive affirmations are a big win for the feel-good factor!

Unique Campaign: The “Gratitude Bowls” campaign featured limited-edition, hand-painted bowls that customers could purchase. Each bowl had a different positive affirmation, making it a perfect blend of swag and branding.

Cafe Gratitude's Facebook banner showcases their food photography and typography. — Image Credit

3. Bumble

Why They’re Killing It: OK, so Bumble isn’t originally from San Diego, but they have a major presence here, and we can’t help but appreciate their impeccable print branding. Whether it’s their vibrant posters around town or the packaging for their Bumble BFF kits, they know how to make an impact. The playful, bold, and clean design of their promotional materials is eye-catching and instantly recognizable. Plus, they’ve got a ton of branded swag, from water bottles to tote bags, that fans can’t get enough of.

Unique Campaign: Bumble’s “Bumble Hive” pop-up events are a masterclass in print branding. They create immersive spaces filled with interactive displays, and their printed materials (think custom event signage, flyers, and gift bags) tie the whole experience together.

Bumble promotional booth outdoor featuring Bumble's branding. — Image Credit

4. Lucha Libre Taco Shop

Why They’re Killing It: Lucha Libre Taco Shop isn’t just serving up some of the best tacos in town—they’re also serving up some serious branding that combines fun, flair, and personality. Their print marketing, from the eye-catching restaurant menus to their bold take-out bags and T-shirts, perfectly captures the energy of their lucha libre-inspired brand. It’s bold, quirky, and unforgettable—just like their tacos!

Unique Campaign: The “Luchador” themed Taco Tuesday promo is an ongoing event that combines print swag with food. Custom-designed T-shirts and special-edition sauce packets featuring masked wrestlers are a fan favorite, and they keep customers coming back for more.

Luncha Libre Shirt featuring mask graphic. — Image Credit

5. Chicano Park

Why They’re Killing It: Chicano Park may not be a traditional “brand” in the marketing sense, but it’s a cultural landmark in San Diego that’s done an amazing job at using print and packaging to spread awareness and celebrate heritage. The Chicano Park murals are iconic, and the nonprofit behind the park creates eye-catching promotional materials to raise funds and celebrate the community. Their printed merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and even commemorative prints, celebrates Chicano culture and connects the past to the present.

Unique Campaign: The annual Chicano Park Day event has become a huge celebration, complete with a beautifully designed poster each year that highlights the vibrant artwork of the park. It’s a perfect mix of culture and print marketing.

Mural featuring people and animals in San Diego's Chicano Park. — Image Credit

So, there you have it! These five San Diego brands are not only making waves in their industries but also in the world of print branding, packaging, and swag. If you’re looking to step up your own brand’s print game, take a note from these guys and get creative with your designs. And hey, if you need help bringing your ideas to life, you know where to find us! Let’s make your print branding unforgettable.

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Packaging

The Importance of Dielines in Custom Packaging

If you don’t have experience with product packaging, you may hear certain terms for the first time. One such term is “dieline.” Whether used in a print or packaging campaign, dielines are far more important than they might initially seem.

Nearly every package design has dielines. But what are they? Why are dielines beneficial? STiCKi can answer your questions. Our company has spent over three decades working with printing and package design. Here’s a closer look at packaging dielines and what makes them important, especially for custom product packages.

By Will ThurmanOctober 1, 2024

What Is a Dieline in Packaging and Printing?

Dielines are colored lines indicating the ideal layout of a package. Each dieline is a marking. These markings can indicate where to fold, cut, and glue packaging. The result is a perfectly assembled package that’s ready for store shelves and product displays.

Here’s a quick look at commonly used packaging and printing dielines:

Cut Lines: Shows a die cutter where to make cuts.
Fold Lines: Shows where to fold a package during the folding process.
Perforation Lines: Highlights where to create a tear-off perforation. Not required on all products.
Bleed Lines: Shows the areas to place artwork and specific colors. Prevents print materials from bleeding into other areas.
Glue Tabs: Indicates where to place glue during the package assembly process.

Unspun CBD dieline on a black background. — Image Credit

Why Are Packaging Dielines So Important for Custom Packages?

So far, you learned what a dieline is in packaging and printing. You may consider dielines as the MVPs of the custom packaging process. Here’s more information about the benefits of dielines for custom packages.

Avoiding Costly Errors

Errors cost companies time and money. Understandably, no business wants mistakes made during the printing or packaging processes. When your business has professionals creating its dielines, everyone else involved in the process knows exactly what to do.

If your company doesn’t use packaging dielines or they contain mistakes, either situation is likely going to cause errors for die cutters, printers, and assemblers. These errors cost your business time. They also result in expenses due to unusable and error-laden packaging.

Ensuring Accuracy

Custom packages let any brand showcase its creativity. You can use vibrant colors, bold messaging, and other tricks of the trade while designing packaging. Custom packages can also come in unusual shapes and sizes.

Dielines give everyone on your company’s product design team clear instructions. As a result of these instructions, your brand’s completed packaging will perfectly reflect its customized designs.

Keeping Your Products Consistent

Businesses utilize lots of time and employees to perfect their designs, products, and packages. Because of that, the last thing you want is for mistakes to happen as your products and packages come together.

With expertly added packaging dielines, your brand delivers consistent product experiences. This quality is one that some of the world’s most beloved brands share. Whether your business targets people or companies, both prefer brands to provide consistency in their products and services.

The Process of Using Dielines for Custom Packages

A company’s marketing professionals rely on dielines throughout the design, printing, and packaging processes.

With all of the pertinent information gathered and considered, including regulatory requirements, weight restrictions, and size, the packaging type can be determined. At this point, a design concept can take shape! Sketches and flat mockups of the designs will have dielines added using specialized software to indicate where to place logos, product specifications and other branding information, as well as where to perforate, cut, fold, and glue parts of the printed packaging.

By using the instruction indicated by a package’s dielines, the assembled mock-up should accurately represent a product’s final design.

Avoiding Common Dieline-Related Mistakes

Using caution is a must if your business designs and uses its own dielines. Packaging dielines require extreme precision. Even simple mistakes can wreak havoc on your design, printing, and packaging teams. Fortunately, knowing a few tips should prevent costly dieline-related mistakes.

Neglecting the Proofreading Process

Proofreading is a simple process. Someone with good attention-to-detail skills looks over a product’s package to ensure everything is correct. Unfortunately, due to forgetfulness or tight deadlines, some companies forget the importance of frequent proofreading during the dieline creation process.

Mistakes not caught through proofreading these finer details can cause incorrect package folding, cutting, and gluing. It’s also likely to result in significant lost time and money for your business.

Not Ensuring Compliance

It’s understandable to focus on a package’s looks while creating dielines, but industry compliance should be a priority. While each industry operates differently, most companies must include certain information on their product packaging in order to maintain compliance with laws and regulations.

STiCKi’s knowledgeable team considers and ensures products and packaging adhere to all compliance and industry-related requirements. Our experts can take the guesswork out of packaging specifications and design and produce spectacular, compliant packaging.

Including Enough Spacing

Considering spacing during the dieline process results in packaging that’s easy on a consumer’s eyes. Packaging designs should include plenty of room for text and graphic elements without cutting off designs or interfering with folds. Ensuring proper spacing and dieline placement before mass production is a must!

Contact STiCKi for Custom Packaging

Dieline for box with handles on a teal background.

Custom packages let your company show off its unique personality and style. Trust STiCKi to complete your custom packaging production—from the initial sketch to the dielines, printing, and assembly.

STiCKi specializes in offering full-service print and digital marketing solutions. Contact STiCKi for professional print marketing services today!

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Direct Mail

The Ultimate Guide to Print Marketing: Boost Your Brand’s Visibility and Impact

In an era dominated by digital communication, print marketing stands as a stalwart strategy, offering tangible and impactful ways to connect with audiences. From brochures and flyers to direct mail campaigns, print materials have retained their relevance in the marketing landscape, providing businesses with a unique avenue to engage consumers on a personal level. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the intricacies of print marketing, exploring its effectiveness, considerations, and benefits.

By Will ThurmanSeptember 3, 2024

Understanding Print Marketing

At its core, print marketing involves the utilization of physical materials to convey promotional messages and brand information. Unlike digital marketing, which relies on online platforms, print marketing leverages tangible items to capture the attention of target audiences. Whether it’s a beautifully designed brochure or an eye-catching poster, print materials serve as tangible touchpoints that leave a lasting impression on recipients.

Direct mail campaign by Hush Puppies shown on tan and white background. — Image Credit

Insights into Print Marketing Effectiveness

High Response Rates: Contrary to popular belief, direct mail boasts a significantly higher response rate than email marketing. Studies have shown that for every 100 direct mail recipients, approximately 4 to 5 individuals respond, underscoring the effectiveness of this traditional marketing method.
Trustworthiness: Print marketing materials are perceived as more trustworthy and credible by consumers. The physicality of print materials instills a sense of authenticity, leading to increased consumer trust and engagement with the brand.
Longevity: Print materials have a longer lifespan compared to their digital counterparts. Whether displayed on a refrigerator or kept on a desk, print materials serve as persistent reminders of a brand’s message and offerings, extending their impact over time.

Key Considerations for Print Marketing Implementation

Audience Segmentation: Understanding the demographics and preferences of your target audience is crucial for designing effective print materials. Tailoring your messaging and design to resonate with your audience enhances engagement and response rates.
Brand Consistency: Consistency in design elements, color schemes, and messaging across print materials reinforces brand identity and fosters brand recognition. Cohesive branding ensures that your materials are instantly recognizable and memorable.
Investment in Quality: High-quality printing services are essential for ensuring that your materials are visually appealing and durable. Investing in premium paper stock, crisp graphics, and vibrant colors enhances the perceived value of your brand and materials.
Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Every print material should include a clear and compelling CTA directing recipients to take the desired action, whether it’s visiting a website, making a phone call, or visiting a physical store. A well-crafted CTA encourages recipients to engage further with your brand.

Advantages of Print Marketing

Tangibility and Engagement: Print materials provide a tactile experience that digital content cannot replicate. The physicality of print materials encourages interaction and engagement, fostering a deeper connection with the brand.
Targeted Reach: Advances in data analytics enable precise targeting of print marketing campaigns, ensuring that messages reach the right audience at the right time with personalized content. From demographic targeting to geographic segmentation, print marketing allows for highly targeted campaigns that maximize ROI.
Creative Expression: Print marketing offers a canvas for creativity, allowing businesses to showcase their brand personality through innovative designs and captivating visuals. From striking imagery to compelling copywriting, print materials provide ample opportunities for creative expression and storytelling.
Integration with Digital Strategies: Print marketing seamlessly integrates with digital efforts, providing an additional touchpoint for engaging with consumers. By combining print and digital marketing channels, businesses can create cohesive and omnichannel campaigns that amplify brand visibility and impact.

Hubble contact lense delivery service direct mail on peach background. — Image Credit

Print marketing continues to be a versatile tool for enhancing brand visibility and engagement. By understanding its effectiveness, businesses can leverage print marketing to achieve their marketing objectives and stand out in today’s competitive landscape. Embrace the power of print marketing and unlock new opportunities for connecting with your audience in meaningful ways.

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Print Marketing

The Resurgence of Print Marketing: A Deep Dive into Company Strategies

In the dynamic landscape of modern marketing, where digital channels often command attention, the resurgence of print marketing is a notable trend. Companies across all industries are rediscovering the appeal and impact of print materials. This blog offers a detailed examination of why businesses are increasingly investing in print marketing, with a spotlight on commercial printing services, and provides in-depth examples of companies reallocating their ad spend from digital to print.

By Will ThurmanAugust 27, 2024

Tangible Connections in a Digital World

Chanel and Gucci: Renowned luxury fashion houses Chanel and Gucci have been diverting substantial portions of their marketing budgets to print advertisements in glossy magazines.
- Strategy: Leveraging the tactile nature of print, they use high-quality imagery and elegant designs to showcase their exclusive products in a visually captivating manner.
- Specific Approach: Chanel’s strategy involves creating visually stunning print ads that evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, often featuring intricate details of their haute couture collections. Gucci, on the other hand, adopts a bold and avant-garde approach, utilizing striking visuals and innovative layouts to captivate readers and reinforce its position as a trendsetter in the fashion industry.
- Statistic: According to a study by Nielsen Catalina Solutions, print magazines deliver an average ROI of $3.94 for every dollar spent, highlighting the effectiveness of print ads for luxury brands in driving consumer engagement and purchase intent.

Establishing Trust and Credibility

Airbnb ads on the sides of a building. — Image Credit

Google and Airbnb: Despite their digital dominance, tech giants Google and Airbnb have embraced print marketing as a means to enhance brand credibility and reach diverse audiences.
- Strategy: By appearing in respected print publications, they aim to position themselves as trustworthy and reliable brands, especially among demographics less engaged with digital platforms.
- Specific Approach: Google’s print ads often focus on storytelling and highlighting the human impact of its products and services, fostering emotional connections with readers. Airbnb, on the other hand, utilizes print ads to showcase unique travel experiences and promote its community-driven platform, emphasizing authenticity and inclusivity.
- Statistic: Research by the Direct Marketing Association reveals that 56% of consumers consider print marketing to be the most trustworthy form of advertising, emphasizing the credibility associated with print materials.

Targeted Reach, Tangible Impact

IKEA's augmented reality app in use showing chair being put into in a room. — Image Credit

IKEA: A leader in the retail sector, IKEA continues to produce millions of print catalogs annually, leveraging them as a cornerstone of their marketing strategy.
- Strategy: By distributing tangible catalogs to households, IKEA provides customers with an immersive and tangible shopping experience, driving both online and in-store sales.
- Specific Approach: IKEA’s print catalogs are more than just product listings; they serve as inspiration guides, featuring room setups, design tips, and lifestyle content that resonate with their target audience. Additionally, IKEA incorporates interactive elements such as QR codes and augmented reality experiences to bridge the gap between print and digital.
- Statistic: The Data & Marketing Association reports that 79% of households either read or scan direct mail ads, underscoring the enduring effectiveness of print materials in reaching and engaging consumers.
Coca-Cola: Despite being an iconic brand in the digital space, Coca-Cola has invested heavily in print marketing to reinforce its global presence.
- Strategy: Coca-Cola utilizes print advertisements in various forms, including billboards, posters, and magazine ads, to connect with consumers on a local and global scale.
- Specific Approach: Coca-Cola’s print ads often leverage nostalgia and emotional storytelling, tapping into universal themes of happiness, friendship, and togetherness. Moreover, Coca-Cola collaborates with renowned artists and designers to create visually striking print campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide.
- Statistic: Print advertising has contributed to Coca-Cola’s brand recognition, with studies showing that 94% of the world’s population recognizes the Coca-Cola logo.

The Role of Commercial Printing Services

Specialized firms offering commercial printing services play a pivotal role in enabling companies to execute effective print marketing campaigns.

These service providers offer a range of solutions, from offset and digital printing to large-format and customized packaging, tailored to the unique needs of businesses.
Commercial printing services work closely with companies to translate their creative vision into tangible print materials that captivate audiences and drive results. Whether it’s utilizing innovative printing techniques, sourcing sustainable materials, or optimizing production processes, these service providers play a crucial role in bringing print campaigns to life.

The resurgence of print marketing amidst the digital revolution underscores the enduring relevance and effectiveness of printed communication channels. Businesses are recognizing the value of print materials in establishing trust, reaching targeted audiences, and creating memorable brand experiences. By partnering with commercial printing services, businesses can harness the power of print to drive engagement, loyalty, and tangible results. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, print marketing remains a timeless and indispensable tool for connecting with consumers in a meaningful and impactful way.

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Print Marketing

Print Marketing Staples: Materials, Considerations, and Target Audiences

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, one strategy remains steadfast and effective: print marketing. While digital marketing has seen exponential growth, print materials continue to play a crucial role in reaching and engaging target audiences. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the essential print marketing staples, exploring materials, considerations, and target audiences to help businesses harness the power of print in their marketing campaigns.

By MalloryAugust 20, 2024

Essential Products

Business Cards: Business cards remain indispensable tools for networking and brand representation. Compact, versatile, and customizable, they leave a lasting impression on potential clients and partners.

Business stationary featuring a business card and letterhead with a creative design on a gray background. — Image Credit

Brochures and Flyers: Brochures and flyers serve as informative marketing collateral, providing detailed information about products, services, or events. With eye-catching design and concise messaging, they effectively engage and educate target audiences.

Posters and Banners: Posters and banners command attention in high-traffic areas, making them ideal for promotional campaigns and event signage. Their large format and bold visuals ensure maximum visibility and impact.

Direct Mail: Direct mail campaigns offer a personal touch in a digital world, delivering physical marketing materials directly to consumers’ mailboxes. From postcards to catalogs, direct mail fosters direct communication and engagement.

Considerations

Design and Branding: Effective print marketing hinges on compelling design. Clarity, simplicity, and consistency are paramount for message resonance. Attention to typography, imagery, and layout enhances visual appeal and comprehension.

Brand Consistency: Print materials serve as tangible extensions of brand identity. Consistency in logos, colors, and messaging fosters brand recognition. Strategic integration of brand elements reinforces identity across all collateral.

Call to Action (CTA): Every print piece should feature a clear and compelling call to action. Encourage desired actions such as website visits or coupon redemption. Prominently position CTAs to drive desired outcomes effectively.

Distribution Channels: Selecting the right distribution channels is crucial for reaching the intended audience effectively. Whether through mail, in-store displays, or event handouts, understanding where and how to distribute print materials maximizes visibility and response rates.

Los Cobos in-person retail display with mannequin.

Target Audiences

Local Communities: Print marketing facilitates personalized connections within local communities. Tailor messages and offers to resonate with regional sensibilities. Leverage localized campaigns to foster community engagement.

Niche Markets: Dive deep into niche markets for tailored outreach. Identify unique segments based on interests or demographics. Customized print strategies and specialized channels captivate niche audiences effectively. Dive deep into niche markets for tailored outreach. Identify unique segments based on interests or demographics. Customized print strategies and specialized channels captivate niche audiences effectively.

Traditional Consumers: Despite the digital age, many consumers still value tangible print materials. Engage traditional consumers with printed catalogs, brochures, or direct mail campaigns. Embrace the sensory experience to forge lasting connections.

Print marketing staples continue to play a vital role in the marketing mix, offering tangible benefits and opportunities for businesses to connect with their target audiences. By understanding the diverse range of products, key considerations, and target audience dynamics, businesses can leverage print marketing effectively to drive engagement, build brand awareness, and achieve marketing objectives with lasting impact.

Packaging

Packaging

Labels

Labels

Commercial Printing

Commercial Printing

Displays

Displays

Promotional Products

Promotional Products

STiCKiPad

STiCKiPad

1. Ballast Point Brewing

2. Café Gratitude

3. Bumble

4. Lucha Libre Taco Shop

5. Chicano Park

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