Designing my first washi tape has been an incredibly exciting experience! Washi tape is such a delightful medium for creative expression, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when working on such small, intricate designs. In this post, I’ll share my journey—from initial sketches to finalizing the file for production—and provide a beginner-friendly tutorial for creating your own washi tape designs.

Step 1: Sketching Your Ideas

The first step in my process was to brainstorm and sketch out ideas in my notebook. Since washi tape designs are small, it’s important to keep the illustrations simple and bold. Tiny details can get lost in printing, so I focused on clean shapes and repeating patterns. 

Tips for Sketching:

- Think about the flow of your design since washi tape is often viewed as a continuous strip.
- Use elements that repeat seamlessly.
- Keep details minimal to ensure clarity when scaled down.

Step 2: Creating the Digital Sketch

Next, I moved my sketches into Procreate on my iPad. I set up an artboard of 350 mm x 180 mm at 400 dpi, which is ideal for capturing all the details at a high resolution, but keep in mind that this is only a reference because the real layout shall be delivered by your manufacturer.

While Procreate is fantastic for initial sketches and experimenting with colors, I discovered that small-scale work could be tricky with brushes, which didn’t always behave as expected. For this reason, I decided to explore vector-based software to refine my design.

Step 3: Refining with Vector Software

Vector software provides more precision and scalability, which is essential for intricate designs like washi tape. I experimented with **Fresco** initially, but the workflow wasn’t intuitive for me. I eventually switched to **Affinity Designer**, which turned out to be a game-changer.

Why Affinity Designer Worked for Me:
- Layer Organization: I kept all layers grouped by design element (e.g., “Background,” “Flowers,” “Dots”). This made it easier to adjust specific parts without disrupting the entire design.
- Precision: The vector tools allowed me to scale, tweak, and perfect even the tiniest details without quality loss.
- Flexibility: Affinity Designer’s features felt intuitive, speeding up my workflow.

 Step 4: Testing the Design

Before finalizing the design, I printed a test sheet on DinA4 paper to see how it looked in real life. This step was crucial for spotting issues that were less noticeable on screen.

What I Learned During Testing:
- Some elements were too small and didn’t stand out, so I resized them.
- Certain colors didn’t contrast well with the background, so I adjusted them for better visibility.
- Printing revealed how the design would look at its actual size, helping me refine it further.

Step 5: Preparing the Final File

When my design was ready, I exported the final file for manufacturing. Here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind when preparing your file:
- Color Mode: CMYK (for accurate print colors).
- Resolution: Ensure the file remains at 400 dpi for high-quality printing.
- Format: A vector-based file like PDF or AI is preferred by manufacturers.

I double-checked everything before sending the file to the manufacturer. This extra diligence ensured the final product would match my vision.

Reflecting on the Experience

The result was a vibrant, fun washi tape design that I absolutely loved! This project was my first step into creating physical products, and it’s been a thrilling journey. I’m already planning 2–3 more designs to launch next year, marking an exciting milestone for my store.

Tips for Aspiring Washi Tape Designers

If you’re looking to create your own washi tape, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Start Simple: Sketch out your ideas and keep them bold and minimal.
2. Use the Right Tools: Procreate is great for initial concepts, but vector software like Affinity Designer is better for precise, scalable designs.
3. Organize Your Layers: Label and group your layers to keep your workflow efficient.
4. Print a Test: Testing your design on paper will reveal any adjustments needed before sending it to a manufacturer.
5. Stay Excited: Designing washi tape is fun and creative—embrace the learning process!

Conclusion

Designing washi tape is a wonderful way to bring your creative ideas to life. From sketching on paper to finalizing the digital file, every step is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.

I’m beyond excited to see where this journey takes me, and I can’t wait to share my future designs with you all. If you’re inspired to try your hand at designing washi tape, I’d love to hear about your ideas! Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other.

Ready to start designing? Grab your sketchbook and let your creativity flow!