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Graphic design question

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Graphic design question

#1

Graphic design question

Rod Peterson—Ormond Beach, FL

I recently purchased a label maker, ostensibly for bride. However, when you have a new hammer, everything looks like a nail, and I have a ton of places in the shop that need labels. The first target is a couple of stacks of Craftsmen cabinets and chests, dressed out in the familiar red with silver handles.

I eagerly printed out a couple of labels, black lettering on white label, to identify my two drawers of nut drivers—one metric and one imperial. But before I had a chance to apply them, I happened across a YouTube video of someone who had done the same thing, although with black lettering on a clear background. On the drawers it looks like black lettering on the red background.

Before I commit all of my white labels to, er, labels, I want to get opinions. Should I print the labels on the clear tape or will I be better served with the much more contrasty black on white?

Rod

Re: Graphic design question

#2

Re: Graphic design question

John in NM

I prefer black on white. The clear tape has its uses but I find it tends to be too subtle for regular application.

But bear in mind that all my experience with label maker tape is in the day job environment, where one often has to spell out things that should be obvious to the most casual of observers! So black on white it is :D

Re: Graphic design question

#3

Re: Graphic design question

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

You've printed some labels; put them on, see how you like it, maybe live with them for a while; then decide what to do.

Just resist the temptation to label the cat.

Re: Graphic design question

#4

what I do

John K Jordan

Depends.

I have black, red, and sliver toolboxes I label. On the darker colors I prefer the white letters on a clear background. One the sliver painted mechanic's toolbox I prefer black letters on a clear background.

To me this looks better. All labels are for my own information as quick reminders, none are for other people unfamiliar with my tools boxes, searching for the right drawers for specific tools. I know where everything is - the subtle labels just keep me from pulling open the calipers drawer when reaching for the draw of diamond hones. I'd say try some of each, see what you like, peal off the others.

I also put all labels in consistent places, the upper left side of the drawer.

JKJ (retired technical and scientific 3d modeler/animator, graphic artist/designer/illustrator, video producer)

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