Creating playful stickers for memorable branding moments.
Branded Sticker Campaign
Illustration | Typography | Print Design
CHALLENGE
Gate City Bank wanted a fun, low-barrier way to spark conversation with customers and connect with millennial and Gen Z audiences. The goal was to strengthen brand affinity while driving interest in checking accounts.
SOLUTION
I developed a quarterly sticker initiative to tap into the popularity of stickers as collectibles. Stickers were printed on durable, waterproof stock to ensure long-term visibility on objects, extending the brand’s presence far beyond the branch. Limited-time designs created a sense of exclusivity and excitement.
RESULTS
8 new designs annually, with additional designs for special events
16,000 stickers printed per design and distributed quarterly to 45 branch locations
Strong brand engagement, with stickers widely seen in the community and shared across social media
Sticker Design Strategy
I created a unique illustration for every sticker design, using custom typography and the brand palette to give the bank a fun personality. By using regional slang, local landmarks, and nostalgic references, the stickers resonated authentically with a Midwest audience.
Functional Design
To bridge brand engagement with measurable business results, I designed the back of the stickers with product messaging and QR codes linking to account offers on the bank’s website.
Adding UTM tracking codes allowed for measurement of campaign performance and user engagement on the website.
Design Process
Exploring illustration, typography, and local references with digital sketches, I refined concepts into stickers that balanced creativity with strategy.
Balancing Stakeholder Needs with User Appeal
Stakeholders wanted the full bank logo included with every sticker—a move that risked reducing the appeal and limiting usage. To solve this, I proposed embedding the logo emblem subtly within each design.
This maintained brand presence in a clever, unobtrusive way that customers would want to use, while still meeting stakeholder expectations.
Community Impact
The stickers were strategically designed to encourage organic sharing and long-term use. Their visibility in local spaces and on social media built authentic community connections, making the brand both approachable and memorable.
Sticker seen on a food truck in the community.
Sticker posted on Facebook by That Midwestern Mom (854k followers).
Stickers in use at trade show.