How I Turn an Illustration Into a Sticker Sheet

One of my favorite parts of running I Have Plans For You is turning a simple drawing into something people can actually use in their planners and journals.  I get so excited when I see my illustrations in your planners on social media or in person.

A single illustration might start as a tiny idea in my head, sparked by something I saw while out with friends, conversations that I see on social media, or even by something my kids are asking for.  However, turning that drawing into a sticker sheet takes a few thoughtful steps.  Here’s a little peek behind the scenes at how it all comes together.

Step 1: Start With a Simple Idea

Most sticker sheets begin with an idea that turns into a theme.

Sometimes it’s seasonal, like spring florals, cozy autumn icons, or carrot snacks.  Other times it’s something practical for organizational needs like grocery runs, coffee breaks, errands, or quiet evenings at home.  Sometimes I pull together existing drawings that fit a theme in my head and add to them to make a full sheet.

I try to choose ideas that feel both cute and useful, because the best planner stickers are the ones you actually want to use.

Step 2: Sketch the Illustrations

Next comes the sketching stage.

I usually start by drawing a sketch, either on paper or in Procreate (which is my drawing app of choice).  I usually get my ideas out for the first few sketches that fit the theme.  At this stage, I’m not worried about perfection. I’m just exploring shapes, expressions, and little details.

For a single sheet, I might draw anywhere from 6 - 10 illustrations before deciding which ones belong in the final design.  Sometimes I think about how I can use the individual motifs on other products like notebooks or patterns.

Step 3: Digitize the Artwork

Once I’m happy with the sketches, I bring them into my digital illustration software.

Here, I refine the lines, clean up the shapes, and add color. This is where the illustrations really start to come to life.  This is normally the stage where I do my lettering too.  I have created my own lettering brushes that I use in Procreate.  I actually offer two of those brushes as part of my Brush Lettering Basics Course.

One thing I have learned over time with this step is to make sure each motif is on a different layer.  I used to sketch all of the base shapes for ever illustration on one layer, then all of the shadows on one layer, all of the highlights on one layer, and all of the details on another layer.  However, I realized over time that it's harder to pull out the individual motif and apply it to something else like a pattern or mug.  So, being sure that I can group all of the elements for one motif without pulling elements from another motif is important in this step too.

I also think carefully about color palettes. Soft, cohesive colors make the sheet feel calm and beautiful when used in a planner.  Bright colors evoke fun and playfulness.  Whichever vibe I'm going for, I make sure that the colors look aesthetically pleasing together and make me feel whatever emotion I want to convey with the collection as a whole.

Step 4: Plan the Sticker Layout

This step is more strategic than people expect.

For me, a sticker sheet isn’t just a collection of drawings.  It's about cohesiveness.  Here are a few things that I think about:

• How big each sticker should be
• How many times someone might want to use it in a week
• How the sheet will fit in a planner
  • Some sticker sheets are custom sized to fit certain planners (like my Hobonichi Weeks)
• How to arrange the stickers so the page feels balanced
  • I try to fit as many stickers on the sheet as I can
• How the sticker sheet might be used in a planner or on a journaling page
• How the colors are spread out on the sheet 
  

Sometimes this step takes longer than the drawing itself.

Step 5: Print and Cut the Sticker Sheet

I usually use a Cricut Maker for this step.  However, I do have a Cricut Joy and Silhouette machine.  On this step I import my design, align it to my shop template, get my sheet(s) set up on the page to be printed, and print.  I'm checking colors, alignment, and cut quality during this phase.

Step 6: Test the Sheet in a Planner

As most of you know, I actually use my own sticker sheets a lot.  If I don't love them and get excited to use them, then I wouldn't expect anyone to want them either.  Before releasing a sticker sheet, I like to imagine how someone might actually use it.

Would these stickers work well for marking appointments?
Would they add charm to a weekly spread?
Would someone reach for them again next week?

If the answer isn’t yes, I keep tweaking the layout.

Step 7: The Final Sticker Sheet

Once everything feels right, the illustrations become a finished sticker sheet ready for planners, journals, and creative projects.

This is the moment when a simple drawing becomes something interactive that people can use to tell the story of their week.  I know that many of you feel the same way that I do when you're using my stickers.  I'm often times going for the "feeling".

And that’s my favorite part.  Being tagged in your posts where you are using my designs still warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.  It's still amazing seeing my artwork in your planners on social media.  It absolutely blows me away.

Because planning isn’t just about schedules and tasks.  It’s also about making space for small joys, creativity, and little moments of beauty on the page.