A branded bag isn’t just a giveaway item — it’s a powerful marketing tool that carries your brand message wherever it goes. Whether your next enquiry is creating bags for a corporate event, retail store, or product launch, the right design can turn a simple tote into a walking advertisement.
At Crazy Bags, we’ve been helping distributors create custom printed bags for over 20 years, so we know what works (and what doesn’t!). In this guide, we’ll share six key design tips to make your branded bag stand out and leave a lasting impression.
1. Understand Your Audience and Purpose
Before you start sketching designs, think about who will be using the bag and why you’re creating it.
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Corporate Events & Conferences: Go for a professional look, using subtle colours and clean typography.
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Retail or Boutique Stores: Choose a stylish, on-brand design that reflects your product aesthetic.
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Eco-Friendly Campaigns: Opt for natural fabrics like jute or organic cotton and earthy tones.
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Sports or Schools: Bright colours and bold prints will resonate with active users.
- Ask our in-house design team to provide visual options that you can share with your clients.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip:
The more you understand your audience, the easier it will be to design a bag they’ll use regularly, boosting brand visibility.
2. Choose the Right Bag Style & Material
Your design will only shine if it’s printed on the right type of bag. The material and shape should reflect your brand’s values, budget and intended use.
Popular Bag Types from Crazy Bags:
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Cotton Tote Bags – Lightweight, reusable, perfect for events and retail.
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Jute Bags – Eco-friendly, strong, ideal for food or gift packaging.
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Canvas Bags – Premium quality for a more luxurious feel.
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Luxury Kraft Paper Bags – Elegant and recyclable, ideal for boutiques.
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Drawstring Bags – Great for sports clubs or schools.
View our Material Guide for more info
3. Design a Logo That Pops
Your logo is the star of the show, so make sure it’s clear and eye-catching.
Key tips for logo placement:
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Keep it simple: Minimalist designs tend to look cleaner and more modern.
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Think about contrast: Dark logos on light backgrounds (or vice versa) have the most impact.
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Consider bag size: Oversized logos work well on large cotton totes, while smaller logos fit better on drawstring bags or luxury paper bags.
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Use vector files: This ensures sharp printing without pixelation.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip:
If you have multiple brand assets (slogans, patterns, icons), try using repeating patterns or side prints for added interest.
4. Pick Colours That Represent Your Brand
Colour plays a crucial role in how customers perceive your brand.
Here’s how to choose wisely:
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Stick to your brand palette: Consistency builds recognition.
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Consider visibility: Bold colours stand out from a distance.
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Match the bag material: For natural cotton or jute, earthy tones work beautifully, while luxury kraft paper looks striking with metallic finishes.
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Test print samples: Colours can look different on fabric versus a screen.
🎨 Example:
A natural jute bag with deep green printing communicates eco-friendliness, while a black canvas tote with metallic gold or silver Pantone feels premium and sophisticated.
5. Select the Best Printing Method
The right printing technique can take your design to the next level. Crazy Bags offers a variety of high-quality printing options, each suited to different styles and budgets:
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Screen Printing: Ideal for bold, single-colour logos.
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Digital Printing: Great for detailed or multi-colour / photographic designs.
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Foil Stamping: Adds a luxurious metallic finish to paper bags.
View our branding guide for more info on the type of prints we offer.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip:
Ask for a PP sample print before committing to a full order to ensure the quality meets your expectations. (A PP sample is a pre-production bag which does incur a cost.)
6. Add a Memorable Finishing Touch
Sometimes, it’s the little details that make a branded bag memorable. Consider adding:
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Custom tags or labels inside the bag.
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Branded tissue paper for luxury paper bags.
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Unique handles, like rope or ribbon.
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Eco-friendly messaging printed subtly on the bottom or inside.
This extra touch shows care and reinforces your brand values.
Why a Well-Designed Branded Bag is Worth the Investment
A great branded bag doesn’t just carry items, it carries your brand message into the world. Whether it’s spotted on a train, at the supermarket, or in the office, each bag is like a mini billboard for your business.
With Crazy Bags, you can combine quality materials, sustainable choices and expert printing to create bags your customers or employees will love to use again and again.
Ready to create a branded bag that turns heads and builds brand loyalty?
Contact Crazy Bags today to discuss your design ideas, explore our wide range of materials and get expert guidance on printing and finishing. Let’s design a bag that your audience will notice — and never forget.
