Seeking input: Spirit Mold label project (1st timer) (1 Viewer)

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Hello all and thank you (and apologies if I am committing a faux pas) in advance for any tips, suggestions, ideas, etc. you might be able to lend me on this one. I recently purchased a bunch of spirit mold CCs (got 1,000 for less than $100) and I figured I would turn this into a label project for my home game. I am hoping you guys might be able to provide some helpful pointers or ideas to make this a little bit better than it is right now.

A couple of notes on this project:
  • Context on the name: this is for a bunch of guys who meet once or twice a month for a small game and a large amount of whisky (sometimes whiskey). I was playing around with a theme based on our affinity for scotch (and sometimes bourbon).
  • I am an amateur designer. I have toyed with this design a bit and landed here. Some friends have given their approval, but they are not designers either. If there is anything I could do to enhance or improve this design in any way, I am all ears.
    • I am not crazy about the white background, but haven’t landed on a gradient or anything I am happy with either. I am thinking I might try to make some faux inlay shapes (cog, wheel, etc.) in the design. Not sure yet.
    • I am planning on going to StickerMule to keep costs and turnaround time down. This is not an “all in” project or anything…just looking to gain some experience and put some fun chips in play in a small cash game we hold from time to time.
  • I am working with limited color ways on these chips, as stock is low. I have two mockups of the $100 chip (I couldn’t find a black, and the blue I got is far too brittle to put into play), so I would appreciate any insight as to which you think is better.
  • The pink I have is actually much lighter…kind of a powder pink. CPC didn’t have an option to match, so I went with what was closest. The rest are pretty close.
Again, I am all ears and stand ready to answer any questions you may have or provide any further info. I greatly appreciate any info/advice/insight you can provide and will see what I can do to return the favor in the future. THANK YOU!!!

I’ve rambled enough…without further ado:

9DF4435C-4A3E-4DE3-9074-DA8F2320D212.png
 
Couple first impression comments:

The $1 denom can definitely be a little bigger, or at least bolder/heavier. Compare how the 1 looks to the 5 or 25. Also "Peat & Proof" is nice and legible, but the fine details of the font may not come through at actual size. If there's a font with similar stylings that is slightly simpler, it might work better without losing what makes that font work.

Try vertically centering "Card" and "Room" with the wisky glass and maybe make the words a little bigger, so it's easier to read in in actual size. If there's room to make the glass graphic a little bigger too...

Last idea would be to come up with a simple graphic that goes with your theme, a silhouette of something, that you could drop in the center behind the denom and make it partially transparent/faded, like a watermark, for a little extra something, though the simplicity of the white space can work really well too!

Really like the theme and the look!
 
Couple first impression comments:

The $1 denom can definitely be a little bigger, or at least bolder/heavier. Compare how the 1 looks to the 5 or 25. Also "Peat & Proof" is nice and legible, but the fine details of the font may not come through at actual size. If there's a font with similar stylings that is slightly simpler, it might work better without losing what makes that font work.

Try vertically centering "Card" and "Room" with the wisky glass and maybe make the words a little bigger, so it's easier to read in in actual size. If there's room to make the glass graphic a little bigger too...

Last idea would be to come up with a simple graphic that goes with your theme, a silhouette of something, that you could drop in the center behind the denom and make it partially transparent/faded, like a watermark, for a little extra something, though the simplicity of the white space can work really well too!

Really like the theme and the look!
Love this. I continue to tweak…will definitely be incorporating these suggestions as I keep playing around with this. Thank you kindly!
 
Love this. I continue to tweak…will definitely be incorporating these suggestions as I keep playing around with this. Thank you kindly!
There are several whisk(ey)-related custom chips on this board. Search for them and find inspiration! Here's one that I remembered coming across recently: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/bottled-in-bond-bourbon-cpc-small-crown.78830/

What whiskies/whiskeys do you and your crew like to drink? I like most kinds but I prefer Scotch, the peatier the better. Bruichladdich is probably my favorite, but I also really like Laphroaig and Ardbeg and others.

Have you checked out this thread yet: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/official-pcf-whisk-e-y-thread.3763/
 
There are several whisk(ey)-related custom chips on this board. Search for them and find inspiration! Here's one that I remembered coming across recently: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/bottled-in-bond-bourbon-cpc-small-crown.78830/

What whiskies/whiskeys do you and your crew like to drink? I like most kinds but I prefer Scotch, the peatier the better. Bruichladdich is probably my favorite, but I also really like Laphroaig and Ardbeg and others.

Have you checked out this thread yet: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/official-pcf-whisk-e-y-thread.3763/
That’s Bottled in Bond set is so nice looking. I was thinking of adding a label thing like on there, but didn’t want this to get too busy. Those are pretty awesome though.

We drink pretty much anything. I prefer scotch (highlands and Spey side are my jam), but I will definitely get into some bourbon if the mood strikes.
 
The inlay as it is now is good, but pretty plain. I think you should keep playing around with the design until you have something amazing. Since you're making labels rather than getting custom compression-molded clays, you can afford to print a small batch and see how you like them and then keep changing it until you're not just satisfied but are entirely blown away.

Here's some inspiration specifically around spirit molds:
The Zialcitas are especially interesting because they include "limited edition" chips, where 10% of each denomination have a different, more elaborate design. See here for close-ups.

I think for your chips, the main element is the "Peat & Proof" text with the old-timey font. That sets the tone for the entire concept, IMHO, and everything else that goes into the design should support and enhance that tone.

Here's some further inspiration along those lines:
Looking forward to seeing your next iteration!
 
This is awesome! Thank you.

I am struggling with finding the right balance of simplicity and the aesthetic I am going for (I want something akin to the old school Vegas Casinos - 40s and 50s Sands, Stardust, Flamingo, etc.). I am meeting with a designer friend of mine at the end of the week to discuss and see what he might think as well.

I really like some of the aspects of the ZCRs. Really cool design ideas in that.

Thanks again! Will update when I get some time to tweak.
 

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