It's Trade Show Season and time to dust off last year's exhibit booth, banners, signs and table cloths.
Trade show and event advertising are an investment in your brand. You want visitors to associate your displays with quality, ingenuity, and professionalism.
Every day people ask me how to create and produce an impressive exhibition space that will entice the masses to stop by for a visit. The easy answer is using stunning graphics that help you stand out on the floor and be noticed.
You have the vision and the design but the printer you choose is a key ingredient in your overall success. Larger-than-life graphics are possible with the help of large format printers that can recreate your design on any material. You will want to produce artwork and designs that stun your audience and leave a lasting impression. Whether you choose a banner stand, fabric exhibit or rigid hanging sign, large format trade show graphics are unique in how they are produced.
Any printer will tell you, the rules and guidelines for designing standard graphics do not necessarily apply when preparing files for large format printing.
Like any investment, you want your banners to stand for your brand long-term. Your marketing materials need to withstand repeated use or seasonal display.
We have several tips that will help ensure you get the best possible outcome for your large format graphic design.
Always Provide Professional Artwork Files
Start by using professional design software like Adobe. This will ensure your artwork is print ready. Choose high rez images, use easy to read fonts and include bleed marks. PDFs and powerpoint files will result in your printer having to recreate the files and you may not end up with the final product you had hoped for. Always check with your printer to confirm what types of files work best with the project you are creating.
Easy on the Eye!
Be careful with the fonts, graphics, and images you choose. Not all design elements transfer to large scale easily. Take into consideration what you create for flyers, business cards and tabletop brochures may not transfer to a large scale item. Choose elements that are simple and easy on the eye. Stay away from too much detail and thin lines.
- Honor the white space and margins
- Use images that are distinct and will be seen from far away as well as close up
- Use contrasting colors and bold imagery
What's in Your Color Wheel?
You will want your graphics and images to match your logo and brand colors. Don't take any chances that the colors you see on your screen will match what is printed. Be sure to provide your printer with the Pantone colors that should be used in your job. Using Pantone Colors within your design will ensure cohesion across the board when your graphic goes to print.
While the RGB color model has a few benefits, including a wider range of colors and typically smaller file sizes, CMYK is generally used by printers. CMYK and RGB models are the standard options for printing.
When in doubt, Ask!
At the end of the day, choose a
Printing Company that will partner with you. One who will provide guidance through your design process and give access to their designers and production team.
Ask questions along the way and benefit from their expertise.
There are so many more elements to consider when preparing for a Trade Show Check back to our blog to learn more or call us today:
(678) 727-0678