Poster Printing 101 – AlphaGraphics
We all love posters. Band posters and postcards most likely adorned your dorm room in college. Today posters fill our lives with information everywhere we go. While few posters become well-known and iconic, posters are still one of the most tested and true forms of visual print marketing available to businesses.
When deciding how to properly print a poster with
AlphaGraphics Kansas City, there are several items to consider. There is much more that goes into printing a poster than simply picking a picture adding some text and having it printed. Use the tips below to help set-up with your next poster project!
Poster Design Pre-Press Checklist
1) Know your limitations.
Before you decide to print a poster, you should know where it is going to go and how you plan to use it. Think strategically when creating your plan. Where will it get the most visibility? Where will your customers or potential customers see the poster? How many locations will the poster be used?
From there, you can determine what information goes on the poster, how many you are going to need, and just how big each poster needs to be. Depending on your strategy, there is often more than one poster option that will meet your needs. Sizes and formats are variable with posters, so you should know what you are looking for before you consider the cost.
2) Choose Your Design
Your first design decision - black/white or color printing? At
AlphaGraphics KC we offer both options. It is up to you to decide which option will best meet the needs of your event or goal. Depending on your marketing goal, a black and white poster can be just as effective -- if not more effective -- than a color print. Don’t know which option to use? Your AlphaGraphics representative would be happy to help make a suggestion based on your goals.
The next step is deciding the shape and size of your poster. Here are some of the more popular options or feel free to create your own custom size or shape! If you are using a frame or other display system, be sure to double-check the dimensions.
- 4" x 6" (Postcard)
- 8.5" x 11" (Flyer)
- 12" X 18" (Flyer)
- 18" x 24" (Poster)
- 24" X 36" (Poster)
- 104" by 30' (Banner)
Finally, it’s time to start choosing the graphic and textual elements of your design. All of the posters could have the same picture/graphic on the front, or all could have different graphics. You’re also not limited in the textual content. If you need to change your message because of the location, don’t limit your design!
3) Select the Substrate
Once you have made it this far, now it is time to choose which kind of paper or stock you would like the posters to be printed on. There are a variety of paper stocks from single-use disposable options to thicker, more durable options that have a more regal and professional feel and weight. And don’t forget the adhesive options that can go straight on your walls or windows. Your budget and final usage will help in deciding the best option, but we have many affordable options that are equally desirable.
4) To mount or not to mount? And what about lamination?
Your poster is printed, now it’s time to choose the best finishing options. If you are going to staple the poster to a power line or frame it, then you won’t need your poster mounted. But if you’re using the poster to display in a formal setting or in a high traffic area, you might want to finish it with a rigid backer and even lamination.
Lamination comes in all kinds of flavors. High gloss, matte, and even dry erase are all options. Knowing the purpose of your posters will determine how you want it finished.
5) Get a quote.
Now that you know what you need, give us a call and get an estimate. Let us know what options you are interested in and ask if we have any recommendations based on your usage.
AlphaGraphics Kansas City has simple solutions for everything from small postcards to huge banners.
6) Maximize Your Poster.
Let’s Print! At
AlphaGraphics, it is our goal to help you increase your reach through each poster or other printed pieces. Our Relationship Managers are experts in making sure you get the right product on time and in line with your budget. If you're not quite sure what you need, we can help with that too! We love a good challenge and can help you determine the best way to achieve your vision.
About AlphaGraphics Kansas City
Located in the creative Crossroads Arts District, AlphaGraphics Kansas City is a certified Women-Owned business that specializes in helping Kansas City businesses solve marketing problems. The printing company’s production specialties include custom digital color and large format printing.
For further information about AlphaGraphics Kansas City and their capabilities, contact the AGKC team at 816-842-4200 or visit their website, AlphaGraphics KC.
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