Large format printing is among the most popular advertising methods used today. Many successful and emerging companies benefit from this media. This is mainly because it never fails to attract attention from current and potential customers. It is often used for signage, hanging displays, street banners and backdrops, airplane and vehicle banners, backlit photography and much more.
However, it is important to remember that not all images and text that one can find on the Internet is fit for large format printing. There are some rules that designers should follow in order to come up with effective large format output. These rules are somewhat basic, but they are often overlooked.
What Not to Do
• Overcrowding Typefaces
Designers should always avoid crowding too many letters in the space provided. This is because it tends to repel the eye. Customers do not receive the message clearly and directly. The viewer will more likely find it irritating and will not exert the effort to understand what they are reading.
• Heavy, Thin and Bulky Typefaces
Whether it is for building banners or simple product packaging, designers should always avoid typefaces that are heavy, thin or bulky. All of this can lead to confusion. This is because heavy or bulky contrast appears like a blob from afar. It distorts the basic shapes and text that is difficult to recognize from a distance.
Meanwhile, typefaces with thin elements can fade in the background. They are unable to make use of the basic shapes. Readers may not be able to see them at some viewing angles.
• Overly Creative Typefaces
Decorative typefaces are quite attractive for smaller signage. They look so creative that they can even be used as standalone designs. However, they can look distorted when printed with large format printing. This is especially true when fonts like scripts and other similar styles are used. They can be difficult to read from a distance as individual letters and basic shapes cannot be clearly identified.
Consider Distance, Size and Style
The primary goal of large format printing is to deliver the message to potential customers while making them understand what it is all about. Comprehending these large format banners does not solely rely on the font styles or the colors. Both elements should be balanced in order to appear clearly with respect to the distance.
Distance is an important element in large format printing. This is because the viewers are often moving. Before coming up with the text size and style, distance should be considered. Letters that are less than 12 inches tall should not be used if the business wants to be clearly visible from afar. 20-inch letters are recommended for headline text to be legible up to 400 feet away.
The Importance of Colors
Large format printing should only contain colors that are pleasing to the eye. What is good up close may no longer be visible at a distance. The color used should convey feelings in order to deliver the message efficiently.
For example, blue creates a feeling of calmness while red symbolizes passion and life. Additionally, green means growth and yellow connotes vitality. These colors can be used as a communication medium.
The use of proper contrast should be observed to convey the meaning that a business wants. Stronger contrast means more vibrant colors. Colors should complement and not overpower each other. Using the color wheel is helpful in order to ensure that you do not go wrong with the color combination. With this, vibrant, legible and visible outdoor advertising can be achieved.
Relationship Between Color and Distance
Colors and distances have great influence on each other. They both affect legibility. Warm hues like orange, red and yellow are actually perceived as closer to the viewer. On the other hand, cooler hues such as blue, green and violet appear farther away.
Meanwhile, lighter values in blacks and whites can appear like they are moving away while darker ones are more visible. The use of color qualities like hue, value and intensity can make or break large format printing.
Getting the Right People to Do the Job
The success of large format printing also relies on the people who handle the job. Businesses that are looking for professionals to handle the project should ensure that they get the right company. With this, they can be confident in the outcome. The output should be compelling enough to attract customers to buy the product or services. There are some factors to consider when choosing the company to make your large format banners.
• Reputation
Before hiring any company to work on a large format printing project, it is crucial to check their reputation. Most companies have blogs where they feature their products and services. Taking the time to check these contents and the customer feedback can help a lot in making the right decision. Consider what the customers say about the company and find out about their history and experience in the business.
• Value
Price is always a determinant when hiring a company for the project. However, those that offer their service with the cheapest prices are not always the best pick. Customers should compare prices and the quality of work. It is a smart idea to shop around and find out which companies offer the best prices for building wraps and other large printing services. Choose companies with competitive prices, but do not compromise the output quality.
• Materials
Do not hesitate to ask about the materials used for large format printing. The company should provide a number of materials and sizes. It is also best to choose those that offer custom services. With this, customers can surely get design and materials that are in line with their products and services.
• Customer Support
High quality materials and low prices are useless without exceptional customer service. Large format printing is a challenging project. Designers and printers should work closely with the customers to ensure that all specifications are met. Without good customer support, the project can end up a mess. There should be phone or email support available all the time.