Billboard design cannot carry the density of information on a web page. The viewer often moves around and does not try to read the entire message. The task of design is to establish a strong idea that can be understood at a glance. Therefore, decisions made without knowing the media size and location may be incomplete.
Make the location part of the brief
Roadside, pedestrian area and building facade offer different viewing conditions. Approach direction, surrounding visual density and approximate visibility should be evaluated. It should not be assumed that the same design will work the same way in all outdoor environments. Get the current technical conditions of the media owner.
Share the task of the image with text
While the title conveys the main idea, the visual should support the same message. Attention becomes fragmented when multiple slogans, product listings, and taglines are added. If a telephone or web address is to be given, check its readability under real use conditions. Seeing the design in a small preview helps to notice if the main idea is lost.
Verify file scale with manufacturer
For large print jobs, the working scale, resolution expectation and safe area should be clear according to the manufacturer. It should be explained how to transfer the file prepared in small scale to print size. Just because images look sharp on the screen does not mean they are adequate on the target surface.
Consider the billboard design budget, media rental and printing budget separately. If a campaign will run on multiple scales, list adaptations. In final approval, test not only the color and composition, but also the understanding of the message at a glance.
Frequently asked questions
Should long text be used on a billboard seen in motion?
Viewer reading time may be limited. Highlight one main message and essential brand information; Move the details to another touchpoint and evaluate the actual location conditions.
How should the scale of the billboard file be determined?
Get the manufacturer's current size and file conditions. Match the design scale, resolution, and safe area with this information; Do not directly copy settings from another outdoor job.
How to choose an outdoor and sign designer?
For the outdoor designer, viewing distance, passing speed and application size are part of the design brief. The billboard designer must isolate the main message that must be understood in a short time. In the search for a sign designer, day and night appearance and production technique are also evaluated.
With Selçuk Aker we can prepare the approved message in billboard and outdoor graphic design according to the actual surface size. Production, assembly and lighting may be separate specialties; The design file does not replace the technical approval of the physical application.
