Learning the process of printing signs is not a one-day activity. It is the kind of skill you acquire and keep refining with time. Some things rely solely on design experience to nail.
When running a printing franchise, small enterprises and larger corporations are laying their future in your hands. They depend on you to make signs that represent their brand accurately. To achieve this feat, you have to consider issues like the size of the poster, the format of the materials you are using to print, and other design details.
To make your work grab the attention of your intended audience, here are five guidelines that you can use for the design.
Use vectors
Your clients are likely to send images in many formats. This means that you will be working with different file types, which may not always be suitable for print. You can opt to use vectors as opposed to pixels to remove any fuzziness in your images. That way, you will be able to use the image in the required resolution without the risks involved with pixelated images.
Consider the size
Sometimes using vector images is inappropriate for whatever you are printing. For images that will be viewed from moderate distances, you can use low image sizes and resolutions. Pictures to be viewed from a close-up need higher resolutions. Also, if you expect the viewers to see from far, you can use low PPI values for the images.
Factor in the materials
Expertise in the printing business is about coming up with fitting signs for different scenarios. This means that you will need various materials for a large medium, for example. For outdoor signs, consider things like resilience to conditions like rainfall and sunlight. Feather flags and banners that can be stored will need to be usable in different storage conditions. The materials you choose must match where your client hopes to use the sign.
Consider the handling requirements
All types of printing stock will be durable under certain conditions. However, think about what the client will need to do to keep off damage. Will the sign need to be moved regularly? Have a frame around it to keep it usable for longer. Some framing materials are more practical for signs that will be handled often than others.
Use proper color values and models
Printing signs will demand that you know different color values and their appropriate use. Pick vibrant colors and when you need dark ones, let them be on the darkest side of the scale. Many printers use a variant of these colors, and so they correct your signs a little before printing. You want your signs to come out the correct color your client wants.
Designing and printing signs will need practice. Be sure you learn how to handle small prints like flyers, business cards, car magnets, and bumper stickers. They present the most significant challenge when it comes to optimization. Remember that designs viewed from close range will provide more opportunities for the audience to reject the service or product on sale if they are not done correctly.