Vinyl banner design is about as easy as it gets for the non-professional graphic designer. Anybody with a little bit of experience can design one. Using a bit of imagination can make a world of difference.

And even if you have no experience, your supplier can point you in the right direction, or even design your banner for a small charge.

Here are some things to watch for when designing a vinyl banner…

Vinyl Banner Design Tips # 1. Use software that handles CMYK full color output.

There are at least three kinds of software you can use:

— Image editors like Photoshop.
— Page Layout programs like Quarkxpress, Pagemaker, or InDesign.
— Illustration programs like Illustrator.

Generally speaking, programs that are designed for consumers or general office applications are not recommended: e.g., Word, Wordperfect, Publisher, Excel, etc. If you have a specific inquiry, don’t hesitate to ask your vinyl banners supplier. You can ask a design or production related question by using the contact form on any page on the site.

Design Tip # 2. Keep your design simple and striking.

The best designs for vinyl banners contain two or three basic elements. Usually these will be a photograph, a large headline, and an “identifier” such as your company name, logo, or phone number.

Design Tip # 3. Use bright colors.

The most striking vinyl banners have lots of bright colors.

Design Tip # 4. Design your banner so it is readable for your target audience.

If it is going on a building or beside a road on a fence, or on an outfield fence at a baseball, soccer or football field, MAKE SURE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE IS LARGE ENOUGH TO BE READ.

Design Tip # 5. Make sure your images have sufficient resolution.

For some advice on image resolution, see the Vinyl Banners FAQ.

Design Tip # 6. Make sure your banner fits the area where you’re going to mount it.

Don’t guess at the size. Most people who are not familiar with signage will UNDERESTIMATE the required size.