Your design is more than just visuals - it’s your message, your presence, your first impression. At Banner King, we’ve got 15+ years of experience knowing what works in print, in real life. These design tips will help you get sharp, professional results - signs that demand attention and last in the real world.

Talk about your brand

1. Know Your Purpose & View Distance

  • Ask yourself: Where will this be seen from? Pull-up banners seen from a few metres vs flags visible across the road require different design choices.
  • Make sure your main message or logo is legible from the farthest likely vantage point.

2. Colours That Pop & Stay True

  • Use strong, contrasting colours so your text or logo stands out.
  • Stay consistent with your brand colours — use CMYK colour mode for print. If you use a Pantone shade, supply its code.
  • Be wary of colours that look great on screen but shift when printed outdoors (bright yellows, some neons, etc.).

3. Fonts & Typography

  • Use fonts that are clean and legible — sans serif tends to work well for signs.
  • Avoid using too many different fonts; one or two styles are enough.
  • Hierarchy matters: headline, subhead, body — give each its space and size.
  • Make sure any text is readable from a distance, and avoid placing important text too close to edges.

4. Images & Graphics

  • Use high-resolution photos (300 dpi or higher) so they look sharp, not blurry or pixelated.
  • For logos, icons, or solid shapes, use vector graphics so scaling doesn’t mess them up.
  • If you’re using raster images (like photos), make sure they are high quality and clean - no low-res pull-ins or ugly compression.

5. Layout, Bleed & Safe Zones

  • Layout = how everything is arranged. Signs often get trimmed, so leave some breathing room.
  • Bleed: add ~3mm of bleed on all sides - extend background or images past the trim line so you don’t end up with thin white edges.
  • Safe zone: keep any text, logos, or critical elements at least 5mm inside the trim area so nothing important gets cut off or lost.

6. Consistency & Brand Identity

  • Use consistent logos, colour palettes, and fonts across all your signage - helps build recognition.
  • Keep visual elements aligned with your other branding materials (website, business cards, etc.).
  • Don’t overcrowd designs - white space (or ‘empty’ space) often helps your main message stand out more.

7. Simplicity is Powerful

  • One clear message is stronger than many scattered ones.
  • Think: What’s the one thing I want people to see or remember?
  • Use bullet points, short sentences, simple wording. Big, bold text for headlines.
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Pro Tips from the Banner King Designers

Sketch your layout on paper first — it helps visualize where everything should go before you jump into design tools.

If your design involves text over images, use overlays or tonal adjustments to ensure the text stays readable.

Preview your design at full size (or near full size) when zooming in at 100% - what looks good small might not hold up when printed large.

Order a sample print if possible - colours, materials, finishing all affect how the final product looks.

Ask for feedback. Sometimes fresh eyes spot issues you might miss (alignment, contrast, readability).

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In-House Design, Done Right

With the right setup, you’ll save time, avoid reprints, and get the best results every time. If you’re unsure, just ask - our team can help get your artwork print-ready.

Great design is the foundation of great signage. At Banner King, our in-house design team brings over 15 years of industry experience to every project. We know what works, what stands out, and how to make your brand shine - whether it’s a pull-up banner, a footpath sign, or a full outdoor display. From refining your existing artwork to creating something completely new, we make the process simple, professional, and stress-free. Because when your message looks good, it works harder for you.

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