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.
What to Think About Before You Start
Know Your Purpose & View Distance
- 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.
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.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Need Help?
Our design team is here for you. Whether you come with a rough idea or a detailed sketch, we’ll work with you to polish it, prepare it properly, and make sure it prints like a winner.