We hear it nearly every day, “Can you make our vehicle graphics pop!” And we get it; we understand everyone wants there vehicle graphics to capture the eye of prospective clients. Businesses want their fleets to build brand, share a message, and send a call to action, and that only happens if the vehicle graphics pop.
4 Steps to Making Your Vehicle Graphics Pop
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
So, what makes vehicle graphics pop? Is it flashy graphics, bright colors, an abundance of copy with product taglines, and calls to action? Is it all of the above, maybe, but probably not. To begin with, what might be an effective design for a stationary location often is lost on a moving vehicle. A design that looks okay sitting still may be too busy when it’s on the road, colors tend to blend together, and details become lost. For example, designing a 53-foot tractor trailer wrap isn’t the same as designing a 53-foot billboard. And that’s because the billboard isn’t traveling at 55 MPH.
Keep it Simple
When designing graphics for a moving vehicle less is more. Short and sweet, simple and to the point are the keys to creating a vehicle graphic that does its job. And what’s that job? Its job is to capture people’s attention and then share a message. Too much information, too many words, multiple images, and distracting colors take away from the task at hand. KISS — “keep it simple stupid.” With the advent of digital printers, modern vinyl adhesives, and state of the art inks, there’s a tendency to overdo it. Just because it can be done doesn’t mean it should be.
What’s the Best Color?
What is the most appropriate color palette for your message? Because color affects meaning, and the wrong color can change the message. For example, yellow is perceived as cheerful, which would make it inappropriate for a funeral home or out of character for a financial institute, yet perfect for Ikea, Pokémon, or the golden arches.
Do You Need a Full Wrap, Partial, or Decals?
Although a full wrap might be the best answer for you, it isn’t always; much depends on what you’re trying to communicate as well as your budget. And, not every part of the car can be or should be wrapped. Chrome bumpers, window trim, and other equipment probably should not be covered, and some materials, such as a few plastics, are difficult to cover. Can Adhesive Vinyl be Applied over Plastic?
Think Outside the Box
While basic design patterns are good for usability and provide a good starting point, don’t copy what everyone else is doing. Have fun with it. When planning and designing a vehicle wrap, ask yourself if it expresses who you are? Is it memorable? What message does it convey?
Snap, Crackle, and Make those Vehicle Graphics Pop!
If you want your fleet graphics to P.O.P. then take the time to design the pop into the wrap. Keep it simple, use the right color palette, and think outside of the crate and you’ll have fleet graphics that snap, crackle, and pop down the street. If you like to learn more, Contact Us, we know how to make it pop.
If you’d like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics; you can Request A Quote.
TKO Graphix is a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.
We’re a fleet and vehicle graphics company and since 1985, we’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks and company vehicles. Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process.
TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.
