At TKO Graphix, we’re all about providing top-notch service and helping our customers achieve branding excellence. This blog post was inspired by a collaborative effort between our sales, design, and customer service teams to provide valuable advice to our valued customers. One of the key areas we identified as vital is how to proof your vehicle graphics layout. In this post, we’ll share our insights on how to effectively proof your vehicle graphics layout to avoid costly mistakes and delays.
1. Is it the Right Vehicle?
One of the most important things to check, but often overlooked, is ensuring that the correct vehicle template is represented on your vehicle graphics layout. When you proof your vehicle graphics layout, ask yourself, Does the vehicle shown match the vehicle I’m having wrapped? Is it the correct year, make, model, and trim package? Is the layout showing the correct color of your vehicle? Whether you are getting a full vehicle wrap or decals, it’s crucial to verify these things or your graphics won’t fit your vehicle when it’s time to install. This step may seem obvious to proof your vehicle graphics, but it can save you from significant disruptions, delays, and added expenses down the road.
2. Look at All Sides of the Vehicle
To thoroughly proof your vehicle graphics layout, you must examine every angle of the vehicle layout, including the front, rear, and both sides. Do the graphics align correctly, and do they fit the available space as you expect? Are the graphics placed where they need to be? For example, is contact information visible on all sides of the vehicle? Every side of the vehicle should be shown on the layout and then proofed individually. Think about the impression your vehicle will make on the highway or parked at your shop from every angle. After all, what’s the point of a vehicle wrap if a potential customer only sees one side and it lacks your contact information?
3. Colors
Are your brand’s designated colors being faithfully represented in the design? Does the layout specify your brand’s correct Pantone colors that will be printed? It’s not just about your logo color; you must also check the background, foreground, and font colors. The choice of colors and the contrast between them are essential for effective vehicle advertising. Poorly contrasting colors can diminish the impact of your message and waste your marketing budget.
Find more ideas on colors in our post, What Color Should I Wrap My Business Vehicle?
4. Copy
Inspect your content closely. Is it error-free and grammatically correct? Is the phone number and website correct? A single misspelled word or a misplaced apostrophe can tarnish your vehicle’s image and damage your brand. Too much text can also be problematic. Remember, a vehicle graphic is Not the place to advertise every product or service you offer, share your company’s complete history, or cram in numerous customer testimonials. Instead, streamline your messaging making it clear and concise.
5. Fonts
When you proof your vehicle graphics layout, check the fonts used. Does the font fit the style guide of your organization and is it easy to read? Selecting the right font style, size, and color is crucial for readability and impact. Your font should align with your organization’s style guide, ensuring it’s easy to read and doesn’t hinder the message you want to convey. The key to effective fleet graphic design is combining appearance with legibility. There are too many designs, which although visually striking, are difficult to decipher, which detracts from the purpose of vehicle advertising. Check out this article for the best fonts to use for vehicle graphics.
6. Visual Hierarchy
Establishing a clear visual hierarchy for your vehicle graphics design is crucial to its success. Prioritize your most important message and ensure that your design aligns with your communication goals. A well-thought-out hierarchy guides viewers in understanding your brand’s message and values.
Other Points to Consider When You Proof Your Vehicle Graphics
- Involve every team member with the authority to approve or disapprove the layout in the review process. This prevents potential setbacks later when a senior executive wants to change the design.
- Don’t rush it. When you proof your vehicle graphics layout take your time. Thoroughly review the layout and consider having others on your team proof it as well.
- Signing off. Remember that signing off on a layout is a crucial step. When a layout is signed and approved, the design goes into production. Changes after a layout has gone into production can be costly and time-consuming.
When you proof your vehicle graphics, before you sign off on a layout, make sure to double-check these 6 checkpoints. Your thorough review can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
If we can answer any questions for you, please let us know. Contact Us.
Ready to take the next step to enhance your brand with vehicle graphics? Let us help you get started on your project today!
About TKO Graphix
TKO Graphix has been 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’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years. Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process.
As a result of our high standards in quality products and production, we are proud to be certified by 3M™ and able to offer the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, the gold standard in graphics warranties. This warranty demonstrates our commitment to excellence and gives customers a greater peace of mind.
If you’d like commercial vehicle graphics designed to capture attention, printed with state-of-the-art equipment on quality 3M film, and installed by 3M certified installers, we’re here to help. Request a free quote today.
