Vehicle wrap design is a lot different than other kinds of design. What works on paper in a 2D image won’t necessarily look the same on a vehicle with complex curves, draws and shape. Designing a three-dimensional graphic takes planning, precision and attention to detail. We’ve gathered a few tips that can help you make sure your design will work before you get too attached to it.
While there are templates for most vehicles, they won’t always include all the information your designer needs. Sometimes there will be a few different versions of the same vehicle. For example, a specific model truck will have a few different versions, like a long or short bed or crew cabs. There are instances where taking actual measurements of the vehicle will be the only surefire way to ensure that everything scales accurately.
People will see your vehicle from different angles, which poses a number of important questions including these:
Unless you’re parked or stuck in traffic, people will either see your wrap while they’re in motion or while you’re in motion.
This means they’re not going to be giving you their full attention. So a really busy design is going to be hard to decipher. Small text is going to be too hard to read. Simplicity is often the key to an effective wrap advertisement. Focus on the placement of a single call to action and your contact info. Then see where you can fit imagery.
What looks good on your computer screen may actually look pixelated or blurry when it’s blown up to scale on your vehicle. Use vector graphics whenever possible. It may be best to hire a designer who specializes in vehicle wraps to help you make sure your text and images will stay crisp at any size.
Adhesive vinyl won’t adhere to certain surfaces (such as plastic or rubber bumpers). Some areas have local ordinances that prohibit covering parts or all areas of vehicle glass. Be sure to take them into account.
If you don’t have access to a designer that specializes in 3D wrap design, you should probably hire one with experience. Even talented designers from advertising agencies and freelance web designers can have difficulty with this kind of design since it’s not their area of expertise.
Lennon Franz is our vehicle graphic design expert and print department manager. He’s got years of experience designing graphics specifically for vehicles (of all types!). We love it when our wraps get attention for our customers, and it’s really Lennon’s graphic work that makes it happen.
If you want a professional looking wrap that effectively advertises your business, look no further than Team Acme! You can get a quote now or call us at (702) 566-8326 with any questions you might have.
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