How to design a professional banner for your business

Rachel from design agency Minta Viski explains how to avoid these common banner design mistakes.

Next time you attend an exhibition or trade show, go for a stroll and take a look at the banners on display. Can you see the brand’s logo? Their call to action? Are the graphics clear?

These are the things that make a good banner but they’re too easy to get wrong. Follow these best practice tips to ensure you end up with a winning design.

1. Logo visibility

Place your brandmark or logo towards the top of the banner so it can be clearly seen amongst the crowds. Keep your logo, images and copy away from the edge of the banner artwork to give it some breathing space.

The rule of thumb is eye level; however, don’t place it too high, the structure of the display may cut off a portion of the top and bottom of your banner print.

2. Use images wisely

When images are printed on a display or banner, the graphics are blown up to suit a large format print area. To avoid fuzzy imagery on your banner, use high resolution images only this means at least 300dpi.

My advice is to keep image use to a minimum to keep the design simple. Overloading the banner with too many images is not only unappealing to the eye but will result in a larger file size (which are tricky to transfer to the printers). If you are adamant you want a collage of many images, ensure the design file is flattened into one layer to minimise the file size.

3. Don’t write a novel

Think strategically about the copy you want to include on your banner, if any, and keep it short, sharp and to the point. Make sure text is large enough and short enough to make a statement from a distance and amongst the saturated marketplace of an event.

Consider where eye level of the average person is from a distance as well as close up and place information accordingly. Think about the placement of objects that could block the view of your banners such as counters or the oversized jar of jelly beans you’re using for a guessing competition. Will these elements block your key message or call to action?

4. Printing tech specs

To avoid a white border on the edge of your banner, make sure you allow any background elements to extend off the edge of the banner artwork. Usually, 30mm bleed is enough to allow for print production. Remember, CMYK colour space ensures the best quality colour printing.

Create the artwork as a tenth of the size to keep file transfer quick and easy between rounds of feedback and Silverline will scale up when it’s time to print.

Now you can design a banner with no mistakes! Put your learnings into practice and explore Silverline’s ranges of retractable banners, expo walls and their new range of WaveLight Displays.