1. A design that complements the vehicle’s dimensions.
A graphic design concept might look great on paper or computer screen, but if it does not complement the dimensions, contours, curves and rivets of the vehicle to which it will be
applied, it can end up looking unprofessional in the end, detracting from the brand and
message.
Vinyl films applied to horizontal portions of the vehicle will face greater durability challenges than those on the front, sides and back. Photo courtesy Mactac
As experienced vehicle wrap designers understand, the three-dimensional (3-D) nature of graphics wrapped around cars are more complex than the two-dimensional (2-D) designs of many other wide-format printed graphics. Fortunately, templates are readily available for almost any make, model and year, but even then, the same edition of a vehicle may come in different sizes and with different external accessories. So, it is important to check on and incorporate all custom details of the intended application surface into the design.
Further, it is worthwhile to consider how the wrap will appear when the vehicle’s doors and windows are opened and if the gas cap, door seams or any other features will break the visual flow of imagery or text.
2. Text that can be read quickly.
In most situations, people only have a few seconds to read the text on a vehicle wrap. They will certainly not be able to read small text moving at 105 km/h (65 mph) along a highway, let alone NASCAR speeds.
Simple text that is large and bold will work best. This is especially key when designing a marketer’s ‘call to action’ and contact details for the advertised business.
3. High-resolution images.
Unlike billboards, among other types of wide-format graphics, most vehicle wraps are seen both from a distance and close up. For this reason, only high-resolution vector graphics will work well on cars and trucks.
Advertisers should never have to settle for a low-quality vehicle wrap. Their one-time investment in the right combination of text and graphics should yield years of effective marketing and promotion.
Some vinyl films are meant specifically for decals and markings, while others are engineered for full wraps. Photos courtesy Roland DGA
Echoing the likes of Ivers, wrapping instructor Justin Pate emphasizes certain design fundamentals that will make installation more efficient. He requests neutral colour transitions on corners, for example, and asks for door handles to match the backdrop colour.
“These aspects of design will help make the graphics look like they are all seamlessly connected, even though they are actually applied in different panels,” he explains. “You should also consider the colour of the vehicle and incorporate that into the design. Then you can leave some gaps and have other parts of the graphics match that colour.”
Indeed, Pate—who has wrapped more than 3,000 vehicles, mostly by himself, since beginning his career in 1996—suggests letting the installer approve the design, as a few tweaks may result in a better, more efficient process.
