Car wraps and other full-size car graphics tend to be on the higher-priced end of the car sign spectrum, however since they offer almost-unlimited customizability, sometimes the price is worth it to achieve a one-of-a-kind look. If you have the budget, a custom car wrap could help take your business to the next level. Here are some great tips to use when designing car graphics.
Know what you want to say - As most car wraps cover the entire vehicle, it's easy to get caught up in the unique design elements of the wrap and completely-overlook the actual message and purpose of the wrap. The first thing you should do is make a draft of the car wrap's message. This should go through a few rounds of editing until it is perfected. Once you have your message, you can incorporate it into a creative design.
Purchase renderings of your vehicle(s) - Many companies offer 2-D and even 3-D renderings of vehicles, and this is extremely helpful when designing car graphics. You will be able to "try on" your graphics, and see what they look like on the vehicle. It's tough to design from scratch and then hope that the graphics fit because you don't have the exact specifications of the vehicle.
Create a unique design that stands out - The point of car graphics is to get noticed. You can build serious buzz and awareness for your business if you get it right. Bold, colorful, unique designs, even if some would consider them visually "offensive," will get noticed more than a boring, bland design that looks like everything else.
Seek professional help (if necessary) - It's not what it sounds like. Professional car wrap designers (and installers) are available and are happy to help with your order. Car sign companies are used to this process and have probably even worked with your specific vehicle, so they may know how to account for tricky areas in the vehicle's design.
If you need inspiration to start your car wrap design, there are plenty of examples available through the Internet, or even just drive around and take pictures of the wraps you see. When you get home, you can look through all the car decals you've seen and take notes of what you like and what you don't. After that process is complete, you'll have a better idea of what design fits you (and your car).
Robert Kinder works as a Production Manager for a local sign company in Dallas, Texas. He has worked in the sign printing industry for over 15 years providing printing and installation for local small businesses and large corporate customers. Robert enjoys passing along his trade secrets and knowledge to help others better understand their signage and their needs. His extensive knowledge about the sign industry and hands-on experience make him an expert on everything signs.
As a veteran sign expert, Robert has extensive knowledge in car signs and retail signs. In his articles he covers tips for sign design, techniques for proper sign installation, common signage questions, and the different material choices for car graphics, car window decals, and magnetic signs for businesses.
Know what you want to say - As most car wraps cover the entire vehicle, it's easy to get caught up in the unique design elements of the wrap and completely-overlook the actual message and purpose of the wrap. The first thing you should do is make a draft of the car wrap's message. This should go through a few rounds of editing until it is perfected. Once you have your message, you can incorporate it into a creative design.
Purchase renderings of your vehicle(s) - Many companies offer 2-D and even 3-D renderings of vehicles, and this is extremely helpful when designing car graphics. You will be able to "try on" your graphics, and see what they look like on the vehicle. It's tough to design from scratch and then hope that the graphics fit because you don't have the exact specifications of the vehicle.
Create a unique design that stands out - The point of car graphics is to get noticed. You can build serious buzz and awareness for your business if you get it right. Bold, colorful, unique designs, even if some would consider them visually "offensive," will get noticed more than a boring, bland design that looks like everything else.
Seek professional help (if necessary) - It's not what it sounds like. Professional car wrap designers (and installers) are available and are happy to help with your order. Car sign companies are used to this process and have probably even worked with your specific vehicle, so they may know how to account for tricky areas in the vehicle's design.
If you need inspiration to start your car wrap design, there are plenty of examples available through the Internet, or even just drive around and take pictures of the wraps you see. When you get home, you can look through all the car decals you've seen and take notes of what you like and what you don't. After that process is complete, you'll have a better idea of what design fits you (and your car).
Robert Kinder works as a Production Manager for a local sign company in Dallas, Texas. He has worked in the sign printing industry for over 15 years providing printing and installation for local small businesses and large corporate customers. Robert enjoys passing along his trade secrets and knowledge to help others better understand their signage and their needs. His extensive knowledge about the sign industry and hands-on experience make him an expert on everything signs.
As a veteran sign expert, Robert has extensive knowledge in car signs and retail signs. In his articles he covers tips for sign design, techniques for proper sign installation, common signage questions, and the different material choices for car graphics, car window decals, and magnetic signs for businesses.