Designing and printing a poster can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it's a task anyone can master. And it’ll give you something that’s unique to you – so you can get across the key information in a clear and compelling way.
Our in-depth guide to creating a poster will cover the whole process from design to print, ensuring you create an effective poster for your business or event.
What you’ll learn in this article:
- Learn how to design a poster with a clear goal and audience in mind.
- Discover how to choose the right printing service for your needs.
- Understand how to prepare your design for printing to ensure the best quality.
How to Design a Poster
Designing a poster involves more than just putting together some images and text. It requires a clear understanding of your goal, audience, and the context in which the poster will be displayed. Here are a few key areas to consider when creating your poster.
- Define your goal: Start by defining the goal of your poster. Is it to advertise a product, promote an event, or raise awareness about a cause? The goal will guide your design decisions and help you create a poster that effectively communicates your message.
- Consider your audience: Who are you trying to reach? What are their interests and preferences? Understanding your audience will help you choose the right colours, images, and text for your poster.
- Where will the poster go? The location where your poster will be displayed also plays a crucial role in your design. A poster for a bus stop will need to be larger and more eye-catching than one for a notice board. Make sure to design your poster to the right standard size for its intended location.
- Pick the right colour scheme: Choosing colours for your poster is an art in itself. Colours can evoke emotions and reactions, so choose them carefully to align with your message and brand.
- Add a call to action: A clear call to action (CTA) is a must in any poster. Whether it's "Buy Now", "Join Us", or “Visit Today”, your CTA should be prominent and compelling. It should make it clear what the person viewing the poster should do next for more information.
- Consider the layout: Visual hierarchy is another important aspect of poster design. This refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that implies importance. The most important information should be the most prominent.
- Get the technical side right: When creating your design, use the CMYK colour model and a resolution of 300DPI. This will ensure your design looks as good in print as it does on screen. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black), the colours used in printing. DPI refers to dots per inch, a measure of print resolution. The higher the DPI, the sharper the print.
If designing your own poster seems overwhelming, remember that Adverset offers a professional design service. Our team of experts can help you create a stunning poster that meets your needs. Check out our poster artwork templates or tips for choosing the right images. If you still need help, contact us today.
How to make big posters
Most poster sizes can be printed depending on the equipment available. If you’re looking to print large posters, then you will need to use a professional printer like Adverset, which has the ability to print posters up to 10 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall.
If you need posters larger than this, then you will need to start joining two or more batches together. This is usually how billboards are put together. We are happy to print posters of any size at Adverset, so simply call us to find out more.
How to Get a Poster Printed
Once you've designed your poster, the next step is to get it printed. This involves choosing the right service and preparing your image for printing. Adverset can help guide you with every step of your printing.
Find a good printing company
Look for a printing company with positive reviews, clear contact information, and a wide range of services. Adverset offers a variety of printing options and has a team of experts ready to assist you. We also offer express, 3-day delivery options and free artwork checks.
Choose the right service
When choosing a printing service, consider the size of your poster, the type of paper you want, and whether you want lamination. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to reach out to the Adverset team for advice.
Preparing your image file for printing
Before sending your design for printing, make sure it meets the requirements of the printing service. This includes ensuring your design has a bleed area, is in the CMYK colour model, and is at the right scale (300DPI).
A bleed area is a margin around your design that allows for slight inaccuracies in the printing process. This ensures that your design extends all the way to the edge of the paper.
At Adverset, we provide the option of a PDF proof of your design. This allows you to double-check everything before it goes to print.
Getting the perfect poster
Designing and printing a poster for your business can be simple. With a clear understanding of your goal, audience and the context of your poster, you can something that speaks directly to your audience and provides them with the information they need.
And with the right printing service, you can bring that design to life. Whether you choose to design your own poster or enlist the help of the Adverset design team, we're here to ensure you get the best possible result.
