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Funny Sign Friday™ - February 27, 2015

2/27/2015

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gawck's funny sign friday™: Yep.  (image from: http://goo.gl/R1qu7F)
gawck's funny sign friday
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Snow script

2/25/2015

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Tired of winter? Maybe this will cheer you up. Graffiti artist 'Faust' has been decorating cars in New York City with calligraphic messages written in the snow. He says, "I believe everyone has an affinity for writing in the snow as a child. I guess I just haven't been able to shake it." Follow his snow calligraphy and other art here: https://www.behance.net/gallery/23308973/Snow-Script
Snow script
Snow script
Snow script
Snow script
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Funny Sign Friday™ - February 20, 2015

2/20/2015

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gawck's funny sign friday™: Translation...Don't try before you buy.  (image from: http://goo.gl/9qZQGQ)
gawck's funny sign friday
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Less is More in Large Format Design

2/18/2015

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Less is More
When designing large format printed items, there are a few tips to keep in mind that will ensure your message is seen and absorbed by your target audience. Unlike a smaller item like a post card or brochure, the average poster, banner or sign is usually viewed for only a second or two, at least initially, and often at a distance. The key is to relay your message to your viewer quickly and with impact. Less can definitely be more when it comes to your design. 




Here are some points to consider:
  • Determine the single most important message you want to relay to your audience, and use that to dictate your design. 
  • Eliminate any extra information that isn’t directly related to your main message.
  • One strong headline has more impact than a paragraph of text.
  • Consider using bullet points instead of full sentences.
  •  Stick to one or two fonts. Steer clear of ornate, script or display fonts that are harder to read. 
  • Choose one large image with impact rather than multiple smaller images. Avoid placing text on top of a busy image. 
  • Avoid busy, patterned or distracting backgrounds that can make text difficult to read.White space helps your message stand out and increases legibility. Don’t overwhelm your viewer by filling the entire piece with words and images. 
  • Stick to two or three colours. 
  • Avoid distracting effects and gradients.
  • Keep these points in mind as you design your next poster, banner, sign or other large format graphic, and you are sure to come up with a piece that will get your audience to notice.  
     
© Cathy Vandergeest, RGD, gawck group inc.

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Funny Sign Friday™ - February 13, 2015

2/13/2015

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gawck's funny sign friday™: Maybe the teaching or friends banner should have been first. 
​(image from:
 http://goo.gl/uRQiNJ)
gawck's funny sign friday
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Funny Sign Friday™ - February 6, 2015

2/6/2015

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gawck's funny sign friday™: Brrr. Oh, good! (image from: http://funvoid.com/images/signs-18)
gawck's funny sign friday
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How to design a poster, banner or sign

2/3/2015

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Designing effective posters, signs and banners requires somewhat of a unique approach when compared to the design of smaller items such as postcards and brochures. Larger format items are typically viewed from a distance, sometimes for a just a few seconds or while the viewer is on the move. This gives the viewer only seconds to absorb your message visually, and creates a unique set of design requirements. We created the following tips to assist you as you design your large format piece. 

Five things to consider when designing a large format piece: 
What is it? Where will it be placed? At what distance will people be viewing it? How much time will people have to look at it? What is the desired effect?

With these thoughts in mind, try to avoid the following:
  1. Delicate, decorative or bulky fonts can be distracting and decrease legibility.
  2. Be aware of the space between lines.
  3. As you increase the size of the font, watch the spacing between characters. White space helps the viewer read your message.
  4. Do not use all capital letters in a script font.
  5. Do not use too many fonts. 
  6. Ensure your images are high enough resolution as clarity will be reduced as you enlarge them. Avoid multiple or busy images that distract from your message.
  7. Avoid placing text over an image. Ensure your message stands out clearly from the background.
  8. Contrast in text colour increases legibility. 
  9. Make sure your text can be read at a distance. 
  10. Keep text simple. Special effects reduce legibility. 
  11. Watch out for colour combinations that ‘vibrate.’
  12. Keep your message short and simple.
  13. Don’t feel the need to fill every inch of the surface. 
  14. Vertical text is harder to read than horizontal text.

A simple way for you to test the legibility of your piece: keep taking steps back from your computer screen to see if you can still quickly and easily read the message. If you need us to design your poster, sign or banner for you, simply contact us.

Large format design 101
To download a PDF copy of these tips, go to: http://www.gawck.ca/large-format-design-101.html
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    gawck talk blog

    We post informative, inspiring and fun bits of information on large format products, marketing and design a couple times a week. This includes our very popular Funny Sign Friday™.

    You can also stay up to date by following us on your favourite social media sites.


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