When you are designing a large banner, there are several considerations that you will need to keep in mind. Working with a large space requires an extra amount of design time, and it is important not to rush the process. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind.
What you need to say? Even though you have a large amount of space, it is still important to figure out how you want to get your message across. The text of your banner should not be crowded, and on the same token, it should not be dwarfed by the size of your banner.
Try to aim for having just the right amount of text. The actual size of the font that you use will also determine how much you can say on your banner. If you need to cut down on your words, try to find any redundancies or words that could be replaced with images.
Saying too much is just as bad as saying too little. You will need to find the right way to get your message across that will still represent the main marketing goal for your banner. For example, if you have an upcoming sale on shirts, instead of saying "All of our spring shirts are now on sale for 50% off," you could say, "All Spring Shirts 50% Off." This is essentially the same message, and it gets the same point across, but with less words.
The proper use of space is also important when you are working with such a large surface. You will need to make sure that the banner is balanced, with the most important element of the banner located in the center. The other elements, such as designs or logos should support this main element, and not detract from it.
By situating graphics and logos around the text, you are complimenting it, rather than overwhelming it. Try to make sure that you have an equal number of graphics to use on your banner. This will allow you to weight each side equally. Having too many graphics on one side gives the banner an unbalanced look and takes away from the overall design.
Creating a mock-up can be very beneficial when you are designing a large banner. Typically, you will have to work with a scaled down version on your computer and it is impossible to get an idea of the actual size of the finished product. Use a large roll of paper to create a sample of how your banner will actually look. Add your text and graphics and then hang this banner where the finished product will go.
This will give you an idea of any changes that will need to be made. For example, if you cannot read the text easily, or if there is a problem with how the graphics look on the sign, you can easily fix it before finalizing your design.
This step can save you extra time on fixing a design after it has been submitted, or being unhappy with the finished product.