Your vehicle wrap will get your business seen everywhere you go. But with so much attention comes the need for a strong design. If it misses the mark, so does the chance to make a lasting impression. That’s why it’s worth taking time to get your vehicle wrap design just right.
Here we explain how to create a design that serves as a true showcase for your business.
If you offer 18 different services, your first instinct might be to list them all. But remember, your wrap will be seen in motion or from across the street. So, it’s not the best time for a detailed sales pitch!
Instead, go straight in with who you are and what you do. One loud, clear message will help people remember you – and they might just look for you online.
As any good graphic designer can tell you, too much noise makes a design messy, so trim all but the most essential details, such as contact info or a short service list.
Vehicle wrap advertising works best when viewers can use your design to turn themselves into paying customers. And that’s about making life super easy for them!
You can do this by adding:
That third idea is key. In today’s world, more people than ever are happy to point their phones and instantly get the info they need. This makes scanning a QR code more convenient for them than manually typing an email or web address.
Be sure that your fonts are easy on the eye. Think clear, simple and legible – even from 20 metres away. If you have brand guidelines, stick with your chosen typeface. If not, go with a clean sans-serif font that can be read at speed. Sans-serifs were designed for large advertisements, so they're a good choice for van wraps.
Some fonts also look more professional than others, so you may wish to avoid the likes of Comic Sans, Brush Script and Papyrus.
Everyone loves bold colours. They catch the eye and make branding memorable. But being bold doesn’t mean choosing a random shade. Colours should always make sense for your business.
Consider your branding colours, which you may already be using in print or online. You can also think about how an attractive pattern may reflect what you do.
Examples: If you work in construction, you could pick a brick pattern and one or two colours for your logo and strapline. Likewise, a marble pattern could suit a kitchen fitter more than a basic grey.
Finishes like gloss, satin, matte, reflective, or even chrome can add another layer of personality and elevate your design further. They can also make your branding more visible.
Check your design assets to see if a special finish could help you stand out. If you’re not sure what’s possible, check out our guide to wrap finishes for more details.
A great photo is a powerful thing, but only if it’s clear and instantly recognisable. If you’re using an image in your wrap design, think about what people will actually see. A delicious shot of pasta might look like beige swirls from a distance.
In many cases, a bold logo, a clever illustration or a graphic motif will do the job better – especially when space is tight. If you do go with an image, keep it clean and punchy.
Wrapping multiple vehicles? Consistency builds recognition and ensures each vehicle looks professional as it heads out on the road. The colour palette, message, and design style should all feel cohesive, with nothing out of place.
This doesn’t mean they have to be identical. You can tailor your messaging by vehicle type, but they should all look like part of the same business, united by a shared style.
The template (which we’ll send you) is a 2D representation showing your vehicle's front, back and sides. Edited in Adobe Illustrator, it’s where you'll place assets such as your logo, text and imagery to create your vehicle wrap design.
There’s much to consider, like keeping the logo or imagery away from the edges or working around handles and bumpers. You’ll also want to ensure your message isn’t lost when you open a van door – all things an experienced graphic designer can help you with.
Check out our guide to using the vehicle template for advice and a walkthrough video.
If you’re serious about getting your wrap’s design just right, then we can help. It all starts with a FREE, no-obligation design call. We’ll spend around 30 minutes discussing your vehicle, assets and key aims, before creating a design to showcase your brand.
Our designers work hard on vehicle templates to bring our clients' ideas to life, and they can do the same for you. Just the button below to start the creative process!