The same mistakes come up again and again. Here are ten I see weekly and how to avoid them.
1. Too Much Text
If your banner has more than 15 words, cut half of them.
2. Tiny Type
Headline type on a 5ft banner should be at least 6 inches tall readable from 40 feet.
3. Low-Resolution Images
A photo pulled from Google Images looks sharp on screen and pixellated on a 5ft banner. Supply at 150 DPI at full print size.
4. RGB Files Instead of CMYK
Screens use RGB, printers use CMYK. Bright RGB blues print as dull purples.
5. Text Too Close to the Edge
Hemming folds 15mm of each edge. Keep important content at least 20mm inside.
6. No Bleed
Design stops exactly at the cut line = white edge when trimmed. Extend background 3mm past the final size.
7. Thin Fonts at Distance
Hairline fonts disappear outdoors. Use bold, chunky fonts.
8. Bad Colour Contrast
Yellow on white, red on green, pastel on pastel invisible at distance.
9. Missing Call to Action
Always tell the reader what to do next.
10. Crowded Layout
Leave 10–15% of the banner as blank space.
Our artwork team checks every file for these before we print. Call 020 3669 9854.