When Wider is Better—Wide Format Printing Means More Possibilities

By: FASTSIGNS | 0 Shares 305 Reads

October 22, 2007 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, TX - As people bustle through their busy days, they are visually bombarded with images. Whether deciding on a place to eat at lunch, or looking for a new, potential apartment building to move into, these images go a long way in directing people as they make decisions. Many of these images—signs and graphics—have been evolving over time, as technology has allowed.

What used to be reserved for major companies with large budgets has now become an attainable option for many: full-color, wide format printing. As the name suggests, wide format, also known as large format, printers have allowed sign professionals to print larger jobs than ever before, in one piece. Many of these printers also have the ability to print directly on various—and some almost unthinkable—kinds of materials including glass, wood, wallpaper, acrylic, foam board, fabric and carpet.

Even more impressive than the capabilities and printable media substrates of this particular sign and graphic technology, is the substantially decreased amount of time it is able to complete a project. From billboards to vehicle graphics, wide format printers have the ability to produce dramatic results while, at the same time, turning print jobs back around to the client in record time.

Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing for FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a worldwide sign and graphics franchisor, urges businesses and organizations to think more creatively when it comes to signs and graphics and find new ways to use this technology to their benefit. Instead of the traditional "Coming Soon" vinyl banner, a construction site for a future shopping area could display a large format print with a sneak peak of what the establishment will look like. A music store looking to infuse some personality into its interior décor might install printed ceiling or floor tiles featuring vibrant replications of classic band album covers.

Casual eateries can make use of more direct signage by utilizing full color back lit menu boards displaying menu options and photographic images. They are also using a variety of interior signs to welcome customers like hanging mobiles, point of purchase posters and graphics, banners and floor or window graphics.

Using vehicle wraps is another creative way for small business owners to grab the attention of passersby and are more readily available through wide format printing. Instead of utilizing a traditional, horizontal, one font-color banner to advertise an upcoming annual community festival, generate excitement with printed vivid images from the previous year's festivities, hung on the entire side of a city building that faces a high-traffic road.

The possibilities are endless as technology continues to evolve and the realms of the imagination are explored through wide format printing. There is an ever-increasing range of options readily available, with more innovative choices in sign design, completed faster than before. .

FASTSIGNS® offers the following questions as a starting point when considering signs and graphics produced by wide format printing.

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What message does the signage need to convey? Is it informative or entertaining?
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How long will the sign/graphic be used – is it temporary, permanent or reusable?
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What conditions will the sign be exposed to?
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What is the average distance between the sign/graphic and the intended viewer?
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Who is the intended audience?
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Will the sign require special installation?

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery, installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including high resolution exhibit and display graphics, wide format banners and POP, site signs, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels, safety and identification signage and floor graphics for interior and exterior use. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.