Step 5 to effective large-Visualizing the final product

When dealing with large-format graphics, there is always one problem that consistently rears it's ugly head: many people can't visualize what the graphic will look like. Most often, it is just too difficult to wrap your brain around the actual size of the graphic. Most computer monitors are between 17" and 24", whereas almost all large-format graphics are 3' x 5' or larger. Sure you can squint at your monitor from across the room, but that can't possibly give you a decent sense of scale when it comes right down to it.

In previous months, I've discussed the importance of legibility and simplicity in large-format design. Unfortunately, without a decent perception of size, you're taking a crap shoot with your marketing campaign. You see, whether it's a client, a boss, or employees and freelancers, everyone involved in your marketing efforts needs to have the same idea for the impact it will have. Particularly if you're dealing with a large-budget marketing campaign, the entire crew should be able to speak using the same visual vocabulary.

…the entire crew should be able to speak using the same visual vocabulary.

This best way to prevent a major marketing catastrophe in this area is to create a real sized mock-up. I cannot stress the importance of this particular solution enough. It doesn't matter what you use, whether it's the actual material you're producing the graphic on, or if it's just a bunch of taped-together butcher paper. It may sound a little childish, but if the graphic isn't too big, grab some markers and draw a rough draft of your designs' layout right on it. This is a good excuse to keep an eye on your text sizes, determining what size the different elements need to be for good effect.

An even more accurate preview can be created using (and yes, I know it's a horrible name), the Rasterbator. This free tool allows you to upload any image, and it will enlarge it, slice it and give you a pdf for download. When you print the multi-page pdf, just place and tape the images together, and you should have a relatively accurate representation of your graphic at a more respectable size.

Read Ben’s Step 4 to effective large-format graphics: Use simple imagery for maximum effectiveness

Benjamin Lawless isn't a big man, by any means, but he'll surprise you.