Billboard Design

1. Keep it simple.

Billboards work best when they are simple, concise, and easy to read. Adding multiple words, logos, or images take away from the effectiveness of a billboard. A good rule of thumb for any design is to keep the word count below 5-7 words. Always use colors with a high contrast between the background and foreground, with a bold, strong font style. We also recommend using pictures that are less busy to prevent losing the effectiveness of the supporting text.

2. Don't just be another sign.

Our roadways already have on-premise signs, highway signs, and of course, billboards. When making a billboard design with straight copy on a colored background, you are not allowing your design to stand out from the existing mix of signs. Do a design with energy or an eye catching visual - we want your billboard to attract attention!

3. Remember the 50:40:10 rule.

Whenever setting up your billboard, keep this simple ratio in mind - 50% image, 40% call to action, and 10% information. A picture is worth 1,000 words, so let the picture speak for the design. Your call to action needs to be simple and concise, without using too many words. The information should be either a website, phone number, or address.

Billboard design information provided by Adam Owen with Owen Design Co.