How to design a commercial tent? – A guide

How to approach the design of a commercial tent?

A commercial tent is a very specific advertising medium. You can print on the entire cover or only on certain parts. In the first case, we emphasize the visual aspect. In the second, we often consider the costs associated with purchasing the tent. The choice depends on the budget and marketing goals. Even with lower costs, you can create effective advertising – the key lies in the proper arrangement of elements. The graphics must be visible both up close and from a distance, so think about different content for different parts of the tent – the logo on the roof, the slogan on the valances, and product images on the walls.

Define the purpose of the commercial tent

Before you start designing the commercial tent, clearly define its purpose. What will it be used for? Will it be a sales point or an information booth? Purpose chosen? Now it’s time to select the appropriate size, plan the arrangement of graphics, and purchase accessories such as half-walls, LED lamp or brochure holder.You will design a tent differently for trade fairs than for sports events. Universal tent Do you simply want a promotional tent that will accompany you at every event and be versatile? In that case, it’s better to prepare a design that includes basic elements of visual identity, such as the logo, slogan, and simple graphics.

Ensure the quality of graphics

Now for an important element. No, the most important one! That is the quality of the graphics on the tent. This is crucial. It determines whether you will attract guests’ attention or drive them away (driving away guests sounds terrible, right? We don’t want that!).

High resolution of images

Blurry, low-resolution images will look unprofessional and may discourage potential customers. When preparing your design, use only high-resolution graphics.

The minimum resolution is 100 dpi at a 1:1 scale, but the higher the dpi, the better. For example, 300 dpi will be sharper and clearer on large surfaces than one with 100 dpi. Does this sound complicated? Our technologists and graphic designers will guide you through this process and provide advice – don’t stress.

Readability of text on the tent

If there is text in the graphics you want to place on your commercial tent, pay special attention to the font and its size. Sans-serif fonts, such as Arial, are easier to read, especially at smaller sizes.

What is the role of the roof of a commercial tent?

The roof of a commercial tent serves not only a protective function but also attracts the attention of guests. It is a significant advertising element. It is worth placing bold elements on it, such as a logo or slogan, that will be visible from a greater distance. However, keep in mind that the lower parts of the roof, especially near the walls, are less visible to passersby who are close to the tent – the slope of the roof makes it appear flatter. Therefore, it is best to place key graphic elements in the center and on the side sections of the roof. This way, visibility from different angles will be much better.

Pay attention to the valances

Valances are the lower part of the roof and can be compared to shelves at eye level in a supermarket. High-value items are placed on them, subconsciously encouraging purchases. Valances are an ideal place to include short information, such as the company name, slogan, website, or phone number. Due to the limited space, the text on the valances should be short but legible. Choose a simple, large font and ensure there is adequate contrast with the background so that the information is easy to read even from a distance. There are also limitations due to seams, which serve to attach the fabric to the structure. Graphics, logos, or text do not look good when interrupted by stitching, often distracting from the advertising message.

Walls of a commercial tent

The walls of the tent provide additional advertising space that is worth utilizing for showcasing products or services. You can place larger graphics, photos, or detailed information about your offerings on them.  

How to choose colors for a commercial tent?

The colors of a commercial tent have a significant impact on its visibility and appeal. When selecting a color, follow your company’s visual identity, which will enhance its recognition. You may have a brand book (ask your graphic designer or brand manager) – this is where you’ll find information about your brand’s branding. I don’t have a brand book. How do I choose colors?

• Avoid overly bright or contrasting colors that may overwhelm the viewer.
• Ensure there is a contrast between the text and graphics, making it clear, e.g., dark text on a light background and vice versa.

Not sure how to choose colors? Contact us, and we will prepare a free design for you.

Where is the best place to put information?

On the roof, we place graphics that clearly define us. This could be a logo, an icon, or text indicating the field we represent or something characteristic of the company. Contact information, such as a phone number, website address, or social media profile, is best placed on the valances. The large surface area of the walls provides ample opportunity for the designer – here, the sky is the limit! Printed walls can be viewed up close, so the quality of the photos and graphics should meet the highest standards. Remember, as we are seen, so we are perceived.

Proper exposure

It is impossible to design a promotional tent so that it is fully visible from all sides at all times. At one event, we may have neighbors who block part of the walls, making only the front visible. At other events, the tent may be visible from every angle, including the back. Remember that passersby typically see the tent from various angles – they may simultaneously look at two adjacent walls or part of the roof and wall. It’s worth noting that passersby usually view the tent from different perspectives – they might be looking at two neighboring walls or a section of the roof and wall at the same time. This is a great opportunity to create graphics that smoothly transition from one surface to another, forming a cohesive and visually appealing design. This effect can be further enhanced by adding advertising flags or other elements that naturally extend the tent’s graphics.

Summary

An attractively designed commercial tent will capture the attention of hundreds, if not thousands, of passersby. To generate interest, the most important factor is the consistency of the brand image with the graphic design.Ensure you use appropriate, simple fonts and avoid bright colors.