Billboard Layout Proofing Guide
Reviewing Large Format Print Projects
When reviewing files or proofs of outdoor projects the real challenge is to realize the scale of it all. If you have a 10x24 foot billboard proof, and you are looking at your screen to review it, you are not looking at the billboard the way it will be displayed.
By using only your screen, you will run the risk of approving designs that do not perform in the real world the way they were intended. The installed billboard to the viewer will at first be far away and will look tiny. As the viewer comes closer the sign will increase in size until the viewer looks away. More on the 'Look Away Point'.
The Expensive Testing Method:
If you have a large budget you could produce one sample and have it installed on a billboard. Then just hire random viewers to drive by to see the result. Compile your interviews from the random viewers and your proofing will be complete. Your billboard has been tested in the real world. This is a 'BIG' company method and these companies use hundreds of billboards for a national campaign.
What if I want only one billboard?
The Affordable Testing Method:
To correctly see what the viewer will see is tricky without the real world test but not impossible. After many trials and applied applications the best easy way I've discovered to check your billboard design is to print the proof and view it from a distance. Yes that seems too simple, however the results speak for themselves.
First - If you ever drive by billboards take note of the size from distance, compare them to the size of your mirror for instance for reference - its size might compare to holding a business card up at arms length to read. Save this information for later.
The Steps:
- Print the proof full page > landscaped, the proof will often be superimposed on a photo of a real billboard, this should, when printed be at or around 9 to 10 inches across the page depending on the file height.
- Temporarily mount the print at eye level, or so, to a wall or other, so that you will be able to stand back at least 10 to 12 feet from your print and still see it clearly. (we used a file cabinet and fridge magnets) You may have to use a corridor to have sufficient distance. Please be sure you have adequate lighting.
- First move to a position 10 to 12 feet away and note to overall size. We are hoping to simulate a real world distance of about 300 feet. Your experience with the road side view will be an asset, you will be able to fine tune your position to simulate the billboard size at distance.
- Note how the text and images appear at this point they will appear very small, similar to the first view on the road. Some things may not be readable at this distance.
- Move towards your billboard and note how the text becomes more clear and images are easy to discern, this simulates vehicles moving closer.
- Try it again with a 3 second limit, turn your back to the proof, then turn around and move towards the design and look away after 3 seconds.
- Now have someone who has not seen the proof try just step 6 and talk about what was clear and you'll have tested your design.
See 'Time Speed and Distance' for more information.
Please contact me if you have further questions.
Jim's Graphics