Understanding Your Canvas: Considerations for Environmental Graphics

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Whether you’re starting a design from a blank wall or redesigning an existing space, there are several elements that should be considered when planning the design. If working with a wide format printer, be sure to include as much detail as possible when communicating specifics about your canvas. If you can, have a representative from the printer assess the space before ever beginning any design work. Often, they catch nuances that may be overlooked and can offer suggestion for alternative solutions, when necessary.

To fully understand the canvas you’re working with, examine the following components and how they will fit into your overall goal for the project. Whether designing for an entry wall, locker room, or conference room, look at how the design will change the environment and how the intended audience will interact with it.

Spatial Basics

At the very basic level, is the space you’re designing for indoor or outdoor? This will make a big difference in the materials that can be used for the project. If outdoors, will it be sheltered from the elements? And if not, what elements and temperatures would it be exposed to?

If the space is indoors, consider the humidity level of the room, the temperature, and lighting. If the application will be going on windows, for example, it may be best to do installation when temperatures are within a specific range.

For both spaces, be sure to communicate the type of material that the design will be built upon, as not all substrates work well with all materials.

Traffic Patterns

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Consider what the traffic patterns will be around the space and how the resulting piece will affect visibility. Is it in a tall atrium where no one will be able to get close to it? Or, will it be at eye level, where an individual could walk right up and touch it?

Be sure to communicate any accessibility challenges to the print vendor. The last thing you want on install day is for them to not have the ladders or lifts necessary to complete the project in that tall atrium.

If the space is at ground level and will be high traffic, additional measures may also need to be taken. For example, you may opt to add corner protectors to wall murals to prevent peeling at the edges and increase the longevity of the piece.

Fixtures

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Often there are pieces of your canvas that can’t be moved and need to be worked around. Bigger items like wall bump outs, windows or fixed furniture are typically the most obvious. However, don’t forget to look for things that will need some additional planning to work around such as wall outlets or thermostats.

Also be sure to take into account walls that may not be standard size. Taller walls, curved walls, or tight spots may require additional planning.

Knowing all this information will help the print vendor in knowing the proper material and installation technique to ensure your project is completed on time and meets your expectations.

Additional tips:

  • Always measure twice. This can mean the difference between a successful outcome and an underwhelming graphic treatment. For example, being off by just 1/8” on a window covering can leave space for undesired light to come through. An on-site visit from the print vendor can also confirm measurements, as they’ll likely take several as well.
  • Anything that looks odd or could be challenging should be communicated to your print vendor. Don’t assume that things will work themselves out during installation or that someone else might catch it. It’s better to over communicate than under communicate when doing a large-scale project.

It’s important to note that while there are many surfaces to which various substrates can be applied, there are some materials that don’t work as well. Heavily textured walls (beyond the typical sand finish), concrete, brick, and wood can all pose their own challenges. However, it rarely prevents a project from happening. It just requires extra planning and a more unique approach to the design and materials. 

With a comprehensive understanding of your design space, you can begin designing a graphic treatment that will make a statement and leave a lasting impression with your audience.

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Editor's note: Content from this article came from the on-demand webinar, Environmental Graphics: What You Should Know, which was presented by Brett Keene and Adam Fox of Suttle-Straus. Watch the 45-minute webinar in its entirety and learn more about the entire design process and additional tips for working with print vendors.

On Demand Webinar: Environmental Graphics

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Brett Keene

Brett Keene

Brett Keene started his journey with Suttle-Straus in 1995, where he has advanced through the organization to his current position as Director of Operations. In this role, Brett is focused on advancing Suttle-Straus’ data, pre-media, digital and wide format services to support long-term strategic initiatives. Brett is a proud father of three, and enjoys participating in all his children’s activities.
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