Updated 7 October 2026
Vehicle graphics can make a local business easier to recognise. Their value depends on the route, the audience and a design people can understand quickly—not a promised number of daily views.
Keep the message short
Prioritise your business name, a plain description of what you do and one easy contact route. A passing driver cannot read a brochure on a van. A memorable web address usually deserves more space than a list of every service.
Design for the actual vehicle
Supply photos, measurements and the make, model and year. Door handles, seams, wheel arches and curved panels affect placement. View the mock-up from the side and rear, then reduce it to see what remains readable at a glance. Keep important information away from panel breaks.
Match material to the job
Ask the installer about the surface condition, intended service life, exposure, cleaning and eventual removal. Paint condition and previous repairs matter. Installation and removal are not risk-free, and a material suited to a flat sign may be unsuitable for a curved vehicle panel.
Measure recognition and enquiries
Ask new customers how they heard about you and record vehicle-related enquiries. Include design, installation, maintenance and removal in your cost comparison. Avoid making drivers scan a QR code; if used for a parked vehicle, keep the web address readable too.
Your next move
Write your message in three lines before discussing a full wrap. ITG can help choose the amount of coverage and build a layout around the vehicle rather than forcing a business-card design onto it.
About the Author
Tina Kempling, the Lean Green Team Leader at Imagine That with over 35 years of experience in the print industry, newspaper and magazine advertising.
As an industry-certified designer since 1991, Tina knows her stuff when it comes to marketing vision. But what sets her apart is her understanding of advertising and marketing in today’s digital and print market. She can help companies tap into the incredible marketing power in new and creative ways. Ready to take your marketing game to the next level? Give Tina a shout!