I need to create a billboard sign. This sign will be placed in the Philippines. I was thinking of creating one for 12' x 24' 300dpi.
Does anyone know how are billboards printed? Should I create it in sections? Is there an easier way of doing it? Is using Illustrator better than using Photoshop?
Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
Jo
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Email the billboard company/printer/whatever and get specifications.
I think the printer should be able to do the sectioning (and then stitching) if their machine couldnt handle the size. Just give them the digital file. When it comes to doing it in illustrator or photoshop, i think photoshop is the way to go since essentially what the printer only needs is the image of the material to print. Just my two cents...
Keep on.
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The printer will split it in to sections generally.
Make sure you get the DPI right and ask for all the specifications from the printer and client. They will ALL have different needs an requirements that you need to follow.
Billboards vary immensely from 100-150 dpi to as low as 2 dpi (yes, two!).
What you can do, and what I recommend, is working at at least half size depending on the advert.
People have different preferences, but you can work at as little as 10% of the final size at 300dpi and still get good results.
It's all about where the billboard is placed.
If' it's mainly going to be seen at high level and long distance then low res is fine, however if it's a billboard that people will walk past or get close to such as tose on public transport then you want the final dpi to be higher.
Aim to supply your file no more than 25% of the final size and let the printer know this so they can blow it up appropriately.
The lower the resolution the lower the cost in real terms as the lower the dpi the less ink you need, which is an issue worth considering.
Have a read of these links for more info:
http://www.signindustry.com/outdoor/articles/2001-03-19-viewingDistance.php3
http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=7636
www.jamnittygritty.com
I´m not 100% sure about this, but I understand that for large scale printing, i.e billboards, you don't need to use 300 dpi, 80 should be more than enough. Also ask your printer about bleed sizes (it all depends on how your billboard will be displayed)
I agree with the posts above. From experience, the bigger the size the lesser resolution is advisable as it would be quite hard for the supplier to actually open the size more so to manipulate and/or section it as needed.
Goodluck on your work! :)
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