It’s all about making good first impressions, and this includes security vehicle graphics, too. Considering that the presence of a security vehicle can influence public safety and awareness, these graphics must be thoughtfully designed. Excellent graphics on a vehicle can be a game-changer, so don’t discount their power!
The Power of Security Vehicle Graphics
Vehicle graphics play a part in security branding and operational effectiveness. Think of them as mobile billboards, letting the public know a security presence is monitoring the area, boosting visibility and trust.
Here, we’ll walk you through the core aspects of designing effective security vehicle graphics so your fleet stands out for the right reasons.
Brand Recognition
Your vehicles are constantly on the move, which gives you plenty of opportunities to use your fleet for branding. Effective and eye-catching graphics help people quickly identify your security company, which reinforces your presence and reliability in the community.
Consistent branding is important to make sure your vehicles project a unified and professional image wherever they are.
Deterrence
Clearly identifying the presence of security professionals with your vehicle graphics also serves as a deterrent for crime—they serve as a visual reminder that security is on duty and vigilant. This can lower the risk of break-ins, burglary, and other crimes.
Consider the results from this 2017 study. They showed that:
“41% more patrol visits and 29% more minutes spent by security agents at treatment compared to control stations led to a significant 16% reduction in victim-generated crimes at the entirety of the stations’ complexes, with a 49% increase in police-generated detections at the target locations. The findings illustrate the efficacy of private policing for crime prevention theory.”
Professionalism
High-quality graphics reflect the quality of your services, and your commitment to excellence and professionalism is key in the security industry.
Well-designed vehicle graphics convey a sense of authority and competence, which can go a long way toward reassuring clients and the public that they’re in good hands.
How to Create Effective Security Vehicle Graphics
To make sure you choose the right graphics for your business, focus on visibility, brand consistency, and including important details.
Visibility
There are a few practical things you can do to make sure your graphics are easy to see.
- Routinely check your lettering and graphics (during the day and at night) to make sure they remain legible and are reflective.
- Use colors with high contrast, and consider using reflective material as part of the vehicle branding. Vehicles with logos and other reflective material stand out more and are easier to identify.
- Use a large, clear font to make your fleet more recognizable in all lighting conditions and facilitate easy identification.
- Your graphics must be easily seen during the day and at night. Using high-contrast colors and reflective materials makes your vehicles noticeable in all lighting conditions.
Brand Consistency
Your vehicle graphics need to be consistent. Your vehicles become an extension of your brand and must utilize your brand colors, logos, and typography to further enhance your brand message. They need to be very much ‘you’ and instantly recognizable.
Information
Include your security company’s name and logo prominently so there’s no ambiguity about what your fleet represents. Include contact info and provide credentials and certifications where applicable.
Design Considerations
Here are three big design considerations some security companies forget about when designing security vehicle graphics:
Vehicle Type and Size
Different vehicle models require different graphic designs. Tailor your graphics to fit the size and shape of each vehicle in your fleet, ensuring a seamless and professional look.
Whether you’re working with cars, vans, or trucks, make sure the design is appropriately scaled and positioned.
Materials
The graphic materials you select have a significant influence on their durability.
Security vehicles operate in all kinds of weather conditions and endure more wear and tear than regular vehicles.
So, what is the best material for security vehicle graphics?
Start by considering a material’s durability, convenience, and cost.
Vinyl is a popular choice because of its durability. Reflective films can also work well. Some companies use them to enhance visibility at night or in other low-light conditions.
Placing Graphics Strategically
Placing your graphics strategically maximizes impact.
Account for the vehicle’s sides, rear, and front to optimize impact from every angle. Getting a sense of how your graphics overlap the vehicle’s lights and windows is vital to ensuring the final design doesn’t obstruct other parts of your car.
Safety and Compliance
Adhering to security vehicle graphic regulations (if there are any) is crucial to ensure safety and compliance.
This may involve:
- Adhering to size restrictions
- Using reflective materials
- Maintaining appropriate placements and spacing
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or penalties—don’t let them stop you from offering your security service
Vehicle Graphics Design Process
Concept Development
Conceptualizing your vision for vehicle graphics involves teamwork.
First, follow a professional designer’s guidance to develop mock-ups that reflect your vision and brand. Then, seek stakeholders’ feedback to determine how well the mockup design meets all needs and specifications.
Finally, refine it accordingly.
Feedback
Gather feedback from those stakeholders so you can modify the mockups as necessary. Then, finalize your designs, taking into account the stakeholder feedback.
Consider feedback from key stakeholders to refine the design and ensure it meets all requirements.
Design Approval
Before moving on to producing the graphics, get one final approval from all relevant departments.
Graphics Implementation and Maintenance
Professional installation is vitally important for the longevity of your vehicle graphics and the look of your design. For the best results, have professionals design AND install the graphics. Proper installation keeps the graphics from peeling or bubbling prematurely.
From there, routine maintenance will keep your vehicle graphics looking sharp. This includes using gentle, non-abrasive cleansers to remove dirt and grime. Fix any damage ASAP and replace or retouch them as needed to keep your graphics looking professional.
Start Your Security Vehicle Graphics Design
It’s time to apply the information we’ve covered today to design your own security vehicle graphics! Remember to account for placement, longevity, professionalism, safety, and compliance.
If you know what type of materials work well for vehicle graphics, why professional installation is necessary, and the importance of thoughtful design, the end product will be that much better.
The team at Graphic Designs International knows what a valuable asset your graphics are to your company’s image and operations.
Contact them today to design the most effective graphics for your fleet—don’t settle for anything less!
