Design a tent right on your computer -- even if you don't know much about graphics.
Creating your own tent for an event or trade show is a good way to cut down on costs. Some tent manufacturers charge a design fee if you leave all the design tasks up to them. Designing a tent is relatively easy. You can create the layouts yourself on software programs such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. A basic design is all you need to get your project started.
Instructions
1. Get a digital copy of your logo, and save it on your computer. If you have a theme or slogan, get a copy of it too, so you'll be sure to word and spell it correctly on your design.
2. Create a basic "peak and valance" tent design. The "peak" is the industry term for the pointed top of the tent. The "valance" is the cloth that runs horizontally from pole-to-pole, across the top perimeter of the tent. Your logo will be on the peak for visibility from a distance and on the valance for visibility up-close.
3. Use your computer to create your layout. You don't have to know graphic programs to make the layout, because you will be using basic shapes. Use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to keep things simple and easy. Open the software program you are most comfortable using and create a document. Save it as "Tent Layout."
4. Click on "Auto Shapes" and select a triangle to insert onto your layout page to use for designing the peak. Next, click on a rectangle and but it underneath the triangle to use for designing the valance. Click on another rectangle and manipulate it so that it stands vertically. Drag the mouse from right to left so that the width is narrow, and the rectangle now represents the poles for the tent.
5. Open the logo file stored on your computer. Insert the logo onto your layout document. Move it onto the peak and position it in the center. Adjust the size as needed. Insert another copy of the logo onto the valance and resize as needed. If you have a digital graphic for the event theme or a company slogan, insert that image on the valance. Move the logo to the left to allow room for the theme or slogan. Keep the peak clear of other elements that might make the peak too busy and compete for attention with your logo.
6. Save your layout on your computer. Create a new document, and copy and paste your first layout onto the new document. Play around with different colors for the peak and valance. Come up with three options and then make a file that just uses a white peak and valance. Save your final versions as JPG files so you can attach them to emails when requesting estimates from tent suppliers.
7. Review your layout with others on your team and anyone who needs to approve the design. Discuss needs and affordability for other components such as horizontal side tables or counters draped and branded with your logo and theme.
8. Plan logistics for the exhibit and event. Decide how you want to direct the flow of visitors to your tent, where workers will be stationed and where you'll store brochures, product samples and promotional giveaways. Consider the need for a fabric or vinyl-back panel to create a wall for the tent. If you will be selling merchandise, finalize your plans for your display needs with items you might already have. Discuss any additional features with sales reps, and add written notes on printouts of the layouts.
9. Once your final plan is approved, get estimates from manufacturers and send JPG layout files as attachments on emails for reference.
Tags: your computer, your layout, peak valance, estimates from, logo onto, Microsoft Word