Start With The Basics We Need From You
Good artwork starts with complete information. If we have your business name, logo files, colours, contact details and vehicle count upfront, the design process moves much faster and there is less back-and-forth later on. For fleet work, this also helps us keep every unit consistent, from bakkies to panel vans and trucks.
Please send the correct company name exactly as it must appear on the vehicle. If your logo has a slogan, registration number, service area or website, confirm the wording carefully. A small spelling error on artwork can mean delays, extra proofing, and reprints if it is picked up too late.
- Company name and trading name
- Logo files in the best quality you have
- Main brand colours and any secondary colours
- Phone number, email address and website
- Physical areas served, if these must appear
- Total number of vehicles and each vehicle type
Send The Right Logo Files The First Time
The best files are clean vector artwork, usually supplied as editable artwork or high-resolution artwork with transparent background. These files scale properly for doors, bonnets, tailgates and rear windows without going soft or blocky. If you only have a JPEG from a WhatsApp message, we can still advise, but it often needs more cleanup and may limit how sharp the final wrap looks.
If your logo includes fine lines, tiny text or gradients, mention that early. Some details work well on a screen but need adjustments on a wrap so they stay readable from a distance. That matters on the road, especially in Johannesburg traffic where a driver may only get a few seconds to see the vehicle.
- Preferred file types: AI, EPS, PDF or high-res PNG
- Transparent backgrounds are best for logos
- Send separate files for each logo if possible
- Include any old and new logos if rebranding
- Tell us if the artwork must match an existing fleet look
Confirm Colours, Finishes And Brand Rules
Colour accuracy is important on vehicle branding. A white van with dark lettering looks very different from a charcoal wrap with bright graphics, and the material chosen can shift the final appearance slightly. If you have brand rules, send them before layout begins so we can work within your approved shades and spacing.
It also helps to tell us whether the finish should be matte, gloss or a mix. Some businesses want a subtle fleet appearance while others want stronger contrast for visibility. If your company already uses printed stationery or uniforms, we can usually match the overall look more closely when those references are supplied.
- Send colour references or brand guidelines
- State if the wrap must match uniforms or signage
- Confirm matte, satin or gloss preference
- Tell us if body colour should show through anywhere
- Note any design restrictions for municipal or fleet rules
List Every Vehicle Clearly, Including Variations
Fleet artwork becomes much simpler when every vehicle is listed before layout starts. We need the make, model, year if known, and any differences that affect panel size or body shape. A short-wheelbase van, for example, will not take the same panel arrangement as a long-wheelbase unit, and bakkies with canopy backs need different rear treatment.
If your fleet includes a mix of vehicles, group them by type so we can plan the artwork properly. This helps with pricing, print sizing and installation scheduling. It also avoids costly surprises when a vehicle arrives and the dimensions are not what was expected. If you have units in Kya Sand, Sandton, Midrand or elsewhere, we can plan around staggered drop-offs where needed.
- Make and model of each vehicle
- Number of units per model
- Body type, such as panel van, sedan, hatch or bakkie
- Any extras like canopies, rooftop equipment or tow bars
- Registration numbers for internal tracking
Prepare The Text That Must Appear On The Vehicle
Vehicle text should be checked carefully before design starts. The most common items are contact numbers, website address, message, physical location, services and operating areas. If you want a call-to-action such as “Book Today” or “Call For Fleet Quotes”, decide that early so the layout can be balanced around it.
Keep the wording short and practical. On a moving vehicle, people read fast. Too much text can be hard to take in, especially at traffic lights or on the N1, M1 or local roads around Johannesburg. A clean message with strong spacing usually works better than cramming in every detail.
- Exact wording for phone numbers and messages
- Website address with correct spelling
- Service areas or branches to include
- Licence or registration wording if required
- Any legal notices or compliance text for your sector
Use These Checks Before You Approve Artwork
Once the proof is ready, read it slowly and check every item line by line. Look at the phone number, spelling of the company name, logo position, and whether the vehicle count or branch list is correct. If there is a mistake here it is much easier to fix now than after printing and installation.
We also recommend checking the artwork on the actual vehicle type, not only on a flat screen. A design can look balanced on a mock-up but need small changes once you see how it wraps around handles, curves and seams. That is normal and part of getting the result right.
- Check spelling and phone numbers
- Confirm logo position and size
- Review spacing around handles, fuel caps and curves
- Approve only when all branch and fleet details are correct
- Keep one final signed-off version for your records
What To Send If You Do Not Have Everything Yet
If you are missing files, start with what you do have and let us know what is still outstanding. We can often work from a photo of the vehicle, an old brochure, or a previous sign if needed. That said, a complete pack makes for smoother production and a cleaner handover into printing and fitting.
For new businesses, a basic pack should still include the company name, contact number, services, and a logo if available. For established fleets, it helps to include a master brand sheet and a list of all current vehicles. Send everything through our contact form and we will advise what is ready and what still needs attention.
