Decorative Display as a Publicity Vehicle
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Our Bodybuilding Expert Relates Some Ideas for Making the Most of Orthodox asigns of Van and Lorry Bodywork to Secure Maximum Publicity
WITH the usual method of painting the vehicle, the general outline and position of the more important mouldings determine •the shape of the Va110143 colour areas, but, when these factors are ignored, there is much scope for a display which will ensure that the van or lorry compels attention.
The side of a boxvan may be bisected by a diagonal moulding and each half is painted a different colour. This treatment may be varied by utilizing one or more sloping bands of colour, which contrast with the background.
Sun-ray Treatment.
Another simple device is the sun-ray method of decoration. The disc representing the sun is placed in a corner of the body, or it is disposed centrally, from which the coloured bands radiate. The rays may be set out so that each contains a portion of the writing display, or this may be confined to a belt panel which cuts across the rays.
A colour pattern may strike a modernistic note by the inclusion of angular devices, either isolated or in some balanced formation. At the same time, even vertical stripes may impart an air of distinction to the van if the colouring be unusual. Originality is achieved by sloping the stripes, or by striping only a portion of the panelling, rather than confining it to the panels below the waist. •
Horizontal stripes are also effective if they be spaced widely; for instance, one at the roof, waist and bottom of the body. The lowest band may deter
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mine the colour, also of the wings, with the result that the crown of the wing is of a different hue from the other parts.
Another way of arranging the colour scheme is to consider the effect when the side and back of the vehicle are seen at the same time, as in a three
quarter rear view. The back may be painted to match the sides, that is, the side mouldings continue at the same level and there is a similar colour arrangement.
On the other hand, the back may be contrasted with the side of the body by reversing the position of the colours. Alternatively, a side " streamlined " band of colour is continued across the back, so that it joins up with the streamlined band on the other side. Another method is to use the rear corners of the body so that they form the centre line of a vee-shaped or other device, half of which is on the side of the body and the other half on the back.
Lettering Selection.
The effectiveness of the writing display depends not only on the arrangement and kind of lettering selected, but also on the colour chosen for the letters in relation to their background.
White or gold letters stand out well against a black ground. The same colour of letters may be used in conjunction with a dark blue, green or red. Light grey also goes well with dark blue or green. Black letters may be used on practically any light ground.
When the background is light blue, the lettering may be a much darker shade of the same colour and so with other colours. As a rule, the background should not be brilliant, because it tends to detract from the distinctiveness of the lettering. If the body be painted vermilion, the gold or yellow letters should be edged with black, green or white, so as to enhance their definition.
The body may be designed to facilitate writing display. Instead of the front of an open lorry being of the same height as the sides, or only as high as the cab roof, it is extended 10-12 ins, above the cab. Then there is space for a bold display of lettering, which may also be on the back of this front board, where it will not always be concealed by the load.
Value of the Luton-type Body.
The Luton-type body is well adapted for writing display, because the front above the cab has 'a large area, where any message cannot fail to be noticed.
Both sided and platform lorries may have skirting boards, or the sides extended below the chassis, which provide extra panel area for writing, or a board may be attached to the side of the body, with its lower part stayed to the chassis or cross-bearers.
Many vans and lorries have extra boards attached to the side or back, _which may be used as a facia for the display of the owner's name or trademark) or for a poster, which may be changed at intervals, with the advantage thatthe announcement literally stands out from 'the surrounding panelwork.
Boards may surround the roof and serve two purposes, keeping a roof load in position, apart from affording publicity. Roof boards intended only for display may be arranged crosswise or lengthwise on the roof of the cab or loading portion, or fixed diagonally singly or in pairs.
The open lorry may have a roof or ridge board if there be a high front board and a rear hoop to support its ends. With corner stanchions the rear hoop will not interfere with the operation either of the drop sides or tailboard. The ridge board will also support a loose sheet. If the lorry has no rear corner stanchions, the ridge board is supported on one or more middle standards—a suitable form of construction when the load carried is in sacks, Apart from the colouring of the lettering, extra prominence may be given by means of applied letters. That is,
the letters are made of wood or metal and are screwed or bolted to the framework or plank sides. If the letters are to be attached to the panels, metalfaced plywood is suitable.
Chromium-plated letters, also decorative devices of similar finish, are frequently used on modern vans. The attachment of the letters is concealed, because they have bolted ends and are fastened on the inside of the body. Doubtless, stainless steel will also be available for a similar purpose. • Instead of the face of the letters projecting beyond the face of the panelling, they may be recessed into the body, the letters being flush with the panels. In this instance, the an is specially designed to accommodate the recessed letters. Such an arrangementcan be very effective.
In addition to the colour scheme and lettering, the embellishment of •the: vehicle may include a pictorial display, varying from a simple trade-mark to an elaborate landscape. This style of decoration has been much developed during recent years, owing to the attention that it has received by those concerns which specialize in this department of poster design.