How to Order Posters: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

Ordering custom posters doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re an artist, business owner, or event planner, creating high-quality posters starts with knowing the basics. At Printkeg, we help beginners navigate poster printing, from selecting the right size to uploading artwork.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to print posters but don’t know where to start,” this guide is for you. By the end, you’ll feel confident placing your first order and designing posters that grab attention.

Custom posters are a powerful tool for communication, marketing, and self-expression. By understanding the different materials, sizes, and design options available, even a first-time buyer can create professional-looking posters that impress their audience.

Step 1: Determine Your Poster’s Purpose

Before you start designing, ask yourself: What is this poster for?

• Event promotion (concerts, fundraisers, workshops)
• Marketing or business signage
• Art prints for your room or gallery
• Educational or instructional posters

Knowing the purpose helps determine the size, material, and design style. For example, event posters may need bright, eye-catching colors, while art prints might focus on subtle details.

It’s also important to consider your audience when determining the purpose. A poster meant for students might be playful and colorful, while a poster for a business event may need to be professional and clean. Identifying your audience early will guide your creative decisions and make your poster more effective.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size

Poster size is critical for visibility and impact. Here’s a simple guide:

Tip: For beginners, 18×24 inches is versatile and works for most events and display spaces. Artists often prefer 16×20 or 20×30 for framing and gallery-ready presentations.

Choosing the right size affects how your audience perceives your poster. Too small, and your message may be missed; too large, and it may overwhelm the display space. Consider where the poster will be placed, how far viewers will be standing, and how many details need to fit into the design.

Step 3: Select Materials & Finish

Your poster material affects durability and appearance:

• Paper Options: Matte for glare-free visuals, glossy for vibrant colors.
• Foam Board: Lightweight, great for indoor displays and short-term use.
• Gator Board: Durable and professional, ideal for long-lasting signage.
• Backlit Film: Perfect for illuminated displays like lightboxes.
• Outdoor Vinyl - Outdoor banners may be a great solution for outdoor use.
• Metallic and Pearl Papers - Specialty papers intended for limited edition posters

The finish you choose also impacts how your poster will be perceived. Glossy finishes make colors pop and attract attention, while matte finishes create a sophisticated look without glare. Selecting the right combination of material and finish ensures your poster aligns with its intended use and audience.

For artists, Gator Board and matte finishes are often preferred for gallery displays, while businesses and event organizers may lean toward foam board or glossy finishes for high-impact promotions. Choosing the right materials will also influence shipping options and costs, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Prepare Your Artwork

You don’t need to be a designer, but your artwork should meet printing standards:

• File format: PDF, JPG, or PNG
• Resolution: At least 300 dpi for sharp prints
• Color mode: CMYK for accurate colors
• Include bleed: Avoid white borders on edge-to-edge prints

Simple, bold designs work best for first-time poster buyers. Avoid overcrowding your poster with text or tiny graphics, as details may get lost once printed. Using high-contrast colors and large fonts ensures your message is readable from a distance.

For beginners, free templates can make this step easier. Printkeg also offers file review (digital proofs) to catch errors before printing, ensuring your posters look exactly as you intended. Preparing artwork correctly not only improves the final product but also reduces stress during the printing process.

Step 5: Place Your Order

With your size, material, and artwork ready, placing your order is simple:

1. Upload your design to Printkeg.
2. Choose quantity and material.
3. Select finish (matte, glossy, or backlit film).
4. Review proof and confirm.

Printkeg offers fast turnaround, including rush turnaround for urgent orders. Beginners will find the process intuitive, and customer support is available to guide you through any step.

Remember to double-check your shipping address and proof before confirming. A small oversight at this stage can delay delivery or affect quality. Taking a moment to review ensures that your posters arrive on time and exactly as envisioned.

Step 6: Review & Display

Once printed, check your posters for quality:

• Colors match your design
• Text is readable from the intended distance
• No alignment or trimming issues

Then, display your posters in high-traffic areas or wherever your target audience is most likely to see them. Consider layering posters, placing them at eye level, or using frames for a professional appearance.

For first-time poster buyers, it’s helpful to experiment with placement before committing to a large print run. Observing how people interact with your poster can provide valuable insights for future orders.

Tips for First-Time Poster Buyers

• Start with one or two prints before committing to bulk orders
• Use bold headlines and clear messaging for better engagement
• Keep your branding consistent if promoting a business or event
• Consider digital proofing before printing to avoid errors

Patience and planning go a long way. Taking the time to learn about sizes, materials, and design principles will make your first poster printing experience smoother and more successful. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Printkeg for advice—they specialize in helping beginners create professional-looking posters.

FAQ – Poster Printing for Beginners

What size is best for first-time poster buyers?

18×24 inches is versatile, while artists often prefer 16×20 or 20×30 inches for gallery or wall displays.

How long does printing take?

Standard turnaround is 2–3 business days. Rush and same-day printing options are available.

Which finish should I choose?

Matte works well for glare-free indoor posters. Glossy enhances color vibrancy, and backlit film is perfect for illuminated displays.

Can I print posters in bulk?

Absolutely! Bulk printing usually reduces cost per poster and is ideal for events, promotions, or multiple locations.

Do you offer custom sizes?

Yes, Printkeg can accommodate unique dimensions for special projects or unusual spaces. Contact us about you customr print project.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Ordering posters for the first time doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding your purpose, choosing the right size—including artist favorites like 16×20 and 20×30—in selecting materials, preparing artwork correctly, and placing your order with a trusted printer, you can create posters that capture attention and deliver results.

Start your first custom poster order with Printkeg today and get high-quality prints delivered fast, whether it’s for events, promotions, art, or personal projects.