What bleed means

A flyer for a local event is one of the highest-impact print jobs you can do. Done well, it spreads the word. Done poorly, it ends up in the bin.

The five elements

A good local event flyer has five elements:

1. Headline — what is the event?
2. Date, time, location — when and where
3. Visual — a photo, logo, or graphic
4. Brief description — why should someone come?
5. Call to action — what to do next (register, visit, call)

Layout

Use the inverted pyramid: the most important information is the largest. The headline is the largest element. Date and time are second. Details are smallest.

A simple grid:

• Top third: headline and visual
• Middle third: date, time, location
• Bottom third: description and call to action

Visual choices

The visual should be:

• Relevant (a photo of the event type, not stock)
• High-resolution (300 DPI at print size)
• Bright enough to be visible from a distance
• Not competing with the text for attention

Colour

Two or three colours is enough. Use the strongest colour for the headline. Keep the rest neutral. Mismatched colours make a flyer look amateur.

Paper

For local event flyers:

• A5 (148 x 210 mm) — pocket size, common for handouts
• A4 (210 x 297 mm) — wall poster size
• A6 (105 x 148 mm) — small flyers, hand-to-hand distribution

Choose paper that suits the distribution method. A4 for posters on a wall, A6 for handing out on the street.

Common mistakes

• Too much text — keep it short
• Too many colours — two or three is enough
• Low-resolution images — 300 DPI minimum
• No clear call to action — what do you want the reader to do?
• Date and time buried in small text — make them large

FAQ

How many copies should I print?

Estimate your distribution. Print 10-20% more than you think you will distribute.

What is the best size for a flyer?

A5 is the most versatile. It fits in a pocket or bag, can be handed out or posted, and is large enough for clear text.

Should I use glossy or matte paper?

Matte is easier to read in bright light. Glossy makes images pop. Choose based on whether text or images are the focus.