1. Define the communication goal first
Begin with the job the vehicle must do. Is it meant to build recognition, explain one service or make contact effortless? A regional trade van needs a different hierarchy from a delivery vehicle operating across the country.
Record the main audience, service area, typical viewing distance and the single message that must be remembered. Every secondary element should support that priority.
- Primary business objective and audience
- Core service in one clear sentence
- Preferred contact route
- Whether the vehicle is mainly seen parked, moving or both
2. Identify the exact vehicle
A model name is not enough. Model year, body variant, wheelbase, roof height, doors, windows, accessories and sensors can all change the usable surfaces. Supply well-lit straight photographs of the front, rear and both sides, plus details of damaged or repainted areas.
The concept uses the supplied information. The binding measurement and substrate inspection must later be carried out on the actual vehicle by the executing specialist contractor.
- Manufacturer, model, model year and exact variant
- Wheelbase, roof height, doors and glazing
- Four straight overall views and relevant details
- Existing graphics, repairs and paint damage
3. Supply usable brand assets
Vector formats such as AI, EPS, SVG or a print-ready PDF are best for scalable artwork. A small email JPG or screenshot rarely contains enough information for a large vehicle surface. Include approved colours, fonts and any existing brand guidelines.
If only bitmap files exist, decide early whether artwork must be rebuilt and who can approve that work. This avoids an unexpected production delay.
- Current logo in an original usable format
- Brand guidelines and colour values
- Licensed fonts or approved alternatives
- Photography at sufficient resolution
4. Check usage rights and approvals
Possessing a file does not automatically grant unlimited rights to alter and reproduce it in vehicle advertising. Confirm who owns the relevant rights to logos, photographs, illustrations and typefaces, and what commercial uses were licensed.
Appoint one internal contact who can approve copy, brand representation and contact details. A single documented approval route prevents contradictory revisions and identifies the final authorised version.
- Rights to logos, images, illustrations and fonts
- Permission for alteration and commercial reproduction
- Named approval authority
- Documented final design version
5. Separate design handover from technical approval
HOTIM needs the communication and brand brief for concept and design. The specialist contractor additionally needs access to the real vehicle, technical measurements, substrate information and confirmation of the chosen material system.
Client design approval confirms the visual direction, wording and brand presentation. It does not replace measurement or technical production approval. Keeping these decisions separate makes responsibilities and changes traceable.
