Print-ready PDF, preferably exported as PDF/X-1a:2001. Supply in CMYK using the FOGRA39 / ISO Coated v2 colour profile, with 3mm bleed. Raster images must be at least 300ppi at their final placed size. Vector artwork is preferred for text, logos and illustrations.
Artwork guidelines and copy specs
Build creative that works inside the club.
The essential dimensions, colour preparation, formats and practical design guidance for Grassroot Media posters and portrait digital screens.
At a glance
The core specifications.
Send finished artwork to your Grassroot Media contact. Print and screen files must be prepared separately. The team can also help with adaptation, visual mock-ups, test prints and practical feedback before launch.
Portrait JPG, PNG or MP4 in RGB, preferably sRGB. Standard advertiser creative is 10 seconds.
Use large type, strong contrast and a clear visual hierarchy.
Poster artwork
Prepare print files for reliable reproduction.
Posters appear in changing rooms, corridors, club bars and shared spaces. Bold layouts and clear messaging work better than dense copy or fine detail.
Poster sizes
| Size | Trim size | Including 3mm bleed |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 × 420mm | 303 × 426mm |
| A2 | 420 × 594mm | 426 × 600mm |
Please supply each poster design as its own separate PDF unless agreed otherwise.
Preferred file formatPrint-ready PDF
Preferred export standardPDF/X-1a:2001
Colour modeCMYK
ICC colour profileFOGRA39 / ISO Coated v2
Raster imagesMinimum 300ppi at final placed size
Text, logos and illustrationsVector artwork preferred
FontsEmbed all fonts or convert them to outlines
Bleed3mm on every edge
Crop marksPreferred, but not essential where the artwork is supplied at the correct full-bleed dimensions
Print stock150gsm high-gloss paper
Raster and vector artwork
Resolution applies to the placed images, not the PDF as a whole.
All photographs, textures and other raster elements must be at least 300ppi at their final placed size. Text, logos, QR codes and illustrations should be supplied as vector artwork wherever possible.
Changing a low-resolution image to 300ppi without replacing the original image will not improve its print quality.
Raster images: minimum 300ppi at final placed size.Vector artwork is preferred for text, logos, QR codes and illustrations.
Do not describe or assess the whole PDF simply as “300dpi”. Check each raster element at the size at which it will actually print.
Colour preparation for print
Print and screen artwork use different colour systems.
Printed artwork and digital screen artwork should be supplied as separate production files.
Poster artwork must be prepared in CMYK using the FOGRA39 / ISO Coated v2 profile. Digital screen artwork should be supplied in RGB, preferably sRGB.
Do not use an RGB screen export as the final print file. RGB artwork will need to be converted to CMYK before printing, which can cause visible colour changes.
Dark and heavily saturated colours can reproduce darker on paper than they appear on a backlit screen. Subtle detail within very dark backgrounds may also become less visible in print.
An on-screen PDF proof cannot guarantee an exact match to the finished printed colour. Pantone or other spot colours will normally be converted to CMYK unless specialist printing has been agreed in advance.
Where brand colour reproduction is important
- Use the brand’s approved print CMYK values where available.
- Convert and soft-proof the artwork against FOGRA39 / ISO Coated v2.
- Check that detail remains visible after the CMYK conversion.
- Tell Grassroot Media before the full print run if close colour reproduction is important.
- Allow time for a test print where one is considered necessary.
Poster safe area
Keep important content away from the frame edge.
Poster frames may overlap the printed edge by approximately 10-15mm. Keep all headlines, logos, QR codes, calls to action and other important content at least 25mm inside the trim edge.
Extend the background
Extend backgrounds fully through the 3mm bleed area.
Avoid edge-dependent design
Avoid thin borders and do not position important details against the trim.
Prioritise legibility
Use large type, high contrast and one clear message that can be understood from several metres away.
Digital screen artwork
Portrait creative, designed to work without sound.
Grassroot Media screens are positioned inside clubhouses and bars. They run muted, so every essential message must be communicated visually.
Screen artwork and print artwork should be exported separately. Do not convert the CMYK print PDF into the screen file or use the RGB screen file as the print master.
OrientationPortrait, 9:16
Dimensions1080 × 1920 pixels
Colour modeRGB, preferably sRGB
Standard duration10 seconds
Accepted formatsJPG, PNG or MP4
Video encodingH.264, maximum 30fps and 20MB
AudioNot supported
Creative principles
Make the message easy to absorb in a real social environment.
Use fewer words
Give the audience one main message rather than asking them to read a miniature poster on screen.
Build a strong hierarchy
Lead with the product, campaign idea or benefit, then support it with a concise next step.
Use motion with purpose
Movement can attract attention, but the core message should remain understandable throughout the 10-second slot.
Design for distance
Test the artwork at reduced size. If the key message disappears, simplify or enlarge it.
Before final approval
See the creative in context.
Grassroot Media can place draft creative into a real poster-frame or clubhouse-screen mock-up so the team can judge scale, legibility, balance and colour risk before the final file is supplied.
Where close print colour reproduction is important, tell Grassroot Media before the full print run and allow time for a test print where one is considered necessary.
Need design support?Send the brief, existing assets and required message.
Grassroot Media can help adapt campaign creative for the club setting or provide clear practical feedback to your agency or design team.
Ready to supply artwork?