Stand out from the crowd

By Gemma Jones, Senior Tender Specialist, Brisbane.

Graphics are a powerful tool that can make tenders stand out from the crowd. To make the most of content graphics throughout your tenders, use them as an opportunity to showcase key themes and remind the reader of your key messaging. Well-considered graphics can also convey complex information in a coherent and digestible manner.

Prior to creating graphics ensure tender documents are reviewed to ensure your ideas meet any criteria or avoid implications with the tender requirements e.g. files are to be submitted using a specific file format and size where images will be compressed therefore images should be kept to a modest resolution when designed.

For maximum impact communicate one overall message per graphic, ensuring the shapes, colours and fonts in the graphic are cohesive with your brand or tender style guide. Using an infographic to present statistics and data alongside icons presents figures and evidence statements in a visually appealing format.

Design graphics to the size and resolution suited to the section of the tender they will be placed. Ensure any text added to graphics is in a large enough font to be distinguishable but not overtake the remainder of the text on the page. Consider how the tender will be submitted in whether you select to use colours in RGB (best for digital) or CMYK (best for printing) colour modes for graphics.

Consider also incorporating simple icons to highlight key themes or important messaging to the reader that are woven throughout multiple sections of your tender. Icons are also useful in breaking up large blocks of text enhancing the readability of large documents.

Graphics should add another layer of value to the overall composition of your tender connecting with the text surrounding their placement. If any graphics don’t fully align with or complement the content of the tender, consider whether they should be used at all. Strong graphics should reinforce your brand’s identity and point of difference in a tender whilst also offering the reader a visually appealing and memorable experience as they consume the information.