Guest Posts

Guide to Ticket Design—How to Match Your Event's Vibe

by
Alina Midori Hernández at Envato
Journalist-turned-content writer at Envato. She’s passionate about design and the creative industry. She’s a metalhead, jazz enthusiast, and hardcore Tori Amos fan.

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Often overlooked, ticket design can have a big impact on your event's attendance. The good news is, you don't need to have amazing design skills. Today, there are many online editors, printable ticket templates, and even AI tools to help you. In this article, we’ll provide you tips to ensure you design the perfect tickets for your event. 

What are the key elements of an effective ticket design?

Key elements of an effective ticket design include clear event details, eye-catching visuals, easy-to-read text, branding elements, barcode or QR code for scanning, and a call-to-action (CTA). The design should reflect the event's theme to create anticipation and excitement among attendees.

Let's dive into how to design tickets for an event!

Table of contents

  1. How to design a ticket: Step-by-step guide
  2. Best practices for ticket design
  3. Using AI to design tickets for your event
  4. A quick note on ticket types
  5. Design tips for different ticket types
  6. Ticket design ideas for different events
  7. How to build your ticket strategy

How to design tickets for an event: step-by-step guide

Designing tickets using design templates can be a straightforward and efficient way to create professional-looking tickets for your event. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Identify a design template platform

Begin by identifying a design template platform that provides ticket design options. There are several popular platforms available, such as Envato Elements, that offer a variety of customizable ticket templates.

2. Navigate to the template section

Search for ticket templates within the platform. This section typically contains many ready-to-use designs suitable for various events.

3. Select a suitable ticket design template

Browse the available ticket design templates and choose one suitable for your event. Consider the theme, style, and overall aesthetic you want to convey. Look for a template that aligns with your event branding or desired visual identity.

4. Customize the template

After selecting a ticket design template, you can customize it to meet your requirements. Most design platforms allow you to modify template elements, such as colors, fonts, or layouts. Customize the design to align with your event branding, color scheme, and personal preferences.

5. Add event details

Once you have customized the template, it's time to add the specific details of your event. Include essential information such as the event name, date, time, location, contact information, and other pertinent details. Ensure the text is clear, legible, and strategically placed to be easily readable for attendees.

6. Incorporate branding elements

Incorporate your event branding elements into the ticket design to create a cohesive visual identity. This can include your event logo, tagline, or other unique identifiers that reflect your brand. These branding elements will help attendees recognize and associate the tickets with your event or organization.

7. Consider additional features

Depending on your event's needs, consider adding other features to your ticket design. This could include QR codes for easy ticket scanning at entry points, unique serial numbers, or barcodes to track ticket sales and prevent duplication.

8. Review and proofread

Before finalizing the ticket design, carefully review and proofread all the information on the ticket.

9. Save and export

Once satisfied with the design, save your ticket design in a high-resolution format. Popular formats include PNG or PDF. Saving the design ensures that you can return to it later if needed and allows easy export to various platforms or printing services.

10. Distribute

The final step is to decide how to share your tickets with attendees. You can distribute the tickets digitally via email, through a ticketing platform, or by sharing them on social media. Digital distribution allows for easy access and reduces the need for physical printing.

Best practices for ticket design

Incorporating best practices can help create a memorable and effective ticketing experience when designing tickets. Here are some key practices to consider:

Eye-catching graphics, logo, and branding

Use visually appealing designs that capture attention and reflect the tone of your event. Incorporate your event branding, colors, or logos to strengthen your visual identity and make the tickets stand out.

Clear and concise info

Ensure that all essential event details, such as the event name, date, time, and location, are clearly displayed. Use legible fonts and appropriate font sizes to make the information easily readable.

Utilize QR codes or barcodes for easy access

Include QR codes or barcodes on the tickets to streamline entry and enhance security. This enables quick scanning and validation of tickets, reducing wait times and potential fraud.

Include contact information

Provide a contact phone number or email address on the tickets for attendees to reach out in case of any questions or concerns.

Consider seating or area indicators

If your event has specific seating arrangements or restricted areas, consider adding indicators on the ticket to guide attendees to their designated spots.

Highlight special instructions or policies

If there are any specific instructions or policies that attendees need to be aware of, such as dress code or age restrictions, clearly communicate them on the tickets.

Proofread and test

Before finalizing, test a sample ticket to ensure all elements are aligned and legible. Ensure you use a proper format that suits different media and devices, and proofread for spelling or grammar errors.

Consider accessibility

Ensure the ticket design meets accessibility standards, such as providing alternative formats for visually impaired attendees.

Using AI to design tickets for your event

Artificial intelligence is advancing at a rapid rate, and there's a productivity revolution on the horizon. This extends to ticket design. AI tools can simplify the design process, ensuring your tickets look professional without requiring advanced design skills. Below are a few popular options:

  • Canva is a popular choice. Its AI-powered features help generate design suggestions based on your event type and preferences.
  • Adobe Spark offers intuitive AI-driven design capabilities with a wide range of templates and customization options.
  • Fotor uses AI to streamline the design process. Its AI design assistant suggests layouts, colors, and fonts.

A quick note on ticket types

Choosing the right ticket type for your event is crucial as it can significantly impact attendance and revenue. Different ticket types cater to different audience segments and pricing strategies, allowing you to offer a range of options that meet the needs and preferences of potential attendees.

Today, online ticketing has revolutionized ticket-selling by making it more convenient and efficient for organizers and attendees. It enables organizers to effortlessly sell tickets through various online platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile applications, without needing a physical box office or in-person sales.

For example, Eventcube's event tickets page offers many benefits, including 24/7 availability, global accessibility, ease of purchase, and real-time reporting, making it an ideal solution for events of all sizes.

Design tips for different ticket types

From general admission to VIP passes and season tickets, we will delve into each ticketing option's features, benefits, and suitability.

General admission tickets

Olympics template design

Commonly used for concerts, festivals, conferences, and trade shows. These tickets offer flexibility and affordability for both event organizers and attendees. They allow attendees to move around freely, mingle, and choose their preferred spots.

  • Highlight essential details like event name, date, time, and location.
  • Use bold, eye-catching colors that match the event’s theme.
  • Keep text concise to avoid clutter, focusing on essential information.

Vip/Premium Tickets

VIP pass admission ticket template

VIP tickets offer exclusive perks and added value at various events. These tickets provide higher-level access, amenities, and services compared to general admission tickets. Benefits include access to VIP-only areas such as lounges or designated seating sections closer to the stage or field.

  • Use premium materials, such as metallic finishes or holographic elements, to convey exclusivity.
  • Ensure VIP status is prominently displayed, with larger fonts or special icons.
  • Include details of the perks, such as dedicated entry points, private bars, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

Season passes

Soccer champions template

Season passes are ideal for recurring events like sports seasons, theater series, or amusement parks. They provide attendees access to multiple events or visits over a specified period, usually an entire season.

  • Use high-quality, durable materials that can withstand repeated use.
  • Ensure the design aligns with the event’s branding and includes season-specific graphics.
  • Include the holder’s name and a unique identifier, like a barcode or QR code, for easy tracking.

Reserved seating tickets

Reserved seating tickets are beneficial for events like concerts or theater productions. They assure attendees of a designated seat, eliminating the need to arrive early for a good spot. This convenience reduces stress and allows attendees to plan their arrival time.

  • Clearly display seat details, including row and seat number.
  • Consider including a small map of the venue to help attendees find their seats easily.
  • Use a clean and elegant layout that enhances the attendee's experience and aligns with the event’s tone.

Family passes

World day of bullying prevention ticket

Family passes are designed for events that cater to families, such as theme parks, zoos, or family-friendly festivals. These passes offer access for a group at a discounted rate.

  • Use bright colors and playful graphics to appeal to both children and adults.
  • Clearly indicate that the pass covers multiple attendees and specify any restrictions.
  • Consider adding elements like stickers or detachable sections for children to engage with.

Source: Envato Elements

Ticket design ideas for different events

Designing event tickets to match the occasion not only enhances the attendee experience but also sets the tone for your event. Here are some ticket design ideas for three different types of events:

Music festivals

Music festival celebration template
  • Use bold colors, energetic patterns, and dynamic fonts to reflect the lively atmosphere of a music festival.
  • Incorporate artwork from performing artists or the festival’s logo to create a sense of exclusivity and memorabilia.
  • Add holographic elements or UV-reactive ink that can be checked at entry points and add a fun twist for attendees.

Example:

A concert ticket or summer music festival ticket needs to be impactful.  It might feature a tropical theme with bright colors like orange, yellow, and green. Use large, playful fonts for the event name and date, and include small icons or illustrations of musical instruments or palm trees.

Corporate conferences

Music festival celebration template
  • Use a sleek, modern design with a professional color scheme, such as blues, grays, and whites.
  • Ensure all essential details (event name, date, venue, and schedule highlights) are clearly displayed in an organized manner.
  • Incorporate the company logo and conference theme consistently throughout the ticket.

Example:

For a tech conference, a ticket could have a minimalist design with a white background and blue accents. Use a clear, professional font for the text and include the conference logo at the top. Add a subtle tech-themed graphic, like circuit lines or digital icons, as a background element.

Theater productions

Theatre ticket horizontal banners set with ballet and music show symbols

Reflect the production’s theme and style with sophisticated design elements, such as ornate fonts and rich colors.

Include imagery or illustrations related to the play, such as characters, scenes, or iconic symbols.

Clearly display seat numbers, rows, and sections to ensure easy navigation for attendees.

Example:

A ticket for a classic Shakespearean play might feature an elegant design with a deep burgundy background and gold accents. Use a script-like font for the play’s title and include an illustration of a key scene or character. The seat information should be prominently displayed in a clean, easy-to-read format.

How to build your ticket strategy

Tciket design is undeniably important, but without a well-defined strategy . You can build a comprehensive and effective ticket strategy that aligns with your event goals, caters to your target audience, and maximizes ticket sales.

You can follow these steps to develop your ticket strategy:

1. Identify event goals and objectives

Start by clearly defining the goals and objectives of your event. Determine the purpose, desired outcomes, and key metrics of success. This will guide your ticketing strategy and help you understand what you need to achieve through ticket sales.

2. Understand your target audience and their preferences

Research and analyze your target audience to understand their preferences, demographics, and buying behaviors. This will help you determine the types of tickets, pricing, and promotional strategies that will resonate with your audience and drive ticket sales.

3. Analyze past events data

Look at data from your previous events, if applicable. Identify trends, patterns, and insights related to ticket sales, pricing, and attendance. To take the next step, consider automating workflow with AI as it can help to get the right data from your events.This analysis will provide valuable information for developing your ticket strategy, such as identifying popular ticket types or pricing tiers.

4. Utilize technology and ticketing platforms

Leverage technology and ticketing platforms to streamline your ticketing process. Choose a reliable ticketing platform that aligns with your event requirements and allows you to customize ticket types, pricing, and promotional offers. Utilize features like online ticket sales, real-time reporting, and integration with marketing tools to optimize your ticket strategy and reach a wider audience.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right ticket type is about selling tickets and creating a memorable and inclusive experience for your attendees. For the latter, you could even think about offering custom merchandise such as personalized t-shirts, mugs, or stickers to enhance the attendee experience, providing them with unique keepsakes that reflect the spirit of your event.

Also, keep in mind the importance of innovative ticket design. Creative and visually appealing tickets can generate excitement and compel potential attendees to purchase.

And finally, to further enhance your ticketing efforts, consider utilizing Eventcube. It can streamline your ticketing process, provide real-time reporting, and integrate with marketing tools to help you reach a wider audience and maximize ticket sales.

So, start strategizing, explore new ticketing options, and watch your events thrive!

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