Create the perfect custom backdrop scene or banner for immersive company and event branding for a wide variety of applications and enhance your business photos.
Custom Backdrop And Step And Repeat Banners
Custom backdrops, also known as step and repeat banners, are custom print products that took a page right out of Hollywood’s playbook. Backdrops were, and still are, used in movie and stage productions. With the advent of the camera, photographers found a new way to capture people in front of immersive backgrounds and scenes. Today, custom backdrops and step and repeat banners are used for event photography, trade show appearances, and in film and stage productions as previously mentioned.
Outside of events, a custom printed banner backdrop can be a valuable asset to your business and entrepreneurial endeavors. The short version is that they are affordable to design and order, long lasting in terms of durability, and several personalization and design options. This post offers an in-depth look at designing, ordering, and using your step and repeat banner and getting the most out of it from Midwest Custom Print.
What Are Custom Backdrops?
If you ever ordered a custom printed banner stand, then a custom backdrop is simply a larger version of it. In fact, they are often made out of the very same vinyl material for durability. At Midwest Custom Print, our step and repeat banners are printed on 13 oz matte vinyl material which offers a smooth service and high quality satin finish. Custom backdrop printing is exclusively full color front and blank back since its that side which will be seen at all times during special events. Midwest Custom Print offers two different sizes: 5′ X 8′ and 8′ X 8′ for our backdrops.
What also makes custom printed backdrops so great is how easy they are to transport and set up. Midwest Custom Print offers standard 1′ pole pockets top and bottom with our 13 oz vinyl with matte finish backdrops as a regular option. There is also a telescopic stand option, which includes 2 steel bases, adjustable aluminum frames, and a nylon travel bag. The poles can also be weighted down with water or sand for increased stability. Both solutions offer quick set up and take down time as well as instant transportation. The lifespan of these custom banners are far more than single use.
How Backdrops Are Used
We’ve already touched upon what backdrop banners are used for in terms of general event photography, but how are they really used to a business’ advantage for years to come? Here is an in-depth look at how businesses and people are using backdrops to elevate their branding or message:
- Event appearances – Businesses that specialize in event planning should have at least one custom printed backdrop as an asset. Agencies and event planners often provide backdrops for photo opportunities at the events they host. Having their branding on it works a seal of quality to their event. These could be weddings, graduations, birthday parties, or conventions and conferences.
- Photography studios – A good photography studio will have multiple backdrops and backgrounds for a variety of photoshoots depending on tone and theme. Photographers in this field can opt for backdrops that emphasize color instead of logos and brands. Whether it be a family photo or a professional portrait, a good backdrop can make all the difference.
- Trade shows and conferences – Those managing the events aren’t the only ones who could use a backdrop banner. Attendees like local businesses and entrepreneurs can make their booths more eye-catching with a step and repeat banner. Visitors would be able to take photos with a piece of your branding. Everyone they show the picture to is another client organically marketed to.
- Location enhancement – Something as simple as an office reception area can benefit from a backdrop banner the same way a storefront would. Backdrops are still banners and can be used as such. Business owners have found that they help elevate their brand presence and offer impromptu photo spots for customers and clients. It makes going to the store or office feel a little bit more like an experience to them. It’s also good use of the backdrop when there isn’t a conference or trade show to attend.
Why Use Backdrop Banners?
Other than photo opportunities for organic marketing and brand unification at events and locations, there are more practical and basic reasons why using a backdrop is a good idea. Here’s how they can directly and positively impact your business.
Cost Effective Long Term Solution
Midwest Custom Print offers a telescopic stand option with a carry bag for custom printed backdrops for a reason, they are going to be used again. With a busy trade show schedule or business in event planning, a backdrop is going to be a valuable asset that can last for years to come thanks to high quality, durable materials. Even when they are not in use, they can still look good at a brick and mortar location. The same can also be said for custom banners of all types.
Highest Visual Impression of a Custom Print Product
Because of their size, custom banners like backdrops yield the highest visual impressions out of all custom print products. This is especially the case on trade show and events when foot traffic is all around. Foot traffic means several eyes too, and it’s the job of banners and backdrops to catch them with unique designs and branding for a product or service.
Best Design Practices For Backdrops
Now, we come to the question of what makes a good backdrop in terms of design. There’s certain guidelines to keep in mind when designing a corporate or independent logo or branding for custom print products for the best results. Here are some important design practices to help optimize your custom printed backdrop:
- Keep it simple – This is a rule that is constant for all custom print products. Creativity is important, but you don’t want your design to be overly complex or up for interpretation. It needs to clearly communicate a brand without going over the top with the graphics and keep the design simple and defined.
- Leave some blank space – You never want to cover a banner or backdrop from top to bottom in designs. This is another rule of thumb for all custom print products. Not only does it over complicate any branding, it can look unprofessional. The best corporate backdrops have the logo and branding designs spaced out with blank space in-between.
- Use high quality images – This is the most commonly made mistake with custom print products; an issue with the quality of the submitted design or image. They may be low resolution, which can affect the printing quality onto the banner and backdrop. Banner designs are going to be seen from a distance, so designs should be submitted in a high resolution.
- Stand out with bold colors – Bold colors and clear lines and borders are the best way to optimize a logo onto a backdrop. They can be made out from afar and clearly communicate a brand and design. Among a sea of dull colors, these types of backdrops can really stand out.
Proper Care For Backdrop Banners
Taking proper care of your backdrop banner will help it last longer. The good news is that it’s easy to care for and just come down to storage:
- Roll, don’t fold – When you’re packing up after an event, always roll and never fold your backdrop banner. This can create creases that can become permanent and also damage the printed design. When rolling it up, make sure that the design is facing inward and not outward, so it won’t be exposed to the elements.
- Store in cool and dry conditions – To prevent molding, store your backdrop banner in a dry and cool setting. Be sure that it’s kept away from any humid areas and keep it out of direct sunlight to keep it from fading overtime.
- Use a rigid core or storage tube – A rolled up backdrop can be stored in a specialized tube or rigid core to further prevent creases and further damage it would face while in storage. Using a banner tube also helps keep dust and other debris off.
- Clean with soap and water – Bleach isn’t needed for a regular banner cleaning. Cold water and mild dish soap is more than enough. Afterwards, allow the backdrop to dry on its own rather than run it through a dryer or machine. Backdrops made of polyester fabric can be machine washed.
Custom Printed Backdrops Near You
With two different custom sizes, matte finishing options, and a wide range of applications, start your custom printed backdrop order with Midwest Custom Print today. We’ll not only provide you with the materials you need, but also the support with an in-house design team to elevate your brand at events and professional group photos. Reach out to us in Chicago by phone, e-mail, or online for a free quote for your custom printed backdrop today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Backdrops
What is The Best Resolution For Custom Backdrops Designs?
Using a photo editing or design tool, you can resize your design and image to best fit your custom print products. For custom backdrops, resize the design to 150-300 DPI (dots per inch) for the best results.
What is The Turnaround Time For Backdrops?
At Midwest Custom Print, our turnaround time is three to five business days depending on the order. Some items can be shipped out within 24 hours.
How Long Can Backdrops Last?
If properly taken care of and limited use, a custom backdrop can last two to three years.
