Step and Repeat

Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Red Carpet Backdrops, Event Backdrops

Print Quality: Raster or Vector

Posted by David Bussell on July 25, 2012
Posted in: Step and Repeat. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

It is often assumed that setting up a bitmap at 300dpi is both necessary and sufficient to make every print job come out perfectly. The inherent flaw in this view is that it assumes that best print quality can be attained by using raster files (files composed on dots) rather that vector files (formula’s created using dots, lines, fillers and locations).

This view is perpetuated mainly by file size. Vector files are tiny. Raster files are huge. We naturally think bigger is better. It’s not. That said, vector program like illustrator (which save in formats such as .ai, and .eps ) have their limitations. For one they do not allow you to manipulate images properties or apply many of the effects at your disposal in non vector programs such as Photoshop.

We suggest you start in a program like Photoshop to get your artwork’s raster elements resolved and add all the vector elements in illustrator. If you are starting the process in Photoshop with the end aim in mind of printing some considerations are worth entertaining.

First off, avoid image file types designed for web applications such as PNG and GIF. For one these files are designed to display on screen and as such they both can’t be properly converted into CMYK  (they only save in RGB and need to be converted to CMYK for print) and save at  a below print quality resolution (72 dpi as compared to the 150dpi which is required).

Secondly, we suggest that you design to scale and start with the final size in mind. It is remarkable how often I receive monster files from designers who have designed a card to be printed the size of billboard or alternatively have inserted an image the size of card to be printed on a billboard. Just because your image properties read 300dpi it does not mean that your embedded image will be 300 dpi. The solution: set your artboard to size and then analyse the image itself. If when viewed at %200 your image is still relatively clear then you are in the clear.

When you are really unsure we do a print sample which you too can easily do. Clip an 8.5X11 portion of your image and run it on your printer. Even in black and white you should get a rough indication of the resolution and if it will stand up to the application you have in mind. That said, the assumption here is that your application is a large format commercial job.  If not, or if you are doing paper print we suggest that your embedded image always be to scale and 300dpi.

Step and Repeat Specifications

Posted by David Bussell on July 16, 2012
Posted in: Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Toronto. Leave a Comment

Red Carpet Backdrops

Red Carpet events are the hallmarks of fame and success across industry. While red carpets, black suits and beautiful dresses may make the night the right backdrop will ensure that it is remembered in style. KA MEDIA offers a full range of purchase and rental options to ensure that your red carpet event is one to remember. When deciding which red carpet backdrop combination is right for you several factors need to be considered.

For those interested in purchasing a step and repeat for their next red carpet event there are three major decisions that have to be made. (1) FRAME:  Pole and Pocket (pipe and drape) or Pop Up (expand Frame) (2) MATERIAL: Fabric or Banner and (3) SIZE: Standard single unit sizes (8′X8′, 8′X10′, 8′X12′).

Perhaps the most important factor when picking out a red carpet backdrop is selecting the length that best suits your vision. Quite often the decision is dictated by the number of people desired in a single shot. This is not as simple as figuring out how many people can stand side by side in an 8′, 10′ or 12′ frame as many photographers choose to play off the angles on the wall in order to give the shot more depth. Ultimately the bigger the better. That said, groups of 5 or less can easily be accommodated within a 8′ X 8′ red carpet step and repeat.

* it should be noted that any length of backdrop can be achieved by combining frame and using a seamless print across them. So, for instance, if someone want’s a 40′ red carpet backdrop this can be achieved by combining four 10′ backdrops and using a single seamless print across the set of frames.

Step  and Repeat Frame Options: Expand Frame or the Telescopic Frame

There are variety of step and repeat support structures available on the market. The two most popular options are the telescopic frame (a pole and pocket system) and the expand frame (an accordion like system). We by standard use the latter on account of its ease of set-up (no assembly) and the overall look and functionality of the finished product. The expand frame’s print (done on either vinyl or fabric) is attached to the frame with Velcro which allows for an end result with the frame entirely hidden in images. The telescopic frame support the print with a pocket. In addition to these systems there are also truss systems which support step and repeat print finished with grommets.

* We only offer rental options on the expand frame.

Step  and Repeat Materials: Vinyl or Fabric

The standard material application for Step and Repeats in vinyl. The premium option which is typically opted for to address issues related to transportation and glare is fabric. Both options offer a handful of advantages and vary in quality considerably depending on the specific fabric or vinyl used.

*Any length of backdrop can be achieved by combining frames and using a seamless print across them.

END CAPS: Covering the frame when shot from the side:  

End-caps are used to cover the side of the expand frame. While step and repeats are primarily designed for taking pictures in front of they nevertheless occupy large portions of your events and as such should always reflect your branding and design ideals from all angles.

DESIGN COMPONENTS:

Dealing with & Avoiding Glare on Your Step and Repeat Backdrop

Posted by David Bussell on July 4, 2012
Posted in: Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall. Leave a Comment

“When ever I am photographing step and repeats I get a ton of glare of the backdrop.”

Backdrop glare is the number one cited problem that amateurs and processionals alike encounter when photographing red carpet events. If you are hosting the event there are a couple factors that should be considered to avoid this.

1) Choose the Right Backdrop Material
The first and perhaps most important is the material. If you intend on having ordinary people who cannot clean up glare after your event taking pictures in front of a step and repeat it is very important to make sure you pick the right material. The traditional choice for backdrops is banner or vinyl. Vinyl comes in various forms. Some, and at that, most are quite reflective and prone to glare. If you are using vinyl (or banner) make sure to ask for a matt vinyl material or use a company that routinely creates red carpet backdrops. That said even with this request made vinyl (especially once printed on) is still rather reflective. To entirely avoid this issue you can opt for the more expensive but glare free fabric options.

2) Consider Your Lighting conditions and ink coverage

In deciding between vinyl (prone to glare but much cheaper) and fabric (glare free but more expensive) one centrally needs to consider two things. Firstly, does your venue have decent ambient lights. Venue’s with low lightling conditions further increase the likelyhood that you will see glare in your photographs. This is becouse photographers use flashes to increase ambient lighting and flashes are what produce glare on backdrops. Better ambient lighting will mean you don’t need to worry as much about glare.

The second and equally important consideration relates to ink coverage. All backdrops are printed on banner which starts out white. The banner is itself treated so that the glare coming of it is reduced. That said, the same is not true of the ink. While “matte” the inks used in printing the banner are much more reflective. Thus if your backdrop is largely white you do not generally have to worry about glare. By contrast if your banner has a backdrop colour (for instance red or black) you should always consider using fabric. The exception is if you have a professionally photographer who cannot clean up glare after a shoot. This is the standard for most photographers but should nevertheless be assumed.

3) Pick the Right Photographer & Ask the Right Questions

Shooting red carpet backdrops can be challenging. Two questions should be considered when picking a photographer for your event. Firstly, does your photographer used remote lighting or on camera lighting. If you photographer only uses on camera lighting they will, when shooting directly at vinyl, get glare in their shots. This can be partially if not entirely avoided if they use remote flashes & diffuser/disperser that are positioned to create ambient lighting but create glare spots. Second, it is worth inquiring whether or not you photographer can remove glare post shoot. A basic knowledge of Photoshop should ensure this but it is nevertheless worth inquiring.

This article is presented by Kick Ass Media. Kick Ass Media is a large format printer that specializes in Red Carpet Backdrops.

For more information visit kamedia.ca or give us a shout at (877) 880 0326

Step and Repeat. An Industry Standard.

Posted by David Bussell on March 5, 2012
Posted in: Completed Work, Event Backdrops, Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Where do you find Step and Repeats:

Step and Repeats are  found  lining red carpets (called a “red carpet backdrop”), media events (called a “media wall”) and trade-shows (called a “flat pop-up frame” or “trade show backdrop”) and are  called everything from red-carpet backdrops and trade show booths to media walls.

What is a Step and Repeat:

A “step and repeat” is quite simply a pop-up or pole and pocket frame or set of frames which supports either a fabric or vinyl print which serves as a backdrop for events and photographs.

Varieties of Step and Repeats:

In the case of pop-up frames the printed backdrop is supported either with magnetic or velcro strips. By contrast, in the case of the pole and pocket frame the print is hung like a curtain with pockets on the top and in some cases side and bottom.

Step and Repeat Uses and Advantages:

While the term “step and repeat” is derived from the patterns that are printed on Step and Repeats when used at red carpet events their application far outstrips their name. Step and Repeats are effective both in terms of cost and their ability to display your copy and creative. Whether a curved or flat face, used alone or in combination with banner stands Step and Repeats will communicate your brand or idea in a clean and to the point fashion for a price that far undercuts the average cost of competitive products. This reputation has earned them the place of industry standard and go to choice for trade show displays, media walls, photo-displays and red carpet backdrops.

Step and Repeat Toronto is now Canada Wide.

For more information including how to video’s see our main site: step and repeats

 

Testing out the Expand Step and Repeat at Night

Posted by David Bussell on February 6, 2012
Posted in: Completed Work, Event Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Ever wonder how vinyl prints photograph at night? Our team set to the streets to test out our real red carpet Step and Repeats on the streets.

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Step and Repeats are a sure way to make your event pop. Whether at night, inside, outside or in the rain a step and repeat will bring the red carpet flare that your event craves for.

Want a bold Step and Repeat design? Give us a call or visit Stepandrepeat.ca

Designing a Step and Repeat in Illustrator

Posted by David Bussell on January 30, 2012
Posted in: Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall. Tagged: , , . 3 comments

 

 

If you are looking for Step & Repeat Design Examples check out these Step and Repeat Examples.

OPEN A NEW DOCUMENT IN ILLUSTRATOR:

Because Step and Repeats are such large format productions it is easiest to work in Illustrator and preferable to work with artwork that is formatted as a vector file . Preferably .ai, png or .pdf. This will mean that your documents stay small and can be scalled to any size without compromising print quality.

* I use Adobe Illustrator CS4 but the same principles with also apply in CS3 or CS5 or any other equavalent design program!

The process starts with opening a new document and setting your artboard size, number and name.

(1) The basic document sizes are as follows:

  • 8′ by 8′ is 88.5 in Heigh by 88.5 in wide
  • 8′ by 10′ is 88.5 in Heigh by 118.5 in wide

(2) You will only require one art-board

(3) I try to follow the following format when naming a document:

  • Company Product (dimensions finish) proof number
  • ie. PictonBIA StepandRepeat (88.5×88.5 w.velcro)1

Continue Reading

Step and Repeat Set Up

Posted by David Bussell on January 27, 2012
Posted in: Event Backdrops, Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

As Simple as Pull, Pop and Unroll

Ever wonder how real red carpet Step and Repeats are setup? The answer with an Expand Step and Repeat Frame is quite easily.

With the expand step and repeat frame step setups are as simple as:

(1) Pulling the Step and Repeat frame apart

(2) Popping the hinges together and

(3) Unrolling the banner!

Our Step and Repeats are simple to set up and will leave you with lots of  time to worry about what really matters at your next red carpet.

Intrested in a bold Step and Repeat design? Give us a shout or visit Stepandrepeat

Step and Repeat Toronto is now Canada Wide.

Bold Step and Repeat Designs

Posted by David Bussell on January 23, 2012
Posted in: Completed Work, Event Backdrops, Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

If you are shy about using bold backgrounds and unusual logo sizes this Step and Repeat should bolster you confidence.
Finished in fabric this 8′ by 8′ fabric step and repeat backdrop was an absolute hit with the client.
Enjoy.

Intrested in a bold Step and Repeat design? Give us a shout or visit Stepandrepeat.ca

Red Carpet Wedding Step and Repeats

Posted by David Bussell on January 5, 2012
Posted in: Event Backdrops, Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Wedding’s are event’s worthy of the flare and extravagance offered by photo booths and red carpet backdrops. Wedding Photo Backdrops create unique spaces that allow the bride and groom, family and guest to let go and pose in a space where it is expected. Add in props and you will have shots that capture both the people and the atmosphere of your special day.

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For the Thrifty Bride

For the price conciouss shopper you can either rent the frame that supports the backdrop or set up a DIY support for the photo-backdrop. A popular solution used to support photobooth style wedding backdrops is to simply use curtain rails and get the banner supplier to put a pocket in the top of the backdrop. This means that for around $300 you can have a full set up that can be used at your stag and doe, bachelor/ette parties and wedding.

If you want to avoid the hassles of putting together a DIY wedding backdrop you can instead opt for a full rental of a red carpet wedding backdrop. Despite being a “standard” print the effect is far from lost. After all the point is to have a space and place to pose and expose the best your guests have to offer to the camera.

The Premium Red Carpet Choice

If your budget affords a little more wiggle room we offer to ways to get a premium expand step & repeat at your wedding. You can either rent the frame and purchase the print or buy them together as a package. The expand Step and Repeat is the choice frame at premiere red carpet event such as TIFF. A seamless print is support behind an entirely hidden pop-up frame. The effect is one which will ensure lasting memories are achieved hassle free!

For more information on a Wedding Step and Repeat or Red Carpet Wedding Backdrops visit stepandrepeat.ca

Banner Stands

Posted by David Bussell on January 5, 2012
Posted in: Event Backdrops, Red Carpet Backdrops, Step and Repeat, Step and Repeat Backdrop, Step and Repeat Banner, Step and Repeat Toronto, Step and Repeat Wall. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Our Premium Retractable Banner Stands (31.5in by 79in) costs $199 if you purchase a single unit and $179 if two or more are purchased. We also offer bulk pricing if required. The banner stand print is made on a photo-grade printer using photo-grade print material and inks with a built in block out to ensure no shadows or light penetrates your print.

 

Our regular Retractable Banner Stands (31.5in by 79in) costs $169 if you purchase a single unit and $149 if two or more are purchased. The only difference between this option and the premium option is that it does not have a back block out on the print. The print does however have a decent build in light blocker!

 

We also sell X Banner Stands (24in by 60in) for $119 per unit if you purchase a single unit and $99 if two or more are purchased. In the case of X banner stands the print and frame are separate and attached together with grommets The light weight frame supports banners traditionally hung from fixed structures on a standalone sleek aluminum frame. The X banner stand supports a traditional banner print which is likewise produced with a  back block out to avoid shadows on the print.

 

If you are not familiar with these frames you can out this video (http://youtu.be/0Gu-0Ft84Z4) showcasing the difference.

 

In addition to these we also offer:

Single Sided Outdoor Banner Stands $299

Double Sided Outdoor Banner Stands $399

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Banner stands are the perfect way to showcase critical information, artwork and product images! Whether used individually or in combination with other print and marketing materials banner stands have become an industry standard for displays. At KA MEDIA we offer two options for those interested in purchasing banner stands.

The Retractable Banner Stand and the non retractable X Banner Stand.

The obvious diffrence between the two (as their title’s suggest) is their hardware. While less notacable but nevertheless important one might consider the following diffrences in picking which banner stand best suits your needs.

Type                  Retractable Banner Stand /  X Banner Stand.

Size                                      79″ by 31.5″                              60″  by 30″

Material                     Photo-grade Print                    Banner

Support                         Clamp                                    Grommet

Price                                 $$$                                          $

Assembly                       None                                   3-4 Minutes

Differences in Banner Stands

Despite their name banner stands are a class of print display hardware rather than a way to display banner material.  For this reason banner stands are often termed display stands, pop up stands or names of the sort. Banner stands vary both in terms of hardware (they can be retractable (“retractable banner stands”) or non retractable (“x-banner stand, h-banner stands and so on)), print material (among other materials banner, photo-grade materials and vinyl compounds are often used) material finish (gloss, matte, semi gloss), ink (ie. thermal, liquid, dye, UV) and transparency (the amount of light that gets through the print).

Pricing out Banner Stands

Each of these factors contribute to the overall quality, durability and effect of the finished product. Because of such variances almost impossible to do a straight price comparison of banner stands which range dramatically in price. Some of the variances are obvious. In particular variances in hardware are hard to miss while for instance variances in size and print quality are easily overlooked when shopping!

To avoid being disappointed make sure to ask the following questions:

- what are the dimensions of the print

- is the material block out (to avoid shadows on the print),

- is it on a photo-grade material (to ensure the optimal visual effect)

- and is the ink and material used matte (to ensure that the effect is not lost to glare)

Along with these it is important to ensure that your supplier offers both a satisfaction guarantee (if you are unhappy with the final product you will have a means of recourse) and an upfront cost of what designing, producing, assembling and shipping your step and repeats will cost. The general rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if it sounds too good to be true it is!

If your marketing budget is tight consider the following options:

Order your banner stands in bulk. Print prices vary greatly with quantity.

Add in your every day paper print into the order. The more you order the more likely you will be able to negotiate price.

Either do the design yourself or gather all the artwork and copy for the order yourself. The design step is often the most labour intensive part of the process. Shorten it and your will save.

For more information on Banner Stands visit RollUpBanner.ca