By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
To stand out from the competition, trade show exhibitors seek silicon edge graphics (SEG) and framing systems for a quality and durable presentation. In part two of this series, we feature a print provider that serves an out of this world repeat client using SEG frames.
Cirrus Visual
Established in 1998, Cirrus Visual was founded with the vision of a graphic design studio and commercial printer under one roof. Based in Tucson, AZ, the print shop began with five employees and offered graphic design and digital and offset printing from a 6,000 square foot work area.
Today the company has expanded to 19 employees in a 15,000 square foot facility that offers additional services including web design, promotional products, and apparel. The shop serves clients globally.
Cirrus Visual owns a variety of printing equipment including the Mimaki USA, Inc. CG-130FXII cutting plotter and the HP, Inc. DesignJet 500 large format printer in addition to a large format Ricoh USA Pro L4160.
SEG Frames
Cirrus Visual offers SEG frames and graphics to serve the tradeshow industry. The shop uses Vector Frame Fabric Displays by Orbus Exhibit & Display Group. The displays are available in a range of options that include counters, backwalls, tabletops, fabric poster and banner displays, and double-sided monitor mounts. The displays include instructions, lights, the frame, and graphics depending on size and kit.
The shop has worked with Orbus for over ten years and has used Vector Frame SEG graphics for three years. “We trust Orbus products as well as its customer services. Orbus is a good partner to ensure we hit deadlines with quality products,” explains Matt Blair, client services VP, Cirrus Visual.
SEG frames use tension to present fabric graphics. The fabrics are washed and steamed for durability and save space when folded neatly. SEG framing systems may be wall mounted, free standing with support, double sided, and ceiling suspended.
Blair says Cirrus Visual offers SEG frames because they provide a continuous graphic that is visually appealing. The taunt fabric doesn’t wrinkle, may be illuminated, and provides easy installation and dismantling.
In fact, illuminated SEG display trends have influenced Cirrus Visual. “Illuminated SEG displays make a big splash and get noticed. Every time we have a customer see one, they want it. It helps separate their display from others at events,” explains Blair.
Despite its popularity, the shop still experiences challenges with SEG frames due to the high cost of illumination compared to non-illuminated options. Blair adds, “the installation can be intimidating for someone who has never set up something like this. It’s not that it’s hard to set up, but the perception can make it seem difficult.”
Displaying Meteorites
Cirrus Visual was recently approached by repeat customer Aerolite Meteorites, a company dedicated to the research of meteorites. It purchased a booth at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and sought a display to stand out from other vendors.
According to Blair, “after the company saw an example of an illuminated SEG display, it changed its original request to include an 8×8-inch illuminated wall.”
Aerolite Meteorites approached the shop with a goal to outdo an already successful sales track record at previous Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows.
The print shop began with a hand-sketched design suggestion supplied by the client. The design team and client collaborated and created the digital version of the graphics. This included a depiction of the solar system including the sun, planets, and an asteroid belt. “Once we all felt we had a great design, we sent things into production,” says Blair.
Cirrus Visual used the Vector Frame Fabric Light Box. “We used this solution because the quality is consistent, it’s easy to set up, and the price is competitive,” he explains.
From concept to completion the job took three weeks to create one SEG illuminated wall. The shop also wrapped a cabinet with supporting graphics and provided cards to promote booth visitation. The graphic installation took 30 minutes.
Blair explains the only challenge the shop faced was deadlines. “A challenge with large, printed graphics is ensuring what looks good on screen during the design and proofing process will look great once printed. This becomes especially challenging when incorporating illumination to the graphics.”
Compared to other jobs, Blair says that Aerolite Meteorites presents an exciting product that offers the chance for consumers to hold an object that was once in space. “The wall and booth space looked great and we just hope that the graphics will do their job and help sales grow for the 2017 show,” adds Blair.
Out of this World
Illuminated SEG graphics offer vibrancy to capture the attention of trade show attendees. Print providers like Cirrus Visual offer graphic design and print services to collaborate with clients for satisfying SEG frames.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Framing a Galaxy
Click on the link above to get more information on the vendors mentioned in this article.
Apr2017, Digital Output
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