An Intro Into Billboard Embellishments
You might be familiar with extensions (when parts of the billboard jut out beyond the billboard space). Or not, if you needed that parenthese-d bit.
To the uninitiated that’s about as deep as billboard embellishments go. And that’s cool. No judgement, and certainly—no shame.
That’s why we’re here.
1. Billboard Extensions
We’ll start off slowly, and build from there. Literally. Billboard extensions are only the first piece of that embellishments puzzle. And by far the simplest—a fine base for those bat-sh*t crazy optics.
Here, simple is relative, and does not mean less effective, or easy. As we’re driving, or walking, we’re drawn to different. Like the old Sesame Street bit, “one of these things is not like the other,” our brains scan for odd. And in a world of rectangles, squares—and now spheres—anything that dare strike out beyond the expected borders, snaps us out of that drone life and into thought. And if done well—action, too.
2. Billboard Inflatables or 3D Billboard Props
If 2D rectangle-breaking wasn’t enough, 3D props will shatter whatever expectations you had of billboards. You’re looking at and experiencing cubes now, friend—the x, y, and z axis.
They can enhance common campaigns in a number of industries and verticals. Some of which include, sports, restaurants, and home services— just a few that we’ve covered in the past. And 3D billboard props can be made in-house, with materials found readily in most machine and wood shops, or you can pony up and go with a company that specializes in inflatables or foam. Either way, you’ll want to work closely with your media vendors, as every billboard company and billboard are unique.
3. Billboard Light Catchers, Spangles, or Sequins
Imagine a sequin that’s 2 inches by 2 inches, or larger. Imagine hundreds, if not thousands of these, not only catching the sun’s light, but the light from passing cars as well. Now crank those brain gears, even further, and picture them twisting, turning, and flickering with every breeze. That’s the power of billboard light catchers.
They’re known by many names. If you talk to your media company, they might even have a couple more aliases (tangle tiggers, zwickles, pobblers). Either way, they’ll know. And they’ll either tell you that it’s 1000% legal, or 10% illegal. Some cities consider this movement, which, in the eyes of highway law, is a huge no-no—they could be distractions.
4. LED Lights on Billboards
Why would you rely solely on the lights at the base of the billboard? Otherwise known as the skirt, or kilt—if we’re in the Highlands. If it makes sense to punch up the lighting with additional LED billboard embellishments, you should do it.
It’s one of the more cost-effective additions to billboards. And, as luck would have it, it’s legal in most municipalities, but, like, billboard light catchers, spangles, or sequins, check with your media vendor to be sure.
5. Use the Ground Beneath the Billboard
Billboards have the unique advantage over other forms of media, in that they are in our physical space. You can touch them. You can walk around them. Hell, you can take shade in their shadow, because they’re so f#cking big.
Use the billboard’s surroundings and scale to further amplify your message. And, like billboard inflatables, 3D props, light catchers, spangles, sequins, and LED lights before them, check, check, check with your media vendors. There’s a lot involved here, but, if you go all in and do it right, there’s A LOT to get back.
In a world of rectangles, let’s stand the eff out.
We want to be your billboard experts. From creative to planning to celebration. Let’s get up to something.
