Ideas for Media Wall Design Variations
The image of the traditional media wall is familiar to us all. We see it regularly as the backdrop on the red carpet at celebrity events. At the Academy Awards, for instance, we might see the image of the Oscar Statue repeated with the year or the Academy logo also repeated in succession on the media wall behind the actors who pause briefly for a photo opportunity. While we often take note of the walls, the design and layout featured on them are usually so similar that we may not ever register that there’s any variation at all.
This uniformity of design is not simply a lack of creativity, but rather a conscious effort to provide onlooking fans with a sense of familiarity. The design has become an expected part of the scene, so its continuity helps establish the atmosphere.
That doesn’t mean that it is always the only option, or even the best one, for a given atmosphere. The potential variations for media wall designs are virtually limitless, so let’s take a moment to consider how we might change it up.
Step-And Repeat is a Classic, But There are Alternatives
The two major traditional graphic design arrangements for media walls involve the generous use of repetition to imbed the image or logo into the minds of those who view it. One method involves repeating a single image or logo in a diagonal pattern so that it appears in uninterrupted rows separated by a blank space.
A stylish alternative to the classic step-and-repeat design
The most popular alternative to this, as mentioned above, is essentially the same pattern, but with two alternating images or logos. Each of these designs forms a repeating pattern, not unlike what might be found on traditional wallpaper or gift wrapping paper.
There’s no reason, however, that a media wall couldn’t feature a single, more complex image. The idea of the mural has been a popular form of artful expression for more than a hundred years. Murals make use of a large, often continuous, space to display a single, rich image. One such common use of the media wall is to display a scene or promotional image related to a movie.
In the commercial sales arena, however, the space can be used to display an appealing image of a feature product in use. In situations in which a major promotional giveaway is a significant element of an event, a vibrant scene can help to draw the attention of potential participants.
This innovative design is far from the traditionally recognized media wall design
Alternatives for Brand Recognition
Depending on the occasion, a company may have reason to display the names, logos, or images of many different companies. These company may be contributing sponsors, professional affiliates, or even a list of preferred clients. This type of display can create a impressive backdrop that appeals to those featured on the wall. Such proof of professional inclusion often suggests strong networking capabilities and the promise of high levels of brand recognition.
Simplicity sometimes makes a stronger statement than complexity. A company with a strong brand logo may find that a large, single example of their symbol has more of an impact than repetition, a vibrant scene, or a varied collection of logos. In such a case, a company can have their own logo blown up, enhanced if necessary, and displayed on a solid background that will not detract or distract from the logo itself. This strategy can leave your guests with a strong impression of your brand image that you can then combine with other forms of logo presentation including stationary, signage, and other emblem-bearing items.
Simplicity can be creative too, as this wall demonstrates
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Not Necessarily “One Size Fits All”
There are, of course, other ways to vary the overall design of media walls besides just altering the image or collection of images being featured. The finish of the vinyl from which the media wall is made can vary in light reflectivity. When making a decision regarding the glossiness of your media wall material, be sure to consider the lighting under which it will be displayed. Too much light reflection could make your printed image difficult to see and could be hard on the eyes of those attending your event.
Another very simple way to create an alternative to the traditional design of the media wall is to alter its size or dimensions. If your intention is to have your media wall used as a backdrop for photographs of groups of guests, you’ll want to take into account how large you expect those groups of people to be. Larger groups obviously warrant longer media walls.
You might also consider length if you intend your media wall to block off a certain amount of space or to funnel guests in a specific direction. Finally, if you want the visual impact and brand recognition that a media wall offers without obstructing the overall view, you might consider a half-wall that only rises to around waist height.
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