Join Us for a Summer Open House

Join us in the studio on Thursday, July 23rd from 4–7pm. Food | Drink | Tunes

RSVP yvonne@whitelightvisual.com

Specifying Custom Art for Interiors

Left: Kathleen Archer with “Quietness at Last”  //  Right: Sarah Winchester with “Beach Horse”

Last week we hosted an invitational Lunch + Learn event in our White Light studios. We introduced a couple of artists that we are working with to a group of local interior designers and provided an opportunity for them to network with each other while enjoying a presentation of the how-to’s behind creating and specifying custom art.

Special guests, fine art photographers Kathleen Gerdon Archer and Sarah Winchester discussed the vision behind their work, as well as their material selections for custom printing and mounting of their large format images. 

test print photo via @sarah_w_studios on Instagram

For both artists, the process begins with the image. From there, we provide them with a test print at a reduced size to check for reproduction quality and overall color. 

Next we work with each artist to select the finishing materials which include what type of media the image is printed on (paper or polypropylene for example) and what type of surface material is used (a typical supporting material could be dibond which can also be paired with gloss or matte plexiglass in front of the image). Installation hardware is also determined.

sample photo credit: Yvonne Blacker  // seating area vignette via Dragonette, Ltd.

While the repeat of this photograph may appear similar when viewed side by side on a computer screen, up close the mounted images are quite different in texture and sheen which allows for a variety of presentational options. 

image on fine art canvas

image under plexiglass

Left photo: Carpenter and MacNeille  //  Right photo: courtesy of Fabric Frame

Other reproduction options include printing on fabric (examples above) and even on brushed or smooth aluminum (photo below). Etched silver vinyl and window perf adhesive are additional customizable options that provide privacy screens and visual interest on both glass walls and windows.  

Photo print on aluminum  //  Artist: Leighton O'Connor

Etched silver vinyl installed as branded privacy screen for Kortec corporate offices.

Window perf film posted by North Fork Design Co.
via @elyseparkhurst on Instagram

We can even enlarge images and then print on wall coverings that can be hung like traditional wallpapers. The higher the resolution of the image, the larger it can be reproduced. We have covered entire walls with both photo and fine art images.

While the image below used for our presentation is fairly low-res taken with an average hand-held digital, it still provides enough artistic interest to be used as a subtle wall covering.

Photo of vintage art reproduced on adhesive wall covering // art via Dragonette, Ltd.

Photo reprints mounted on dibond panels with exhibit shield lamination
Photos: Dessange International  //  Interior designer: Eugenie Roy

When selecting images for large format print, resolution quality can determine the print materials and enlargement options. We check each image to ensure that the final piece will look just as beautiful as the original when resized for large scale display. With vintage black and white photography, we can remove dust specs or scratches from the original image. We also balance and correct color on each image as needed.  

Ghosted image of Dessange International salon photo, wall mounted as white board.

Interior designer: Eugenie Roy

Unique applications, like the custom white board above, are created as design solutions to client requests. In this example, the interior designer’s client, the US headquarters of an international hair care company, required a white board in a common brainstorming area. We suggested featuring a brand-worthy image then ghosting the wall sized photo (adding visual transparency) so that the aluminum framed whiteboard would appear as art when not in use.

The possibilities of creating custom art are endless, and we are always happy to share what we know with our artist and design professional partners in order for their work to truly stand out. 

Thank you to all of our Lunch + Learn guests who spent the afternoon with us to learn more about incorporating custom art into contract and residential interiors! If you would like to be on our list for future events, just let us know. 

F O R  M O R E  I N F O R M A T I O N  ...

To see the work of Kathleen Archer in her current Kingston Gallery exhibit in Boston through June 28th, click here. Follow her on Instagram.

Beach Horse via @sarah_w_studios on Instagram

For more information about Sarah Winchester’s image collection soon to be available for purchase online, click here. Follow her on Instagram.

And to receive copies of White Light Visual sample materials books or to discuss a custom art print of your own, contact yvonne@whitelightvisual.com

Custom Corporate Art Install

One of our Boston clients, Merck Laboratories, was interested in creating several grand scale wall designs for their new offices. These designs would require multiple pieces of plexiglass to form puzzle-like photo collages. Working with Merck’s design team in New Jersey, we were able to offer a z-cleat installation system in concert with an oversized paper template to produce and install these grand, technically complicated designs with ease.

The end result is a seamless visual presentation of images that speak to Merck’s goal for health care, “Be well.”

At the entrance to the new office spaces, the Merck Mission Statement is clearly defined, and the company’s core values are featured for all to see.

The clean line presentation of large format prints mounted to plexiglass panels are continued throughout the space.

What was once long, blank walls, now offers inspirational quotes paired with dynamic imagery that is relevant to the work being done by Merck Laboratories.

And just outside the window, an even larger in scale custom art installation appears to float in the breeze over the Rose Kennedy Greenway ...

This colorful and captivating net sculpture installation by artist Janet Echelman is titled “As If It Were Already Here.” And in the words of the artist herself, “it invites you to linger” which is the true benefit to adding art to any space, regardless of its square footage.

{ Learn more about #GreenwayArt here }

Do you — or one of your clients — have blank walls that you would like to fill with custom designed artwork?

Join us on Monday, June 15th for a Lunch + Learn presentation from 11am to 2pm titled “Specifying Custom Art for Contract and Residential Interiors.” We will be sharing material selection options, image reproduction best practices, installation techniques, and the work of several artists. Email yvonne@whitelightvisual.com to have your name included on the guest list. 

Taking Your Brand’s Story on the Road

Set of compact banner stands plus art wrapped counter case from Expolinc.

At White Light, we design and produce countless traveling visuals for companies that are exhibiting at industry trade shows, both near and far. Creating dynamic spaces that invite inquiry while clearly communicating their brand message is the goal we set for each of our clients. We are determined to help them stand out from their show neighbors and industry competition by presenting a professionally polished image.

Expolinc 4-Screen Classic Banner Stands

Booth materials are packed in sturdy travel cases and are quite simple to set up ...

Expolinc Pop-Up Curved Magnetic ready to install printed panels.

Each of the 6 panels are printed then laminated for durability.
They come rolled up with a magnetic strip along the edge
to easily attach to the metal frame once on site.

With a light blocking backer, they offer a seamless display image.

Trade show booth display shared by our client on twitter.

Expolinc Pop Up Curved Magnetic 

plus Case & Counter Stand

As a premier reseller of the Expolinc brand of portable display systems, we can confidently recommend a stylish and durable solution to display your brand’s story. We can also provide creative visual designs that support and enhance your existing marketing efforts.  

Expolinc Roll-up Compact featuring custom event graphics.

Pop up banner design paired with illuminated star lanterns suspended
from drop ceiling with ease using Animal Magnets from Rose Display.

Expolinc Roll Up Compact

Wayfinding signage for a local high school’s post-prom event.

Expolinc Pole System

Whether you need a branded backdrop for a 10 x 10 foot trade show booth or a coordinated visual effort that includes multiple signage areas for a special event, give White Light a call and we will help direct and execute your desired message for a successful telling of your unique brand story. Watch how simple it is ...

Expolinc Custom Set on YouTube

Questions? Email yvonne@whitelightvisual.com

Large Scale Glamour in a Corporate Office

Chive Events mixing signature cocktails in front of a custom "salon" whiteboard created by

White Light Visual for the new corporate offices of Dessange Group North America.

When local interior designer, Eugenie Roy of Room with a Muse, contacted White Light to discuss printing, mounting and installing some artwork for a new office project she was designing in Cummings Center just down the street from our studios, we were happy to help. What we initially thought would be a couple of large format images printed and installed to decorate some walls turned into a comprehensive — and very glamorous — branding of open office spaces and multiple conference rooms.

During the design planning stage, we met both on-site and in our our studio, to determine the best way to present the designers vision while communicating the essence of the Dessange brand, which has been a world leader in the luxury hair care market for over 60 years. Below are images taken at the grand opening celebration hosted on April 15th along with some after photos of the completed spaces.

   

AFTER THE PARTY: The "brainstorming area" designed by Eugenie Roy is
now furnished with comfortable and bright modern seating. The whiteboard
features a ghosted image that can be written on repeatedly, while still
serving as branded artwork in the space when not in use.

A flowing brushed aluminum divider screen sets the whiteboard area apart from
the open office space behind it. Poseidon Room Screen by artist Glendon Good.
Nail polish bottle caps repeat the lines of the designer chosen screen.

Reception area of Dessange Group North America styled for the grand opening.
Location: 500 Cummings Center in Beverly, Massachusetts

Benjamin Dessange's "Statement of Values" printed on polypropylene
then mounted on non-glare plexiglass installed on black wall.

Benjamin Dessange toasting the grand opening of the new corporate offices.

Chive Events of Beverly presented the grand opening crowd
with petite French macaroons, sparkling champagne cocktails,
and numerous delectable hors d'ouevres. So good!

Dessange salons style many celebrities for their red carpet events and is an official
partner with the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival of France. 

The grand opening celebration included a trio from "Jazz in the Air."

The Dessange mantra: "Beauty Has A Name" applied with cut white vinyl
lettering to a solid black wall above the visitor recharge station.

The legendary Dessange coiffé-decoiffé (bed head style) reinterpreted:
vintage "before" and modern "after" installed side by side in the conference room. 

A vintage image of a Dessange salon grand opening in Paris
now hangs on the walls of their new training room in Beverly
where innovative brand-specific techniques will be taught.

Collage of Dessange Group North America brands including
Fantastic Sams, Camille Albane, and Phytodess.

Fantastic Sams "Always Be Fantastic" large format printed glamour shots
mounted on exhibit panel and installed in Dessange corporate office spaces.

Phytodess product shot mounted on exhibit panel. 

"Be Chic, Be Happy" beauty product shot mounted on exhibit panel.

Cut vinyl step and repeat photo wall by White Light Visual
featuring Dessange Group locations around the globe.

White Light account manager Yvonne Blacker

with project interior designer Eugenie Roy

While pictures are worth a thousand words, the appreciation of our project partners means so much more to us ...

"My goal was to create a space that met the vision of my client; the CEO of Dessange Group North Amercia, which would equally reflect and represent the company's four brands of hair salons and beauty products at their headquarters' new location in Beverly, Massachusetts. 

In this case, though it started out that way, it soon shifted to include the visions and desires of those at the parent company in Paris, France; Dessange International. Having to shift gears and go in a slightly different design direction at the 11th hour of production, was a scramble and a challenge to say the least, but with the help of my wonderful art resources, we pulled it off! There is the statement: 'you can't please everyone,' but in this case we did! The completed space is chic and beautiful, and everyone it was ultimately designed for, both in Beverly and in Paris, love it! Goal achieved and exceeded!"

– interior designer Eugenie Roy

photo credits this post: Yvonne Blacker

Follow us on Instagram to see more

photos posted from this event.

For creative branding of YOUR spaces,

contact White Light Visual!

Dessange Group North America, Cummings Center, Beverly, MA

{ learn more about Dessange here }