What is a “Step and Repeat”? 
Good question. The origin of the term has two stories. The first is the action of having a person “step” in front of a backdrop banner on the red carpet, pose for the photographers and leave, while the next person follows and “repeats” the process. The second source for the term originates from graphic designers, who would create an image and repeat it in Photoshop.

Overall, it refers to a display that has sponsors’ logos on it for the purposes of advertising and capturing photos of celebrity or noteworthy people to be used in media outlets in film, television, magazines and websites.

Today, these backdrops are also used in local events, weddings, birthday parties, proms, etc., to add some Hollywood style.

Why trust Sign Art Etc with your project?
With thirteen years in the sign and graphics industry, we have an outstanding reputation in the business. Every day we produce 25-50 large format prints, shipping them all over the US. Our team of professionals will help ensure your event is memorable and successful.

Can I order online?
Yes, you can do everything online. Order online and upload or email your design files to us. We will email you a confirmation. We then design and send you a proof by email for your approval. Once approved, we print and ship directly to you.

That said…we love to talk to our clients, so feel free to call at any step along the way with questions.

How do I handle the graphics?
That’s our job. Our team will always email you a complete graphics proof for your approval prior to printing. Our proofs are always to scale, so you’ll know exactly what your display will look like on event day.

What graphic file types can I supply?
We prefer Vector Outline EPS files or Adobe Illustrator. These allow us to scale your logo to any size without any loss of quality. Also, vector files are never pixelated. JPEGs and PDF’s will work. Just keep in mind, if the file is really small, when it’s scaled up it can be blurry or pixelated.

How do I send the graphic files?
We have an FTP link for you to upload your files (See UPLOAD FILES on the navigation menu). You can also email the files to us.

What about rush orders?
Most printers outsource their work to other printers, such as ourselves (Yes, we are wholesale too!). That usually accounts for their slow lead time. With us, you’re going to the source. So if you really need that quick turnaround, we can design, produce and ship your display in one day.

Is your pricing competitive?
Absolutely! Of course you can always find cheaper alternatives, but you get what you pay for. Keep in mind that we use photographic-quality materials, rather than the cheap vinyl with a high-sheen glossy finish most printers will sell you (and which will cause glare on your photos).

What is your print quality?
We use state-of-the-art printers that are six color. Most printers use four-color print. The difference is startling. We print at a standard rate and never use fast “production” speed. As a result there is no “banding” in our print, meaning no lines in the artwork.

Other printers may admit they have “some” banding. We assure our graphics have NO banding, due to our state-of-the-art equipment.

What’s the difference between boards and banners?
Basically, there are compelling reasons to use either, depending on the event. If you require absolute perfection in your wall, we recommend using hard-panel step and repeats. They are 1/2″ hard, plastic foam-core, with low glare sheets of photo-quality vinyl that are hand-laid individually. They come in 5 ft wide x 8 ft tall sections and can be daisy-chained to upwards of 100 ft.

The sheet vinyl is equal in print quality and is used by our customers that need to have a banner present and strong for mid-size events. Quick to set up, this product is our clients’ most popular option. Our specialized system keeps the panels taut to eliminate wrinkles and provide a clean, finished display.

What payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards. You can order directly online using our secure checkout process.

How about projects out of the ordinary?
We love helping our clients with any project they can dream up. Just contact us and let us make your life a little easier… one project at a time.

Do you offer design assistance?
We love a challenge! And, we love pushing the envelope to make really fun displays. Give us a call to discuss your options with our design team.

Where do you deliver?
We deliver directly to any location in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii.