Elevate Your Brand With Gobo Projectors: A Comprehensive Guide

In a world saturated with advertisements and marketing messages, standing out is more challenging than ever. Businesses and brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Enter logo projectors: an effective, versatile, and eye-catching solution for unique brand promotion. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of using gobo projectors to elevate your brand by projecting your logo – or any marketing message – in a way that is impossible to ignore.

Gobo projectors offer a unique blend of visibility and customization, setting them apart from traditional advertising mediums like billboards and digital displays. Below are some compelling reasons why gobo projectors can be a game-changer for your brand:

High Visibility

Gobo projectors can display your logo or message on a large scale, making it visible from a considerable distance. This is especially useful for outdoor events or spaces with high foot traffic.

Cost-Effective

Gobo projectors are a cost-effective, long-term branding solution. Once you've made the initial investment in the projectors, the recurring costs for new Custom Gobos are minimal. Depending on the artwork, Custom Gobos cost around $90 USD for simple steel designs and approximately $600 USD for full-color projections. It’s even less for copies of the same gobo design.

Versatility

Gobo projectors can be used both indoors and outdoors, across a variety of settings, including retail spaces, building façades, corporate events, sidewalk advertising, trade shows, and more.

Completely Customizable

You have complete control over the design that is projected, allowing for a high level of customization to align with your brand's messaging and aesthetics.

Gobos for Events

Project your logo or message at corporate events, trade shows, and product launches to make your brand the focal point of the occasion.

Gobos for Outdoor Advertising

Make a big impression after dark by projecting your brand on the side of a building or other large surface areas. Businesses have also used gobo projections on the sidewalk to capture customers’ attention and bring them into their stores, bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Case Study: Two Examples Of Logo Projections Used In The Hospitality Industry

The Rosco Spectrum blog “Shining An Image Spot^® On The Hospitality Industry” showcases two examples of how hotels used gobo projectors to project corporate logos.

The first example shows how a hotel uses a Rosco Image Spot Gobo Projector to welcome their corporate guests with customized gobo projections in their lobby.

The other example is a ski resort using the Image Spot projectors to project custom logos onto the walkway outside of its three restaurants.

Click here to request an Image Spot demo.

Gobos for Retail Spaces

Retailers can use gobo projectors to project their brand or marketing messages throughout their stores. Whether it’s a gobo announcing a sale in the store window or a logo projection above the register – gobo projectors are an excellent way for retailers to reinforce their brand.

Gobos for Corporate Settings

Lobbies and reception areas can be transformed with a gobo projector. From logo projections on the floor to customized gobos that are projected to welcome VIP guests and dignitaries – gobo projectors can create a warm branded welcome for visitors and employees alike

The Rosco Image Spot™ range of gobo projectors.

Gobo Projector Brightness

The more ambient lighting present in the projection space – the brighter your gobo projector will need to be. The throw distance (how far away your projection surface is from where the gobo projector is mounted) will also be a factor. The further the throw distance – the brighter your gobo projector will need to be. Most gobo projectors will offer Photometrics Specifications that can be consulted to determine the brightness of the projection based on its throw distance.

Gobo Projector Lenses

Determining the proper lens is an important technical aspect of gobo projection. The throw distance will affect the size of the gobo projection. The further the throw distance, the bigger your gobo projection will be. Make sure the gobo projector you choose has the proper lens optics available to ensure your gobo projection fits in the space. A gobo projector’s Photometrics Specifications should provide you with the approximate size and brightness of the gobo projection based on the throw distance and selected lens.

The photometric data for a 5500K Image Spot HO gobo projector with a 19° lens.

Gobo Projector Color Temperature

As with any light fixture, it’s important to consider the color temperature of a gobo projector’s output. This is the overall warmness/coolness of the light output, which is measured in degrees on the Kelvin scale (K). The lower the K, the warmer the light output, and the higher the K, the cooler the light output. Deciding whether or not you want your gobo projections to blend with your existing lighting, or contrast with it will make a difference in the performance and aesthetic of your gobo projection. A 3000K gobo projection in a warmly lit store, for example, may feel more homogenous, but the contrast of a cool 5000K gobo projection in that warmly lit environment might capture more attention.

Gobo Projector Resolution

Gobo projectors use lens optics to focus the gobo image on a surface. Superior gobo projectors, like Rosco’s Image Spot LED Projectors, use high-quality glass lenses to produce the crisp, detailed gobo projections needed for complex logos and marketing messages.

Gobo Projector Longevity

Not all gobo projectors are created equal. LED quality can vary wildly. Be sure to look at the LED specifications to make sure the emitters won’t degrade prematurely. It’s also important to ensure the gobo projector is rated for outdoor use if you plan to use one outside.

NOTE: All three Rosco Image Spot gobo projectors – Image Spot, Image Spot Mini, and Image Spot HO – are available in IP65-rated modes for all-weather performance.

Request An Image Spot Demo

There are three main considerations for choosing a gobo projector:

High Resolution

Ensure the gobo projector has high-quality optics so that your logo projections and marketing messages appear crisp and clear. The last thing you want is a blurry or pixelated projection that undermines your brand's image.

Brightness and Contrast

Depending on the lighting conditions of the area where you plan to use the projector, you'll need to consider its brightness and contrast capabilities. Make sure the output and color temperature are appropriate for the environment where the gobo projectors will be installed.

Portability & Durability

If you plan on using the projector in multiple locations, look for a compact and portable model. This will make it easier to set up and tear down, saving you time and effort when creating your branded gobo projections. If you plan on installing the gobo projector outdoors – make sure it is rated for outdoor use.

Case Study: Using Gobo Projections To Bring Old Painted Building Signage Back To Life

The Rosco Spectrum blog “Bringing Faded Ghost Signs Back Into The Spotlight” showcases how Designer Craig Winslow used Rosco Image Spot Projectors and Custom Glass Gobos to revive old store signs that were painted on buildings in Winnipeg, Canada.

There are two basic types of Custom Gobos available based on the materials used to manufacture them: stainless steel and glass.

Steel Gobos

Pros: Less expensive than glass gobos and quick turnaround times.
Cons: Limited to simpler “line drawing” designs without gradients. “Floating” elements (like the triangle in an upper-case A, for example) must be tabbed to attach those elements to the rest of the gobo.

Glass Gobos

Pros: Higher resolution, capable of projecting complex designs with gradients and colors. Black & white glass gobos have quick turnaround times and can feature different gradients/shading.
Cons: More expensive and longer lead times for multi-colored glass gobos.

Try Out The Rosco Custom Gobo Design Tool

Interesting Facts About Colored Glass Gobos

An exploded view of all four dichroic glass layers used to create a Rosco logo gobo.

Colored Glass Gobos are made using thin layers of dichroic glass. For a one-color glass gobo – one single color is used, and two layers of color are used for a two-color glass gobo. Black counts as a color, so if you want your single-color logo in a black background, that would be considered a two-color glass gobo.
Multi-color glass gobos are, in a way, similar to CMYK screen printing. Instead of blending layers of cyan, magenta, and yellow inks – cyan, magenta, and yellow layers of dichroic glass are layered together with a black masking layer to create whatever colors and images your gobo projection requires.
Rosco is the only company that manufactures their own dichroic glass. Other gobo companies acquire their dichroic glass from other sources. By manufacturing their own dichroic glass, Rosco is able to keep a tighter control on the color quality of their colored glass gobos to produce better, more accurate gobo projections.

Learn more about Gobo Design

Plastic Gobos

Plastic Gobos are also available for short-term projects/events, but they will not produce the same vivid colors as a glass gobo and they must be used inside cool-running, LED gobo projectors.

Gobo projectors are most often used to project corporate logos. Below are three tips for optimizing your logo projection.

Assess Your Space

Before making a purchase, evaluate the space where you'll be using the logo projector. The size of the area, the type of surfaces available, and the ambient light conditions will all influence your choice. The color of the projection surface is particularly important – especially when projecting a colored Custom Glass Gobo. As an extreme example – a magenta logo projection will be noticeably muted if projected on a lime green wall because, in lighting, green and magenta are complementary colors. While it might not be as drastic, you might also notice a blue logo projection getting slightly muted on a warm, cream-colored wall.

Be Aware of Keystoning

If a logo projector is hitting the surface at 90°, then it will result in a sharp, evenly focused logo projection. Any deviation from 90° will begin to result in what’s known as keystoning. The more oblique the projection angle, the more distorted the projection will become. This issue can easily be corrected in the gobo design if it’s known ahead of time. Using gobo projectors with high-quality optics, like Rosco’s Image Spot LED Projectors, can also help mitigate keystoning issues as well.

Consider Your Branding Requirements

If your logo projection needs to appear perfect – then make sure your gobo projector has high-quality optics. If you’re projecting a color Custom Glass Gobo of your logo or brand identity, make sure the company making your gobos can accurately create the color of your logo to meet your brand guidelines.

Budget Considerations

Make sure you choose a projector that not only meets your technical requirements but also fits within your budget. Logo projectors come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly models to high-end units with advanced features. If you’re looking for a logo projector for a one-off event, you might go with the low-end unit. However, if you want a solution for projecting your logo inside your corporate lobby or storefront for the next 10 years, you should explore logo projectors that are made to last.

Proper Placement

The placement of the projector is crucial for optimal visibility. Experiment with different angles, heights, and distances to find the most effective setup.

Quality of Gobo

To ensure high quality logo projection, the gobo must be of high quality. Whether it’s made from glass or steel, ensure the gobo is designed with precision for the best projection results.

Keep the Optics Clean

Most logo projectors need very little maintenance. The one thing to stay on top of is keeping the lens of the logo projector clean. Dust and other particulates can obscure the optical system of the projector, which can result in fuzzy logo projections. Use an ammonia-free Lens Cleaner to keep your optics dust-free and logo projections crisp and sharp.

How effective are gobo projections for brand awareness?

Gobo projections offer a high-impact visual experience that can significantly boost brand awareness. They are especially effective in crowded or high-traffic areas where they can capture the attention of a large audience.

Can I use gobo projections for temporary branding?

Absolutely! Gobo projections are ideal for temporary branding needs. They can be set up and removed quickly, making them a perfect choice for one-off events or short-term campaigns. Affordable Plastic Gobos are also available and work great for short-term campaigns. It’s important to note, however, that some gobo projectors may be too hot for plastic gobos, and that the resolution of a printed plastic gobo will be less than a glass gobo.

How do gobo projections compare to traditional signage for branding?

Unlike traditional signage, gobo projections offer dynamic visual engagement and can be easily changed or updated. They're also more cost-effective for long-term use once the initial investment in the projector and the initial gobo design is made.

What are the design considerations for logo projections?

When planning to project your logo, it’s important to remember that light will render your logo design differently than print or digital media. Here are some design tips to keep in mind for transforming your logo into a successful logo projection. The general rule of thumb is that white equals light. Any white in your artwork will simply be the white light from the projector.

Consider the surface you plan to project your logo onto. Is it white, or black, or red brick, or a combination of surfaces, etc.? Is the surface smooth or highly textured? Keep in mind that a highly textured surface may obliterate or obscure the fine lines or an ornate logo design. Similarly, projecting colored glass gobos onto colored surfaces can reduce the impact of your logo projection. Whenever possible, try to avoid pale blush colors and designs with multiple fades across colors. Designs with solid, saturated colors will produce a more impactful logo projection.

Fine details like subtle drop shadows or chrome bubble letters do not always translate well into projected light. Clean lines and high-contrast elements work better for successful logo projection design.

Design experts at Rosco are always available to help you modify your logo design in order to create a gobo projection that accurately represents your logo and brand guidelines.

Can gobo projections be integrated into a larger marketing campaign?

Yes, gobo projections can be an excellent addition to a larger, multi-channel marketing campaign. They offer a unique form of visual engagement that complements other forms of advertising like online ads, billboards, and print media. Many brands are also using gobo projectors to project QR Code gobos that allow their customers to enter contests, download product details, or view menus inside bars and restaurants.

Case Study:

Blending Gobo Projections With A/R

See how designers used over 40 Rosco Image Spot fixtures to create gobo projections that come alive when viewed through a mobile augmented reality app in the mediaeval city of Vitré France.

What types of events are best suited for logo projection?

Logo projections are highly versatile and can be effective in a variety of settings, including trade shows, product launches, corporate events, and even in retail spaces for special promotions.

Do I need special permissions to project my logo in public spaces?

Yes, projecting your logo or any other content in public spaces often requires permissions or permits from local authorities. Make sure to check the local regulations and obtain the necessary approvals before setting up your gobo projector.

Is there a way to mockup a gobo projector in my space before I buy?

Rosco offers a demo program of their Image Spot range of gobo projectors. A demo fixture may be available for you to mockup a gobo projection in your space before you commit, or you may also have a one-on-one consultation with one of our gobo projection experts.