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October 14, 2024

Novelty Prints: Creative Custom Prints for Events, Promotions and Celebrations

Two event presenters holding an oversized custom ceremonial cheque board

Novelty prints turn an announcement, achievement or celebration into something people can see clearly in the room and in photographs. They are customised printed pieces made for a particular moment rather than generic décor. A business might use one for a prize handover, a charity may present a donation, and a family or event organiser may create a personalised board for a milestone celebration.

The most useful novelty print is easy to read, appropriate for the setting and practical to handle. That starts with choosing the right format, size, material and artwork—not simply making everything as large as possible.

What counts as a novelty print?

Novelty printing covers custom display pieces that help present a message or create a memorable photo opportunity. Ellesi’s current Novelty Prints range includes the Giant Novelty Cheque, which can be personalised for prize givings, donations, sponsorship announcements, competitions and corporate recognition.

The same planning principles apply to other custom event and presentation boards where available by quote. Common uses include:

  • award and prize presentation boards;
  • donation or sponsorship handovers;
  • competition-winner photographs;
  • event, launch or presentation boards;
  • celebration prints for birthdays, graduations and milestones;
  • promotional boards used in campaign photographs; and
  • simple photo props designed around an event theme.

Before assuming a particular shape or construction is available, describe the idea and finished size when you request a custom quote. This lets the print team confirm a suitable product and material.

A giant novelty cheque is designed for the presentation moment

A Giant Novelty Cheque provides a structured layout for a logo, recipient or winner name, amount, date, presenter and event details. Those details should support the photograph without becoming so dense that nobody can read them from a few metres away.

Ellesi currently offers five landscape sizes: 800 × 400 mm, 1000 × 500 mm, 1200 × 600 mm, 1500 × 750 mm and 1800 × 900 mm. A smaller format is easier for one or two people to hold and move. A larger board creates more presence on a stage or in a group photograph, but needs more room and careful support.

Plan for the actual event. Check the stage width, the number of presenters, how far away the photographer will stand and whether the board must fit into a vehicle. A format that looks impressive on a screen can become awkward if it blocks faces or cannot be carried safely.

Choose a board material for the way it will be used

The live Giant Novelty Cheque configuration offers three materials. They serve different priorities:

  • 5 mm Correx is the lightweight, economical option for short-term campaigns and once-off events. Its low weight makes a large piece easier to hold.
  • 8 mm Foamboard gives an indoor presentation a smoother, more substantial feel. It should be handled carefully around corners and moisture.
  • 3 mm ACM is the most rigid and premium option in this product. It suits repeat presentations when a sturdier board is worth the extra weight and cost.

Material should follow the use case. A once-off school prize ceremony may prioritise low weight, while an organisation that repeats handovers throughout the year may value rigidity. None of these choices removes the need to support an oversized board evenly during handling and storage.

What to include in the artwork

Start with the information that must be visible in the final photograph. For a cheque-style presentation, that normally means the organisation’s logo, the recipient, the amount in numbers, the amount in words where required, the date and the presenter. An event board may instead need a campaign name, short message, event date and sponsor identities.

Create a clear visual order. The main announcement should be readable first; names and supporting details come next. Avoid filling every open area with copy. Strong contrast, generous spacing and a limited number of type sizes will usually photograph better than a crowded design.

Supply logos as high-quality artwork and use high-resolution photographs. Check the spelling of every name, the event date and each digit in a monetary value. A typo is especially noticeable when the printed board becomes part of press or social-media photographs.

Print-ready artwork or design assistance?

Choose print-ready artwork when the layout has already been prepared at the correct proportions and all content has been approved. Ellesi accepts PDF, JPEG, PNG or TIFF through the Giant Novelty Cheque artwork workflow. Keep important content away from cut edges and supply enough image detail for the chosen size.

If the concept exists but the production layout does not, select the available design-assistance option. Prepare the logo files, exact wording, names, amount, date, colours and any reference material before briefing the designer. A complete brief reduces revision time and makes proof approval more reliable.

Plan the handover and the photographs

Decide who will hold the board and rehearse where they will stand. Keep hands away from names and amounts, tilt glossy surfaces only enough to avoid glare, and allow space around the presenters for a landscape photograph. Store the board flat in a dry place before the event and keep it clear of sharp corners or strong wind.

Remember that a novelty cheque is a presentation prop, not a negotiable financial document. The value comes from communicating the moment clearly and giving organisers, recipients and sponsors a useful visual record.

Novelty print checklist

  • Confirm the occasion and viewing distance.
  • Choose a size people can hold and transport.
  • Select Correx, Foamboard or ACM according to the event and repeat use.
  • Provide approved logos, names, amounts and dates.
  • Use a simple layout with strong hierarchy and contrast.
  • Proof every word and number before approval.
  • Plan handling, storage and photography before event day.

Frequently asked questions

Can I provide my own novelty cheque design?

Yes. The live product allows you to upload artwork during ordering or send it afterwards. Make sure the file matches the selected proportions and is ready for full-colour printing.

Can Ellesi help with the layout?

Yes. Design assistance is an available artwork route on the Giant Novelty Cheque product. Supply the exact content and usable logo files so the layout can be prepared accurately.

What if I need a different presentation format?

Use the custom quote route and describe the finished dimensions, quantity, event date and intended use. Availability and construction can then be confirmed instead of assuming a non-standard product exists.

Make the presentation easy to see and remember. Browse Novelty Prints, or contact Ellesi to discuss an unusual event-print requirement.