With over 30 years experience we’ve led the game in creating signage – especially neons – for influencers, podcasters and influencers. We’ve designed them for some of the most high profile and influential people of our age including for Dua Lipa and her 88 million insta followers. This page explains everything you need to know if you’re looking to create attention-grabbing backdrop signage.
How to get custom YouTube and Influencer Neons
Types of Podcast/Influencer Signage
Keylight
This is the primary light source that illuminates the subject. It should be positioned at a 45-degree angle from the camera to avoid flat lighting and create a more dynamic look. A ring light is a popular choice for key lighting as it provides even illumination and reduces shadows.
Fill light
Used to soften shadows created by the key light, the fill light is typically placed on the opposite side of the key light. It should be less intense than the key light to maintain natural-looking shadows.
Hair light
Also known as rim or back light, the back light is placed behind the subject to separate them from the background, adding depth and dimension to the shot. This can be animated too (eg colour change) to add even more variation in depth top the shot.
Decorative light
This is the fun one! It’s the one that you really want to stand out. There could be different types of decorative light for podcasts and influencers but the primary reason we’re asked to design and produce them is for branding purposes, and that branding could be either the influencers name (personal branding) or the name of the YouTube channel or show.
Types of sign for influencers – the rundown
Neon Ultra®
This is our premium much talked-about replica neon product. It’s the one that we did for Dua Lipa that you can see in the photo of her performing in the Radio 1 Live Lounge. It’s made from solid opal acrylic internally illuminated with LEDs. It’s totally controllable meaning we can supply it in a single static colour, or we can supply it with RGBW illumination so it will colour-change and dim. If you really want to outdo your fellow influencers, podcasters and YouTubers then we can pre-programme it to animate EXACTLY to your own requirements, meaning it really can dance to your own tune.
Neon SuperFlex
This is our best option for tighter budgets but it’s still really eye-catching. It’s what we used for the Two Pints with Will and Ralf podcast neon. It’s easily portable meaning Will and Ralf took it on tour with them when they took their podcast to regional theatres. Neon SuperFlex consists of 6mm LED flex fixed to clear (or coloured) acrylic. We can do it in static colours or uses RGB LED flex that can dim and colour change.
Real Glass Neon
Traditional glass neon is, as the name gives away, made from glass. As such, it’s the least robust of all the options but it’s also ‘the real deal’ as many artists call it. We’ve done several podcast and influencer signs for Woody and Kleiny, including their WAK CHAT neon in the photo above which they created when they were moving into podcasting and YouTubing as opposed to focussing on just their initial insta content. Real glass neon cannot colour change and dimming is fairly limited.
Lightboxes
Along with Neon SuperFlex and Edgelit signs, lightboxes are a really great value signage option for YouTubers and Podcasters, especially when bringing complex designs to life. We can print and cut vinyl for lightboxes, and can also fretcut the face to produce the exact design you want. The SAY IT OR SHOT it lightbox that we made for Kiss FM, Harriet Rose and Anne-Marie is a digital printed vinyl fixed to an opal acrylic face, internally illuminated with LEDs. Nice heh?!
Custom signs
To be totally frank, we can do anything really. We’ve vastly experienced in signmaking and draw on such a broad range of machinery, materials and expertise that we can make most things happen. That includes powdercoating your brand colours, illuminated signage, fretcut metalwork, halo illumination signage. Go on, try us 😉
Edgelit signs
The Live Lounge sign in the Dua Lipa is what we call an edgelit sign. We laser-etch your design into acrylic and then illuminate it from one or more sides with LEDs. This is a brilliant method for complex designs like the
Tech considerations for influencer/webcam signs
Flickering/Flashing
We’ve produced illuminated signage and lighting for so many TV shows and Movies that we’ve lost track of how many times we’ve had expert chats about how to ensure that signage doesn’t appear to flicker on the Big or Little Screen. We’ve worked with Netflix, Disney, BBC, ITV…you name it. The key to this is in the shutter speed, but rest assured, we know what we’re doing.
Brightness
This is often overlooked but the brightness of your signage is absolutely vital. When we design signs for influencers on insta and YouTube we prefer to use lighting options that are dimmable such as LEDs. That’s not to say that non dimmable signs don’t work, but it means the Camera team and Director will have more work to do on set as everything will need to be set to match the levels of our sign. And whilst we love our signs, the chances are that your on-screen talent is a higher priority.
Mounting
Where do you want your sign to go? Will it be self-standing on the sound desk next to your influencer microphones? Will it be suspended behind the podcast mics? Do you want it to floor-stand for a YouTube channel? We can do all of these things – we just need to know in advance.
Cables
This is an easy one but again, let us know in advance. A 5m long white power cable may sound like a great idea but then if the sign turns up and is hung on a jet-black studio backdrop then it could stand out unnecessarily. We’ll work with you to get all of these details just right so your influencer, podcaster or YouTuber gets the exact look that you’re after.
Podcasters, YouTubers & Influencers – Get Inspired!
FAQ’s
Who can help me make an influencer neon sign?
There are several reputable signmakers in the UK including Carousel Lights. Be sure to choose one with great reviews and a history of making great stuff.
Are neon signs for YouTubers expensive?
No, not at all! Neon SuperFlex is one of the cheapest options on the market so be sure to ask for it by name.
Are cheap neon signs good for podcasts
So long as they’re made by a reputable company then yes. If you’re buying online then be wary and make sure you’re protected if your sign doesn’t turn up.
Do I need a fireman’s switch for led Neon?
No! It just needs a standard 240V power supply and the led neon signs are supplied with a low voltage transformer so a fireman’s switch isn’t needed.
Are Carousel Lights based in the UK?
Yes. We’re based just outside London in the beautiful Surrey Hills.
Are signs for influencers and podcasts easy to get made?
They are if they’re made by a trustworthy signmaker like Carousel Lights.
The simple 6 step process
It’s easier than you think
1. Your bright idea
Let us know your initial thoughts
2. A few questions
We’ll need some more details before we begin
3. The proposal
We’ll share our initial designs with you
4. Give it the thumbs up
Delighted with our design? Great – it’s time to pay
5. Let’s get to work!
We’ll start producing your design
6. Delivering the goods
Your design delivered to your door
"The light looks INCREDIBLE! We are so happy with it and I really appreciate how beautifully made it is." Sophie
"A HUGE thank-you! You'ce created such a 'wow-factor' light installation that's far better than we could ever have imagined. Everyone has been so professional and helpful every step of the way!"
Thank you so much for the light - it looked AMAZING! We've decided to keep it up and it'll no doubt stay there!
