What is a Hologram?
Holography is the Nobel award-winning science of recording the light waves emitted from a laser as they are reflected off of an object. The recorded image is called a hologram (coming from Greek words meaning 'whole image' or 'entire recording'). When re-illuminated and viewed under ordinary light, the hologram presents a true three dimensional recreation of the original object. For the observer, the perception of depth is virtually indistinguishable from reality.


Are Pictures That Switch From One Image To Another Holograms?
Although they can be, they are usually. Most double-image pictures are created using 'lenticular' optic technology, not holography. Lenticular images have a ridged plastic surface and as a result are relatively thick. AuthentiBrand Inc. can help you with your lenticular needs, though in most instances we will refer lenticular work to other industry colleagues. If custom holography is within your budget, and you are interested in combining 2D-3D holography and two channel imagery, we can likely accommodate your needs. E-mail your specific requirements and we will respond with the details.


Can Holograms be Reduced or Enlarged?
Unfortunately, for both HoloBrands Stock Image and most fully custom holograms, the answer is no. Holograms maintain an exact one-to-one ratio with the artwork used to create them. Our holograms can, however, be cropped down to smaller sizes-as long as the subject matter lends itself to eliminating a portion of the image. If you are not sure how a particular image will appear when cropped to suit a specific product, please ask your sales representative for assistance.


What are Security Holograms, and Why Are They Secure?
Security holograms are used to prevent counterfeiting, or to otherwise authenticate the products to which they are affixed. Holograms are noteworthy in this regard, since they are both costly to produce and extremely difficult to duplicate. Further, the addition of covert security devices, sequential numbering, tamper evident adhesives and other security features make a well-produced security hologram virtually impossible to duplicate without by anyone other than its creator. The most commonly recognized form of security holograms can be found on Master Card and Visa credit cards.


In What Ways Are Holograms Typically Used?
Besides the wide range of products listed on our HoloBrands® website, holograms are frequently used as embellishments on printed media such as magazine covers, paperback books, brochures, direct mail pieces, and pocket folders. Other interesting options include CD covers, school yearbooks, and product packaging. Some interesting examples and case studies can be viewed from our list of clients.


What Are the Minimum Quantities Required For Custom Holograms?
Though there are no absolute minimum volumes for custom holography, the rule of thumb is that projects whose hologram budget is under $5,000 are more cost effective if stock image holograms are used (see HoloBrands®).


Is There More Than One Type of Hologram?
For security, advertising, promotion and packaging holograms are almost exclusively the photopolymer or embossed type. Embossed holograms are the silvery, rainbow colored images found on Visa and Master Card, where photopolymer type have a green/gold hue and are most commonly associated with swim goggles and cell phone screen protectors. While more visually exciting, photopolymer holograms are more expensive and less versatile (in application) than embossed type holograms of the same size.


Are There "Full-Color" Holograms?
Most embossed holograms are created as a "rainbow," so that each holographic element in an image will shift through the entire visible spectrum as the image is moved. Using the latest technology, we now have the ability to color tune holograms. Under ideal viewing conditions and at one particular angle, a color tuned hologram will closely replay the colors in the original scene (check out the Shakespeare, Blooming Rose, and Flowers stock images under the 'original line' of our HoloBrands® site, but remember to order samples as the website pics are NOTHING like the real holograms!).


What is HoloBrands®?
HoloBrands® is the world's largest selection of stock image holograms developed specifically for advertising and promotional use. HoloBrands® delivers its holograms on a wide-array of high quality promotional products, and offers product customization through the incorporation of logos, ad copy, slogans or line art. HoloBrands® Stock Image holograms have all the impact of fully custom holography, without the high set-up costs and lengthy turn-around times. All HoloBrands® holograms and most of our products are made entirely in the USA.