Behind the Scenes: The Design Process of Inflatable Marketing Displays

Inventini –  Inflatable Manufacturer

Today, we’re diving into how to design inflatable advertising. Let’s get started!

Introduction – Manufacturing various types of inflatables

Right at the start, it’s important to note that both at Inventini and across the market in general, there are two main types of inflatable advertising. The first type is constant air inflatables (fan-powered). As the name suggests, they have a built-in blower that, when running, ensures the advertising inflatables maintain their shape. Once turned off, the entire structure simply collapses.

Fan inflatables are incredibly versatile. Air can fill even the most complex designs. There is one rule: each closed fabric chamber requires at least one blower. This allows for the creation of various custom inflatables, such as product replicas or character-shaped inflatables.

Constant air inflatables can be made from either tent polyester or PVC. The choice of material depends primarily on the effect the client wants to achieve. PVC provides a uniform, slightly glossy surface, while tent polyester is lighter, matte, and more flexible.

The second type is sealed inflatables (also known as airtight inflatables or constant-pressure inflatables). Their structure consists of a high-pressure internal bladder with a valve. Once inflated, they maintain their shape for many days without the need for a continuous power supply. They are also much firmer than constant air models (you can “tap” them with your finger), which opens up different possibilities for use. Most importantly, this allows for the creation of rigid inflatable furniture, such as advertising counters, branded tables, or seating.

As a manufacturer of sealed inflatables, we usually cover them with tent polyester, although other fabrics like polyester microfiber are also available. The material forms a tight-fitting cover over the internal bladder, featuring the custom branding or graphics requested by the client. At Inventini, we offer the option to replace the inflatable covers. In many cases – such as inflatable arches, columns, tables, or event stools – you can do this yourself. However, for products like inflatable sofas or armchairs, it is better to send them back to our facility.

By nature, advertising inflatables tend to have rounded shapes. To achieve an effect close to a right angle, internal quilting or reinforcements made of foam or rigid boards must be used.

For special tasks – Bespoke custom inflatables

The production process for bespoke custom inflatables is slightly more extensive. First, we evaluate whether a specific idea is feasible within the chosen technology, and then we prepare an initial 3D visualization for the client. The subsequent steps usually look like this:

1. Technical design – we develop detailed solutions to achieve the desired shape, such as a product-shaped bottle.
2. Graphic design – the shape serves as the starting point for creating a product template from the selected materials.
3. Prototyping – usually created using sample materials to test the form.
4. Refining the prototype – adjusting the design and the template based on testing.
5. Manufacturing the advertising inflatables according to the order approved by the client.

It sounds simple, and usually, it is—though not always. But that’s a topic for an entirely different article.

Interested in advertising inflatables? As a manufacturer, Inventini invites you to explore our detailed offer!

Also, read our article: 5 Benefits of Using Inflatables for Advertising