Bring Your Brand or Event to Life with Custom Life Size Cut Outs (Fast!)

What’s the Deal with Life Size Cut Outs (and What Are They Actually Called)?

Ever jumped online searching for a “life size cut out” only to stumble across words like standee, foamboard display, or even cardboard personality? You’re not alone — and good news: they’re all talking about the same thing.

Whether you’re planning a product launch, an event, or just want something eye-catching for your retail space, these larger-than-life prints go by many names… but serve one main purpose: to stand out and grab attention.

So, what is a life size cut out? And how do you know you’re getting the right one?

So… What Exactly Is a Life Size Cut Out?

In simple terms, a life size cut out is a freestanding printed figure — usually shaped like a person, mascot, product, or object — printed in high resolution, cut to shape, and mounted on a rigid board like foamboard or cardboard.

They’re built to get noticed. Whether it’s creating a fun photo moment, adding personality to a display, or helping guide people at an event, these cut outs are both functional and fun. And with Same Day Printing, they’re made fast and made right here in Australia.

AKA: Also Known As…

Depending on who you're talking to (or what you typed into Google), life size cut outs might be referred to as:

• Custom standees
• Standee printing Australia
• Cut to shape standees
• Event cut outs
• Foamboard cut outs
• Fast life size prints
• Life size cardboard cutouts
• Standee printing Melbourne
• Custom printed cut outs

Whether it’s a “cardboard Gary from HR” or a perfectly branded product standee, you’re in the right place. They’re all part of the same impactful print family.

No matter what you call them — life size standees, foamboard legends, or larger-than-life conversation starters — these printed displays aren’t just for standing in the corner. They’re versatile, bold, and surprisingly effective when used creatively.

So if you’re looking to make your next event or campaign truly stand out, here are 10 clever ways to bring your life size cut out to life (pun very much intended):

Top 10 Creative Ways to Use Life Size Cut Outs

Here are the Top 10 Creative Ways to Use Life Size Cut Outs — perfect for marketers, event planners, retailers, and anyone looking to add some extra personality to their space or campaign:

Photo Ops & Selfie Stations

Create instant fun and engagement with a branded cut out at your event or shop. People love a good photo moment — especially with quirky characters, mascots or team member stand-ins.
Tip: Add a speech bubble or hashtag to encourage sharing on socials.

Meet the Team (Without Being There)

Perfect for expos or open days — life size cut outs of your key team members let people “meet” the crew even if they’re off-site. Bonus points if you give them name badges or fun bios!

Product Launches with a Twist

Going big? Make your product larger-than-life — literally. Oversized packaging cut outs or 3D standees of your latest release will stop traffic and get people talking.

Retail Displays That Sell for You

Use cut outs of models, influencers, or product visuals to draw attention to featured items, sale zones or new arrivals — they act like silent salespeople with 24/7 energy.

Welcome Guests or VIPs in Style

Hosting an event or running a brand activation? Use cut outs to create a branded welcome experience — whether it’s the CEO, a mascot, or a “celebrity” guest (with permission!).

Themed Parties & Special Occasions

From milestone birthdays to weddings and hens/bucks parties, personalised standees add wow-factor and laughs. Surprise someone with a life size version of themselves.

Sponsor & Partner Promotion

Need to highlight event sponsors or brand partners? A custom cut out at the entry or near key zones gives extra exposure in a fun, non-intrusive way.

Directional Signage That Gets Noticed

Ditch boring arrows — use cut outs shaped like people pointing the way or holding signage to guide foot traffic at events, expos or festivals.

Mascots & Characters for Kids’ Events

Perfect for schools, childcare centres, or product promotions — bring favourite characters or custom mascots to life and give kids a magical experience.

Memory Wall or Tribute Display

Create a respectful and engaging way to honour someone at a memorial, graduation or reunion by printing a life size version of them, paired with a story or quote.

Not Sure What to Call It? Doesn’t Really Matter — Just Tell Us What You Need

Whether you call it a standee, a foamboard cut out, or that “big cardboard thing that looks like Gary from Sales” — we know what you mean. And we’re here to help bring it to life.

Big idea? Last-minute job? Something a bit different? If it needs to stand tall and make an impact, we’ve got your back.

Final Thought

At the end of the day, it’s not about what you call it — it’s about what it does. A life size cut out done right can command attention, spark conversations, and bring your message to life at full scale.

Printed fast. Made to last. Designed to stand out.
Let’s make it happen.

Call Us: 1300 663 242
Email: helpme@samedayprinting.com.au
Visit: 37 Eucumbene Drive, Ravenhall (appointment recommended)

Need it today? Need it done right?
Same Day Printing. Same Day Tees for Brands That Move Fast.