A head-on-a-stick cutout—often called a big head or face cutout—focuses on a person's facial features for maximum visibility and a fun, exaggerated effect. An entire-subject cutout includes the person's body and outfit, creating a full-scale or life-size replica effect.

Head-Only Cutout

• Focus: Zoom in tightly on the face, usually from the chin up or around the neck.
• Main purpose: Creates a funny, exaggerated effect at sporting events, graduations, rallies, and other celebrations by displaying a large, recognizable face.
• Visibility: Highly visible from a distance because the facial features fill nearly all of the available board space.
• Design and cost: Typically requires less material width and simpler cropping, making it easier to carry and potentially more economical.

Please Note:  When placing the image to order, be sure the head fills the box for the size selected. We will not zoom in on the photo if the head is not filling the box. 

EXAMPLE - Image Not Zoomed In. 

Example Image Zoomed In

Entire-Subject Cutout

• Focus: Includes the person's head, torso, legs, and complete outfit.  A custom quote is required for life sized cutouts. Contact cs@acilab.com for your quote. 
• Main purpose: Commonly used for life-size standees, party decorations, displays, and photo booths where the subject appears to be standing next to guests. 
• Visibility: Shows the person's clothing, body language, and full posture. However, the face appears smaller from a distance than it would on a head-only cutout of the same overall height.
• Design and cost: Requires a high-resolution, full-body photo, more detailed background removal, and a larger or taller piece of material. This may increase the cost and make the cutout more difficult to transport.

1. Fill as much of the available space in ACI Flex with your image.
2. You do not need to extract your image—we can do that for you.
3. Use the highest-resolution image available, especially when ordering an entire-subject cutout.
4. Leave enough space around the subject to allow for cropping and cutting.
5. Remember that the final cutout is based on the scaling and cropping selected in your order.

Hairstyles can affect the dimensions and cut line of a head-only cutout. Consider ordering a larger size for wider or taller hairstyles.

• If the hair does not extend below the ears, the cut line generally follows the jawline from ear to ear.
• If the hair falls below the ears, it is included in the cutout.
• For long hair, the cut line follows the hair below the chin by a couple of inches and may include part of the neck.

A 12-by-18-inch image will not produce a 12-by-18-inch final cutout. The finished product will be approximately 1/2 inch shorter on each side to allow for cutting. Its final height and width depend on the shape, crop, and dimensions of the subject.

For a head-only cutout, the completed product may be approximately 11 inches across, depending on the crop. Its vertical measurement depends on the height of the subject's head and hairstyle.

For this reason, 18 by 24 inches is the most popular option for customers who want a larger overall head after cutting.

The cut may not be perfectly smooth. The corrugated plastic used for this product has ribs, or channels, running through it. These ribs can cause the cutting blade to move slightly, so some edges may not appear completely smooth.

Please note:  Corrugated Flutes will not run a certain direction.  If you have a special purpose, like using a yard stake, you MUST put in special instructions.  Yard Signs are the only product where Corrugated Flutes Run Vertically:

YARD SIGNS ONLY:

Part of the background may remain visible. A slight halo of background may appear around some or all of the subject because this is not a precisely trimmed product.

The vector created for the cutting blade must allow for the blade's width and for small shifts that can occur when the blade encounters the ribs in the corrugated plastic. As a result, a small amount of background may remain visible around the finished cutout.

Most of all, remember that Heads on a Stick are meant to be fun! Head-only cutouts look fantastic held up in the stands or attached to fences and bleachers, while entire-subject cutouts make memorable decorations and photo opportunities. Parents, fans, and boosters love them!