When the National Baseball Hall of Fame sought to showcase Shohei Ohtani—a once‑in‑a‑generation dual‑role superstar—they needed more than a static photograph. They needed motion. Emotion. International resonance. That’s where lenticular printing came in.
World3D was invited by a third‑party display company to bring this vision to life. The result? A massive 4 × 8‑foot lenticular panel that shifts through pitching, hitting, and internationally‑themed uniform phases as viewers pass by. Installed in Cooperstown, this piece not only stopped visitors in their tracks—it became a viral sensation.
In this case study, we’ll explore why lenticular printing was the right choice, how the project was executed, the impact it generated, and what this means for agencies and brands looking for high‑impact, high‑volume print solutions.
What Is Lenticular Printing and Why It Matters
Understanding Lenticular Printing
Lenticular printing uses a lens array laminated over interlaced images. As the viewer moves, different images emerge—creating animations, morphing, 3D illusions, or multi‑angle views. It transforms static visuals into dynamic experiences.
Why Agencies Choose Lenticular for Exhibits
- High visual impact in crowded spaces
- Storytelling without words—action, emotion, context in one static piece
- Scalable production for brand campaigns, exhibits, or large orders
- Memorable brand association: audiences literally move through your content
Typical Applications and Buyers
Decision‑makers often include:
- Creative and account leads at digital and marketing agencies
- Exhibit designers at museums and cultural institutions
- Brand experiential teams planning event activations
- Design directors sourcing large‑format display solutions
Case Study: Shohei Ohtani at the Hall of Fame
The Client & Creative Brief
When the Hall wanted to celebrate Shohei Ohtani’s career—both as a pitcher and hitter, and a cultural bridge between Japan and the U.S.—they turned to World3D. A display company approached us with a concept: create something dynamic that transcends a photo.
Project Execution
- Large format lenticular material chosen for durability and quality in a museum setting
- Three high‑resolution source images:
- Ohtani pitching in his MLB uniform
- Ohtani swinging in a stadium shot
- Ohtani wearing a Japanese league uniform
- Interlacing and lenticular lens depth optimized for smooth transitions as viewers walked past
- Final assembly: a seamless 4 × 8 foot panel mounted in the exhibit entrance
Why a Lenticular Printer License Matters
Using a specialized lenticular printer with high line pitch capability and precise lens alignment was critical. The resolution needed to be flawless to avoid image ghosting or banding—especially on a large panel.
Public and Social Reaction
Shortly after installation, the Hall tweeted a video of the lenticular. It reached 55,000+ impressions—outperforming any other social post from the Hall that year. The storytelling power of lenticular captured widespread attention.
Exhibition Longevity
Installed in Cooperstown with a projected display lifespan of five years, the piece continues to draw attention and inspire visitors.
Why Agencies and Brands Love Lenticular
Emotional Resonance
Lenticular transforms visuals into experiences. Seeing a performer shift, an athlete evolve, or a product morph creates emotional depth that resonates with audiences.
Mass Production, Premium Feel
When ordered at scale (e.g. thousands of units), lenticular prints maintain a premium feel—ideal for brochures, trade show handouts, or immersive displays.
Versatility Across Industries
From sports to brand launches to museum exhibits, lenticular printing adapts to:
- Product demos that animate through features
- Fashion lookbooks that morph poses
- Educational posters that shift through labeled layers or timelines
Partnering with Expert Lenticular Printers
Not all print shops can handle lenticular printer specifications. Partnering with a certified, high‑volume production house ensures:
- Correct lens thickness and line pitch
- Accurate image alignment
- Consistent color cycles
- Quality assurance for ghosting and clarity
How to Approach a Lenticular Project
Define Your Visual Story
Determine whether you want animation, 3D effect, or image morphing. Does your narrative require two, three, or more phases?
Choose the Right Format and Size
Panel size affects viewing distance and clarity. The Hall’s 4 × 8 foot piece is optimized for viewers several feet away. Smaller projects require tighter pitch.
Select a Trusted Lenticular Printing Partner
Evaluate potential vendors by asking:
- Can they provide large‑volume runs (10,000+ pieces)?
- Do they offer proofing or mock‑ups?
- What is their track record with wide-format lenticular work?
Budgeting and Timeline
Plan for:
- Design interlacing and approvals
- Lens material procurement
- Test printing and adjustments
- Final production and finishing
Installation or Fulfillment
Consider mounting hardware, lighting (to minimize glare), and protective packaging for shipping or mailing.
Beyond the Hall of Fame: More Places Lenticular Shines
Lenticular printing isn’t just for museum walls or sports legends. Its dynamic nature makes it perfect for any brand or organization looking to create a visual moment that stops people in their tracks. Imagine:
- Brand activations where product features come alive as the viewer moves past a display
- Event giveaways—custom postcards, VIP invitations, or business cards with morphing images
- Retail and point-of-purchase displays that shift messages between product benefits and calls to action
- Educational or museum timelines that transition seamlessly through historical eras
The magic of lenticular printing lies in its ability to transform a single visual into a multi-layered narrative, sparking curiosity and engagement without saying a word.
Ready to Make Your Story Move?
Your next campaign, exhibit, or launch could be the one that defines your brand’s visual identity. With lenticular printing, you have the ability to tell a story that unfolds with every step your audience takes. It’s interactive. It’s emotional. And it’s unforgettable.
At World3D, we help agencies, brands, and creative teams:
- Bring big ideas to life with dynamic lenticular visuals
- Scale production for national and global campaigns without losing quality
- Engineer immersive installations that turn heads in museums, retail spaces, and events
- Deliver flawless execution, from proofing and lens alignment to installation and fulfillment
Your story deserves motion. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
