Where Vision Takes Shape

Known for pushing boundaries of the possible, Big Image has been trusted by the world’s leading stages since 1987. Our collaborators return again and again. Never doubting that we’ll show up with the same level of creativity, commitment, and care.

The Beginning of something Big

What began as one man’s curiosity about how images could live at their true scale has grown into an international company. Still family-owned, still driven by craft and guided by the same pioneering spirit.

1981

A Vision Takes Shape

While working as an industrial photographer in Australia, Werner Schäfer began questioning how images could be experienced at their true size. The idea of printing on fabric — foldable, & durable — took hold.

1987

Big Image Is Born

Werner imported an airbrush printer from the USA and set up shop in an empty factory outside Stockholm. The early years were marked by experimentation, persistence, and a belief in communicating through large format imagery.

1988-1990

Engineering the Impossible

When the first printer refused to perform as intended, giving up wasn’t an option. Together with students from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), a new printing process was developed — laying the foundation for Big Image’s in-house engineering culture.

2013

The Launch of Infinitus

After three years of development, Infinitus was launched — enabling seamless backdrops up to 12 × 50 meters. Its introduction expanded Big Image’s production capabilities, with the machines based in the German studio.

Today

A Global Presence

As projects grew in scale and ambition, Big Image began working with stages, brands, and cultural institutions worldwide. Production remains rooted in our studios, while the work travels globally.

Future

Driven by Curiosity

Working at the forefront of applied AI in visual production, Big Image develops new services through real projects and large-scale production. From concept to physical output — including the world’s largest AI-generated image produced at full scale — innovation remains grounded in craft.

Family-led, craft-driven

Big Image is a family business built on long-term relationships, deep craftsmanship, and a shared belief in doing artistic ideas justice. Today, the company is led by Johanna Schäfer, second-generation owner and CEO, who continues to guide Big Image with the same combination of curiosity and care that has shaped the studio from the beginning.

Several members of the third generation are also part of the company, carrying the knowledge forward while helping Big Image evolve. We work closely — with each other and with our partners — striving to build trust, listen with warmth, and deliver with responsibility.

A Pioneering Spirit

Innovation at Big Image is rooted in a pioneering spirit — a way of working where concepts are developed through practical experimentation. Through unconventional thinking, innovative technology, and solid craftsmanship, we help bring creative ideas into production.

From pioneering the world’s largest seamless textile images through our proprietary Infinitus technique to developing new machine systems, materials, inks, and stage solutions like Clear Stage, our innovations grow out of real production needs. Each development is designed to support ambitious visual environments with precision, durability, and care.

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Stories Behind the Visions

Big Magazine is our printed collection of scenographic thinking, creative visions, and the artistry behind iconic stages. Explore past editions and discover how imagination became reality in projects around the globe.

Discover Big Magazine

Join the Big Image Team

We’re always looking for new talent who share our passion for creativity, technology, and sustainability. Be part of a collaborative environment where every project is a chance to make something extraordinary.

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Let’s make your idea real

From bold ideas to finished reality, we make the extraordinary possible.

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