Luggage as a Creative Prop: How Suitcases Boost Content

The Rise of Luggage as a Prop in Content Creation

In the age of social media, luggage has taken on an entirely new role as a versatile prop used by content creators across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. What was once merely a means of transporting belongings from one destination to another has transformed into an essential accessory for travel influencers and lifestyle vloggers looking to produce compelling visual content.

Luggage Adds Production Value for Travel Content

For travel content creators, luggage serves as an instantly recognizable visual cue that they are jet setters embarking on an exciting journey. Luggage also enables creators to display products in travel-specific contexts, provide packing tips and hacks, or demonstrate airport and flight routines.

The right luggage can communicate a creator's sense of style and personality as well. A brightly colored, hard-shell carry-on instantly gives off wanderlust vibes for instance. Without having to explicitly state it, creators can use luggage to showcase their trademark aesthetic.

Suitcases as Backdrops, Surfaces and Physical Props

Beyond just indicating travel, luggage functions as versatile prop that serves many purposes. The expansive, flat surfaces of opened suitcases make ideal backdrops for displaying outfits, accessories and other products. Influencers may utilize their luggage as makeshift tables to showcase their travel packing methods or favorite beauty products.

YouTubers and TikTokers get creative by using luggage as surfaces to create transitions and scene changes in travel vlogs. A simple shot of clothes scattered around an open suitcase can give the impression of a hastily unpacked bag after a long flight for example.

As a physical prop, luggage enables creators to demonstrate packing hacks step-by-step. Collapsible bags let influencers showcase space-saving techniques up close, while hardshell bags easily hold their shape allowing bottles or accessories to be neatly organized inside.

Luggage Becomes a Stylized Prop in Creative Content

Beyond the travel niche, luggage is being adopted as a flexible prop by lifestyle and fashion content creators looking to add visual interest to videos. The colors, shapes and textures of modern suitcases lend themselves nicely to the highly stylized, visually dynamic content found on apps like Instagram and TikTok.

Luggage Gets Incorporated into Transitions

Suitcases with bright, prominent patterns like polka dots, stripes and abstract prints make them stand out visually. By including shots of luggage in quick cuts and scene transitions, creators immediately catch the viewer's attention while moving the story forward.

A creator might open a polka dot suitcase in one frame, with the video snap transitioning to them wearing a polka dot blouse at their final destination for example. The luggage provides visual continuity from one scene to the next in clever, unexpected ways.

Portable Backdrops for Style Content

Fashion vloggers utilize luggage similarly to travel creators by opening cases to reveal inner linings or exteriors as backdrops. A collage-style video might show an influencer posing in front of luxury designer luggage before cutting to mod shots of them wearing high-end athleticwear for instance.

The muted colors and textures of certain suitcases contrast perfectly with vibrant outfits. Luggage also provides creators with a portable backdrop option for shooting style content on the go.

Tips for Utilizing Luggage as a Creative Prop

For content creators looking to start incorporating luggage as a prop, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Select Visually Striking Luggage

Bold colors, prints and silhouettes grab the viewer's attention on camera. A hot pink or metallic carry-on instantly becomes a focal point. If shooting travel content, consider a coordinating set of attractive suitcases for color continuity.

Contrast Against Outfits & Surroundings

A brightly colored or uniquely textured suitcase will stand out beautifully when contrasted against muted, minimalist backdrops. Complementary colors between luggage and outfits makes both pop as well. Don't be afraid to experiment with color pairing and textures.

Incorporate Motion and Interaction

Stationary luggage has its purposes, but incorporating movement and physically interacting with suitcases will make video content more dynamic. Packing/unpacking actions, folding, rotating a suitcase to leverage patterns and shooting from multiple angles brings bags to life on camera.

So don't relegate luggage to the back of your closet. With visually arresting style and versatility, suitcases can take your content creation to exciting new places both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

What types of luggage make good props?

Luggage with bright colors, prints, textures, or unique silhouettes tends to look best on camera. Hardshell and structured bags hold their shape well as backdrops. Sets of matching luggage create visual cohesion for travel content.

Can I shoot luggage content at home?

Absolutely! Treat luggage like any other creative backdrop and play with contrasting colors, arranging in patterns, incorporating texture. Use lighting to accentuate dimension. The key is getting imaginative with styling and shooting angles.

What creative techniques boost engagement?

Packing and unpacking action shots, utilizing luggage in scene transitions, showcasing organizational hacks, and modeling destination outfits with suitcases all connect with audiences. Movement and interaction beats static luggage imagery.

Should I buy designer luggage?

While luxury luggage can communicate aspirational messaging, affordable brands offer impressive style as well. Focus more on interesting silhouette, color/pattern combos and versatility. Mix high/low price points for variety.