Cars are curvy which makes it extremely important that the design account for the curves and corrugation associated with the particular vehicle.  Even if a template exists it will not tell you the diameter or dimensions of a curve so getting accurate measurements and the placement of these curves is critical.

REMEMBER: Measure twice and cut once!

Also cars have lines and seams that are not necessarily parallel.  This makes it important that text and design elements are positioned so as not to fall on a seam, like the door jam.  In addition, graphics and text should follow the body lines of the vehicle, which may not actually be a straight line. Vinyl may not adhere to certain plastic and rubber surfaces, so check around the window and grille area to be sure.

REMEMBER: Place design and text where it is readable not around door jams and windows.

Make sure to use high resolution graphics because although there are tons of images on the web, they are very low resolution and quality.  Once you make the images larger than your computer screen you will see lots of distortion and pixilation.

REMEMBER: Use stock image websites or digital camera photographs taken with a 12 megapixel camera.

Avoid being too wordy.  We often want to make sure we say it all and don’t leave anything out. The unfortunate truth is that too much information will mean that none of it gets read!  Limit the amount of copy and be concise.

REMEMBER: Less is more!

Loopy fonts, lack of contrast and poor background color choices, as well a copy size that is too small are also cardinal mistakes.  Try outlining the letters to make them more visible if needed.

REMEMBER: Make the copy size and color contrast stand out.

If all else fails or you need more design assistance give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

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Months ago we talked about the popularity of “Matte Black” wraps and how they had become the “Gold standard” as far as luxury and exotic car wraps.  While matte white and carbon fiber were very popular alternatives, it seems that there are now even more color options and effects from which to choose.

Vinyl manufacturers are becoming even more innovative in meeting demand for more color choices which include animal prints and effects, metallic’s (like chrome), various matte colors and colorized carbon fiber options.  Dare I say, “Sequins anyone?”  Well, believe it or not, sequin effect is also a vinyl wrap option!

Both 3M and Oracal have made great strides in expanding their specialty vinyl offering, SignWorks also has relationships with specialty vinyl distributors like HEXIS USA.  So if you’re in the market for a specialty vinyl/wrap for your luxury car, give us a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

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A very smart approach, when you want to get your company name out there, is to use your fleet of work vehicles.  Even though full wraps are becoming more and more popular, truck or van graphics and decals are still excellent tools to get you noticed and recognized in your service area.  Sometimes, it’s hard to draw the line on what to include in your design, so here are a few tips:

The “KISS” principle is one to remember; Keep it simple, stupid!  We are all tempted to tell potential customers everything about our business in great detail, however, a more strategic and aesthetically appealing sign will get read, while a more detailed and busy one may not.

Don‘t be tempted to be too wordy or verbose.  Keep in mind that no-one has time to read lengthy text as they pass your vehicle on the highway!  Make the text large, easily readable and stick only to the most pertinent information.  Include your company name, logo, a memorable tag line, phone number and your web address.   Folks are very web savvy nowadays, so they will likely look you up on the web.  Include your QR Code (Quick Response Code or two-dimensional barcode), if you have one.

Add to this a short bulleted list of the key products and services you offer and a dazzling design and your branding will be both strategic and effective!  For more ideas and tips on branding or fleet graphics, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

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A common statement that people make when they see a vehicle wrap is “I thought it was paint!” The combination of the digital print and over laminate create the effect of being painted on.  Installation of a vehicle graphic requires skill and knowledge that can be gained only through experience and practice.  Heat is essential in conforming vinyl around contours and edges. Using a torch or a heat gun, a skilled “Wrap” installer can manipulate the vinyl to conform and adhere to any surface of a vehicle, even the most detailed grille.  Vehicle wrapping can be considered an art form, because it takes time and practice to get the vehicle to have the right look.  As we mentioned in our previous blogs, car wraps are an effective tool for advertising and is more cost effective than, billboards or TV ads.

Here at SignWorks we have skilled designers and installers that can tackle any vehicle wrap, so if you would like a quote you can contact us at: (510) 357-2000 or e-mail us at info@signworks.us.com.

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Several months ago we began working with the owners of Global Security on graphics for the company vehicle.  Initially, the owner was considering a partial wrap but as time and budgetary considerations evolved it became clear that a combination of cut vinyl lettering coupled with using the right images and window perforation, would serve to expedite the project and keep it affordable.  The design process involved the owner working closely with the SignWorks designer on an acceptable layout.  After a few rounds of identifying images that would work well, our designer set out on the task of streamlining the text so that the messaging was not too redundant.

The company’s product offering includes high end security features that include remote access and monitoring, smart security and surveillance.  Consequently, the company selected images that reflected the confidence and safety their products and services delivered to end clients which include business and commercial customers, as well as home owners.

The client was very pleased with the end result and we think the pictures only tell part of the story. The effort involved an extensive collaboration to ensure a favorable outcome with the right images, text and messaging.  If you have a vehicle graphics project in mind we hope you will give SignWorks the opportunity to work with you on getting just the right result.  We can be reached at (510) 357-2000 or by email at info@signworks.us.com.

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It’s great when you are able to report that a project is going well!  Although we had hoped to have more of these large trucks complete, we’re able to report that 3 of the 8 trucks in the Los Angeles market have been completed.  Because these delivery trucks are constantly in use, the schedule has been somewhat fluid; however, it is our goal to have the remaining box trucks finished by year end.

The project has involved the coordination and delivery of vinyl materials from two separate suppliers to our remote installation crew in the Los Angeles area.  The cut vinyl lettering with the corporate brand identity is shipped to the install crew pre-masked and ready to be overlaid onto the trucks.  So far the feedback on the quality of the work has been great and we are getting positive feedback from our client at the most senior levels of their operation.

Although the Restoration Hardware Bay Area truck wraps are a few months away, we are already excited about the additional nine trucks we will be wrapping locally.  We will keep you posted on our progress.

If you are considering a vehicle or fleet graphics project we hope you will give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or send an email to info@signworks.us.com.

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I asked our new intern to write about his experience in helping out with our in-house vehicle wrap project.  I thought it would be a good experience for him to learn about the wrap process as well as to enhance his writing skills.  He wrote the following:

“I’m Steven, the new intern at Sign Works, and recently I assisted with a vehicle wrap on the SignWorks shop truck. I learned many new things just from this experience. I learned that the material for wrapping vehicles is different than the type used for other vinyl graphics projects.  I also learned that you can’t rush to complete the job. It takes more time to complete the wrap because you need to insure that there are no bubbles or creases in the vinyl. It was also more complicated than I original thought it was going to be. From start to finish the job was a lot of fun and a very beneficial experience for me.

We also put graphics on to the rear windows using another type of vinyl called window perforation.  It was similar in some ways but unlike the other vinyl that could be heated to release bubbles or crinkles.  No heat was applied on the material for the windows.  Also, the material for the windows has small holes so that the driver can see through them from inside.  It was interesting seeing how the vinyl was cut to fit around various plastic molded pieces.  These special techniques and cuts made for a very finished look when the project was complete.  I enjoyed working with both types of vinyl and learning how to apply and seal wrap vinyl on a vehicle.

If you or your company is thinking about a full or partial vehicle wrap you should call SignWorks at (510) 357-2000.  I look forward to assisting on your vehicle project as well!”

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We are sometimes asked by remote advertising agencies to either install vehicle graphics and wraps locally.  Likewise we will sometimes need to manage the logistics for a fleet of vehicles or trucks that are located outside of our immediate geography.  What this requires is detailed logistics skills as well as great communication between our local design/fabrication team and the remote installers.

When we are sent prints from an agency to install on a vehicle, most recently a St. Louis based advertiser (Switch: Liberate You Brand), we want to make sure that we skillfully install the provided graphics without damage to the material. Obviously if there is damage to the material the burden of reprinting a damaged section of graphics would need to be absorbed by us.

On the other hand a current fleet graphics project involving several large box trucks that are in the process of being wrapped, has us shipping vinyl to Los Angeles for installation of Restoration Hardware graphics onto their delivery operation (HomeDeliveryLink) trucks.  The communication between the customer, fleet management organization and the remote installers must be managed with care so that the scheduling logistics and material delivery are timely and appropriate.  Not to mention, the need to make sure that the selected remote crew is skillful and certified to perform the installation work.

Sometimes these projects include design which means that the process will start with a design consultation.  This will involve fact finding about the business and getting a clear understanding of what the goals are for the wrap project.  Truly understanding the client’s needs allows us to do a better job designing the wrap and translating it into a finished project.

We understand that face-to-face contact is not always possible but between the phone, teleconferencing as needed, and email proofs, we have been able to work with many remote clients seamlessly.  Once approved by the client we print and over-laminate the graphics to provide additional protection for the print.  Trimming and shipping the graphics to the installers is the final step in the process if the customer has selected their own installers.  We can source or contract with certified installers in remote geographies as needed.

If you like our designs don’t let the fact that you’re not located in the San Francisco Bay Area keep us apart.  SignWorks is just a phone call away at (510) 357-2000 or you can email us at info@signworks.us.com.

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We are often asked to give phone quotes or estimates for vehicle wraps over the phone.  While this may seem easy to do we are often asked to give them without complete information about the vehicle that is being wrapped.  Sometimes we’re asked to quote on partial wraps even though the customer is unclear about which sections of the vehicle will be wrapped.  Case in point: Hood, passenger versus rear doors, rear windows versus back quarter glass, etc.?

If you are interested in getting an over the phone or e-mail quote  sign shops who offer vehicle wraps need to  know 5 things.

1.)    The make, model color and year of your vehicle

2.)    Are there dents or imperfections in the body?

3.)    If you are interested in a full wrap  (Complete coverage) or a partial wrap (Specific coverage)

4.)    Do you have the graphics or will we need to design them?

5.)     What is your time-frame or deadline?

Armed with the above information the sign shop can give you an accurate quote.   If you are thinking about a full or partial vehicle wrap, or even simple cut lettering for your car doors, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000.

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