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3-Dimensional Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. Hershey’s ­ How Sweet It Is: The Eye-Candy of Times Square In the middle of all its surrounding Times Square spectaculars, billboards and sign edifices, stands the flagship Hershey Times Square, a retail gift store which is a chocolate confectionary paradise that is the center of the chocolate universe. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Laser Engraving Part IV: Using your System as a Cutting Tool The same laser engraving system that engraves on many products and materials may also serve as a very powerful and versatile cutting too as well. Read on to get some ideas. Panel Saw, Table Saw, Mat Cutter or Combo Machine, which is Right for your Shop? One way for sign shops to increase their efficiency is to have the right tool for cutting sheet goods to size. There are a few basic considerations that every sign shop must address when purchasing a cutting machine: space restraints, ease of use, capability, safety, cost and dust. What is Lenticular Imaging and Why Should You Know About It? Lenticular imaging technology of today has morphed an old print technology into new stratospheres and consequently breathing new life and profit potential for printers and marketers alike. Lasers: Ready to Buy-What you Really Need to Know For those new to laser technology, buying laser equipment can be an intimidating experience. The word laser often conjures images of danger, mystery, impossible learning curves, and high price tags. However, with the user-friendly, increasingly affordable laser engraving equipment of today, nothing could be further from the truth. Laser Engraving Part 3: The Possibilities The word, 'versatility' is often used to describe today’s laser engraving and cutting equipment: for good reason. Not only can you use the same system to cut out parts and engrave them, the material and product choices are seemingly endless as are the markets in which people use lasers. New Riverboat Cruise Signage Builds Steam in St. Louis Sign renovation renews business for a once-popular Riverboat Cruise line. Gild like an Egyptian Gilding is an ancient art that dates back to Egyptian times. Get some time-tested tips from modern-day pros. Blasting Your Way to Profits with Glass Etching Blasting glass can help boost your bottom line. Find out how sandblasting glass is the same ­ and different ­ from other substrates. Can you sandblast with the best of them? Reading, Writing and Profits With The School System Near You You can position your company for profitability by serving the growing market for in-school advertising. Revitalizing Vegas Vic A graphic arts icon taking to the road...and a few trade shows to boot! Next-Gen CNC's CNC routers are getting higher-tech at lower-costs. Find out what bells and whistles the latest models have to offer. Discover the Rewards of Owning A CNC Router See the options available and avenues where sign makers can use CNC routers to get into the commercial signage business and channel letter fabrication. CNC routers provide a broad capability to enter into multiple markets. Ask the Expert: CNC Router Veteran Shares Practical Knowledge Do you have questions about CNC machining? Get inside the head of router expert Jay Higgins in this one-on-one interview. Signs From The Spirit World Everyone loves an 'Olde Worlde' pub with its oak beams, horse brasses and roaring log fires. Nevertheless, no matter how old the pub itself, the name on the sign outside is probably the most historic thing about the place. Back to School: Sign Makers Seek CNC Router Education Are you ready for prime time? Learn about educational programs that teach you the ins and outs of computerized routers. Software Trend Adds Oomph to Routed Signs Bored with two-dimensional computerized machining? Add a little life to your signs with three-dimensional auto-sculpting software. Expand Your Business With CNC Routers Take a look at your options in the CNC router market and decide if the potential rewards are worth the financial investment. The Hungary Artist The authorities told young John Duzs he'd be a statistician Gold Leafing From A to Z The ancient art of gold leafing has not changed much since Egyptian times. Learn some time-tested hand guilding secrets from the pros. Making the New Look Old The details of a challenging, yet fun sign project. Laser Engraving: The Possibilities Today’s laser engraving and cutting equipment provide versatility for whether you are thinking of diversifying or simply expanding. The Clear Side of Sandblasting An avenue of sandblasting that has been around for a long time is sandblasting in glass. Laser Engraving: The Basics Part Two If you've put off diversifying your shop by venturing into laser engraving because of equipment costs, this should relieve some of your worries. Laser Engraving: The Basics Find out how this technology can assist you in your business. Winning Sales Tax Jeopardy Are you prepared for the sales tax audit? The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display. The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design 'What you see is what you will get.' Painting a Picture of Quality Planning and preparation is everything Fluorescent Lighting What, How & Why Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business

ADA A Second Look at ADA Signage Once you understand the letter of the law, you can work within its boundaries to unlock creative appeal in your ADA-compliant sign projects. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. ADA Truths Revealed Three simple truths are helping clear up confusion over how to apply ADA requirements to interior signage. ADA Signs ­ How to Stay Compliant Without Sacrifice With ADA compliance laws on the minds of many sign manufacturers, it is important that compliant signs are both functional ­ in terms of the letter of the law ­ and still attractive ­ in terms of getting people’s attention and drawing new business Choosing ADA-Compliant Signage Material Which ADA signage materials are vandal-proof? What works best in an upscale building project? Read on to find out. Is the ADA Sign Market For You? Part II Visual Signs If you thought that ADA was all about Braille, think again! What do you need to know about all the other signs that make up an architectural sign system? Is the ADA Sign Market For You? Part I Tactile Signs: Letter and Spirit If you never considered the ADA segment of the sign industry or didn’t think it was for you, it may be time to rethink the business potential ADA provides. Laser Engraving: The Possibilities Today’s laser engraving and cutting equipment provide versatility for whether you are thinking of diversifying or simply expanding. Laser Engraving: The Basics Part Two If you've put off diversifying your shop by venturing into laser engraving because of equipment costs, this should relieve some of your worries. Laser Engraving: The Basics Find out how this technology can assist you in your business. ADA Formula For Success Understanding ADA and its relationship to the sign industry. Know the ABC’s of ADA Signage: Education Means Profit Offering ADA signage at your sign shop will increase your profits New ADA rules Next generation of proposed federal sign regulations posted for ADA and ABA. Winning Sales Tax Jeopardy Are you prepared for the sales tax audit?

Architectural The Challenges of Creating Architectural Signage Understanding the common pitfalls of creating indoor and outdoor architectural signage before you begin can save headaches for you and your customers. Corporate Lobbies: The New Landscape of Digital Signage In recent times through digital signage, culture and corporate branding have gained equal value as a premium opportunity to connect anchor tenants with their building visitors. Light Boxes for Retail Display - Saving Dollars with New Technology Are all retail light boxes created equal? New developments in retail light box technology and demands for more sophisticated and energy efficient merchandising and display products may be signaling the demise of standard light box technology. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. Hershey’s ­ How Sweet It Is: The Eye-Candy of Times Square In the middle of all its surrounding Times Square spectaculars, billboards and sign edifices, stands the flagship Hershey Times Square, a retail gift store which is a chocolate confectionary paradise that is the center of the chocolate universe. Panel Saw, Table Saw, Mat Cutter or Combo Machine, which is Right for your Shop? One way for sign shops to increase their efficiency is to have the right tool for cutting sheet goods to size. There are a few basic considerations that every sign shop must address when purchasing a cutting machine: space restraints, ease of use, capability, safety, cost and dust. Taking the A-Train (or Any Other Train) in New York City Would Be Even Harder Without Directional Signage New York City Transit officials place a tremendous effort into creating a subway wayfinding system that connects its passengers to trains and exits throughout the system. It’s All About the Digital File at SGIA ’07- From Wrapping Gators to Mermaids Whether you’re cutting rubylith, fluted-plastic or vinyl; printing on rigid sheet, t-shirts, tile or fabric; or getting a message across through embroidery, it all comes down to the digital file. 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey for Flatbed Injet, Wide Format Inkjet & Grand-Format Inkjet The results of SGIA’s recent 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey demonstrate an interesting reality in our industry, and show a healthy difference between what imaging companies want (equipment-wise), and what they ultimately buy. Through the magic of trending data, let’s take a look. Minskoff Theater Sign Makeover: Everyone Must See the Lion King The Minskoff Theatre (1,597 seats), one of the many major live performing venues along Broadway has recently undergone a signage transformation of its old blade / marquee and window display into a very modern and elegant sign package that was fit for a king: The Lion King that was. Take Me Out to the Ball Game Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark offers proof positive that effective sign design can inform, entertain, commemorate ­ and stand out in a crowd. Submarine Surfaces in Underground Exhibit Hall - Signage Tells the Tale It was a sailor's nightmare during WW II. Leaning against the ship's rail, binoculars scanning the cold, Atlantic waters, a foaming white wake streaks through the waves and heads broadside for a direct strike against the Liberty ship. SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now' When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration. On-Premise Commercial Signage Curbs Traffic Accidents Government research proves that signage helps drivers navigate unfamiliar roadways. Learn how to boost business while maintaining driver safety. New Riverboat Cruise Signage Builds Steam in St. Louis Sign renovation renews business for a once-popular Riverboat Cruise line. Soaring Profits from Glistening Gateways Airports are bustling with opportunities as architects bring sign builders into the design process to capitalize on 21st century trends. Technology Increases Choice In Architectural Signage Technology does not replace the artist's work, it enhances it. Choosing A Modular Sign System Looking at the variables to determine which systems are best for your shop. Sign Makers Restore Historical Flying Red Horse Find out how architectural sign makers recreated a legendary Dallas icon. The Challenges of Creating Architectural Signage Understanding the common pitfalls of creating indoor and outdoor architectural signage before you begin can save headaches for you and your customers. The Clear Side of Sandblasting An avenue of sandblasting that has been around for a long time is sandblasting glass. The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display

Awnings & Flex Face Know Your Tools: Finishing with Efficiency From year to year, many companies change the products they make, or begin producing new product lines in niche areas that require new and different finishing methods. In some shops, the steps taken to finish products are done with inappropriate tools. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Printers’ Challenges in Meeting Fire Codes All printed banners, wall coverings, display booth fabrics, table skirts, tents, awnings, carpeting, window treatments, interior furnishing and vinyl-coated fabrics are required to meet flame-retardant standards for homes, offices or other assembly places (Flammable Fabrics Act, 1953). The challenges of meeting these fire standards and codes have increased with the development of new synthetic fibers and the ink applications to these fibers, which create a liability risk for the specialty printer. Illuminated Signs Help McGruff Take a Bite Out of Crime The National Crime Prevention Council sanctions illuminated signs as a crime prevention tool. Find out how on-premise signs can help your business ­ and your community. Awnings Provide Continued Growth and More Opportunities for Sign Makers With new technology and advances in architectural design, awnings are providing a new source of revenue for sign professionals. Tax Savings Under the New Energy and Transportation Laws No, neither the price of gasoline nor its impact on your sign business will be reduced under the recently passed energy and transportation bills. But both could have a noticeable impact on the tax bills of every sign business. Benefits of Flexible-Face Mounting Systems Vendors are manufacturing a variety of mounting systems to making installing flexible face signage a snap (and click). Is Your Business Flex-ible? If you haven’t explored flexible face signage, then you could be missing out on yet another way to build your business. Trading Paint for Powder on Awning Systems Awning manufacturers are hanging up their paint sprayers to explore the world of powder coating. The ABC's of Awnings From field surveys and fabrication to design and installation, read on to learn some dos and don'ts of awning work. Yawning at Awnings The three basic steps to lettering an acrylic awning

Banners Seaming and Edge Welding, Finishing Opportunities Abound Printing your signs is more than half of the final product presented to your customers. However, it is not the entire result. How your finished product looks when it is hanging is critical to the final product's success. Banners Are Everywhere, but Professionals Want Vinyl That Pops! Get rid of your humdrum banner designs and start creating vinyl banners that demand attention. Your customers will thank you. Know Your Tools: Finishing with Efficiency From year to year, many companies change the products they make, or begin producing new product lines in niche areas that require new and different finishing methods. In some shops, the steps taken to finish products are done with inappropriate tools. Hands-On Banners Discover how and when applying vinyl graphics to banners makes good business sense. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Screen or Digital Which Method to Choose...An Imaging Technology Decision The choices of using digital printing vs. screen printing, learn how to find the sweet-spot for your company to determine the most profitable choice on a job. Printers’ Challenges in Meeting Fire Codes All printed banners, wall coverings, display booth fabrics, table skirts, tents, awnings, carpeting, window treatments, interior furnishing and vinyl-coated fabrics are required to meet flame-retardant standards for homes, offices or other assembly places (Flammable Fabrics Act, 1953). The challenges of meeting these fire standards and codes have increased with the development of new synthetic fibers and the ink applications to these fibers, which create a liability risk for the specialty printer. Choosing the Right Sublimation Transfer Paper This article will provide objectivity for choosing the right sublimation transfer paper, based upon the insight of dye sublimation experts professional collective experience. SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now' When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration. Seaming Vinyl Banners: To Stitch or Not to Stitch? Double-lock stitching increases the durability and improves the appearance of the banner. It is just the most time consuming method. Find out when the time investment is worth the durability payoff. Seaming Vinyl Banners: Calling on the Chemical Weld, RF & Heat Methods Chemical welding is an inexpensive way to seam banners ­ and it’s longer lasting than banner tape. But there’s also something to be said for RF and heat welding processes that last much longer than brush-on solutions. To Airbrush or Not To Airbrush? Butch ‘Superfrog’ Anton shares his views on what tools to use to create airbrushed effects on vinyl. What you discover may surprise you. Do You Speak the Language of Color? The language of color is vast, with deep meanings that speak to the subconscious of consumers. Understanding its meanings can help your sales. Unlocking the Psychology of Signage Successful sign making depends on effective visual communication. Understanding how consumers relate to signage, then, is key to helping your customers unlock the door to greater revenues. Seaming: Not As Hard As It Seems Tired of sending your banners out so some one else can profit from the seaming? Now you don’t have to. Reading, Writing and Profits With The School System Near You You can position your company for profitability by serving the growing market for in-school advertising. Why You Should Invest in True Sign Making Software Everyone always claims that their software is the best. This article has taken a few of the foremost signage specific software products and gives you insight into what makes them worthy to take their seat in your shop. Read on to learn more. What You Need to Know About Pollution Prevention in Your Shop Protecting yourself, your employees and your community are just a few reasons why you want to be sure that your shop is compliant with all of the current safety regulations. One of the most important areas of safety that is often overlooked is the ventilation of your print shop. Sign Design 101: Create Eye-Catching Banners Basic color combinations, font styles, margins and graphics usage in successful banners. Which Sign Making Software Should You Own? Part 2 Looking into ''Bridge'' software. There are many factors to include in your decision such as, your budget, the type of signs you intend to make, the kind of hardware such as cutters and printers that you want to run and of course the difficulty in learning the feature set of the software. Making Banners Profitable It seems that banner signs have really taken off within the past ten years. A lot of people are getting into it and some are even making money. However, others are not doing so well and actually lose money when they accept the jobs. It seems that volume equates to profit and if you can’t produce large quantities, you aren’t going to make any money. Which Signmaking Software Should You Own? Part 1 Deciding which software to purchase for your sign making needs can be a difficult task. We'll outline a few of the softwares out today and help you to decide which one best fits your business. Heritage Graphics and Scaffold Wraps From Manhattan's Times Square to an Argentinan Palace, outdoor graphics has put unsightly construction under wraps with over the top picturesque renderings, art images or patriotic beautification panels High-Volume Outdoor Printers Meet Growing Demand The market for outdoor media is growing exponentially. Find out what eco-solvent options manufacturers are offering today. Simple is Better: Part II This is part two of a three-part series helping you to better help your customer. Simple is Better In the ever-changing world of advertising, one fact remains the same: Simple is better. This holds true for just about every type of business out there; whether they use television, radio, print ads or banners. Most of all, banners. Making it BIG at the XIX Winter Olympiad Nur provided the ticket for shops graphics in Salt Lake City Keys to Long Lasting Banners Producing banners that will stand up against the Florida heat and the Chicago winds Yawning at Awnings The three basic steps to lettering an acrylic awning The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? The Battle of BIG Banners Bigger is better. Big banners can't miss unless they are hung in the woods The Banner Boom Spilling the Beans on Ink What's it made of... Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design 'What you see is what you will get.' Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business Effective Sign Design Benefits Four ways to make your signs more powerful

Business Development A Simple Giant of Our Industry We should all know what this extraordinary man, Carlo LaManna, accomplished in his time spent in our industry. Competing with the Underground with Help from Uncle How can any sign professional or business hope to survive against competition that isn't burdened by licensing requirements or fees, insurance costs or even taxes? Going Lean With Your Sign Company Now more than ever, the sign industry needs to make the most of their resources and refine processes to utilize the utmost in efficiency throughout their company. Read how one company has done just that. Business 2.0: New Rules, Difficult Conversations, 'Market Blur' and Digital Darwinism There are enormous shifts in sales tactics, channel strategies and direct sales models. These changes will reset how our industry looks. Quality, history and reliability will be all the rage in the new market. Accountability will be a critical feature on every smart buyer's list. The Sign Height Fight As profoessionals we care about this subject because of public safety issues. With professional studies that depict locations where short signs are appropriate and others where they are not, it's time to cast aside the opinions and start looking at the facts. Best Practices Standards for On-Premise Signs in the Sign World The United States Sign Council Best Practices Standards for On-Premise Signs has clearly established the benchmark for the determination of optimum exterior sign visibility, legibility, and placement. Answering the Call from Sign Haters Make no mistake about it; there are some people who simply do not like signs - some, in fact, actually hate them. If you have been in the industry for even a relatively short time, we've encountered them - usually, and unfortunately, as part of a local committee to regulate signs. Getting Ahead with Health and Safety Signage People often ask, 'How can I be competitive and even more successful in a recession economy.' The answer is not as easy as it sounds: 'Find a need and fill it.' Vehicle Wrapping Contracts 101 : Wrapping vehicles without a signed contract that spells out what the customer should expect - and shouldn't expect - from your sign shop is a mistake that could cost you. Find out how to avoid liabilities with a solid contract. A New Quick Fix for Small Business Borrowing in 2009 One program earmarks extra funding for loans and technical assistance by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 'microloan' lenders. Recovering with New Tax Breaks for Your Sign & Graphics Business Your business has an opportunity to share in the tax benefits for 2009 and 2010 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Benefits of Advertising in a Down Economy Studies show advertising during a down economy increases customer awareness and produces customer loyalty and a long-term competitive advantage. And Now for Something Completely Different Reflecting on the past to determine new ways to be successful in a challenging economy. Stay Ahead with Accurate Sign Estimating Using Advanced Technologies Submitting the winning bid for sign projects is more challenging today than ever before. Click for some insider perspectives on optimizing your company efficiency with estimating. Risk Management: Survival and Affordability Can your business survive a liability suit or a natural disaster, and is your business covered enough? Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. The Power of Choice! Your thoughts set the pace for you and your co-workers. What contagious attitude are you showing those around you, good or bad? What Today’s Print Buyers Really Want ­ and How You Can Deliver To print buyers (especially new ones), printers are all alike. Ideas, Attitudes & Action Make new ideas and change a fixture of your company’s culture. Set small goals and be relentless in pursuing them. Don't forget that people make it all happen. Good people can achieve great things. Find them, keep them and let the misfits go somewhere else. Full Product Branding with Self-Adhesive Films: What Does It Really Mean? An in-depth analysis of the concept and ways to incorporate it into your business Looking Behind the Accounting Curtain: The Accounting Team and Print MIS in the Big Picture The goal of a print management information system in this global picture is to provide accurate, timely information that can be quickly and easily consolidated and organized. Show and Tell or Engage the Customer? Customer involvement is a pivotal key to successful sales. Read on to see what we're talking about. Burn Your Boat! Your salesforce won't be looking back. Do you allow the negative influences of fear, anxiety, self-doubt and worry to dominate your thinking and sabotage your results? Stop now...read on. Floor Graphics: Walking into Opportunity The floor graphics concept was ahead of its time a few years ago, but if you haven’t gotten into this side of the business yet, there is no time like the present. How to Train Cats and Salespeople Surprisingly, the same training and reward techniques required to get Fluffy to jump through a hoop can also be utilized to motivate your sales team to achieve peak-performance! Project Management Made Easy Through Estimating & Business Management Software The programs continue to evolve and mature, and with this improvement cycle the results are increased productivity, greater control of costs and an improved bottom line. All achieved with greater ease and accuracy than ever before. So how can you afford to not be on this bandwagon? It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Surviving and Profiting from the Economy, Intentionally Regardless of whether an inevitable slow period results from the economy, from competition or from other sources outside the control of the business owner or manager, it is never too late to employ slow period survival strategies in your sign business. The History and Future of the U.S. Sign Industry Here’s a quick perspective on the size of the U.S. sign industry and the impact of wide format inkjet printing in the sign industry today. Customers for Life! - How Relationships and Communication Make Customers Stay Focused On You Companies that fail to implement an effective customer service program actually do a disservice to their customers and unknowingly, leave the backdoor open to their competitors. Adversity Gives You Strength! How can you stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times and a sluggish economy? How do you persevere as a salesperson when times are tough and customers seem to be holding on to every penny in fear of economic uncertainty? How to Build Trust and Rapport Quickly One of the most critically important and yet frequently overlooked aspects of selling is creating a solid foundation of trust and rapport. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2007 As we did last year, SignIndustry.com took a quick pulse of the sign industry to try to get an idea of the state of the industry in this third quarter of 2007. Keeping Signage at the Top of Business Marketing...And Its Revenue. The hard truth is that signage is not considered by most business development experts as marketing and the reason is clear - they are simply unaware of its value. The Same Old, Same Old Spells Disaster: Squeeze the Most Out of Your Advertising Budget Effectively While monitoring this years budget and preparing for next years ad buy, make sure you're really looking at the results in an objective manner. Your budget is never big enough, so make sure you're following a well thought out plan and not just doing what you've always done. Develop Your Plan for a Profitable Year If your sign business activity last year did not create happiness, excitement and massive profits for you and your family, then let’s have a look at how a few simple things can make a difference this year. Sales Management: Recruit Your Way to the Top! While there's no perfect system that can guarantee you'll hire the right person every time, there are fundamental guidelines you must follow if you expect to recruit your way to the top! Good Estimating Affects the Bottom Line Unless your business is to provide the same product, without variation, at the same cost of production, there is no fast, simple answer to the question...'What Does It Cost?' Incoming SGIA Chairman David Van Veldhuizen Speaks on Changes and Challenges The industry is changing, lines between niche markets are becoming transparent, technology is pushing delivery systems to a new level and anybody in the world is only 1.7 seconds away. Using Technology To Its Best To Maximize Your Company's Workflow Do you think you are running your business as efficiently and effectively as possible? See how technology can assist you in keeping a closer track on your bottom line and maximize your profits while reducing the time your organization spends on communicating between departments. Recovery with a Hand from Uncle Sam Few professional risk managers predicted or planned for the battering suffered by Florida-based businesses in 2004. Few businesses in the Gulf region could have predicted or obtained insurance against the tremendous damages produced by Hurricane Katrina, Rita or Wilma. Protect Yourself with Records...no, not the vinyl ones. Records are not an option, at least not if your sign operation hopes to survive and prosper. How, after all, can any professional monitor the progress of his or her sign business? Tax Savings Under the New Energy and Transportation Laws No, neither the price of gasoline nor its impact on your sign business will be reduced under the recently passed energy and transportation bills. But both could have a noticeable impact on the tax bills of every sign business. The Price is Right. Or is it? Estimating Tips That Make Sense The rules are simple and straightforward. To win, you must find an applicable price point that affords you an appropriate profit margin while, at the same time, keeps your competition at arm’s length and keeps your customers happy and satisfied. CRM Part IV: Improving Sales and Customer Loyalty In this, the final in a series of articles revealing how Customer Relationship Management (CRM) can transform your business to a new profitable level, we will address the selling and customer loyalty strategies that you can implement through CRM. Starting a New Sign Business For those who are considering venturing into a new business in the sign industry, we welcome you to the family. The sign profession is one of the oldest in our country. Signs have been a fundamental element in trade, commerce and industry for centuries. Winning Sales Tax Jeopardy: Preparing for a Sales Tax Audit The inevitable has finally happened: your state has decided that you're the next lucky contestant for a sales tax audit. CRM Pt. 3: Turning Prospects to Customers Now is the time to employ CRM to convert your prospects to customers. The conversion process, (taking all of those prospect names in your data base and converting them to paying, loyal customers) is the profitable portion of your CRM program. This is the act of turning information into dollars. A Year-End End to 2004 Tax Savings Among the few certainties in life, as certain as death and taxes, is the fact that there are few moves that any sign professional can make after December 31, that will significantly reduce their tax bill. Fortunately, year-end tax planning can have a significant impact on that April 15 tax bill ­ and many tax bills down the road. CRM Tools for Marketing, Part II Along with providing a means for managing sales and customer information, CRM also enables businesses to market more effectively and efficiently. Options for Retirement and Minimizing Income and Estate Taxes When looking to save for your retirement, there are more options available for a small business owner to take advantage of. Winning and Keeping Customers for Life through CRM- Part I: Marketing Long-term success for your company depends on efficient and effective customer relationship management. Surviving The Sign Business, A Perspective from a Seasoned Veteran You could probably say that in my over 43 years in the sign business that I’ve seen it all. I’ve made more than my share of mistakes, but this is all part of the learning process. I’m not implying that I have all of the answers, but the fact that I’ve lasted this long in the business suggests I’m doing something right. Pick Up The Phone One of the worse things you as a businessperson can do is ignore request for return phone calls. These are missed opportunities and once they are gone, it will be very difficult to get them back. Controlling Costs To Control Profits Every sign business has a best customer. In fact, studies have shown that 80 percent of the income of most businesses usually comes from 20 percent of its customers. But how can any sign professional tell whether that best customer is generating its fair share of bottom-line profits? Is your best customer costing you money? Making the Most of your Marketing Your business keeps you hopping from one priority to the next---every single day. You put out one fire only to find another one starting up while over your shoulder you catch a glimpse of yet another one rekindling. With all of the busy-ness of running your business, who has time to focus on marketing? Your Sign Business is a business. Run it that way! Ah yes, comfort. We all love to feel comfortable. We all tend to seek out comfort, complacency, and at times, we simply just get too sloppy in our business transactions. Keeping Up With New Government Regulations Because of the tragedy of September 11th, 2001, the US government has had to put more laws into place to protect the safety of American citizens. Some of the laws have inconvenienced us and some we never knew existed, but the good news is that they are not all that complicated. Tax Planning After The Temporary Tax Cuts Of 2003 Earlier this year, Congress passed and the President quickly signed into law a $330 billion, 10-year tax cut plan, The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, a law that is already having a significant impact on the tax bills of many sign professionals -- and their business. Slowdown - Downturn - Recession ­ Austerity Programs… And What The Intelligent Sign Company Owner is Going To Do About It! Everywhere you look, the signs of a difficult economic period are obvious. Unemployment is up, business growth is down, sales cycles are longer, and many companies are shutting down altogether. The Temporary Tax Cuts Of 2003 Brush up on the new tax laws that can help you plan for the future of your business. Summer Time is SALES Time Yes summer time is here, and along with the higher temperatures comes many fantastic opportunities for greater and larger sign sales. So, are you ready to get busy? Great! Here are some ways to keep that telephone ringing off the wall all summer long. The Pitfalls of Starting a Sign Business: Part 3 - A Retail Store To the average person a storefront or retail location may appear to be a piece of cake to get up and rolling, but little do they know the amount of stress, aggravation, effort and money that went into it. School-to-Work Programs: An Overlooked Option for Staffing Needs Sociologists are already predicting that tomorrow’s workforce will look considerably different than today’s, thanks mainly to an aging population. Think About What You Are Selling Our real competition is not the sign prices of other sign shops, but in reality our real competition is the effectiveness of signs for the betterment of our client’s business versus the effectiveness of our competitor’s signs. Health Insurance: Fringe Benefit or Dead Weight Although health care costs may continue to rise, there are some steps you can take to offset some of this necessary burden. The Lost Art of Following-Up Visions of grandeur danced in my head back almost twenty-five years ago. I set out to set the sign world on fire. Little did I know that the limited sign skills that I possessed would not take me where I wanted to go. The Pitfalls of Starting a Sign Business: Part II, Home-based The easiest way to get started in the sign business is by creating a home-based sign shop. For one thing, it’s the least expensive way to get started. Most people do not decide one day to quit their job and start a sign business, not that it can’t be done. Where’s the Love? We can all make that initial sale; however, sign clients return again and again when they feel their business was appreciated, and when they feel the love! Money Policies Have you noticed any trends lately in how your clients are reacting to your payment policies? Are some of your prospects and established clients expecting you to design, build and install your sign products without a deposit, or payment in full upon completion? The Pitfalls of Starting a Sign Business, Part I The sign industry is probably one of the most stable businesses to get into. You are not selling widgets, but rather a custom made product that fits the needs of your client. Like any other business, the sign business has its ups and downs and is affected by the economy, weather conditions and location along with many other factors. New Tangible Tax Benefits for Intangibles The U.S. Treasury Department is turning one of the most complex areas of our tax law on its head. Terminating Totally with Limited Liability In this day and age it is becoming more and more difficult to terminate an employee. It is difficult enough firing someone without having to worry if you’ve taken all the necessary steps and kept all the necessary paperwork in the employee’s file. Should I Stay or Should I Go When is it time to call it quits in a business that feels stagnant? This is a question that causes some people complete frustration and never really seems to receive a satisfying answer. It is also a question that comes up for most businesses at least a dozen times within the first three years of business. Tax Planning With A Difference Every sign business owner and manager should recognize the need for -- and the benefits that can be derived from -- tax planning. Benefits of Advertising in Any Economy Studies show advertising during any economy produces customer loyalty and a long-term competitive advantage A Business Valuation for All Occasions How much is your sign business worth? Of all the things asked of sign professionals, placing a value on the sign operation is often the most difficult. Buy or Lease: Benefits Galore Shoud you buy or lease the business premises, that needed equipment or, today, even those extra employees? Those are questions that face every sign professional. S Corporations 2002: Still Flourishing No surprise that the S Corporation remains the most popular form of operating a small business. Stimulating Depreciation Deductions For Your Sign Business Greater flexibility for depreciating your equipment could be to your advantage. APA Smart Growth Plan Just Plain Dumb American Planning Association guidelines could spell trouble for you, your customers, and freedom lovers across the U.S. Yellow Pages Advertising for Sign Shops Get the most cost effective Yellow Pages advertising possible Stimulating The Economy Of Your Sign Business The new law that provides tax incentives to expand and invest in your business Don't Ever Apologize for Your Small Business! Small businesses are the backbone of the economy Caught In An IRS Audit How to avoid being a target for an audit How to Keep Customers Coming Back for 60 Years Important traits from successful people will benefit you. How To Turn Prospects Into Customers For No Cost If you have more business than you will ever be able to handle, then don't read this article. The 7 Deadly Roadblocks to Success Obstacles to overcome to achieve your business and personal goals. Marketing Your Business in Changing Times, Part III In this final segment of a three-part series, we will address the importance of the customer as a marketing tool. Marketing Your Business in Changing Times, Part II In Part II of this three-part series, we will address more marketing techniques and strategies to be used in your business including a distinction between advertising and promotion during these challenging times. Marketing Your Business in Changing Times In this three-part series, we will address marketing techniques and strategies to be used in your business during these challenging times. What Must You Provide for Your Employees? Part III In this third and final article, we will continue to explore the responsibility of the employer concerning rate of pay and special circumstances as well as time keeping for hours worked. What Must You Provide for Your Employees?, Part II This is part two of a three-part series addressing some of the most commonly asked questions concerning provisions you, as a business owner must provide for your employees. What Must You Provide for Your Employees? Part I There are many regulations dealing with running a business. Here is an attempt at simplifying some of the regulations regarding provisions for employees Designing Successful Incentive Plans Performance-driven incentive plans is your answer to assuring your company's goals while motivating employees ''Hey, You Got My Money?'' The last thing you need added to your business struggles are late or non-paying customers. Learn how to get your money What to Do When You Lose a Customer It hurts to lose a customer, but here is hope and help in getting them back. The Proper Way to Reengineer Your Workforce In the unfortunate event that you must layoff some of your workforce, be prepared to do it the right way. Remember To Incorporate Customer Relationship Management Part of running a successful business is knowing your customers and their knowing you. Effective Sign Design Benefits Four ways to make your signs more powerful It’s Ten O’clock, Do You Know Where Your Business Is? It sometimes seems that your business is like your child. Learn some tips on raising it. The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Who Will Run Your Company? Who will be your next CEO? Leadership and Change The speed of business evolution is constantly changing. What Is An Independent Contractor? Part III Workers Compensation What Is An Independent Contractor? Part II Risks of Hiring Independent Contractors What Is An Independent Contractor? Part I Probably the most basic question in the employment context is whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The Dollars and Sense of Digital Cameras Using a digital camera to save time and money Quiet desperation Financing your sign business, one persons view from the bottom. How Can You Make Them Move If They Don’t Know What You Want? Communicating Your Company’s Goals and Values Formula For Success People Management Effective Customer Interaction 'Dealing with Difficult Customers' OSHA Standards Will You Be Ready For OSHA? Training: The Neglected Business Tool The Timely Collection of Accounts Receivable: Part II (Inquiry and Appeal) The slow or delinquent payment by 30-to-40% of a sign shop’s customers can create problems. The Timely Collection of Accounts Receivable: Part III (Urgency and Ultimatum) Believe it or not, occasionally the Notification, the Reminder, the Inquiry and the Appeal Stages of the standard collection series do not motivate sign customers to pay. The Timely Collection of Accounts Receivable: Part I An owner of a successful sign shop recently identified his three main challenges in the business Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business Writing a Marketing Strategy: Four Easy Steps Talk to the “Ivory Tower experts” about marketing, and they will tell you that marketing management basically consists of a series of complex, interrelated analytical processes and strategies

CNC Routing It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Laser Engraving Part IV: Using your System as a Cutting Tool The same laser engraving system that engraves on many products and materials may also serve as a very powerful and versatile cutting too as well. Read on to get some ideas. Discover the Rewards of Owning A CNC Router See the options available and avenues where sign makers can use CNC routers to get into the commercial signage business and channel letter fabrication. CNC routers provide a broad capability to enter into multiple markets. Lasers: Ready to Buy-What you Really Need to Know For those new to laser technology, buying laser equipment can be an intimidating experience. The word laser often conjures images of danger, mystery, impossible learning curves, and high price tags. However, with the user-friendly, increasingly affordable laser engraving equipment of today, nothing could be further from the truth. Laser Engraving Part 3: The Possibilities The word, 'versatility' is often used to describe today’s laser engraving and cutting equipment: for good reason. Not only can you use the same system to cut out parts and engrave them, the material and product choices are seemingly endless as are the markets in which people use lasers. Next-Gen CNC's CNC routers are getting higher-tech at lower-costs. Find out what bells and whistles the latest models have to offer. Ask the Expert: CNC Router Veteran Shares Practical Knowledge Do you have questions about CNC machining? Get inside the head of router expert Jay Higgins in this one-on-one interview. Signs From The Spirit World Everyone loves an 'Olde Worlde' pub with its oak beams, horse brasses and roaring log fires. Nevertheless, no matter how old the pub itself, the name on the sign outside is probably the most historic thing about the place. Back to School: Sign Makers Seek CNC Router Education Are you ready for prime time? Learn about educational programs that teach you the ins and outs of computerized routers. Software Trend Adds Oomph to Routed Signs Bored with two-dimensional computerized machining? Add a little life to your signs with three-dimensional auto-sculpting software. Expand Your Business With CNC Routers Take a look at your options in the CNC router market and decide if the potential rewards are worth the financial investment. Gold Leafing From A to Z The ancient art of gold leafing has not changed much since Egyptian times. Learn some time-tested hand guilding secrets from the pros. Making the New Look Old The details of a challenging, yet fun sign project. Laser Engraving: The Possibilities Today’s laser engraving and cutting equipment provide versatility for whether you are thinking of diversifying or simply expanding. Laser Engraving: The Basics Part Two If you've put off diversifying your shop by venturing into laser engraving because of equipment costs, this should relieve some of your worries. Laser Engraving: The Basics Find out how this technology can assist you in your business. Winning Sales Tax Jeopardy Are you prepared for the sales tax audit? The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business

Computer Technology Maximize Print Accuracy with G7 In the printing industry, the most prolific drain on profitability is process color print inaccuracy. In this article, I will share with you some important principles that have helped hundreds of printers maximize print accuracy and add thousands of dollars to their bottom lines. Getting Back to Basics: A Guide to Color Management Signmakers can take a proactive stance in ensuring business success by going back to basics, including re-assessing their processes and making the most of their existing printing equipment. Computer to Screen (CTS) Today Are you waiting for film to disappear before you change? Inkjet CTS systems have a very low-cost consumable, and it isn’t going away for a long time. Does Your Vinyl Printing Flow Where You Want It To Go? Digital print shops that print onto vinyl could find a competitive advantage with software that streamlines the printing processes and sidesteps common challenges. Project Management Made Easy Through Estimating & Business Management Software The programs continue to evolve and mature, and with this improvement cycle the results are increased productivity, greater control of costs and an improved bottom line. All achieved with greater ease and accuracy than ever before. So how can you afford to not be on this bandwagon? It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Rendering Intents: The How and Why Rendering intents, another key component of a Color Management System, are ways of dealing with colors that are out-of-gamut ­ colors present in the source space that our destination space or output device is incapable of producing. We'll aim to help you wrap you thoughts around this theory. The Venerable Vector Graphic - Supreme Sublimation With the power of vectors behind you, you can make everything from coasters to billboards. Using the powerful vector format in your arsenal will scale up your workflow to any size you want. SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now' When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration. Monitor Calibration One of the most important aspects of color management is monitor calibration. If the color isn't right on the monitor, coming up with accurate digital output is almost impossible. ONYX Delivers a RIP in Many Sizes to Fit Your Shops Needs With the maylay of printers pouring into the marketplace there is always the need to have the right RIP for the right workflow for a shop. We've overviewed the product offerings from ONYX to help you see the benefits available for your shop. RIPs: The Meaning Behind the Puzzle of Digital Graphic Output Raster Image Processors are used by most large format graphic shops, but this article will help you to understand what they do and why you need this vital piece to complete your puzzle. Converting Raster Images to Vector Images Can Be A Challenge, But It Doesn't Have To Be. Finding the Right Tracing Software to Get the Job Done Mainstreaming Digital Electronic Signage With Metric Optimization Software Trying to determine when ads are at their most effective point is the golden ring many have been searching for in the advertising through digital electronic signage. More Choices: Looking at the New Faces of Digital Display Technology In this Part I of a series that examines the newest technology available for digital signage, as well as the improvements made to existing technologies, we will explore some of the general, cutting edge advances made in this segment of our industry. CRM Part IV: Improving Sales and Customer Loyalty In this, the final in a series of articles revealing how Customer Relationship Management (CRM) can transform your business to a new profitable level, we will address the selling and customer loyalty strategies that you can implement through CRM. Why You Should Invest in True Sign Making Software Everyone always claims that their software is the best. This article has taken a few of the foremost signage specific software products and gives you insight into what makes them worthy to take their seat in your shop. Read on to learn more. Training Your Signshop To Use New Equipment & Software To produce eye-catching, quality prints and signs, printing machines and software require skilled operators. One way operators acquire their skill is through training. Delve inside to catch the scoop on the different options available to take advantage of all the features of your equipment and software. CRM Pt. 3: Turning Prospects to Customers Now is the time to employ CRM to convert your prospects to customers. The conversion process, (taking all of those prospect names in your data base and converting them to paying, loyal customers) is the profitable portion of your CRM program. This is the act of turning information into dollars. Sign Designers Benefit from Stock Photography Photos increase a readers interest in viewing what you or your client is promoting in your signage or ads, and therefore increase the likelihood the information will get read. Raster Images versus Vector Images All electronic art images are divided into one of two core types, raster images (also know as 'bitmaps') and vector images. In a nutshell raster images are composed of connected dots and vectors are images composed of connected lines. CRM Tools for Marketing, Part II Along with providing a means for managing sales and customer information, CRM also enables businesses to market more effectively and efficiently. Profiling Your Scanner and Digital Camera In previous articles we discussed profiling monitors and printers, how standard working spaces connect the two, and how to proof one device or process on another. Our objective is to match the original file on-screen and on the printer, or in the case of a proof, to match the device on which it will be printed. Winning and Keeping Customers for Life through CRM- Part I: Marketing Long-term success for your company depends on efficient and effective customer relationship management. Color Management for Proofing Looking into profiling for proofing, meaning you want your large-format inkjet printer to look like another printer or printing process, such as an offset press or a production printer. Printer Profiling- Matching What You See To What You Get In this part of the series we look at how to profile your printer, so that output you print will match what you saw on the screen. Standard Color Working Spaces A standard working space is a place to store color data until you know what you want to do with it. For example, you might want to display, print, or proof a file. COLOR MANAGEMENT: The Color Gamut, Gamut Mapping and Gamut Clipping and Your Rendering Intents By understanding the relationships of color theory and the physical limits of your printers you can better apply color managment to achieve the desired results. Sign Pricing Series - Commercial Screen Print Pricing Like their digital brethren, commercial screen printers typically use two fundamental approaches to pricing depending on their size. The two methods are pricing tables and time-and-materials. Color Management for a Monitor-to-Print Match Advancements in color measurement instruments and color management software have made it possible for nearly everyone to afford at least a monitor calibration system, so monitor-to-print match today is the rule rather than the exception. Covering Your Back...Ups In the digital graphics age, one of the easiest things to neglect in our busy day is the critical backup of all the client files and databases we use to remain gamefully in business. Are you backing up your companies data & graphics? PDF Workflow 101: Convert Your Digital Workflow to PDF Smooth out the headaches involved in getting files from your clients by using the versatile PDF (Portable Document Format) in your businesses workflow. Sign Pricing Series - Digital Print Pricing In the last article, I touched on the elements of pricing. Chiefly, pricing will vary based on competition, industry practice, and the skill vs. cost of accuracy in pricing. With digital printing, these basic concepts hold true. Scan 101: Appropriate Scan Resolutions and Color Settings for Your Inkjet Printer Resolution can be a confusing concept in the scanning & output world, but here are some facts to help you better understand and not get caught up in the myths. Sign Pricing Series - Pricing Approaches and Accuracy This series on pricing and estimating will address the most common pricing approaches for different segments of the sign and graphics industry. Which Sign Making Software Should You Own? Part 2 Looking into ''Bridge'' software. There are many factors to include in your decision such as, your budget, the type of signs you intend to make, the kind of hardware such as cutters and printers that you want to run and of course the difficulty in learning the feature set of the software. COLOR MANAGEMENT: Basic Color Theory One of the most fundamental and misunderstood facets of printing is basic color theory. Learn the foundation or polish up your knowledge on how color works. Which Signmaking Software Should You Own? Part 1 Deciding which software to purchase for your sign making needs can be a difficult task. We'll outline a few of the softwares out today and help you to decide which one best fits your business. The Art of Laminating: Tips to cold laminating ­ Part II We have discussed loading the laminates in part one. Now comes the nerve-racking part where you have to laminate a print in hopes that everything will go smoothly. In other words, no air bubbles and no wrinkles or else it’s back to the printing stage. Ask the Expert: CNC Router Veteran Shares Practical Knowledge Do you have questions about CNC machining? Get inside the head of router expert Jay Higgins in this one-on-one interview. Monitor Calibration One of the most important aspects of color management is monitor calibration. If the color isn't right on the monitor, coming up with accurate digital output is almost impossible. Scratching The Surface Part 3 Digital printing and the advantages of using a network with RIPs and your digital printers Scratching the surface Part II The network and vinyl cutting Scratching The Surface Part 1 - Streamlining The Shop Remember when you where a kid and your mother told you to share your toys! In business it’s not that much different and the best solution is through a network. Pantone Color Matching Basics It is the sign maker’s responsibility to provide color consistency across various media. Digital Imaging Made Easy It used to be that digital imaging was not for the faint of heart. Today, everyone is doing it! A quick guide for choosing your first digital camera The ABC's of buying a digital camera Digital Dynamic Signage Dares Retailers to Take the Plunge Understanding how to incorporate new technologies into your designs could help your business stay on the cutting edge and win new clients. Digital Cameras and Scanners - Choosing What You Need To get your customer's image or photograph from their format to yours can be a taunting task. Learn what tools are available to get the job done. Sick About Viruses Preventative medicine to avoid the next bug Scanner / Monitor Calibration 101 Easy and inexpensive ways to calibrate your scanner Understanding & Choosing a Scanner, Part I Picking the right scanner for your business A Trusted Giant in Sign Technology: Gerber Scientific Products Since 1980, Gerber Scientific Products has continued—from their base in Manchester, Connecticut—to set the standards in automated sign making and screen printing. Winning Sales Tax Jeopardy Are you prepared for the sales tax audit? The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? The Dollars and Sense of Digital Cameras Using a digital camera to save time and money Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design 'What you see is what you will get.' Routing for Dollars Volume means profit Photography and Signs: An Efficient Tradition Take a good picture to begin with will save you time in the long run Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business It Keeps Plotting...and Plotting When time for a new plotter, here's what you need to consider Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Cutting Stone with Water and Light Lasers and waterjets open up whole new worlds of stone-cutting to the creative sign builder

Digital Imaging New Realties in the Wide-Format Graphics Market Companies that stay tuned to the latest available technologies will be best positioned to meet the increasingly demanding market requirements. Maximize Print Accuracy with G7 In the printing industry, the most prolific drain on profitability is process color print inaccuracy. In this article, I will share with you some important principles that have helped hundreds of printers maximize print accuracy and add thousands of dollars to their bottom lines. A Fresh Look at PSA Media: Tips to Streamline Your Signshop As advances in inkjet technologies continue to move forward, so does the availability of new printers, media and inks. Stay on ahead of the curve by keeping in touch with the new products. Positioning Graphics for Successful Installation Excerpt from PDAA Vinyl Installation Proficiency Guide What is Lenticular Imaging and Why Should You Know About It? Lenticular imaging technology of today has morphed an old print technology into new stratospheres and consequently breathing new life and profit potential for printers and marketers alike. Going Lean With Your Sign Company Now more than ever, the sign industry needs to make the most of their resources and refine processes to utilize the utmost in efficiency throughout their company. Read how one company has done just that. Stop Your Printer: How Well Are You Matching Print Quality to Your Client's Application or Needs? If you don't match the print resolution and quality to the needs and expectations of your client, you may just be rushing yourself out of business. So stop and review how you're approaching this problem in the digital printing industry. Common Techniques and Tips for Producing POP By learning about the changes in the industry, signmakers can capitalize on new media and applications for it to create eye-catching indoor POP displays and graphics. Avoiding the Pitfalls of Going Digital There's a lot of misinformation out there and I will be taking you through the most common issues that I have encountered, and the products that I feel you should have in order to make the best graphics in the most efficient way possible. Factors Impacting Vinyl Removal, Part I Learning what vinyl film is, the impact that the environment and the surface finish has on vinyl are all factors that will help you deal with the ultimate need to remove vinyl graphics. Show Review: The 2009 ISA International Sign Expo - See what you missed! What was the best booth location at the ISA Sign Expo 2009? What was worth talking about at this show? SignIndustry.com was there and has the scoop! Know Your Tools: Finishing with Efficiency From year to year, many companies change the products they make, or begin producing new product lines in niche areas that require new and different finishing methods. In some shops, the steps taken to finish products are done with inappropriate tools. Making the Most of Application Fluids Using application fluids isn’t rocket science, but it’s not child’s play, either. Discover what you need to know to make the most of application fluids. Light Boxes for Retail Display - Saving Dollars with New Technology Are all retail light boxes created equal? New developments in retail light box technology and demands for more sophisticated and energy efficient merchandising and display products may be signaling the demise of standard light box technology. Getting Back to Basics: A Guide to Color Management Signmakers can take a proactive stance in ensuring business success by going back to basics, including re-assessing their processes and making the most of their existing printing equipment. And Now for Something Completely Different Reflecting on the past to determine new ways to be successful in a challenging economy. A Primer on UV-Curable Inkjet Inks Since 2006, there has been a incredible rush toward the use of UV-curable inks in most of the printing markets. This increase has been driven by new developments in ink technology and demand from printer manufacturers and end users. Variable-Dot Printing: Why Dots-Per-Inch is No Longer the Only Measure of Inkjet Print Quality The correlation of higher quality to higher dpi is certainly defensible, assuming one thing: The dots are all the same size. Recent developments in inkjet technology have turned this standard on its side. Stay Ahead with Accurate Sign Estimating Using Advanced Technologies Submitting the winning bid for sign projects is more challenging today than ever before. Click for some insider perspectives on optimizing your company efficiency with estimating. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. What Today’s Print Buyers Really Want ­ and How You Can Deliver To print buyers (especially new ones), printers are all alike. Full Product Branding with Self-Adhesive Films: What Does It Really Mean? An in-depth analysis of the concept and ways to incorporate it into your business Looking Behind the Accounting Curtain: The Accounting Team and Print MIS in the Big Picture The goal of a print management information system in this global picture is to provide accurate, timely information that can be quickly and easily consolidated and organized. Full Product Branding with Self-Adhesive Films: What Does It Really Mean? An in-depth analysis of the concept and ways to incorporate it into your business Applying Floor Graphics: Beyond Pick ‘Em and Stick ‘Em Different types of floors often demand different approaches to applying the floor graphic ­ if you want it to stick. Get the inside scoop. Getting Inkjet Ink and Print Heads to Work Together Inkjet print systems fail primarily because of the fluids used in them. Read on to find out if it's all a hoax or if putting high-test in is all it's cracked up to be. Preparing Floors for Floor Graphics Learn how to how to laminate the graphic, how to place it, how to prep the surface, and how to install the graphic so it will stay put and do its job. Floor Graphics: Walking into Opportunity The floor graphics concept was ahead of its time a few years ago, but if you haven’t gotten into this side of the business yet, there is no time like the present. Does Your Vinyl Printing Flow Where You Want It To Go? Digital print shops that print onto vinyl could find a competitive advantage with software that streamlines the printing processes and sidesteps common challenges. Project Management Made Easy Through Estimating & Business Management Software The programs continue to evolve and mature, and with this improvement cycle the results are increased productivity, greater control of costs and an improved bottom line. All achieved with greater ease and accuracy than ever before. So how can you afford to not be on this bandwagon? It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Surviving and Profiting from the Economy, Intentionally Regardless of whether an inevitable slow period results from the economy, from competition or from other sources outside the control of the business owner or manager, it is never too late to employ slow period survival strategies in your sign business. Solvent Printers and Air Quality Control For years, it has been accepted the smelly operating conditions are par for the course and normal in shops with solvent printers, but we have come to a turning point where these fumes and odors are more than just a nuisance. They pose real health concerns. Choosing the Best Ink to Print on Vinyl Some digital print shops stick to the ink their printer manufacturer offers. But that might not always be the best choice for your vinyl print job. Your overarching goal is to match your ink to your media. Find out what you need to know. Smaller World — The Implications of GHS and REACH Both were developed in the international arena and both have already influenced chemical policy well beyond their original borders. Today and Tomorrow: Considering Digital Imaging an SGIA Interview In recognition of the SGIA Journal's 10th anniversary in 2007, we take a look forward and backward, evaluating how our industry has changed and how we expect it will change by the time the Journal celebrates its twentieth anniversary. The History and Future of the U.S. Sign Industry Here’s a quick perspective on the size of the U.S. sign industry and the impact of wide format inkjet printing in the sign industry today. Panel Saw, Table Saw, Mat Cutter or Combo Machine, which is Right for your Shop? One way for sign shops to increase their efficiency is to have the right tool for cutting sheet goods to size. There are a few basic considerations that every sign shop must address when purchasing a cutting machine: space restraints, ease of use, capability, safety, cost and dust. Should You Buy Ink in Bulk? Discover the pros and cons of buying ink in large quantities. Third-Party Ink Could Leave You Crying It’s your printer and you can use third-party ink if you want to, but like the old song, it may leave you crying over your banner. It’s All About the Digital File at SGIA ’07- From Wrapping Gators to Mermaids Whether you’re cutting rubylith, fluted-plastic or vinyl; printing on rigid sheet, t-shirts, tile or fabric; or getting a message across through embroidery, it all comes down to the digital file. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2007 As we did last year, SignIndustry.com took a quick pulse of the sign industry to try to get an idea of the state of the industry in this third quarter of 2007. Want to Become a Lenticular Printer? ­ Just do it! For both sign makers and wide format printers, lenticular can be a valuable differentiator, an additional value-added service and best of all, a profit generator. The Rundown on Calendered Vinyl Films Calendered vinyl films were once thought of as an inferior economical choice, but some calendered vinyl film manufacturers have come a long way in terms of product quality and breadth, by offering conformability, durability and that image pop that is required for the application. Screen or Digital Which Method to Choose...An Imaging Technology Decision The choices of using digital printing vs. screen printing, learn how to find the sweet-spot for your company to determine the most profitable choice on a job. 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey for Flatbed Inkjet, Wide Format Injet & Grand-Format Inkjet The results of SGIA’s recent 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey demonstrate an interesting reality in our industry, and show a healthy difference between what imaging companies want (equipment-wise), and what they ultimately buy. Through the magic of trending data, let’s take a look. What You Need to Know About Varnish in the Digital Printing Arena There’s more than one way to varnish. And there’s more than one way to make a mess with varnish, too. The good news is, if you use the right printer and the right materials, varnishing can add profits to your bottom line. When Ink Is Not the Problem with Digital Printing, Part II Beyond dust and dirt, several factors impact the ink’s ability to stick to the substrate. The carrier ­ aqueous-based or solvent-based ­ is another key factor in the final outcome. Then there’s calibration. Reporting on RIPs- Raster Image Processors...What They Are and How They’re Doing Every sign shop that depends on excellence from its printer is probably using a RIP. If you ever wanted to know the rap on RIPs, but were afraid to ask, read on to learn from the experience of your peers in the industry. When Ink Is Not the Problem with Digital Printing, Part I Variables like surface tension, media expansion and ink absorption take on new dimensions on larger substrates. If the paper doesn’t advance, it could cause blobs of ink or other ugly outcomes. If the media stretches even a little, you could get blurs. Tiling can become a challenge on larger prints. Read on to discover what to do when ink is not the problem. Rendering Intents: The How and Why Rendering intents, another key component of a Color Management System, are ways of dealing with colors that are out-of-gamut ­ colors present in the source space that our destination space or output device is incapable of producing. We'll aim to help you wrap you thoughts around this theory. Printers’ Challenges in Meeting Fire Codes All printed banners, wall coverings, display booth fabrics, table skirts, tents, awnings, carpeting, window treatments, interior furnishing and vinyl-coated fabrics are required to meet flame-retardant standards for homes, offices or other assembly places (Flammable Fabrics Act, 1953). The challenges of meeting these fire standards and codes have increased with the development of new synthetic fibers and the ink applications to these fibers, which create a liability risk for the specialty printer. Complex Wraps Demand Advanced Techniques, Part I Not all vehicle wraps are created equal ­ some are far more complex than others. Discover what you need to know to tackle even the most complex wraps with confidence. Navigating To Complete Color Workflow Management The explosion of digital imaging and printing in the sign industry has left many in the business in something of a conundrum. Here's this wonderful new machine on the floor that did such incredible things at the tradeshow, but how do you make it do them, do them consistently, and do them profitably? Lenticular and 3D Commercial Sign Applications Studies have shown that 3D increases the stopping power of advertisements by as much as five times and increases the staying power by four times in relation to 2D ads. The Venerable Vector Graphic - Supreme Sublimation With the power of vectors behind you, you can make everything from coasters to billboards. Using the powerful vector format in your arsenal will scale up your workflow to any size you want. Choosing the Right Sublimation Transfer Paper This article will provide objectivity for choosing the right sublimation transfer paper, based upon the insight of dye sublimation experts professional collective experience. Spot On - The State of Spot Colors in Inkjet Technology The sign industry has been discussing spot colors for inkjet printers for over a decade. Are we getting any closer to quick-and-easy action? Upcoming Developments in Industrial Inkjet for Display Graphics The wide-format graphics industry has been transformed through the emergence over the past dozen years of digital inkjet printing technology. Extreme Makeover: Business Signage Edition Fastsigns International, Inc. chose 4 different businesses to receive a signage makeover. The four businesses chosen for the makeovers pondered many of the same things when they learned that they were selected for this free signage makeover. Would it draw in new customers? Would it boost sales? Would anyone even notice? The results speak for themselves. Submarine Surfaces in Underground Exhibit Hall - Signage Tells the Tale It was a sailor's nightmare during WW II. Leaning against the ship's rail, binoculars scanning the cold, Atlantic waters, a foaming white wake streaks through the waves and heads broadside for a direct strike against the Liberty ship. The State of UV Inkjet Inks…the momentum is building The advantage of 'curing' is simple: It allows ink to adhere to a broader range of substrates as compared to other digital printing technologies. On the other hand, there is a bit of a misconception that UV cured ink will stick to just about everything. Get a balanced view of UV curable pros and cons. The Fine Art of Inks Large format printers with special inks are producing top quality prints that sell in museums for tens of thousands of dollars. Find out what you need to know to take your cut by producing these fine art prints. More Than Art for Art’s Sake There is a fine line between signage and art and sometimes there is no line at all. Art becomes the sign and the sign becomes art. To some, even a traffic sign is seen as art. SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now' When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration. About White Ink In Black and White Could white ink allow you to expand into new markets? Imagine the possibilities of expanding your services to include printing on leather, cardboard, wood, stone or some other non-traditional material. Expanding Your Ink Horizons Printers today can accommodate up to 16-color inksets. But would that really benefit your shop? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of expanding your ink horizons. The Ever-Changing World of Ink for Digital Printing Ink development will continue to parallel the evolution of large format printing technology and end-user application requirements. Will UV ink become the industry standard? Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2006 SignIndustry.com went looking at a handful of companies from various areas of the country as well as different segments of our industry to put our finger on the pulse and determine the state of the industry and where we are heading. Ink, Glorious Ink You have two choices: buy cheap ink and yield cheap signs, or buy quality ink and yield quality signs. Find out why ink makes such a dramatic difference in large-format printing. RIPs: The Meaning Behind the Puzzle of Digital Graphic Output Raster Image Processors are used by most large format graphic shops, but this article will help you to understand what they do and why you need this vital piece to complete your puzzle. Converting Raster Images to Vector Images Can Be A Challenge, But It Doesn't Have To Be. Finding the Right Tracing Software to Get the Job Done How Did The Graphics Market Get Where It Is Today? Understanding the Graphics Market's Development: Part Two in a Series of Three Wrapping Vegas The basic elements are the same with wraps of all sizes, but large mass transit wraps offer some additional challenges that offer valuable lessons from graphics installers of all shapes and sizes. 100 Years and Counting: N. Glantz & Son Still Going Strong Most people don't like to celebrate the annual aging ritual of birthdays beyond the late teens. But it's truly a sign that you're doing something right when your business is having its 100th year celebration. Wrap It Up: Vehicle Wraps See New Developments Through Digital Almost anything can be wrapped, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, boats, trailers, railroad cars and even buildings. Learn the critical steps to planning, creating and installing a successful wrap. Or else you'll wish you did. UV Ink in the Wide-Format Market: Should Wide-Format Printers Take the Cure? A whole new world of applications is opening in the rigid-substrate sector by printers that are willing to invest in and push the technology and their businesses forward. Incoming SGIA Chairman David Van Veldhuizen Speaks on Changes and Challenges The industry is changing, lines between niche markets are becoming transparent, technology is pushing delivery systems to a new level and anybody in the world is only 1.7 seconds away. Trying to Make Sense of the Graphics Market Mess Understanding your business and how it fits into the evolving U.S. graphics industry may well be vital in your survivial in the changing marketplace involving screen printing, wide-format imaging and your sign shop. Part 1 of a 3 part series. Critical Questions to Consider When Looking at a Flatbed Purchase The purpose of this article is to provide the imaging professional with a list of critical questions to ask when shopping for a flatbed inkjet printer. By understanding these questions, then seeking answers to them, those printers looking to install flatbed inkjet units in their facilities will be able to make better purchasing decisions. Apparel Decorating Trends & Techniques for Digital and Sublimation Transfers Recent trends of a flat decorated garment market have created a small group of nimble companies that have strategically positioned themselves to introduce the world to the short and micro runs of customized apparel. Unlocking the Psychology of Signage Successful sign making depends on effective visual communication. Understanding how consumers relate to signage, then, is key to helping your customers unlock the door to greater revenues. Imaged Fabric Adds a Touch of Class to Hum Drum Displays Fabric is findings its place in the trade show arena and beyond. Discover how this flexible, portable material fits into your business plan. Learning the Language of Light for Trade Show Signage Get some tips and tricks for communicating with the language of light so you can offer value-added advice to your customers. Outdoor Eco or Low-Solvent Printing Market 2005 Manufacturers are beginning to introduce entry-level outdoor eco-solvent printers. Are you ready to take the plunge? Rent, Lease or Finance Your Sign Equipment Find the right answer to the question of whether your sign business should rent, lease or own the equipment used in your operations. Few sign professionals are able to accept the fact that there is no one right answer that fits everyone or every situtation. Wide Format Graphics Market -Hardware, Media & Ink Revenues Growing 7% CAGR The wide format graphics market generated total manufacturer revenues (at the retail level) of $7.3 billion in 2004 and is expected to generate manufacturer revenues of $10.1 billion in 2009, a CAGR of 7%. Training Your Signshop To Use New Equipment & Software To produce eye-catching, quality prints and signs, printing machines and software require skilled operators. One way operators acquire their skill is through training. Delve inside to catch the scoop on the different options available to take advantage of all the features of your equipment and software. Digital Fabric Printing Offers Something No Sign Shop Can Afford To Ignore: Profitability Have you explored the world of digital fabric printing? If not, then you could be missing out on one of the hottest trends in the sign industry today. SGIA ’04 Recap: The Microcosm Meets the Macrocosm The digital revolution. UV. The marriage of digital and screen. Multiple technologies. The buzz of energized attendees joined the hum of equipment at SGIA ’04 (Minneapolis, October 6­9), where more than 11,000 people represented 73 countries and every US state. The Successful Integration of Digital Imaging Technology, Part II In Part I of this two-part series, we discussed equipment options, inks and media choices. In this second part, we will address how to make digital imaging work for you including supplies, color management, marketing and strategies. The Successful Integration of Digital Imaging Technology, Part I Integrating digital imaging technology into your existing facility may represent a step into the unknown. Like a classical music enthusiast first discovering jazz, the company adopting digital is introduced to a fascinating new world that is puzzlingly different, yet strangely familiar. The equipment looks different, the buzzwords are different, but the final goal is the same: to produce and sell high-quality printed materials to paying customers. Winning and Keeping Customers for Life through CRM- Part I: Marketing Long-term success for your company depends on efficient and effective customer relationship management. Color Management for Proofing Looking into profiling for proofing, meaning you want your large-format inkjet printer to look like another printer or printing process, such as an offset press or a production printer. Take It Outside...Current Trends in Out-of-Home Signage, Part 2 One area of importance that is often overlooked by the sign professional is the area of street furniture. Printer Profiling- Matching What You See To What You Get In this part of the series we look at how to profile your printer, so that output you print will match what you saw on the screen. Standard Color Working Spaces A standard working space is a place to store color data until you know what you want to do with it. For example, you might want to display, print, or proof a file. COLOR MANAGEMENT: The Color Gamut, Gamut Mapping and Gamut Clipping and Your Rendering Intents By understanding the relationships of color theory and the physical limits of your printers you can better apply color managment to achieve the desired results. Color Management for a Monitor-to-Print Match Advancements in color measurement instruments and color management software have made it possible for nearly everyone to afford at least a monitor calibration system, so monitor-to-print match today is the rule rather than the exception. Eco Solvent Printers Poised to Shake Up PFP Market PDF Workflow 101: Convert Your Digital Workflow to PDF Smooth out the headaches involved in getting files from your clients by using the versatile PDF (Portable Document Format) in your businesses workflow. Sign Pricing Series - Digital Print Pricing In the last article, I touched on the elements of pricing. Chiefly, pricing will vary based on competition, industry practice, and the skill vs. cost of accuracy in pricing. With digital printing, these basic concepts hold true. So You Want To Be a Vinyl Pro Before you can claim professional installer status, you have to learn the basics to avoid common mistakes. Discover some fundamentals tips that will serve you well for many years. Scan 101 ­ Appropriate Scan Resolutions and Color Settings for Your Inkjet Printer Resolution can be a confusing concept in the scanning & output world, but here are some facts to help you better understand and not get caught up in the myths. Sign Pricing Series - Pricing Approaches and Accuracy This series on pricing and estimating will address the most common pricing approaches for different segments of the sign and graphics industry. Practical Print & Cut Solutions Taking a look back into the history of the sign industry and its progression into the future is, or has been quite interesting. It wasn’t that many years ago that the “Sign Painter” was the person to get the job done, an artist in their own rights, and you knew that it would have longevity. Creating Magnet-Receptive Graphics In this day and age, a little diversification of your business can go a long way. Digital Signage: Retail Electronic Signage is the New Poster Boy of Advertising The domain of electronic signage has been part of sign design for several years and is just beginning to emerge as its own market niche for retail advertising. UV-Curable Technology, Part III: Exploring the World of UV Printers UV printer technology is the latest trend in the industry. Find out what the major players have to offer. UV-Curable Technology, Part II: Benefits of Ultraviolet Curable Inks Ultraviolet curable inks are promising to change the face of digital printing. Are you ready for the revolution? UV-Curable Technology, Part I: The Ultraviolet Media Debate Is dedicated UV media necessary? Or will any old vinyl do the trick? Avery and 3M have differing opinions. Benefits of Vehicle Wrapping Need some help selling vehicle wraps? Trade groups, sign shops and market researchers have ammunition to help you seal the deal. Installing Vehicle Wraps Like the Pros (Final part of a three-part series) Installing vehicle wraps takes knowledge and experience. Experts share some insights on getting the job done right. 8-Color Printing: What’s Hype and What’s Real? As wide format digital production printing evolves, new technologies and paradigms are constantly being added to the continuous flow of new products. Vehicle Wrapping, Part II: Design and Preparation A haphazard approach to designing for wraps and preparing the vehicle for application will result in disaster. Find out how the pros work. Venturing into Vehicle Wrapping If you’ve been considering adding vehicle wrapping to your repartee, then you won’t want to miss part one in this three part series on vehicle wrapping. The Art of Laminating: Tips to cold laminating ­ Part II We have discussed loading the laminates in part one. Now comes the nerve-racking part where you have to laminate a print in hopes that everything will go smoothly. In other words, no air bubbles and no wrinkles or else it’s back to the printing stage. The Art of Laminating- Tips to cold laminating - Part I Laminating is a learn-as-you-go process, where a few pointers can help ease the pain of the learning curve. The Art of Laminating Part 3 - Making the investment Before you make the investment, you have to consider both your present needs and your future needs. The purchase of a laminator is similar to that of purchasing a car. A lot of decisions need to be made as to what bells and whistles come with the various models. The Art of Laminating Part 2 - Understanding your materials This is part two of a three-part series on Laminating. The Art of Laminating Part 1 - The Basics of Lamination Scratching The Surface Part 3 Digital printing and the advantages of using a network with RIPs and your digital printers Keys to Long Lasting Banners Producing banners that will stand up against the Florida heat and the Chicago winds International SignExpo 2002 Show Recap Technology sailed onto the show floor from all four corners of the earth. Choosing The Right Digital Printer For Your Shop Know the right questions to ask to determine which printer is right for your business. Pantone Color Matching Basics It is the sign maker’s responsibility to provide color consistency across various media. Understanding Bit Depth Unscrambling the concept of bit depth Are You Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck? Multiple message displays increase your ad space and captivate Should I Have an Ink Jet System in My Shop? A few things to consider before you decide to purchase an Inkjet System. The Dollars and Sense of Digital Cameras Using a digital camera to save time and money Spilling the Beans on Ink What's it made of... Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design 'What you see is what you will get.' Photography and Signs: An Efficient Tradition Take a good picture to begin with will save you time in the long run Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business ONYX Delivers a RIP in Many Sizes to Fit Your Shops Needs With the maylay of printers pouring into the marketplace there is always the need to have the right RIP for the right workflow for a shop. We've overviewed the product offerings from ONYX to help you see the benefits available for your shop.

Digital Signage KIOSKS: Self-Service is the New Customer Service Kiosks are found throughout the retail and hospitality communities and in customer service roles like sales clerks, bank tellers, order takers, or concierges. The Care and Feeding of Digital Displays As message formats evolve into more disparate media platforms including electronic billboards, LCD displays, cell phones and computers, so must the content conform to each platform. Public Communications in Transit Circles: High-Tech Signage Meets Public Transportation In modernizing public transportation passenger vehicle arrival and destination alert systems, public transit's bag of tools include LCD & LED displays, the Internet, GPS triangulation and predictive arrival software, all designed to put your commuting mind at ease. A Look at the Costs of Digital Signage Networks and Content Find out how to get a handle on the costs associated with deploying a digital signage network to make sure you consider known obstacles to prevent you from being caught on the wrong side of the budget curve. Creative Realities and Radio Shack's Store One Have you ever met a store that is perhaps smart enough to have a personalized conversation with you on its own - without the help of employees? Experience the 'sales concierge' for a flagship Radio Shack Store. Corporate Lobbies: The New Landscape of Digital Signage In recent times through digital signage, culture and corporate branding have gained equal value as a premium opportunity to connect anchor tenants with their building visitors. Digital Billboards Ho! In the 1840s, it was wagons ho and west to the new frontier. Thousands of people staked their fortune, their family and their future on the uncharted territories of westward expansion. Today, digital billboards are staking out new territories across the US of A. Cashing in on Digital Signage Opportunities Are you comfortable speaking the language of digital signage? Get your questions answered by an industry leading digital signage firm and begin selling today. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. Showing Off Digital Signage Through Touch Technology The fine art of digital signage is evolving to new heights, offering customers convenient options while giving sign shops multiple opportunities to take larger bites of the sign market pie. Learn how touch technology is being used in surprising new formats. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. G2 Electronic Signage: Lasers, Fiber Optics and LCDs Form New Second Generation Sign Technologies Two new sign technologies highlighted are a laser rear-projection display system and a modified LCD screen system that can be tiled together to make large format LCD screens 'as big as you want them.' See what you can do now. Finding a Way: Technology Meets Hotel Wayfinding Wayfinding signs, at least those used to direct hotel guests to various seminar rooms, were usually either a chalkboard or a felt board sign with letters stuck on them. Today, with new technology available for wayfinding signs, businesses are taking advantage of more efficient signage to direct customers. Airports: A B to B Advertising Mecca Considered one of the most highly desirable ad locations anywhere, airports attract the most dominant business to business advertisers. Digital Signage Glossary of Terms With the constant whirling of words and terms flying around the quagmire and overlap in the digital signage industry, it is no doubt that you need to pull out a trusty play card from time to time for each segment of this industry. This is needed just to determine what everyone is talking about. This Glossary for the Electronic Digital Signage arena should help your linguistics and comprehension while navigating this segment of the industry. Mainstreaming Digital Electronic Signage With Metric Optimization Software Trying to determine when ads are at their most effective point is the golden ring many have been searching for in the advertising through digital electronic signage. Digital Signage and Brand-building Digital Signage is not just a new “better than static signage” display capability that exploits the inherent economies and flexibility of “digital”, but is a dramatic shift in the business communications that underpins retailing. Unlocking the Psychology of Signage Successful sign making depends on effective visual communication. Understanding how consumers relate to signage, then, is key to helping your customers unlock the door to greater revenues. More Choices: Looking at the New Faces of Digital Display Technology In this Part I of a series that examines the newest technology available for digital signage, as well as the improvements made to existing technologies, we will explore some of the general, cutting edge advances made in this segment of our industry. The Digital Signage Business Continuum: 'More than broadcasting or publishing on steroids' The digital signage continuum seeks to reduce messaging cost (creative, production, fulfillment and display), increase messaging success, improve organizational alignment around branding messages, accelerate “speed to display” (therein also driving out process costs) and improve display compliance. Planning Your Digital Signage Network A digital signage project follows a structure similar to other application systems projects. The focus on revenue and other stakeholder benefits however, add additional important dimensions to a typical system development life cycle, signage project or merchandising initiative. Rent, Lease or Finance Your Sign Equipment Find the right answer to the question of whether your sign business should rent, lease or own the equipment used in your operations. Few sign professionals are able to accept the fact that there is no one right answer that fits everyone or every situtation. Ad Agency Jungle Drums Sounding Louder on Digital Signage --- TV ad spending being challenged. Insight into the changing landscape of media buying, from the buyers of advertising Digital Signage Summit held April 26-27, 2005 in New York Deepens Supply, Content and Core Value discussions When over 200 digital display operators, suppliers and ad agencies met at the Digital Signage Summit, produced by the Strategy Institute in New York April 26-27, 2005 the focus was on 'achieving organizational goals with proof-of-success or a budget-cut, in creating customer preference and actions.' Dynamic Digital Signage - The New Age of Advertising Dynamic Digital Signage has emerged as the “Next Killer Application” for the new generation of sign technology in the advertising industry. A digital signage system, which is usually composed of a server or PC, a monitor or TV and software, is capable of delivering full-screen, full-color content to multiple locations. Cost of implementation has been reduced significantly over the past two years, making it possible for Digital Signage to be in the mainstream marketplace. This is evidenced by the extensive usage of digital signage at airports, museums and shopping centers. The growth rate is projected to increase significantly in the next few years as the technology matures. Soaring Profits from Glistening Gateways Airports are bustling with opportunities as architects bring sign builders into the design process to capitalize on 21st century trends. Stadium & Arena Signage: Sporting New Signs to Level Advertising on the Playing Field As sport fans settle in at their favorite stadiums and arenas, they are apt to notice lots of new signage around the facility, alerting them not only to the advertising for beer & BMWs, but also keeping them informed about other games in play around the country, and as well occasional sports trivia useful as party chatter. Lessons Offered By New York Subway Digital Signage Network The 80-display New York subway entrance digital signage network offers some valuable lessons to digital signage users and suppliers as it celebrates its first birthday. TOYS 'R US: Toys with Digital Signage The Center of the Toy Universe can be found in Times Square and it's operated by Toys 'R Us. With 110,000 square feet of various toy shopping zones, all aligned within three floors of merchandising space, the toy universe is a vast space. Digital Signage Transforms In-Store Advertising Welcome to the future of advertising ­ a future that could reinvigorate a medium beset by splintered audiences, too many messages and continually escalating costs. Electronic Signage Hits High Gear at Digital Retailing Expo The future and direction of electronic signage was clear at the Digital Retailing Expo held in San Francisco Oct 11-12, 2004. Movie Theaters and the Art of Electronic Signage Modern multiplex movie theaters generate huge audiences who visit the theaters for their continuing film fix. As these audiences circulate from box office to auditorium, much of the audience's visitor experience is guided by signs alerting theater guests to everything from ticket prices to directions to the auditorium. Electronic Digital Sign Technology: The Future is Here With new technology providing advanced methods for attracting customers, more and more advertisers are turning to digital signage to satisfy their needs. Digital Signage...from concept to customer connectivity: dynamic signage on the move Stay up to speed with the changes in electronic digital signage applications. The Many Advantages of Plasma Display Signage When it comes to indoor displays, plasma is one of the most versatile media available today. The content for plasma displays is easy to create and manage, especially with a solid software program. Digital Signage: Retail Electronic Signage is the New Poster Boy of Advertising The domain of electronic signage has been part of sign design for several years and is just beginning to emerge as its own market niche for retail advertising. Signage in Motion Signs are moving from static banners to dynamic displays. Find out what retailers are looking for in the 21st century.

Electric Essential Tools of the Electrical Sign Trade In these times of increasing complexity, the electric sign installer or maintenance person is faced with a dizzying array of problems that he/she may face when addressing issues that may have arisen with their client’s electric sign. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. Hershey’s ­ How Sweet It Is: The Eye-Candy of Times Square In the middle of all its surrounding Times Square spectaculars, billboards and sign edifices, stands the flagship Hershey Times Square, a retail gift store which is a chocolate confectionary paradise that is the center of the chocolate universe. Learning the Language of Light for Trade Show Signage Get some tips and tricks for communicating with the language of light so you can offer value-added advice to your customers. Illuminated Signs Help McGruff Take a Bite Out of Crime The National Crime Prevention Council sanctions illuminated signs as a crime prevention tool. Find out how on-premise signs can help your business ­ and your community. LED, Fiber and Neon Now: A Perspective from Experience Educating yourself on the many nuances of LED, fiber optics and neon can help you to develop better solutions, enhance customer service and offer a more intelligent look at options for your clients. Mysterious Art of Electric Sign Pricing This article will discuss techniques commonly used in pricing electric signage such as illuminated box signs, channel letters, pylon signs, and neon. While some smaller companies will use area (a.k.a. rule-of-thumb pricing), the vast majority of electric sign companies all use the same technique: Cost-Plus pricing. The Many Advantages of Plasma Display Signage When it comes to indoor displays, plasma is one of the most versatile media available today. The content for plasma displays is easy to create and manage, especially with a solid software program. Sign Pricing Series - Pricing Approaches and Accuracy This series on pricing and estimating will address the most common pricing approaches for different segments of the sign and graphics industry. The State of Electric Signage, Part I If we know what this segment of our industry is all about, we may learn to profit from it. The Sign Ballast Today With some sign ballasts tipping the scales at almost 20 pounds, they look as different from household ballast as a Lincoln Navigator does next to a Cooper MINI. Inside however, they’re just ballasts. Fiber Optics ­ Mysterious or Simple? Today, fiber optics in its current usage for the sign industry has been around more or less since 1991. Yes fiber optics, in general has been around longer, but as a direct neon alternative, they have not. The Basics of Fiber Optics, LED and Neon A basic summary and history of the evolution of Neon, Fiber Optics and LED Electric Signs & Outline Lighting Explaining code compliance Solid State Flasher Basics Understanding the Triac or 'solid state AC switch' Flashing Made Simple A Typical Project Chronicle Fiber optics Another option for your lighting needs Designing A Sign From Within The Box 5 Point Flashers Get the point? Incandescent Bulbs and Neon Lamps The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? The Electric Lease An Unexplored Profit Circuit Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Making Stars Old for new lighting Fluorescent Lighting What, How & Why Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business

Estimating Pricing Approaches and Accuracy - Is Close, Close Enough? This series on pricing and estimating will address the most common pricing approaches for different segments of the sign and graphics industry. Digital Print Pricing In the last article, I touched on the elements of pricing. Chiefly, pricing will vary based on competition, industry practice, and the skill vs. cost of accuracy in pricing. With digital printing, these basic concepts hold true. Estimating Success Doesn't Just Happen The most competitive sign shops are using estimating software to offer up accurate pricing in a flash. Are you keeping up with those Joneses? Show Review: The 2009 ISA International Sign Expo - See what you missed! What was the best booth location at the ISA Sign Expo 2009? What was worth talking about at this show? SignIndustry.com was there and has the scoop! Stay Ahead with Accurate Sign Estimating Using Advanced Technologies Submitting the winning bid for sign projects is more challenging today than ever before. Click for some insider perspectives on optimizing your company efficiency with estimating. Looking Behind the Accounting Curtain: The Accounting Team and Print MIS in the Big Picture The goal of a print management information system in this global picture is to provide accurate, timely information that can be quickly and easily consolidated and organized. Project Management Made Easy Through Estimating & Business Management Software The programs continue to evolve and mature, and with this improvement cycle the results are increased productivity, greater control of costs and an improved bottom line. All achieved with greater ease and accuracy than ever before. So how can you afford to not be on this bandwagon? It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Good Estimating Affects the Bottom Line Unless your business is to provide the same product, without variation, at the same cost of production, there is no fast, simple answer to the question...'What Does It Cost?' Using Technology To Its Best To Maximize Your Company's Workflow Do you think you are running your business as efficiently and effectively as possible? See how technology can assist you in keeping a closer track on your bottom line and maximize your profits while reducing the time your organization spends on communicating between departments. The Price is Right. Or is it? Estimating Tips That Make Sense The rules are simple and straightforward. To win, you must find an applicable price point that affords you an appropriate profit margin while, at the same time, keeps your competition at arm’s length and keeps your customers happy and satisfied. Spreadsheets Work, but when is an Industry Specific Solution Better? You be the judge. In the breadth of the sign & graphics industry many methods are used for estimating and job quoting. Some shops are using the correct tool for the job, while others aren’t. Which category does your business fall into? Vinyl Sign Pricing This article will address a segment of the industry that tends to be found in almost all other types of sign companies - Vinyl Signs. Mysterious Art of Electric Sign Pricing This article will discuss techniques commonly used in pricing electric signage such as illuminated box signs, channel letters, pylon signs, and neon. While some smaller companies will use area (a.k.a. rule-of-thumb pricing), the vast majority of electric sign companies all use the same technique: Cost-Plus pricing. Commercial Screen Print Pricing Like their digital brethren, commercial screen printers typically use two fundamental approaches to pricing depending on their size. The two methods are pricing tables and time-and-materials. Digital Print Pricing In the last article, I touched on the elements of pricing. Chiefly, pricing will vary based on competition, industry practice, and the skill vs. cost of accuracy in pricing. With digital printing, these basic concepts hold true. Pricing Approaches and Accuracy This series on pricing and estimating will address the most common pricing approaches for different segments of the sign and graphics industry.

Finishing & Laminating Seaming and Edge Welding, Finishing Opportunities Abound Printing your signs is more than half of the final product presented to your customers. However, it is not the entire result. How your finished product looks when it is hanging is critical to the final product's success. Know Your Tools: Finishing with Efficiency From year to year, many companies change the products they make, or begin producing new product lines in niche areas that require new and different finishing methods. In some shops, the steps taken to finish products are done with inappropriate tools. Films to Enhance and Protect - Investigating Ongoing Developments in Laminate Films Suppliers are responding to the present economy with more cost-effective materials — thinner films and liners that offer the right amount of protection for the application. Panel Saw, Table Saw, Mat Cutter or Combo Machine, which is Right for your Shop? One way for sign shops to increase their efficiency is to have the right tool for cutting sheet goods to size. There are a few basic considerations that every sign shop must address when purchasing a cutting machine: space restraints, ease of use, capability, safety, cost and dust. What You Need to Know About Varnish in the Digital Printing Arena There’s more than one way to varnish. And there’s more than one way to make a mess with varnish, too. The good news is, if you use the right printer and the right materials, varnishing can add profits to your bottom line. What You Need to Know About Pollution Prevention in Your Shop Protecting yourself, your employees and your community are just a few reasons why you want to be sure that your shop is compliant with all of the current safety regulations. One of the most important areas of safety that is often overlooked is the ventilation of your print shop. Tricks of the Trade Show: Fabricating Graphics For Portable Display Systems, Part II In Part I, we covered the conventional approach to fabricating a semi-supported graphic. In Part II we will discuss the two remaining approaches, Second Surface Graphics and Printable Backlaminate. Tricks of the Trade Show: Fabricating Graphics For Portable Display Systems, Part I Although many folks probably think the subject of graphics finishing is boring, the fact is that it is extremely important in the total performance of most graphics. The process of lamination can involve far more than sticking a clear film to the surface of a graphic image. How to Laminate Inkjet Output with High Ink Coverage Try these options for success in multi-heat roller laminator applications Creating Magnet-Receptive Graphics In this day and age, a little diversification of your business can go a long way. What Does UV Protection Really Mean? Armed with this information, you will now be able to judge for yourself whether something is UV protected or not. Expanding Your Finishing Profitability, Part II In part II, we continue examining some of the ideas for expanding upon your current offerings by knowing what the capabilities of your machine are and using your imagination. Expanding Your Finishing Profitability, Part I Perhaps one of the greatest attributes of your company’s finishing department is the fact that, despite the whirlwind of technological change in all other facets of your business, your trusty laminator can still keep pace with the increasing demands of your customers. Your laminator is an investment that with the right amount of imagination, ingenuity and know-how can become more profitable for your business than ever before. Matching the Materials to the Job: Part II In part two, we contiue examining the many different laminates available and the differences between them. Matching the Materials to the Job: Part I This is part one of a two-part series addressing the importance of having the right materials for the job. Benefits of Vehicle Wrapping Need some help selling vehicle wraps? Trade groups, sign shops and market researchers have ammunition to help you seal the deal. The Art of Laminating: Tips to cold laminating ­ Part II We have discussed loading the laminates in part one. Now comes the nerve-racking part where you have to laminate a print in hopes that everything will go smoothly. In other words, no air bubbles and no wrinkles or else it’s back to the printing stage. The Art of Laminating- Tips to cold laminating - Part I Laminating is a learn-as-you-go process, where a few pointers can help ease the pain of the learning curve. The Art of Laminating Part 3 - Making the investment Before you make the investment, you have to consider both your present needs and your future needs. The purchase of a laminator is similar to that of purchasing a car. A lot of decisions need to be made as to what bells and whistles come with the various models. The Art of Laminating Part 2 - Understanding your materials This is part two of a three-part series on Laminating. The Art of Laminating Part 1 - The Basics of Lamination

Flatbed Digital UV Printing LED UV Curing in Wide-Format Digital Printing UV LED technology is poised to take on UV arc lamps for the next generation of UV light applications. Is White Ink Capability Really Such a Big Deal? Why is white ink capability so important? Are there meaningful applications? Let's consider some of the technical characteristics of piezoelectric inkjet white ink capability and the possibilities of its use. A Primer on UV-Curable Inkjet Inks Since 2006, there has been a incredible rush toward the use of UV-curable inks in most of the printing markets. This increase has been driven by new developments in ink technology and demand from printer manufacturers and end users. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. Getting Inkjet Ink and Print Heads to Work Together Inkjet print systems fail primarily because of the fluids used in them. Read on to find out if it's all a hoax or if putting high-test in is all it's cracked up to be. It’s All About the Digital File at SGIA ’07- From Wrapping Gators to Mermaids Whether you’re cutting rubylith, fluted-plastic or vinyl; printing on rigid sheet, t-shirts, tile or fabric; or getting a message across through embroidery, it all comes down to the digital file. Want to Become a Lenticular Printer? ­ Just do it! For both sign makers and wide format printers, lenticular can be a valuable differentiator, an additional value-added service and best of all, a profit generator. 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey for Flatbed Injet, Wide Format Inkjet & Grand-Format Inkjet The results of SGIA’s recent 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey demonstrate an interesting reality in our industry, and show a healthy difference between what imaging companies want (equipment-wise), and what they ultimately buy. Through the magic of trending data, let’s take a look. What You Need to Know About Varnish in the Digital Printing Arena There’s more than one way to varnish. And there’s more than one way to make a mess with varnish, too. The good news is, if you use the right printer and the right materials, varnishing can add profits to your bottom line. Submarine Surfaces in Underground Exhibit Hall - Signage Tells the Tale It was a sailor's nightmare during WW II. Leaning against the ship's rail, binoculars scanning the cold, Atlantic waters, a foaming white wake streaks through the waves and heads broadside for a direct strike against the Liberty ship. The State of UV Inkjet Inks…the momentum is building The advantage of 'curing' is simple: It allows ink to adhere to a broader range of substrates as compared to other digital printing technologies. On the other hand, there is a bit of a misconception that UV cured ink will stick to just about everything. Get a balanced view of UV curable pros and cons. About White Ink In Black and White Could white ink allow you to expand into new markets? Imagine the possibilities of expanding your services to include printing on leather, cardboard, wood, stone or some other non-traditional material. UV Ink in the Wide-Format Market: Should Wide-Format Printers Take the Cure? A whole new world of applications is opening in the rigid-substrate sector by printers that are willing to invest in and push the technology and their businesses forward. Critical Questions to Consider When Looking at a Flatbed Purchase The purpose of this article is to provide the imaging professional with a list of critical questions to ask when shopping for a flatbed inkjet printer. By understanding these questions, then seeking answers to them, those printers looking to install flatbed inkjet units in their facilities will be able to make better purchasing decisions. New Riverboat Cruise Signage Builds Steam in St. Louis Sign renovation renews business for a once-popular Riverboat Cruise line. UV-Curable Technology, Part III: Exploring the World of UV Printers UV printer technology is the latest trend in the industry. Find out what the major players have to offer. UV-Curable Technology, Part II: Benefits of Ultraviolet Curable Inks Ultraviolet curable inks are promising to change the face of digital printing. Are you ready for the revolution? UV-Curable Technology, Part I: The Ultraviolet Media Debate Is dedicated UV media necessary? Or will any old vinyl do the trick? Avery and 3M have differing opinions. Lenticular Imaging: Differentiating Printing To Another Dimension It was a not-so-standard sign poster of a new car parked in a lot. As people walked by the advertisement, the car in the sign had its front doors fly open and the trunk popped up and actually displayed an animation of the car's ease of use.

Formula For Success The Story Of A Country Sign Painter Been there and done that. The Hungary Artist The authorities told young John Duzs he'd be a statistician Interview With Larry Chan Of Signs Etc. Impressions of Large Format Digital Printing An Interview With Richard Klimscha Reeling in the wide media mix A Clear Perspective On The Topic Of ADA And Signage An Interview with Sharon Toji Behind the Bitterness of Building a Business The Cost of Being the Boss Fighting Irish… Sign Shop? How one sign professional filled the need for a major college

Installation Avoiding Boat Wrapping Mistakes Vinyl is expensive. So is your reputation. Learn how to avoid the boat wrapping mistakes that could hurt your pocket-and your good name. Boat Wrapping Secrets You Need to Know In case you haven't noticed, boats are curvier than most cars. That can spell trouble if you don't approach a boat wrap the right way. Discover the boat wrapping secrets you need to know. Getting Ready to Wrap a Boat? Wrapping boats isn't rocket science-and you can learn a lot from your vehicle wrapping endeavors-but installing vinyl on a boat is different than applying vinyl to a vehicle. Find out why. System Inc. Takes Dominion on Powerboat Wrapping Industry Feeling creative? The water sports industry is hungry for cutting-edge designs printed on vinyl and applied to powerboats that are ultimately seen by hundreds of thousand of people in competitions around the country. Boat Wraps Boast Big Opportunity for Vinyl Installers Wrapping boats may be the next big thing as the vehicle wrapping trend extends itself from the highways to the waterways. Positioning Graphics for Successful Installation Excerpt from PDAA Vinyl Installation Proficiency Guide Seamless Wraps 101 - Deciding when to go seamless and when not to. Seamless wraps demand careful planning - and even then they can be a challenge. Find out how to approach a seamless wrap and when to consider a partial wrap instead. Successful & Stunning Vehicle Wraps: What You Need to Know, Part 2 In Part II of this article, we cover the correct ways of printing and laminating, installation, and delivery of the final product. Successful & Stunning Vehicle Wraps: What You Need to Know, Part I When I attend a show and see a row of vehicles lined up for a contest about how fast someone can wrap a vehicle, I have to wonder how true this is compared to what the average company goes through to create a vehicle wrap. Faster than a Wrapped Locomotive You can't rely on templates when you work with locomotives. Discover how Wrapped Graphics approached wrapping a train. Small Colorado Shop Wraps Up Success When you listen to your customers, they sometimes will show you exactly how to build your business to that next level. Wrapping a Mini Car is No Mini Job Wrapping a miniature car may not be as hard a wrapping a semi, but it has its own unique challenges. Find out how SkinzWraps approaches Mini Coopers. Vehicle Wrapping Contracts 101 Wrapping vehicles without a signed contract that spells out what the customer should expect - and shouldn't expect - from your sign shop is a mistake that could cost you. Find out how to avoid liabilities with a solid contract. Factors Impacting Vinyl Removal, Part I Learning what vinyl film is, the impact that the environment and the surface finish has on vinyl are all factors that will help you deal with the ultimate need to remove vinyl graphics. Know Your Tools: Finishing with Efficiency From year to year, many companies change the products they make, or begin producing new product lines in niche areas that require new and different finishing methods. In some shops, the steps taken to finish products are done with inappropriate tools. Making the Most of Application Fluids Using application fluids isn’t rocket science, but it’s not child’s play, either. Discover what you need to know to make the most of application fluids. How to Wrap a Red Hot Ferrari Wrapping a Ferrari may sound like a sexy job - and it is - but it's unlike most other vehicle wraps. Find out how. Take it Off...Vinyl that is. Right now there are multiple opportunities to create a tremendous cash stream. The question is, “Which companies will recognize the opportunities, respond to them, and thrive?” A Titan-Sized Wrap - Wrapping the home of the Tennessee Titans No two wraps are alike. Get the inside scoop on handling repetitive designs and working with oversized vinyl panels. A Megawrap with Flavor - vinyl installer wraps world’s largest beer can Discover the challenges of wrapping a monumental can — and keeping it realistic from top to bottom. Selling Stadium Wraps and Not Losing Your Shorts Pricing a stadium wrap can get a little hairy, but if you approach measurements with the right mindset you’ll put more profits in your pocket. Find out how. Wrapping Tropicana Field Read a first hand example of how vinyl wraps are playing a key role in both aesthetics, communications and advertising in stadiums across the country. Special Tools for Textured Surface Stadium Wraps 3M has developed special application tools and methods for use with its 8624 film. The 3M Textured Surface Applicator TSA-1 for large surfaces is critical for achieving proper adhesion. Find out what else is new. Applying Vinyl Graphics to Aircraft Are you ready to let your business fly high? Applying vinyl graphics to aircraft may be your next big opportunity. Wrapping Oil Rigs A Texas sign shop is wrapping the big rigs ­ and we don’t mean trucks. Discover the ins and outs of wrapping in an oil field. Taking Care of Your Digital Graphics Installing graphics is only part of the job of selling wraps and flat surface installs. You need to make sure your end user is aware of how to properly care for their graphics once they are installed. Removing Floor Graphics Now that you’ve mastered installing floor graphics, what are you going to do when its’ time to remove them? Find out! Applying Floor Graphics: Beyond Pick ‘Em and Stick ‘Em Different types of floors often demand different approaches to applying the floor graphic ­ if you want it to stick. Get the inside scoop. Preparing Floors for Floor Graphics Learn how to how to laminate the graphic, how to place it, how to prep the surface, and how to install the graphic so it will stay put and do its job. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Complex Wraps Demand Advanced Techniques, Part II Are you handling your film right? Is your graphics guy designing with wraps in mind? Are you removing vinyl from contours the right way? Lots of questions. We’ve got answers. Complex Wraps Demand Advanced Techniques, Part I Not all vehicle wraps are created equal ­ some are far more complex than others. Discover what you need to know to tackle even the most complex wraps with confidence. Back to School: The Value of Learning to Wrap Vehicles Faster, more affordable printers, easier to handle vinyl materials, and an unlimited supply of customers is causing more sign shops to consider adding vinyl vehicle wraps to their menu of business services. Vinyl Graphic Removal Made Easy Vinyl removal can be a pain…that's a fact, but there's a new kid on the block that can help to make your vinyl removal projects less labor intensive and quicker to complete. And that's worth reading about. C-C-Corrugations…Never Fear, Expert Advise is Here! Applying vinyl over rivets is one thing. Applying vinyl over corrugation is quite another. But don’t let that stop you. If you can learn to apply vinyl over corrugation, then you can tap into the lucrative world of fleets. Applying Vinyl Over Curves, Body Creases and Molding Installing graphics on vehicles ­ or wrapping entire vehicles for that matter ­ presents some unique challenges rarely encountered on other substrates. Find out how to get around these difficult issues. Perforated Vinyl: Opening Up The Vision of Sign Options Perforated vinyl film is fast becoming an excellent new form of advertising signage. This unique material allows easy adhesion to windows and motor vehicles, with the perforations enabling vision through the advertisement itself. More on What You Need to Know About Rivets Discover the ins and outs, dos and don’ts of installing vinyl graphics over rivets. What you find out may surprise you. Tips and Tricks for Installing Full Wrap Vehicle Graphics Vehicle wraps are now used in place of expensive custom paint jobs. In addition to being a lower cost option to paint, the vinyl can be removed when the advertising campaign is over or you are ready to turn in your leased vehicle. This article will take you step-by-step through the process of installing a full vehicle wrap. It will offer tips and tricks on how to provide your customer with a high quality wrap. Wrapping Done Around the World Are wrapping techniques any different in London than they are in Los Angeles? Find out from one of the United Kingdom’s top vehicle wrapping companies. Dealing with the 'R' Word...Rivets Learn the time-tested techniques of how to properly apply vinyl over rivets. Discover a five-step process that will help you deal with these annoying, yet necessary fasteners. Benefits of Flexible-Face Mounting Systems Vendors are manufacturing a variety of mounting systems to making installing flexible face signage a snap (and click). Avoiding Bubbles and Wrinkles During Vinyl Applications Learn how to avoid these pesky problems during vinyl installation with advice from the pros. So You Want To Be a Vinyl Pro Before you can claim professional installer status, you have to learn the basics to avoid common mistakes. Discover some fundamentals tips that will serve you well for many years. Vinyl Hints: Don’t Damage the Vinyl During the Installation! Preventing damage to vinyl film and substrates during installation is a matter of planning, technique and tools. Can I Apply Vinyl to This? Vinyl is a profitable trend, but attempting to apply film to certain substrates is a money-losing proposition. Applying Vinyl to Glass Installing window graphics takes knowledge, skill and a steady hand. Find out how to ensure bubble-free applications. Vinyl Techniques: Considering Environmental Conditions Temperature, humidity and other weather conditions could mean the difference between the success and failure of your vinyl application. Choosing ADA-Compliant Signage Material Which ADA signage materials are vandal-proof? What works best in an upscale building project? Read on to find out. Heritage Graphics and Scaffold Wraps From Manhattan's Times Square to an Argentinan Palace, outdoor graphics has put unsightly construction under wraps with over the top picturesque renderings, art images or patriotic beautification panels Vehicle Vinyl Expert Reveals Tricks of Trade Don't make costly mistakes with your vinyl applications and removals. Let vinyl expert Rob Ivers give you some practical dos and don'ts. Sign Makers Restore Historical Flying Red Horse Find out how architectural sign makers recreated a legendary Dallas icon. Planning The Right Adhesive Product For The Right Job With every job that you prepare, one must consider which adhesive best matches the application. You should not only consider the substrate, but also your reputation as a sign professional. Neon At It's Best Restoring a piece of history-- the neon legacy lives on. Making the New Look Old Did you ever dream you could have so much fun pleasing a customer? Designing A Sign From Within The Box 5 Point Flashers Winning Sales Tax Jeopardy Are you prepared for the sales tax audit? The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design 'What you see is what you will get.' Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business Applying Vinyl Dreams Follow the modernized basics of vinyl application

LED Displays ABC Times Square Studios: Good Morning in Times Square It may be home to ABC's Good Morning America, but to Times Square passersby it is the building with the curvy front wall that is a gigantic television screen displaying current news and ABC TV previews all day long. Retrofitting Print Billboards with their LED Digital Counterparts As more and more outdoor advertising companies introduce or expand their digital billboard inventories, there is now a new challenge of where to install them along existing highway routes or to replace existing print billboards. World Tour of Electronic Digital Building Wraps Media facades, which are one of the newest territories of electronic signage, have blossomed in a number of directions with great promise to LED sign manufacturers, sign integrators, architects, media planners and urban developers who all see this super-sized signage as an urban landscape enhancement. Public Communications in Transit Circles: High-Tech Signage Meets Public Transportation In modernizing public transportation passenger vehicle arrival and destination alert systems, public transit's bag of tools include LCD & LED displays, the Internet, GPS triangulation and predictive arrival software, all designed to put your commuting mind at ease. Media Facades: High-Tech Digital Building Wraps Now with LED video screens comes the outdoor advertising impulse to create the ultimate building wrap, a media facade, which is an LED video screen that completely covers the front of a building and presents a kaleidoscope of imagery that dances across the building. Digital Billboards Ho! In the 1840s, it was wagons ho and west to the new frontier. Thousands of people staked their fortune, their family and their future on the uncharted territories of westward expansion. Today, digital billboards are staking out new territories across the US of A. Cashing in on Digital Signage Opportunities Are you comfortable speaking the language of digital signage? Get your questions answered by an industry leading digital signage firm and begin selling today. The House That FUSE Built- LED Displays from Sidewalks To Unique Channel Letters FUSE decided it was time to increase their corporate profile and do so by using extensive LED signage to increase their visibility to their music fans and the public. Hershey’s ­ How Sweet It Is: The Eye-Candy of Times Square In the middle of all its surrounding Times Square spectaculars, billboards and sign edifices, stands the flagship Hershey Times Square, a retail gift store which is a chocolate confectionary paradise that is the center of the chocolate universe. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Marquee Magic: Marquees Become a Window to Stage and Screen The marquee's original form harkens back to a message reader board with a large back lit white translucent display with changeable black plastic letters that were rearranged for each new program within the theater. Today that can all be done via LED message centers directing the public's attention to what's playing inside the theater. Color and Luminance Uniformity Correction for LED Video Screens LED video screens are amazing. They are bright enough to see in broad daylight; they can stand up to severe weather conditions, they last almost forever, and they consume far less power than CRT technology. If only they weren’t so blotchy! This article explains the causes of luminance and color non-uniformity in LED screens, and what screen manufacturers can and are doing to fix these problems. Coke- It's the Real Thing! In making its presence known to a thirsty public, Coca-Cola's familiar bright red background, cursive script logo and contour bottle has been printed, painted, postered and plastered on the sides of delivery trucks, on billboards, and on buildings in just about every major city around the world. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2007 As we did last year, SignIndustry.com took a quick pulse of the sign industry to try to get an idea of the state of the industry in this third quarter of 2007. Keeping Signage at the Top of Business Marketing...And Its Revenue. The hard truth is that signage is not considered by most business development experts as marketing and the reason is clear - they are simply unaware of its value. Roadside Text Messaging on LED Display Signs LED electronic signage has evolved into several types of highway sign systems that aid highway traffic managers by alerting drivers of current travel conditions to aid in traffic flow. Hybrid EMC/ Billboards: Combining the Best of Print and Electronic Displays on a Single Billboard While most outdoor media companies are taking the plunge to add electronic billboards, it is in no way seen as a replacement of the existing print billboard set ups. It is seen more as a compliment to print, each having certain strengths that reinforce each other's advertising potential. The Most Common Mistakes in LEDwalls Content Creation...Don’t Let This Be You Ad duration, legibility, motion and more can be your greatest asset, or greatest liability in LED Billboards content creation. Read on to see if you’re thinking of all the variables or not. Electronic LED Billboards: The New Voice of Business The billboard, a mainstay of outdoor advertising has entered the realm of high-tech in the form of an electronic billboard media format. King Kong Embraces Times Square with Electronic Signage Debut The latest remake of the King Kong epic, directed by Peter Jackson, sought out its east coast premiere in the place where the big ape met his demise, in New York City. Nothing is too good for the premiere of his latest film and only in New York City could a film of such epic proportion have an opening of similar grandeur. Outdoor Video Screen Business: A Network of Success The use of digital video screens signifies a brand new stage of development in the area of outdoor advertising. Rent, Lease or Finance Your Sign Equipment Find the right answer to the question of whether your sign business should rent, lease or own the equipment used in your operations. Few sign professionals are able to accept the fact that there is no one right answer that fits everyone or every situtation. LED Street-side Pylons: A Totem for Business Communications Combining electronic message centers with street-side pylons or main marquees to create a contemporary look for customer's roadside presences. Digital Signage Summit held April 26-27, 2005 in New York Deepens Supply, Content and Core Value discussions When over 200 digital display operators, suppliers and ad agencies met at the Digital Signage Summit, produced by the Strategy Institute in New York April 26-27, 2005 the focus was on 'achieving organizational goals with proof-of-success or a budget-cut, in creating customer preference and actions.' Taking LED’s on the Road The market for mobile LED displays is jumping forward again as sign companies take jumbo TV advertisements for a test drive. Dynamic Digital Signage - The New Age of Advertising Dynamic Digital Signage has emerged as the “Next Killer Application” for the new generation of sign technology in the advertising industry. A digital signage system, which is usually composed of a server or PC, a monitor or TV and software, is capable of delivering full-screen, full-color content to multiple locations. Cost of implementation has been reduced significantly over the past two years, making it possible for Digital Signage to be in the mainstream marketplace. This is evidenced by the extensive usage of digital signage at airports, museums and shopping centers. The growth rate is projected to increase significantly in the next few years as the technology matures. LED Displays: A Formidable Foe The scuttlebutt continues over who is number one: Mr. LED, with his promise of longer life, Mr. Neon with her bragging rights of years of loyalty to the Sign Man, or Mr. Fiber Optics and his daring attempt to play it safe under wet conditions. Who will be victorious? Stadium & Arena Signage: Sporting New Signs to Level Advertising on the Playing Field As sport fans settle in at their favorite stadiums and arenas, they are apt to notice lots of new signage around the facility, alerting them not only to the advertising for beer & BMWs, but also keeping them informed about other games in play around the country, and as well occasional sports trivia useful as party chatter. The Super Bowl of Signs Next generation scoreboards are offering new opportunities for sign makers who can design and install monstrous LED signs. TOYS 'R US: Toys with Digital Signage The Center of the Toy Universe can be found in Times Square and it's operated by Toys 'R Us. With 110,000 square feet of various toy shopping zones, all aligned within three floors of merchandising space, the toy universe is a vast space. Digital Signage Transforms In-Store Advertising Welcome to the future of advertising ­ a future that could reinvigorate a medium beset by splintered audiences, too many messages and continually escalating costs. Electronic Signage Hits High Gear at Digital Retailing Expo The future and direction of electronic signage was clear at the Digital Retailing Expo held in San Francisco Oct 11-12, 2004. Movie Theaters and the Art of Electronic Signage Modern multiplex movie theaters generate huge audiences who visit the theaters for their continuing film fix. As these audiences circulate from box office to auditorium, much of the audience's visitor experience is guided by signs alerting theater guests to everything from ticket prices to directions to the auditorium. Electronic Digital Sign Technology: The Future is Here With new technology providing advanced methods for attracting customers, more and more advertisers are turning to digital signage to satisfy their needs. Digital Signage...from concept to customer connectivity: dynamic signage on the move Stay up to speed with the changes in electronic digital signage applications. LED Video Screens On The Move In the world of show business and corporate events, large screen LED video presentations have come to be a critical part of how these events are seen by their audiences. The Many Advantages of Plasma Display Signage When it comes to indoor displays, plasma is one of the most versatile media available today. The content for plasma displays is easy to create and manage, especially with a solid software program. LED Message Reader Boards: Town criers of the modern age They are everywhere. You see them over bank entrances, in fast food stores as menu/order boards, in store windows, on building walls, in airports and other public transit waiting areas. They announce the news, tell time, proclaim the latest sport scores and tell if your stocks have gone up or down. They are the town criers of the modern age. LED Concourse Fascia: Lights, Motion and New Dimension in Signage Take one sports stadium, a high-tech LED video display board complete with flashy programming displays, the stadium concourse frontage, a creative advertising program and carefully mix them all together. When the dust settles you have a totally blended, completely enclosed electronic display format that is half advertising and half entertainment and fully engaging to the audiences that watch it during game breaks. Digital Signage: Retail Electronic Signage is the New Poster Boy of Advertising The domain of electronic signage has been part of sign design for several years and is just beginning to emerge as its own market niche for retail advertising. Factory Signage Goes Electronic In today's business climate, communication needs have to be instantaneous, interactive and proactive allowing employees to create timely decisions based on up-to-the-minute facts of the manufacturing process as it massages raw materials into a properly managed production cycle of finished goods. Signage in Motion Signs are moving from static banners to dynamic displays. Find out what retailers are looking for in the 21st century. Sport Scoreboards: Making Larger-Than-Life Sports Even More Gigantic In its original incarnation, the stadium scoreboard served a single function of keeping track of game activity and the running score. LED Electronic Message Reader Boards: Watching the world go by in streaming headlines The electronic message reader board is the town crier of the modern age. It is a simplistic, horizontal column of light bulbs or LEDs whose intermediate flashes of world watching headlines, slide effortlessly across reader board signs attached to banks and financial institutions and to the front walls of major corporate headquarters. LED Billboards: Outdoor Advertising in the Video Age LED video display billboards have emerged on a grand scale that converges into a unique display format that is one part print, one part television advertising and one 'digital hieroglyphics.' LED As An Alternative Electronic Signs have been around for almost fifty years. Most electronic signs were illuminated by incandescent lamps that got the job done, but not without its problems. One Times Square Signage in the crossroads of the world More On Led Applications & Technology Do you know just how fast LED technology is changing? Replicating Historic Marquee Proves Paramount Task Find out how designers incorporated new technologies in a historic sign. Is It Just Lights or Your Best Friend? Maximizing Efficiency and Profitability in Your LED Displays When you arrive at work and see your LED display catching the first rays of early morning light, do you see just another set of lights in the parking lot, or your best friend for driving sales and building your customer base? Your answer will make a measurable difference to your bottom line. Recognizing LED Technology for Sign Use LED technology is becoming affordable and new applications are being discovered for utilizing LED in the sign industry. The Basics of Fiber Optics, LED and Neon A basic summary and history of the evolution of Neon, Fiber Optics and LED Formula For Success People Management Effective Customer Interaction 'Dealing with Difficult Customers' Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule?

LED Lighting Light Boxes for Retail Display - Saving Dollars with New Technology Are all retail light boxes created equal? New developments in retail light box technology and demands for more sophisticated and energy efficient merchandising and display products may be signaling the demise of standard light box technology. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. The Many Colors of White LED The battle for white LEDs is going to be fought application by application and lumen by lumen. LEDs: 'Channeling' More Opportunities to Sign Makers Technology advancements continually improve the way sign companies conduct business. One of the segments of the sign industry advancing quickly due to new technology is the electrical sign industry, and specifically, the illuminated channel letter segment. High Brightness LEDs Shine On Light Emiting Diodes (LEDs) have distinguished themselves as a highly unique and significant lighting source that has both immediate and far reaching consequences for the sign industry. The Sign Challenges of a Arctic Canadian Winter Selkirk Signs teams with TIR Systems to solve the cold hard challenges of signage for Federated Co-op chain of stores. LED, Fiber and Neon Now: A Perspective from Experience Educating yourself on the many nuances of LED, fiber optics and neon can help you to develop better solutions, enhance customer service and offer a more intelligent look at options for your clients. Lighting Up with LEDs LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are increasingly playing a larger role in both the architectural and signage market. Over the past few years, more and more LED system providers are offering LED channel lighting products and more are expected to enter this field. Channel Letter Lighting...To Be LED or Not To Be? Channel letters fill a need for corporate IDs and building identity programs on the sides of building and have done so for decades. Times are changing and more than filling a need is that the channel letters are now filled in terms of their lighting source. More On Led Applications & Technology Do you know just how fast LED technology is changing? Recognizing LED LightingTechnology for Sign Use The technology of LED lighting has greatly improved over the last few years and is constantly dropping in price and getting brighter across the spectrum, resulting in new applications for its use in sign illumination and border lighting. The Basics of Fiber Optics, LED and Neon A basic summary and history of the evolution of Neon, Fiber Optics and LED Formula For Success People Management Effective Customer Interaction 'Dealing with Difficult Customers' Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule?

Manufacturing Flipping The Lid For The Red Zone the Heinz Field Football Stadium serves up a world famous icon Winning Sales Tax Jeopardy Are you prepared for the sales tax audit? The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? The Electric Lease An Unexplored Profit Circuit Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business

Neon & Channel Letters Let There Be Neon: Embracing the 21st Century with Its Light Despite the ongoing competition of more modern light sources as a sign illumination, neon still has a place in the hearts of most sign makers, as well as many American urban skylines. Hershey’s ­ How Sweet It Is: The Eye-Candy of Times Square In the middle of all its surrounding Times Square spectaculars, billboards and sign edifices, stands the flagship Hershey Times Square, a retail gift store which is a chocolate confectionary paradise that is the center of the chocolate universe. Smaller World — The Implications of GHS and REACH Both were developed in the international arena and both have already influenced chemical policy well beyond their original borders. Coke- It's the Real Thing! In making its presence known to a thirsty public, Coca-Cola's familiar bright red background, cursive script logo and contour bottle has been printed, painted, postered and plastered on the sides of delivery trucks, on billboards, and on buildings in just about every major city around the world. Take Me Out to the Ball Game Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark offers proof positive that effective sign design can inform, entertain, commemorate ­ and stand out in a crowd. The Many Colors of White LED The battle for white LEDs is going to be fought application by application and lumen by lumen. LEDs: 'Channeling' More Opportunities to Sign Makers Technology advancements continually improve the way sign companies conduct business. One of the segments of the sign industry advancing quickly due to new technology is the electrical sign industry, and specifically, the illuminated channel letter segment. High Brightness LEDs Shine On Light Emiting Diodes (LEDs) have distinguished themselves as a highly unique and significant lighting source that has both immediate and far reaching consequences for the sign industry. The Sign Challenges of a Arctic Canadian Winter Selkirk Signs teams with TIR Systems to solve the cold hard challenges of signage for Federated Co-op chain of stores. New Mexico Neon on Route 66 Sign makers are getting their kicks restoring vintage neon signs along New Mexico’s portion of Route 66. Marketing Neon In The New Millennium LED vendors have done a masterful job of marketing their technologies, but the neon industry is fighting fire with fire. Lighting Up with LEDs LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are increasingly playing a larger role in both the architectural and signage market. Over the past few years, more and more LED system providers are offering LED channel lighting products and more are expected to enter this field. Channel Letter Lighting...To Be LED or Not To Be? Channel letters fill a need for corporate IDs and building identity programs on the sides of building and have done so for decades. Times are changing and more than filling a need is that the channel letters are now filled in terms of their lighting source. Promoting Neon The neon trade has a relatively short history and sadly, much of it is marked with secrecy and distrust that perseveres even today. This keeping apprehension stems from an earlier time when neon was novel in the marketplace, sovereign in the sign trade and extremely profitable. Folks tried to steal or conceal their neon secrets; those tricks of the trade that they believed would propel them or maintain their lead within the industry. Radio Frequency Interference You may be the cause of radio frequency interference. Finding the Neon Light, Part Three - The Father of Neon Inspired in part by Daniel McFarlan Moore's invention, Moore’s Lamp, Paris born chemist and inventor, Georges Claude (1870 - 1960) discovered that passing an electric current through inert gases made them light very brightly. Finding the Neon Light, Part Two: The Insights We continue illuminating neon’s rise from historical darkness with the second article in this series of three. This one attests the observations and endeavors of other’s helped to build the products, tools and materials used in our trade today. Finding the Neon Light, Part One ­ The Elements Consider this series of articles “how-you” more so than “how-to.” Because hopefully they will help uncover how you fit into neon’s rise from the depths of historical darkness, from the ocean of time past to the bright neon wave of the present. ESPN ZONE: Remolded To Greatness Once upon a time, there was a marquee and a blade sign that really wanted to shine. Neon and Fluorescents: A Circus of Similarities When properly manufactured and installed a neon tube can light for decades and it is far more efficient than an incandescent bulb. But it is arguable that the fluorescent won the tube lighting system honor, that it became the illuminating tube du jour. Neon Tube Repairs You can simplify the task of repairing neon signs! Common Neon Mishaps And How To Fix Them Bending neon tubes is not easy. Most craftsman admit, it took a few years of bending before they felt competent working on any type job. Three Neon Myths Dispelled I’m sure you’ve heard it said, “Neon uses a lot of electricity.” It’s a common misconception. Unfortunately, there are held by the public many misconceptions about neon: “Neon is expensive,” “Neon is a public safety hazard.” Mercury In The Shop Mercury or quicksilver as it is called, is that shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid we neon craftsman innocently roll into argon filled tubes to brighten them. We also use it in some diffusion pumps attached to our tube pumping system to aid tube processing. But did you know mercury is everywhere? Troubleshooting Basic Bends It goes without question that many smaller elements make up a sign. And that the quality of each component contributes to the sign’s total caliber. The Layman’s Science of Tube Processing To describe the science of tube processing would rely heavily on physics and chemistry. Both are sciences with developed vocabulary, common equations and laws. Top 10 Must-Haves For Your Neon Shop The physical elements that maximize productivity, comfort and reduce stress. Neon Self-Training Part 4 Processing and lighting your neon tube. Neon Self-Training Part 3 Learn how to make large circles, border tubes, multiple outline units and bubbles. 1935 Neon Sign Gets Facelift When the Cascade Theatre opened its doors in 1935 it was billed as the finest cinema house in northern California. Neon Self-Training Part 2 Putting the basics together to form letters is next Neon Self-Training, Part I Learning this process is easier than you think, once you know the secrets. Making the Cut In the process of making neon, one of the most important procedures is the cutting and splicing of the glass tubing. There are many different techniques and various tools that can be used that I would like to discuss. Air Supplies There are probably as many different techniques in the use and operation of a neon plant as there are glassblowers, and the only thing that is important is what works best for you. Jacob's Ladder There is a safer way to work with a bombarding transformer. Learn how to create your own Jacob's Ladder Sign Makers Restore Historical Flying Red Horse Find out how architectural sign makers recreated a legendary Dallas icon. Neon At It's Best Restoring a piece of history-- the neon legacy lives on. Neon College: Mastering the Splice The basics for working with neon splicing Electric Signs & Outline Lighting Explaining code compliance The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Setting Schedules: Creating Service Out of Order Late signs or are your jobs off schedule? Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design 'What you see is what you will get.' Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business

Outdoor New Realties in the Wide-Format Graphics Market Companies that stay tuned to the latest available technologies will be best positioned to meet the increasingly demanding market requirements. System Inc. Takes Dominion on Powerboat Wrapping Industry Feeling creative? The water sports industry is hungry for cutting-edge designs printed on vinyl and applied to powerboats that are ultimately seen by hundreds of thousand of people in competitions around the country. Boat Wraps Boast Big Opportunity for Vinyl Installers Wrapping boats may be the next big thing as the vehicle wrapping trend extends itself from the highways to the waterways. Is White Ink Capability Really Such a Big Deal? Why is white ink capability so important? Are there meaningful applications? Let's consider some of the technical characteristics of piezoelectric inkjet white ink capability and the possibilities of its use. Understanding Large-Format Applications The scientific approach to purchasing manufacturing equipment that will meet your customers' needs. There are many opinions, but you need to match your customers needs for their application, not the salesperson's opinion of what they are selling. Seamless Wraps 101 - Deciding when to go seamless and when not to. Seamless wraps demand careful planning - and even then they can be a challenge. Find out how to approach a seamless wrap and when to consider a partial wrap instead. Stop Your Printer: How Well Are You Matching Print Quality to Your Client's Application or Needs? If you don't match the print resolution and quality to the needs and expectations of your client, you may just be rushing yourself out of business. So stop and review how you're approaching this problem in the digital printing industry. Faster than a Wrapped Locomotive You can't rely on templates when you work with locomotives. Discover how Wrapped Graphics approached wrapping a train. Small Colorado Shop Wraps Up Success When you listen to your customers, they sometimes will show you exactly how to build your business to that next level. Best Practices Standards for On-Premise Signs in the Sign World The United States Sign Council Best Practices Standards for On-Premise Signs has clearly established the benchmark for the determination of optimum exterior sign visibility, legibility, and placement. Lifesavers On Our Streets: Illuminated Signs Light the Way It is no secret that on-premise signs are an absolutely critical component of our wayfinding systems, without which people could not find the products and services they seek, especially in the commercial landscape. Answering the Call from Sign Haters Make no mistake about it; there are some people who simply do not like signs - some, in fact, actually hate them. If you have been in the industry for even a relatively short time, we've encountered them - usually, and unfortunately, as part of a local committee to regulate signs. Factors Impacting Vinyl Removal, Part I Learning what vinyl film is, the impact that the environment and the surface finish has on vinyl are all factors that will help you deal with the ultimate need to remove vinyl graphics. Take it Off...Vinyl that is. Right now there are multiple opportunities to create a tremendous cash stream. The question is, “Which companies will recognize the opportunities, respond to them, and thrive?” Getting Back to Basics: A Guide to Color Management Signmakers can take a proactive stance in ensuring business success by going back to basics, including re-assessing their processes and making the most of their existing printing equipment. Media Facades: High-Tech Digital Building Wraps Now with LED video screens comes the outdoor advertising impulse to create the ultimate building wrap, a media facade, which is an LED video screen that completely covers the front of a building and presents a kaleidoscope of imagery that dances across the building. Films to Enhance and Protect - Investigating Ongoing Developments in Laminate Films Suppliers are responding to the present economy with more cost-effective materials — thinner films and liners that offer the right amount of protection for the application. Making Waves With Photo Sails Photo Sails may seem like a simple idea. But the concept was hardly simple to execute. It took nearly four years of product testing and marketing to come up with the first real Photo Sail. A Titan-Sized Wrap - Wrapping the home of the Tennessee Titans No two wraps are alike. Get the inside scoop on handling repetitive designs and working with oversized vinyl panels. And Now for Something Completely Different Reflecting on the past to determine new ways to be successful in a challenging economy. A Megawrap with Flavor - vinyl installer wraps world’s largest beer can Discover the challenges of wrapping a monumental can — and keeping it realistic from top to bottom. A Primer on UV-Curable Inkjet Inks Since 2006, there has been a incredible rush toward the use of UV-curable inks in most of the printing markets. This increase has been driven by new developments in ink technology and demand from printer manufacturers and end users. Variable-Dot Printing: Why Dots-Per-Inch is No Longer the Only Measure of Inkjet Print Quality The correlation of higher quality to higher dpi is certainly defensible, assuming one thing: The dots are all the same size. Recent developments in inkjet technology have turned this standard on its side. Stay Ahead with Accurate Sign Estimating Using Advanced Technologies Submitting the winning bid for sign projects is more challenging today than ever before. Click for some insider perspectives on optimizing your company efficiency with estimating. Selling Stadium Wraps and Not Losing Your Shorts Pricing a stadium wrap can get a little hairy, but if you approach measurements with the right mindset you’ll put more profits in your pocket. Find out how. Wrapping Tropicana Field Read a first hand example of how vinyl wraps are playing a key role in both aesthetics, communications and advertising in stadiums across the country. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. Take It Outside...Current Trends in Out-of-Home Signage, What Grand Format Solvent Printers Can Do One area of importance that is often overlooked by the sign professional is the area of street furniture. Special Tools for Textured Surface Stadium Wraps 3M has developed special application tools and methods for use with its 8624 film. The 3M Textured Surface Applicator TSA-1 for large surfaces is critical for achieving proper adhesion. Find out what else is new. Installing Stadium Wraps - Getting it right the first time. Are you ready to learn how to get creative in overcoming the challenges of installing vinyl in stadium settings? Read on for how-tos and solutions that will help you along the way. Stadium Advertising: A Sporty Opportunity Why do you need to understand the advertising opportunities in stadiums? So you can help to sell it to your client. Discover what you need to know about stadium wrappings sporty opportunity. Wrapping the Fair If you think wrapping mega slides is the same as wrapping cars, think again. Discover how to navigate the challenges that could spell opportunity for you. Applying Vinyl Graphics to Aircraft Are you ready to let your business fly high? Applying vinyl graphics to aircraft may be your next big opportunity. Wrapping Oil Rigs A Texas sign shop is wrapping the big rigs ­ and we don’t mean trucks. Discover the ins and outs of wrapping in an oil field. Taking Care of Your Digital Graphics Installing graphics is only part of the job of selling wraps and flat surface installs. You need to make sure your end user is aware of how to properly care for their graphics once they are installed. Full Product Branding with Self-Adhesive Films: What Does It Really Mean? An in-depth analysis of the concept and ways to incorporate it into your business Looking Behind the Accounting Curtain: The Accounting Team and Print MIS in the Big Picture The goal of a print management information system in this global picture is to provide accurate, timely information that can be quickly and easily consolidated and organized. Removing Floor Graphics Now that you’ve mastered installing floor graphics, what are you going to do when its’ time to remove them? Find out! The House That FUSE Built- LED Displays from Sidewalks To Unique Channel Letters FUSE decided it was time to increase their corporate profile and do so by using extensive LED signage to increase their visibility to their music fans and the public. Applying Floor Graphics: Beyond Pick ‘Em and Stick ‘Em Different types of floors often demand different approaches to applying the floor graphic ­ if you want it to stick. Get the inside scoop. Getting Inkjet Ink and Print Heads to Work Together Inkjet print systems fail primarily because of the fluids used in them. Read on to find out if it's all a hoax or if putting high-test in is all it's cracked up to be. Hershey’s ­ How Sweet It Is: The Eye-Candy of Times Square In the middle of all its surrounding Times Square spectaculars, billboards and sign edifices, stands the flagship Hershey Times Square, a retail gift store which is a chocolate confectionary paradise that is the center of the chocolate universe. Floor Graphics: Walking into Opportunity The floor graphics concept was ahead of its time a few years ago, but if you haven’t gotten into this side of the business yet, there is no time like the present. Does Your Vinyl Printing Flow Where You Want It To Go? Digital print shops that print onto vinyl could find a competitive advantage with software that streamlines the printing processes and sidesteps common challenges. Project Management Made Easy Through Estimating & Business Management Software The programs continue to evolve and mature, and with this improvement cycle the results are increased productivity, greater control of costs and an improved bottom line. All achieved with greater ease and accuracy than ever before. So how can you afford to not be on this bandwagon? It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Marquee Magic: Marquees Become a Window to Stage and Screen The marquee's original form harkens back to a message reader board with a large back lit white translucent display with changeable black plastic letters that were rearranged for each new program within the theater. Today that can all be done via LED message centers directing the public's attention to what's playing inside the theater. Solvent Printers and Air Quality Control For years, it has been accepted the smelly operating conditions are par for the course and normal in shops with solvent printers, but we have come to a turning point where these fumes and odors are more than just a nuisance. They pose real health concerns. Choosing the Best Ink to Print on Vinyl Some digital print shops stick to the ink their printer manufacturer offers. But that might not always be the best choice for your vinyl print job. Your overarching goal is to match your ink to your media. Find out what you need to know. Smaller World — The Implications of GHS and REACH Both were developed in the international arena and both have already influenced chemical policy well beyond their original borders. Today and Tomorrow: Considering Digital Imaging an SGIA Interview In recognition of the SGIA Journal's 10th anniversary in 2007, we take a look forward and backward, evaluating how our industry has changed and how we expect it will change by the time the Journal celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Willis Avenue Building and the Rooftop Sign that Wasn’t This is a tale of a billboard wind load that almost took down the building it sat upon and its replacement rooftop sign that really wasn't the roof sign it appeared to be. The History and Future of the U.S. Sign Industry Marketplace Here’s a quick perspective on the size of the U.S. sign industry and the impact of wide format inkjet printing in the sign industry today. Panel Saw, Table Saw, Mat Cutter or Combo Machine, which is Right for your Shop? One way for sign shops to increase their efficiency is to have the right tool for cutting sheet goods to size. There are a few basic considerations that every sign shop must address when purchasing a cutting machine: space restraints, ease of use, capability, safety, cost and dust. Taking the A-Train (or Any Other Train) in New York City Would Be Even Harder Without Directional Signage New York City Transit officials place a tremendous effort into creating a subway wayfinding system that connects its passengers to trains and exits throughout the system. Should You Buy Ink in Bulk? Discover the pros and cons of buying ink in large quantities. Third-Party Ink Could Leave You Crying It’s your printer and you can use third-party ink if you want to, but like the old song, it may leave you crying over your banner. It’s All About the Digital File at SGIA ’07- From Wrapping Gators to Mermaids Whether you’re cutting rubylith, fluted-plastic or vinyl; printing on rigid sheet, t-shirts, tile or fabric; or getting a message across through embroidery, it all comes down to the digital file. Coke- It's the Real Thing! In making its presence known to a thirsty public, Coca-Cola's familiar bright red background, cursive script logo and contour bottle has been printed, painted, postered and plastered on the sides of delivery trucks, on billboards, and on buildings in just about every major city around the world. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2007 As we did last year, SignIndustry.com took a quick pulse of the sign industry to try to get an idea of the state of the industry in this third quarter of 2007. Want to Become a Lenticular Printer? ­ Just do it! For both sign makers and wide format printers, lenticular can be a valuable differentiator, an additional value-added service and best of all, a profit generator. Keeping Signage at the Top of Business Marketing...And Its Revenue. The hard truth is that signage is not considered by most business development experts as marketing and the reason is clear - they are simply unaware of its value. Roadside Text Messaging on LED Display Signs LED electronic signage has evolved into several types of highway sign systems that aid highway traffic managers by alerting drivers of current travel conditions to aid in traffic flow. The Rundown on Calendered Vinyl Films Calendered vinyl films were once thought of as an inferior economical choice, but some calendered vinyl film manufacturers have come a long way in terms of product quality and breadth, by offering conformability, durability and that image pop that is required for the application. 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey for Flatbed Injet, Wide Format Inkjet & Grand-Format Inkjet The results of SGIA’s recent 2007 Business Growth Plans Survey demonstrate an interesting reality in our industry, and show a healthy difference between what imaging companies want (equipment-wise), and what they ultimately buy. Through the magic of trending data, let’s take a look. Minskoff Theater Sign Makeover: Everyone Must See the Lion King The Minskoff Theatre (1,597 seats), one of the many major live performing venues along Broadway has recently undergone a signage transformation of its old blade / marquee and window display into a very modern and elegant sign package that was fit for a king: The Lion King that was. What You Need to Know About Varnish in the Digital Printing Arena There’s more than one way to varnish. And there’s more than one way to make a mess with varnish, too. The good news is, if you use the right printer and the right materials, varnishing can add profits to your bottom line. When Ink Is Not the Problem with Digital Printing, Part II Beyond dust and dirt, several factors impact the ink’s ability to stick to the substrate. The carrier ­ aqueous-based or solvent-based ­ is another key factor in the final outcome. Then there’s calibration. Reporting on RIPs- Raster Image Processors...What They Are and How They’re Doing Every sign shop that depends on excellence from its printer is probably using a RIP. If you ever wanted to know the rap on RIPs, but were afraid to ask, read on to learn from the experience of your peers in the industry. Complex Wraps Demand Advanced Techniques, Part II Are you handling your film right? Is your graphics guy designing with wraps in mind? Are you removing vinyl from contours the right way? Lots of questions. We’ve got answers. Hybrid EMC/ Billboards: Combining the Best of Print and Electronic Displays on a Single Billboard While most outdoor media companies are taking the plunge to add electronic billboards, it is in no way seen as a replacement of the existing print billboard set ups. It is seen more as a compliment to print, each having certain strengths that reinforce each other's advertising potential. When Ink Is Not the Problem with Digital Printing, Part I Variables like surface tension, media expansion and ink absorption take on new dimensions on larger substrates. If the paper doesn’t advance, it could cause blobs of ink or other ugly outcomes. If the media stretches even a little, you could get blurs. Tiling can become a challenge on larger prints. Read on to discover what to do when ink is not the problem. Can Billboard Advertising Really Be Measured? Outdoor advertising could get a boost with reliable ratings that cause companies to pour more money into billboards and bus shelters. Take Me Out to the Ball Game Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark offers proof positive that effective sign design can inform, entertain, commemorate ­ and stand out in a crowd. Printers’ Challenges in Meeting Fire Codes All printed banners, wall coverings, display booth fabrics, table skirts, tents, awnings, carpeting, window treatments, interior furnishing and vinyl-coated fabrics are required to meet flame-retardant standards for homes, offices or other assembly places (Flammable Fabrics Act, 1953). The challenges of meeting these fire standards and codes have increased with the development of new synthetic fibers and the ink applications to these fibers, which create a liability risk for the specialty printer. Complex Wraps Demand Advanced Techniques, Part I Not all vehicle wraps are created equal ­ some are far more complex than others. Discover what you need to know to tackle even the most complex wraps with confidence. Navigating To Complete Color Workflow Management The explosion of digital imaging and printing in the sign industry has left many in the business in something of a conundrum. Here's this wonderful new machine on the floor that did such incredible things at the tradeshow, but how do you make it do them, do them consistently, and do them profitably? Lenticular and 3D Commercial Sign Applications Studies have shown that 3D increases the stopping power of advertisements by as much as five times and increases the staying power by four times in relation to 2D ads. The Venerable Vector Graphic - Supreme Sublimation With the power of vectors behind you, you can make everything from coasters to billboards. Using the powerful vector format in your arsenal will scale up your workflow to any size you want. Back to School: The Value of Learning to Wrap Vehicles Faster, more affordable printers, easier to handle vinyl materials, and an unlimited supply of customers is causing more sign shops to consider adding vinyl vehicle wraps to their menu of business services. Spot On - The State of Spot Colors in Inkjet Technology The sign industry has been discussing spot colors for inkjet printers for over a decade. Are we getting any closer to quick-and-easy action? Upcoming Developments in Industrial Inkjet for Display Graphics The wide-format graphics industry has been transformed through the emergence over the past dozen years of digital inkjet printing technology. Extreme Makeover: Business Signage Edition Fastsigns International, Inc. chose 4 different businesses to receive a signage makeover. The four businesses chosen for the makeovers pondered many of the same things when they learned that they were selected for this free signage makeover. Would it draw in new customers? Would it boost sales? Would anyone even notice? The results speak for themselves. What is Lenticular Imaging and Why Should You Know About It? Lenticular imaging technology of today has morphed an old print technology into new stratospheres and consequently breathing new life and profit potential for printers and marketers alike. The State of UV Inkjet Inks…the momentum is building The advantage of 'curing' is simple: It allows ink to adhere to a broader range of substrates as compared to other digital printing technologies. On the other hand, there is a bit of a misconception that UV cured ink will stick to just about everything. Get a balanced view of UV curable pros and cons. Airports: A B to B Advertising Mecca Considered one of the most highly desirable ad locations anywhere, airports attract the most dominant business to business advertisers. The Fine Art of Inks Large format printers with special inks are producing top quality prints that sell in museums for tens of thousands of dollars. Find out what you need to know to take your cut by producing these fine art prints. More Than Art for Art’s Sake There is a fine line between signage and art and sometimes there is no line at all. Art becomes the sign and the sign becomes art. To some, even a traffic sign is seen as art. SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now' When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration. About White Ink In Black and White Could white ink allow you to expand into new markets? Imagine the possibilities of expanding your services to include printing on leather, cardboard, wood, stone or some other non-traditional material. Expanding Your Ink Horizons Printers today can accommodate up to 16-color inksets. But would that really benefit your shop? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of expanding your ink horizons. The Ever-Changing World of Ink for Digital Printing Ink development will continue to parallel the evolution of large format printing technology and end-user application requirements. Will UV ink become the industry standard? Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2006 SignIndustry.com went looking at a handful of companies from various areas of the country as well as different segments of our industry to put our finger on the pulse and determine the state of the industry and where we are heading. Ink, Glorious Ink You have two choices: buy cheap ink and yield cheap signs, or buy quality ink and yield quality signs. Find out why ink makes such a dramatic difference in large-format printing. Electronic LED Billboards: The New Voice of Business The billboard, a mainstay of outdoor advertising has entered the realm of high-tech in the form of an electronic billboard media format. Vinyl Graphic Removal Made Easy Vinyl removal can be a pain…that's a fact, but there's a new kid on the block that can help to make your vinyl removal projects less labor intensive and quicker to complete. And that's worth reading about. RIPs: The Meaning Behind the Puzzle of Digital Graphic Output Raster Image Processors are used by most large format graphic shops, but this article will help you to understand what they do and why you need this vital piece to complete your puzzle. Converting Raster Images to Vector Images Can Be A Challenge, But It Doesn't Have To Be. Finding the Right Tracing Software to Get the Job Done How Did The Graphics Market Get Where It Is Today? Understanding the Graphics Market's Development: Part Two in a Series of Three Wrapping Vegas The basic elements are the same with wraps of all sizes, but large mass transit wraps offer some additional challenges that offer valuable lessons from graphics installers of all shapes and sizes. 100 Years and Counting: N. Glantz & Son Still Going Strong Most people don't like to celebrate the annual aging ritual of birthdays beyond the late teens. But it's truly a sign that you're doing something right when your business is having its 100th year celebration. Wrap It Up: Vehicle Wraps See New Developments Through Digital Almost anything can be wrapped, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, boats, trailers, railroad cars and even buildings. Learn the critical steps to planning, creating and installing a successful wrap. Or else you'll wish you did. Outdoor Video Screen Business: A Network of Success The use of digital video screens signifies a brand new stage of development in the area of outdoor advertising. UV Ink in the Wide-Format Market: Should Wide-Format Printers Take the Cure? A whole new world of applications is opening in the rigid-substrate sector by printers that are willing to invest in and push the technology and their businesses forward. Incoming SGIA Chairman David Van Veldhuizen Speaks on Changes and Challenges The industry is changing, lines between niche markets are becoming transparent, technology is pushing delivery systems to a new level and anybody in the world is only 1.7 seconds away. Trying to Make Sense of the Graphics Market Mess Understanding your business and how it fits into the evolving U.S. graphics industry may well be vital in your survivial in the changing marketplace involving screen printing, wide-format imaging and your sign shop. Part 1 of a 3 part series. Critical Questions to Consider When Looking at a Flatbed Purchase The purpose of this article is to provide the imaging professional with a list of critical questions to ask when shopping for a flatbed inkjet printer. By understanding these questions, then seeking answers to them, those printers looking to install flatbed inkjet units in their facilities will be able to make better purchasing decisions. C-C-Corrugations…Never Fear, Expert Advise is Here! Applying vinyl over rivets is one thing. Applying vinyl over corrugation is quite another. But don’t let that stop you. If you can learn to apply vinyl over corrugation, then you can tap into the lucrative world of fleets. Applying Vinyl Over Curves, Body Creases and Molding Installing graphics on vehicles ­ or wrapping entire vehicles for that matter ­ presents some unique challenges rarely encountered on other substrates. Find out how to get around these difficult issues. Unlocking the Psychology of Signage Successful sign making depends on effective visual communication. Understanding how consumers relate to signage, then, is key to helping your customers unlock the door to greater revenues. Imaged Fabric Adds a Touch of Class to Hum Drum Displays Fabric is findings its place in the trade show arena and beyond. Discover how this flexible, portable material fits into your business plan. Illuminated Signs Help McGruff Take a Bite Out of Crime The National Crime Prevention Council sanctions illuminated signs as a crime prevention tool. Find out how on-premise signs can help your business ­ and your community. On-Premise Commercial Signage Curbs Traffic Accidents Government research proves that signage helps drivers navigate unfamiliar roadways. Learn how to boost business while maintaining driver safety. The Sign Challenges of a Arctic Canadian Winter Selkirk Signs teams with TIR Systems to solve the cold hard challenges of signage for Federated Co-op chain of stores. Outdoor Eco/Low-Solvent Printing Market 2005 Manufacturers are beginning to introduce entry-level outdoor eco-solvent printers. Are you ready to take the plunge? Rent, Lease or Finance Your Sign Equipment Find the right answer to the question of whether your sign business should rent, lease or own the equipment used in your operations. Few sign professionals are able to accept the fact that there is no one right answer that fits everyone or every situtation. Reading, Writing and Profits With The School System Near You You can position your company for profitability by serving the growing market for in-school advertising. Cast vs. Calendered Vinyl Learn the differences and why to use the right vinyl in the right application. There huge differences and a quick read through this article will help you understand all the ins and outs of calendered and cast vinyls. LED Street-side Pylons: A Totem for Business Communications Combining electronic message centers with street-side pylons or main marquees to create a contemporary look for customer's roadside presences. What You Need to Know About Pollution Prevention in Your Shop Protecting yourself, your employees and your community are just a few reasons why you want to be sure that your shop is compliant with all of the current safety regulations. One of the most important areas of safety that is often overlooked is the ventilation of your print shop. Wide Format Graphics Market -Hardware, Media & Ink Revenues Growing 7% CAGR The wide format graphics market generated total manufacturer revenues (at the retail level) of $7.3 billion in 2004 and is expected to generate manufacturer revenues of $10.1 billion in 2009, a CAGR of 7%. Perforated Vinyl: Opening Up The Vision of Sign Options Perforated vinyl film is fast becoming an excellent new form of advertising signage. This unique material allows easy adhesion to windows and motor vehicles, with the perforations enabling vision through the advertisement itself. Training Your Signshop To Use New Equipment & Software To produce eye-catching, quality prints and signs, printing machines and software require skilled operators. One way operators acquire their skill is through training. Delve inside to catch the scoop on the different options available to take advantage of all the features of your equipment and software. LED Displays: A Formidable Foe The scuttlebutt continues over who is number one: Mr. LED, with his promise of longer life, Mr. Neon with her bragging rights of years of loyalty to the Sign Man, or Mr. Fiber Optics and his daring attempt to play it safe under wet conditions. Who will be victorious? More on What You Need to Know About Rivets Discover the ins and outs, dos and don’ts of installing vinyl graphics over rivets. What you find out may surprise you. Digital Fabric Printing Offers Something No Sign Shop Can Afford To Ignore: Profitability Have you explored the world of digital fabric printing? If not, then you could be missing out on one of the hottest trends in the sign industry today. Soaring Profits from Glistening Gateways Airports are bustling with opportunities as architects bring sign builders into the design process to capitalize on 21st century trends. Tips and Tricks for Installing Full Wrap Vehicle Graphics Vehicle wraps are now used in place of expensive custom paint jobs. In addition to being a lower cost option to paint, the vinyl can be removed when the advertising campaign is over or you are ready to turn in your leased vehicle. This article will take you step-by-step through the process of installing a full vehicle wrap. It will offer tips and tricks on how to provide your customer with a high quality wrap. Wrapping Done Around the World Are wrapping techniques any different in London than they are in Los Angeles? Find out from one of the United Kingdom’s top vehicle wrapping companies. Tri-Message on a Truck? What do you get when you mix motional advertising with mobile billboards? A hot advertising concept. Find out how to tap into a new revenue stream by combining tri-message signage and mobile advertising. Dealing with the 'R' Word...Rivets Learn the time-tested techniques of how to properly apply vinyl over rivets. Discover a five-step process that will help you deal with these annoying, yet necessary fasteners. Benefits of Flexible-Face Mounting Systems Vendors are manufacturing a variety of mounting systems to making installing flexible face signage a snap (and click). Take It Outside...Current Trends in Out-of-Home Signage, Part III In this section, we will look at the potential of expanding your business into vehicle wraps. Roll-On! A memorial on 18 wheels to commorate the memory of the victims of September 11th. SGIA ’04 Recap: The Microcosm Meets the Macrocosm The digital revolution. UV. The marriage of digital and screen. Multiple technologies. The buzz of energized attendees joined the hum of equipment at SGIA ’04 (Minneapolis, October 6­9), where more than 11,000 people represented 73 countries and every US state. Size Issues: Implementing Grand-Format Digital Imaging Super-wide. Ultra-wide. Extra-wide. Really, really big. All of these designations fall under the general definition of 'grand format,' but there's a catch: Define 'grand format.' The Successful Integration of Digital Imaging Technology, Part II In Part I of this two-part series, we discussed equipment options, inks and media choices. In this second part, we will address how to make digital imaging work for you including supplies, color management, marketing and strategies. The Successful Integration of Digital Imaging Technology, Part I Integrating digital imaging technology into your existing facility may represent a step into the unknown. Like a classical music enthusiast first discovering jazz, the company adopting digital is introduced to a fascinating new world that is puzzlingly different, yet strangely familiar. The equipment looks different, the buzzwords are different, but the final goal is the same: to produce and sell high-quality printed materials to paying customers. Flipping The Lid For The Red Zone the Heinz Field Football Stadium serves up a world famous icon Take It Outside...Current Trends in Out-of-Home Signage, Part 2 One area of importance that is often overlooked by the sign professional is the area of street furniture. Printer Profiling- Matching What You See To What You Get In this part of the series we look at how to profile your printer, so that output you print will match what you saw on the screen. Standard Color Working Spaces A standard working space is a place to store color data until you know what you want to do with it. For example, you might want to display, print, or proof a file. COLOR MANAGEMENT: The Color Gamut, Gamut Mapping and Gamut Clipping and Your Rendering Intents By understanding the relationships of color theory and the physical limits of your printers you can better apply color managment to achieve the desired results. Color Management for a Monitor-to-Print Match Advancements in color measurement instruments and color management software have made it possible for nearly everyone to afford at least a monitor calibration system, so monitor-to-print match today is the rule rather than the exception. Eco Solvent Printers Poised to Shake Up PFP Market Take It Outside...Current Trends in Out-of-Home Signage If you think you understand everything there is to know about outdoor advertising you may want to take a closer look. As the Pony Express rider said to the FedEx guy, “times they are a-changing.” PDF Workflow 101: Convert Your Digital Workflow to PDF Smooth out the headaches involved in getting files from your clients by using the versatile PDF (Portable Document Format) in your businesses workflow. Sign Pricing Series - Digital Print Pricing In the last article, I touched on the elements of pricing. Chiefly, pricing will vary based on competition, industry practice, and the skill vs. cost of accuracy in pricing. With digital printing, these basic concepts hold true. Avoiding Bubbles and Wrinkles During Vinyl Applications Learn how to avoid these pesky problems during vinyl installation with advice from the pros. So You Want To Be a Vinyl Pro Before you can claim professional installer status, you have to learn the basics to avoid common mistakes. Discover some fundamentals tips that will serve you well for many years. Scan 101 ­ Appropriate Scan Resolutions and Color Settings for Your Inkjet Printer Resolution can be a confusing concept in the scanning & output world, but here are some facts to help you better understand and not get caught up in the myths. Sign Pricing- Pricing Approaches and Accuracy This series on pricing and estimating will address the most common pricing approaches for different segments of the sign and graphics industry. VEHICLE WRAPS COVER UPS: the world is watching Vehicle and fleet wraps are efficient and effective means for placing outdoor signage in plain sight by turning a bus, truck, touring vehicle or car into a mobile billboard that puts a client's advertising all over the place. Billboards Save Children It’s a statistic that’s hard to swallow: each day, more than 2,000 children are reported missing in the United States. This staggering figure is part of the inspiration behind a new project called Rigs for Kids, a program that turns 18-wheelers into mobile billboards with pictures of missing children. Heritage Graphics and Scaffold Wraps From Manhattan's Times Square to an Argentinan Palace, outdoor graphics has put unsightly construction under wraps with over the top picturesque renderings, art images or patriotic beautification panels High-Volume Outdoor Printers Meet Growing Demand The market for outdoor media is growing exponentially. Find out what eco-solvent options manufacturers are offering today. ESPN ZONE: Remolded To Greatness Once upon a time, there was a marquee and a blade sign that really wanted to shine Entering Into Outdoor Eco-Solvent Printing Manufacturers are beginning to introduce entry to mid-level outdoor eco-solvent printers. Are you ready to take the plunge? Motional Messages on Motor Vehicles In part three of this series, we take a look at what happens when you combine the benefits of motional and mobile advertising in one moving medium. Searching for the Best Solvents One solvent ink does not fit all outdoor printers. Find out the pros and cons of lite, full and eco-solvent inks. Multiply Your Profits with Multi-Message Signage Motional signage is gaining momentum and multi-message signage is perhaps the hottest form of them all. Find out how you can cash in on this medium. Signage in Motion Signs are moving from static banners to dynamic displays. Find out what retailers are looking for in the 21st century. UV-Curable Technology, Part III: Exploring the World of UV Printers UV printer technology is the latest trend in the industry. Find out what the major players have to offer. UV-Curable Technology, Part II: Benefits of Ultraviolet Curable Inks Ultraviolet curable inks are promising to change the face of digital printing. Are you ready for the revolution? UV-Curable Technology, Part I: The Ultraviolet Media Debate Is dedicated UV media necessary? Or will any old vinyl do the trick? Avery and 3M have differing opinions. Benefits of Vehicle Wrapping Need some help selling vehicle wraps? Trade groups, sign shops and market researchers have ammunition to help you seal the deal. Installing Vehicle Wraps Like the Pros (Final part of a three-part series) Installing vehicle wraps takes knowledge and experience. Experts share some insights on getting the job done right. Vehicle Wrapping, Part II: Design and Preparation A haphazard approach to designing for wraps and preparing the vehicle for application will result in disaster. Find out how the pros work. Venturing into Vehicle Wrapping If you’ve been considering adding vehicle wrapping to your repartee, then you won’t want to miss part one in this three part series on vehicle wrapping. The Art of Laminating- Tips to cold laminating - Part I Laminating is a learn-as-you-go process, where a few pointers can help ease the pain of the learning curve. The Art of Laminating Part 3 - Making the investment Before you make the investment, you have to consider both your present needs and your future needs. The purchase of a laminator is similar to that of purchasing a car. A lot of decisions need to be made as to what bells and whistles come with the various models. The Art of Laminating Part 2 - Understanding your materials This is part two of a three-part series on Laminating. The Art of Laminating Part 1 - The Basics of Lamination Vehicle Vinyl Expert Reveals Tricks of Trade Don't make costly mistakes with your vinyl applications and removals. Let vinyl expert Rob Ivers give you some practical dos and don'ts. Making it BIG at the XIX Winter Olympiad Nur provided the ticket for shops graphics in Salt Lake City The Bloom is Not Yet Off This Rose With all the gloom and doom surrounding the economy, can outdoor advertising survive? Viewing Distance: The Misunderstood Concept Understanding viewing distance is a concept that has to be taught and examples are about the best way to do so. Are You Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck? Multiple message displays increase your ad space and captivate Photography and Signs: An Efficient Tradition Take a good picture to begin with will save you time in the long run Outdoor Advertising: A Medium for All Seasons How outdoor has developed into a success story Give Us Back/Our Burma Shave Remember the one that went, HENRY THE EIGHTH / SURE HAD / TROUBLE / SHORT TERM WIVES / LONG TERM STUBBLE? Cutting Stone with Water and Light Lasers and waterjets open up whole new worlds of stone-cutting to the creative sign builder Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business

Painted Signs Avoiding Airbrushed Vinyl Mistakes Perfecting the art of airbrushing on vinyl takes time ­ but you can avoid beginner’s mistakes with a few insiders’ tips. Gild like an Egyptian Gilding is an ancient art that dates back to Egyptian times. Get some time-tested tips from modern-day pros. What You Need to Know About Pollution Prevention in Your Shop Protecting yourself, your employees and your community are just a few reasons why you want to be sure that your shop is compliant with all of the current safety regulations. One of the most important areas of safety that is often overlooked is the ventilation of your print shop. How to Sell Your Airbrushed Vinyl Butch 'Superfrog' Anton shares his secrets of his success in selling airbrushed vinyl. Hint: it’s a three-tiered pricing approach. Read on to learn more. The Story Of A Country Sign Painter Been there and done that. The Hungary Artist The authorities told young John Duzs he'd be a statistician Making the New Look Old Did you ever dream you could have so much fun pleasing a customer? Painting a Picture of Quality Planning and preparation is everything

Screen Printing Stencil Washout Techniques, Part 2 Washout will impact your print results. Follow along in this conclusion to learn the rest of this important sub-process of washout techniques to will help you create the best print results. One more variable to be controlled and repeated to attain consistent tonal-range reproduction and print quality. Stencil Washout Techniques, Part I Stencil development or washout seems simple and easy, and not a variable worthy of concern or extra time. But washout often becomes an important sub-process that will impact print results. Just like any other variable, it must be controlled and repeated to attain consistent tonal-range reproduction and print quality. Computer-to-Screen & Film Technologies for Screen Printing Here we are presenting the major technologies currently used, how they operate and additional specifications to help you make the right decison for your shop. Charlie Taublieb Tells You How to Prepare a Screen the Right Way for Screen Printing Many shops make the same mistakes, and the most obvious one was the way they dried their screens, so following is a step by step of what I would do in making a screen from the beginning. Precision Process Tools for Screen Printers - Part Four: Tools You Can't Afford Not to Buy in the Modern Screen Printing Environment Now the finale, Press Setup, Test Print Inspection and Print-Run Monitoring Stage. If your shop uses all the right tools, your investment in those tools could save you ten times their cost. Precision Process Tools for Screen Printers - Part Three: Why You Can't Afford Not to Buy Them in the Modern Print Environment By making fewer press errors, printing fewer defects and not having to reprint, you save time. Saving time puts money in your pocket. Precision Process Tools for Screen Printers - Part Two In Part II of this article, we explore the design and artwork stage, the film production stage, and the inspection stage for Screen Printers. Precision Process Tools for Screen Printers - Part One Why You Can't Afford Not to Buy Them in the Modern Print Environment Stretching Your Own Screens, Part III: Of Mesh and Meters The right mesh at the proper tension goes a long way toward insuring successful print jobs. Here's what you need to know when stretching your screens. Stretching Your Own Screens, Part II: Making Sense of Frames Stretching your own screens means working with an outside source, the frame suppliers. Keep the following essentials in mind when placing your orders to ensure you get what you need. Computer to Screen (CTS) Today Are you waiting for film to disappear before you change? Inkjet CTS systems have a very low-cost consumable, and it isn’t going away for a long time. Stretching Your Own Screens: Does It Make Sense for Your Business? Stretching screens in-house can help boost production, reduce downtime and give your shop the flexibility to take on a wider range of jobs. But it also requires a considerable investment, and can divert precious resources from your core operation. Is it right for your shop? Take a look and see. Want To Try Screenprinting? Knife-Cut Films Can Shave Your Start-Up Costs You don't have to spend a fortune to get into screenprinting, it is possible to enter the business on the cheap. Read on to learn how you can cut a piece of the screenprinting pie. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Smaller World — The Implications of GHS and REACH Both were developed in the international arena and both have already influenced chemical policy well beyond their original borders. Choosing a Color Separation Program One of the most important decisions you’ll make in your screen printing business, at least from a design perspective, is which separation program to purchase. Today and Tomorrow: Considering Digital Imaging an SGIA Interview In recognition of the SGIA Journal's 10th anniversary in 2007, we take a look forward and backward, evaluating how our industry has changed and how we expect it will change by the time the Journal celebrates its twentieth anniversary. It’s All About the Digital File at SGIA ’07- From Wrapping Gators to Mermaids Whether you’re cutting rubylith, fluted-plastic or vinyl; printing on rigid sheet, t-shirts, tile or fabric; or getting a message across through embroidery, it all comes down to the digital file. Want to Become a Lenticular Printer? ­ Just do it! For both sign makers and wide format printers, lenticular can be a valuable differentiator, an additional value-added service and best of all, a profit generator. Screen Preparation: A Cornerstone for Successful Screen Printing Understanding the wide range of mesh preparation products, and when to use them, can be a challenge. This guide will clearly explain the product similarities and differences, as well as how to properly use mesh preparation as a part of your process improvement program. Screen or Digital Which Method to Choose...An Imaging Technology Decision The choices of using digital printing vs. screen printing, learn how to find the sweet-spot for your company to determine the most profitable choice on a job. Heat Transfer Machines Are One Hot Topic Exploring the choices in heat presses offers many choices. This will show the different types to find the right choice for your budget and application. Halftone Stencils: Getting Film Quality with Direct Emulsions Film stencils are widely praised for their ability to accurately reproduce fine detail such as the thousands upon thousands of tiny dots that make up a halftone. The key to success lies on the print side of the screen, where the smooth surface of a film stencil provides a tight seal with the surface of the substrate. This seal sharply restricts ink flow, which results in sharply defined prints. SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now' When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration. Printing Halftones (Part III): Making Halftone Stencils with Photoreactive Film Despite the many advantages of using films for halftone work, liquid direct emulsions continue to be very popular and also have a few advantages of their own. Discover the many advantages and disadvantages of halftone stencils. Incoming SGIA Chairman David Van Veldhuizen Speaks on Changes and Challenges The industry is changing, lines between niche markets are becoming transparent, technology is pushing delivery systems to a new level and anybody in the world is only 1.7 seconds away. Printing Halftones (Part Two): Two Critical Factors in Halftone Stencils We've come to the point in the process where we need to start thinking about creating a halftone stencil. The qualities that make good halftone stencils are substantially the same as those of any other stencil used in finely detailed printing, though as always, we have to be prepared to meet higher standards of accuracy. Trying to Make Sense of the Graphics Market Mess Understanding your business and how it fits into the evolving U.S. graphics industry may well be vital in your survivial in the changing marketplace involving screen printing, wide-format imaging and your sign shop. Part 1 of a 3 part series. Apparel Decorating Trends & Techniques for Digital and Sublimation Transfers Recent trends of a flat decorated garment market have created a small group of nimble companies that have strategically positioned themselves to introduce the world to the short and micro runs of customized apparel. Printing Halftones ­ Part One: Frames, Mesh and Moiré Having the right frame, the right mesh and the right timing can make all the difference in the world in presenting a quality final product to your customer. Making Halftone Positives for Screening In this third part of the Halftones series we take a look at the factors tht influence how we create halftone artwork for screenprinting. A dot is not just a dot you know. Halftones Continued: Pushing the Limits The history of screenprinting can be quickly summed up as a series of inventive solutions to printing problems. What You Need to Know About Pollution Prevention in Your Shop Protecting yourself, your employees and your community are just a few reasons why you want to be sure that your shop is compliant with all of the current safety regulations. One of the most important areas of safety that is often overlooked is the ventilation of your print shop. Facing Up To The Challenge of Printing Halftones: the next step in your evolution as a screenprinter. When newcomers to screenprinting first set eyes on a screenprinted photograph, the damage is done. That's the kind of screenprinting they want to do. The wise ones put off tackling the job, at least until they've got a bit of experience under their belt. But sometimes the jobs don't wait on you. Putting Your Reclaiming Tools to Work: Reclaiming Screens to Maximize Your Profits (Part 2) Reclaiming your screens should take less time thus increasing productivity and your screens should last longer, decreasing expenses. These two factors can make a big impact on your bottom line. The Digital Opportunity in Wide Format Printing Screen printers are rightly proud that they are part of an ancient tradition that is as much an art form as carrying out an industrial process. While digital inkjet printing has none of those familiar associations, it does offer technical and economic solutions to the very real challenges faced by today's screen printers. Reclaim Your Screens to Maximize Your Profits Part 1: Supplies and Equipment If screens could be used only once, screenprinting wouldn't be a competitive technology and few screenprinters could afford to stay in business. SGIA ’04 Recap: The Microcosm Meets the Macrocosm The digital revolution. UV. The marriage of digital and screen. Multiple technologies. The buzz of energized attendees joined the hum of equipment at SGIA ’04 (Minneapolis, October 6­9), where more than 11,000 people represented 73 countries and every US state. Screen Printing Squeegees: How To Pull Prints Screenprinting is one of the most universal segments of the sign industry and one of the most profitable, but only if you know how to use and care for the tools of the trade. Squeegees: How to Use Them - Part 1: Setting Up Thanks to the previous article on squeegees: 'Squeegees: How to Choose Them', you, no doubt, own the perfect squeegee for the type of job you want to print. Now we're going to show you how to put that squeegee to work. The New Printing and Decorating Growth Using Sublimation Hi I’m John Benedetto and it has been over four years since I have written an article for SignIndusrty.com. My articles on screenprinting are still available on this site and are still read to this day. I have been building screenprinting machines and training for the last 10 years. Sign Pricing Series- Commercial Screen Print Pricing Like their digital brethren, commercial screen printers typically use two fundamental approaches to pricing depending on their size. The two methods are pricing tables and time-and-materials. Squeegees: How to Choose Them Squeegees are used in every form of screenprinting from the solitary printer pulling prints by hand to the most sophisticated automatic cylinder presses. In fact, if a squeegee isn't involved, it just isn't screenprinting. Electronic Aids to Screen Exposure Electronic exposure tools: digital radiometers --- devices that measure light intensity, and integrators --- exposure controls that eliminate the endless fussing with exposure times. Getting it Right Every Time: Using an Exposure Calculator to Control Screen Exposures Probably the most frequently asked question about direct emulsions is: “How long should I make my exposures?” The truth is that there is no simple answer to this apparently simple question. Exposing Direct Emulsions --- Three Key Exposure Variables: Lamps, Time and Distance Learn about the different types of lamps, how to use them and how you can profit from using the right ones. Exposing Direct Emulsions: Finding Your Exposure Unit When you get into exposing your own screens one of your most critical jobs will be finding a good exposure unit. The first thing you’ll discover is that an exposure unit will probably be one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your shop. But this is one piece of equipment you don’t want to skimp on because it can have a major impact on your bottom line. Exposing Direct Emulsions: Accentuate The Positive Let’s take a look at the stages in the exposure process. We begin by coating a screen with a photosensitive emulsion. Once that emulsion is completely dry, we can think about exposing it. UV or Not UV in ScreenPrinting Inks In recent years probably no area of screenprinting has developed faster than UV printing. As a commercially viable technology its history is barely three decades old, but today it competes readily with the solvent-based screenprinting inks Getting Into Screen Ink It's not an exaggeration to say that ink is the lifeblood of the screenprinting industry. So, once you've mastered fundamentals like getting ink to stick to your substrate, it's really worth your while to get to know a little more about ink itself. Getting into Ink It’s not an exaggeration to say that ink is the lifeblood of the screenprinting industry. So, once you’ve mastered fundamentals like getting ink to stick to your substrate, it’s really worth your while to get to know a little more about ink itself. Choosing the Right Ink: How to Make Sure Your Printing Stays Printed You may be sending work out the door that will come back to haunt you. Drying Direct Emulsions Since liquid emulsions have to be dry before they can be exposed, a certain amount of drying time has to be allowed. How much time? Quite often, not enough. The Scoop on Emulsions We're continuing our series on direct emulsions with a closer look at the emulsions themselves. Lenticular Imaging: Differentiating Printing To Another Dimension It was a not-so-standard sign poster of a new car parked in a lot. As people walked by the advertisement, the car in the sign had its front doors fly open and the trunk popped up and actually displayed an animation of the car's ease of use. Expose Yourself Continued: Coating to Suit When we talk about direct emulsion stencils, the inevitable question arises: How thick a coating of emulsion do you need to get good results? The complete answer to that question depends on a number of factors. Expose Yourself! Getting Set Up for Direct Emulsions Part II of a Series on Mesh in Screenprinting If you're considering exposing your own screens, you've probably already thought about direct emulsions. It's only natural, because direct emulsions are undoubtedly the most popular method of creating screenprinting stencils in use today. Mesh Part II: The Tension Rises If you look back over the history of screen printing, you can see a definite parallel between growing awareness of the importance of mesh tension and the use of higher tensioned screens. When Things Really Start to Mesh - Part I of two on understanding Mesh in Screenprinting It is tempting to say that mesh is the most important part of the screenprinting process, but that isn't strictly true. Your Film Career Films can offer something for almost every screenprinter, even a newcomer who can’t quite scrape up the investment for an exposure unit. Should You Become a Screenprinter? Look at all the variables to see if delving into screen printing is a smart move for your business. Screenprinting 101, Part IV This is part four of a series of helpful and timely tips for both the beginner and seasoned screenprinter Screenprinting 101, Part III This is part three of a series of helpful and timely tips for both the beginner and seasoned screenprinter Screenprinting 101 Part II Make a screen, print a screen and dry the item. Screenprinting 101, Part I Basics for beginners or those considering entering into screen printing Training: The Neglected Business Tool Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry...

Sublimation Dye Sublimation And The Sign Business Diversifying with subliminated products Digital Technologies and the Apparel Decorator, Part III In this final of a three-part series, we'll explain the application of heat-set media and direct-to-garment inkjet, giving you a better understanding of how these can enhance the success of your shop. Digital Technologies and the Apparel Decorator, Part II In Part II of this series, we will look at laser transfers, dye sublimation, heat-applied vinyl, and print-and-cut media. Digital Technologies and the Apparel Decorator, Part I In Part I of this series, we will look at the importance of integrating digital technology and the methodology of inkjet transfers. In Part II, we cover laser transfers, dye sublimation, heat-applied vinyl, and print-and-cut media. Finally, Part III dives into heat-set media and direct-to-garment inkjet as ways to empower your shop. New Research Shows Influence of Digital Textile Printing For at least 10 years, there has been a lot of discussion about the possibilities and potential for inkjet in the textile printing business. One of the first industry events I ever attended was dedicated to the subject. At the time, the suggestion was that as inkjet technology developed, there would be a dramatic shift in the way textiles are printed, including the garment-type textile printing methods. The Growing Market for Dye Sublimation Dye Sublimation focuses on two primary areas, including sublimation to textiles/soft fabrics as well as rigid substrates, dye sublimation enables the production of items such as point-of-sale applications, banners, t-shirts, custom flags, license plates, snowboards and promotional pieces. It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. It’s All About the Digital File at SGIA ’07- From Wrapping Gators to Mermaids Whether you’re cutting rubylith, fluted-plastic or vinyl; printing on rigid sheet, t-shirts, tile or fabric; or getting a message across through embroidery, it all comes down to the digital file. Colorfastness of Direct-to-Garment Inkjet-Printed T-Shirts The purpose of this research project was to compare the colorfastness of printed targets from five direct-to-garment inkjet printer manufacturers. Heat Transfer Machines Are One Hot Topic Exploring the choices in heat presses offers many choices. This will show the different types to find the right choice for your budget and application. The Venerable Vector Graphic - Supreme Sublimation With the power of vectors behind you, you can make everything from coasters to billboards. Using the powerful vector format in your arsenal will scale up your workflow to any size you want. Choosing the Right Sublimation Transfer Paper This article will provide objectivity for choosing the right sublimation transfer paper, based upon the insight of dye sublimation experts professional collective experience. Apparel Decorating Trends & Techniques for Digital and Sublimation Transfers Recent trends of a flat decorated garment market have created a small group of nimble companies that have strategically positioned themselves to introduce the world to the short and micro runs of customized apparel. Imaged Fabric Adds a Touch of Class to Hum Drum Displays Fabric is findings its place in the trade show arena and beyond. Discover how this flexible, portable material fits into your business plan. Digital Fabric Printing Offers Something No Sign Shop Can Afford To Ignore: Profitability Have you explored the world of digital fabric printing? If not, then you could be missing out on one of the hottest trends in the sign industry today.

Vinyl Avoiding Boat Wrapping Mistakes Vinyl is expensive. So is your reputation. Learn how to avoid the boat wrapping mistakes that could hurt your pocket-and your good name. Competing with the Underground with Help from Uncle How can any sign professional or business hope to survive against competition that isn't burdened by licensing requirements or fees, insurance costs or even taxes? Boat Wrapping Secrets You Need to Know In case you haven't noticed, boats are curvier than most cars. That can spell trouble if you don't approach a boat wrap the right way. Discover the boat wrapping secrets you need to know. Getting Ready to Wrap a Boat? Wrapping boats isn't rocket science-and you can learn a lot from your vehicle wrapping endeavors-but installing vinyl on a boat is different than applying vinyl to a vehicle. Find out why. Dye Sublimation And The Sign Business Diversifying with subliminated products A Fresh Look at PSA Media: Tips to Streamline Your Signshop As advances in inkjet technologies continue to move forward, so does the availability of new printers, media and inks. Stay on ahead of the curve by keeping in touch with the new products. Cast vs. Calendered Vinyl, Learn The Big Differences Learn the differences and why to use the right vinyl in the right application. There huge differences and a quick read through this article will help you understand all the ins and outs of calendered and cast vinyls. Boat Wraps Boast Big Opportunity for Vinyl Installers Wrapping boats may be the next big thing as the vehicle wrapping trend extends itself from the highways to the waterways. Positioning Graphics for Successful Installation Excerpt from PDAA Vinyl Installation Proficiency Guide Successful & Stunning Vehicle Wraps: What You Need to Know, Part 2 In Part II of this article, we cover the correct ways of printing and laminating, installation, and delivery of the final product. Successful & Stunning Vehicle Wraps: What You Need to Know, Part I When I attend a show and see a row of vehicles lined up for a contest about how fast someone can wrap a vehicle, I have to wonder how true this is compared to what the average company goes through to create a vehicle wrap. Factors Impacting Vinyl Removal, Part I Learning what vinyl film is, the impact that the environment and the surface finish has on vinyl are all factors that will help you deal with the ultimate need to remove vinyl graphics. Vehicle Wrapping Contracts 101 : Wrapping vehicles without a signed contract that spells out what the customer should expect - and shouldn't expect - from your sign shop is a mistake that could cost you. Find out how to avoid liabilities with a solid contract. Marvelous Magnets Can Open Up New Revenues from Tradeshows to Vehicles What do you get when you combine magnets with vinyl? Some marvelously magnetic creations that demand attention. Show Review: The 2009 ISA International Sign Expo - See what you missed! What was the best booth location at the ISA Sign Expo 2009? What was worth talking about at this show? SignIndustry.com was there and has the scoop! Banners Are Everywhere, but Professionals Want Vinyl That Pops! Get rid of your humdrum banner designs and start creating vinyl banners that demand attention. Your customers will thank you. How to Wrap a Red Hot Ferrari Wrapping a Ferrari may sound like a sexy job - and it is - but it's unlike most other vehicle wraps. Find out how. Making the Most of Application Fluids Using application fluids isn’t rocket science, but it’s not child’s play, either. Discover what you need to know to make the most of application fluids. Take it Off...Vinyl that is. Right now there are multiple opportunities to create a tremendous cash stream. The question is, “Which companies will recognize the opportunities, respond to them, and thrive?” A Titan-Sized Wrap - Wrapping the home of the Tennessee Titans No two wraps are alike. Get the inside scoop on handling repetitive designs and working with oversized vinyl panels. And Now for Something Completely Different Reflecting on the past to determine new ways to be successful in a challenging economy. A Megawrap with Flavor - vinyl installer wraps world’s largest beer can Discover the challenges of wrapping a monumental can — and keeping it realistic from top to bottom. Hands-On Banners Discover how and when applying vinyl graphics to banners makes good business sense. Stay Ahead with Accurate Sign Estimating Using Advanced Technologies Submitting the winning bid for sign projects is more challenging today than ever before. Click for some insider perspectives on optimizing your company efficiency with estimating. Selling Stadium Wraps and Not Losing Your Shorts Pricing a stadium wrap can get a little hairy, but if you approach measurements with the right mindset you’ll put more profits in your pocket. Find out how. Wrapping Tropicana Field Read a first hand example of how vinyl wraps are playing a key role in both aesthetics, communications and advertising in stadiums across the country. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2008 For SignIndustry.com’s annual ‘pulse taking’ of the state of the sign industry, we peeked and probed into various facets of the industry to get an idea of the state of our trade before going into 2009. Special Tools for Textured Surface Stadium Wraps 3M has developed special application tools and methods for use with its 8624 film. The 3M Textured Surface Applicator TSA-1 for large surfaces is critical for achieving proper adhesion. Find out what else is new. Installing Stadium Wraps - Getting it right the first time. Are you ready to learn how to get creative in overcoming the challenges of installing vinyl in stadium settings? Read on for how-tos and solutions that will help you along the way. Stadium Advertising: A Sporty Opportunity Why do you need to understand the advertising opportunities in stadiums? So you can help to sell it to your client. Discover what you need to know about stadium wrappings sporty opportunity. Wrapping the Fair If you think wrapping mega slides is the same as wrapping cars, think again. Discover how to navigate the challenges that could spell opportunity for you. Applying Vinyl Graphics to Aircraft Are you ready to let your business fly high? Applying vinyl graphics to aircraft may be your next big opportunity. Taking Care of Your Digital Graphics Installing graphics is only part of the job of selling wraps and flat surface installs. You need to make sure your end user is aware of how to properly care for their graphics once they are installed. Removing Floor Graphics Now that you’ve mastered installing floor graphics, what are you going to do when its’ time to remove them? Find out! Applying Floor Graphics: Beyond Pick ‘Em and Stick ‘Em Different types of floors often demand different approaches to applying the floor graphic ­ if you want it to stick. Get the inside scoop. Preparing Floors for Floor Graphics Learn how to how to laminate the graphic, how to place it, how to prep the surface, and how to install the graphic so it will stay put and do its job. Project Management Made Easy Through Estimating & Business Management Software The programs continue to evolve and mature, and with this improvement cycle the results are increased productivity, greater control of costs and an improved bottom line. All achieved with greater ease and accuracy than ever before. So how can you afford to not be on this bandwagon? It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way. Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing. Surviving and Profiting from the Economy, Intentionally Regardless of whether an inevitable slow period results from the economy, from competition or from other sources outside the control of the business owner or manager, it is never too late to employ slow period survival strategies in your sign business. It’s All About the Digital File at SGIA ’07- From Wrapping Gators to Mermaids Whether you’re cutting rubylith, fluted-plastic or vinyl; printing on rigid sheet, t-shirts, tile or fabric; or getting a message across through embroidery, it all comes down to the digital file. Protecting Adhesive Tape Systems from Static Electricity Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes are prone to the buildup of electrostatic charges. If you have ever felt the hair on your arms stand up when near an unwinding roll of tape, you have felt static electricity. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2007 As we did last year, SignIndustry.com took a quick pulse of the sign industry to try to get an idea of the state of the industry in this third quarter of 2007. The Rundown on Calendered Vinyl Films Calendered vinyl films were once thought of as an inferior economical choice, but some calendered vinyl film manufacturers have come a long way in terms of product quality and breadth, by offering conformability, durability and that image pop that is required for the application. Complex Wraps Demand Advanced Techniques, Part II Are you handling your film right? Is your graphics guy designing with wraps in mind? Are you removing vinyl from contours the right way? Lots of questions. We’ve got answers. Complex Wraps Demand Advanced Techniques, Part I Not all vehicle wraps are created equal ­ some are far more complex than others. Discover what you need to know to tackle even the most complex wraps with confidence. Back to School: The Value of Learning to Wrap Vehicles Faster, more affordable printers, easier to handle vinyl materials, and an unlimited supply of customers is causing more sign shops to consider adding vinyl vehicle wraps to their menu of business services. Extreme Makeover: Business Signage Edition Fastsigns International, Inc. chose 4 different businesses to receive a signage makeover. The four businesses chosen for the makeovers pondered many of the same things when they learned that they were selected for this free signage makeover. Would it draw in new customers? Would it boost sales? Would anyone even notice? The results speak for themselves. SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now' When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration. Snapshot of the Sign Industry 3rd Quarter 2006 SignIndustry.com went looking at a handful of companies from various areas of the country as well as different segments of our industry to put our finger on the pulse and determine the state of the industry and where we are heading. Vinyl Graphic Removal Made Easy Vinyl removal can be a pain…that's a fact, but there's a new kid on the block that can help to make your vinyl removal projects less labor intensive and quicker to complete. And that's worth reading about. Converting Raster Images to Vector Images Can Be A Challenge, But It Doesn't Have To Be. Finding the Right Tracing Software to Get the Job Done Wrapping Vegas The basic elements are the same with wraps of all sizes, but large mass transit wraps offer some additional challenges that offer valuable lessons from graphics installers of all shapes and sizes. 100 Years and Counting: N. Glantz & Son Still Going Strong Most people don't like to celebrate the annual aging ritual of birthdays beyond the late teens. But it's truly a sign that you're doing something right when your business is having its 100th year celebration. Wrap It Up: Vehicle Wraps See New Developments Through Digital Almost anything can be wrapped, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, boats, trailers, railroad cars and even buildings. Learn the critical steps to planning, creating and installing a successful wrap. Or else you'll wish you did. Seaming Vinyl Banners: Calling on the Chemical Weld, RF & Heat Methods Chemical welding is an inexpensive way to seam banners ­ and it’s longer lasting than banner tape. But there’s also something to be said for RF and heat welding processes that last much longer than brush-on solutions. Trying to Make Sense of the Graphics Market Mess Understanding your business and how it fits into the evolving U.S. graphics industry may well be vital in your survivial in the changing marketplace involving screen printing, wide-format imaging and your sign shop. Part 1 of a 3 part series. To Airbrush or Not To Airbrush? Butch ‘Superfrog’ Anton shares his views on what tools to use to create airbrushed effects on vinyl. What you discover may surprise you. Do You Speak the Language of Color? The language of color is vast, with deep meanings that speak to the subconscious of consumers. Understanding its meanings can help your sales. C-C-Corrugations…Never Fear, Expert Advise is Here! Applying vinyl over rivets is one thing. Applying vinyl over corrugation is quite another. But don’t let that stop you. If you can learn to apply vinyl over corrugation, then you can tap into the lucrative world of fleets. Applying Vinyl Over Curves, Body Creases and Molding Installing graphics on vehicles ­ or wrapping entire vehicles for that matter ­ presents some unique challenges rarely encountered on other substrates. Find out how to get around these difficult issues. Unlocking the Psychology of Signage Successful sign making depends on effective visual communication. Understanding how consumers relate to signage, then, is key to helping your customers unlock the door to greater revenues. Vinyl: Choosing Airbrush Pigments No two airbrush pigments are created equal. Find out how to choose the best pigment for your specific project. Should you use water-based paints? Automotive paints? Or solvent-based paints? Find out the pros and cons of each option. Avoiding Airbrushed Vinyl Mistakes Perfecting the art of airbrushing on vinyl takes time ­ but you can avoid beginner’s mistakes with a few insiders’ tips. Rent, Lease or Finance Your Sign Equipment Find the right answer to the question of whether your sign business should rent, lease or own the equipment used in your operations. Few sign professionals are able to accept the fact that there is no one right answer that fits everyone or every situtation. Cast vs. Calendered Vinyl Learn the differences and why to use the right vinyl in the right application. There huge differences and a quick read through this article will help you understand all the ins and outs of calendered and cast vinyls. Starting a New Sign Business For those who are considering venturing into a new business in the sign industry, we welcome you to the family. The sign profession is one of the oldest in our country. Signs have been a fundamental element in trade, commerce and industry for centuries. Why You Should Invest in True Sign Making Software Everyone always claims that their software is the best. This article has taken a few of the foremost signage specific software products and gives you insight into what makes them worthy to take their seat in your shop. Read on to learn more. Training Your Signshop To Use New Equipment & Software To produce eye-catching, quality prints and signs, printing machines and software require skilled operators. One way operators acquire their skill is through training. Delve inside to catch the scoop on the different options available to take advantage of all the features of your equipment and software. Dealing with the 'R' Word...Rivets Learn the time-tested techniques of how to properly apply vinyl over rivets. Discover a five-step process that will help you deal with these annoying, yet necessary fasteners. How to Sell Your Airbrushed Vinyl Butch 'Superfrog' Anton shares his secrets of his success in selling airbrushed vinyl. Hint: it’s a three-tiered pricing approach. Read on to learn more. Tips and Tricks for Installing Cut Vinyl Vehicle Graphics With the recent focus of the graphics industry being primarily on digital, we have been conditioned to think of vehicle graphics as full wraps. What we tend to forget is that cut vinyl graphics are a cost-effective alternative to full wraps and remain a very popular and effective method for decorating your vehicle or mobile advertisement. Benefits of Flexible-Face Mounting Systems Vendors are manufacturing a variety of mounting systems to making installing flexible face signage a snap (and click). Vinyl Sign Pricing This article will address a segment of the industry that tends to be found in almost all other types of sign companies - Vinyl Signs. Make Installation Easy: Learn The Ins and Outs of Using Premask In Your Vinyl Applications Application tape can be your friend or your enemy. Get acquainted with how to properly use premask and avoid sticky mistakes. Choosing The Right Premask Premask is more important to successful vinyl applications than you may think. Find out how tape choice can make your job easier. Winning and Keeping Customers for Life through CRM- Part I: Marketing Long-term success for your company depends on efficient and effective customer relationship management. Avoiding Bubbles and Wrinkles During Vinyl Applications Learn how to avoid these pesky problems during vinyl installation with advice from the pros. So You Want To Be a Vinyl Pro Before you can claim professional installer status, you have to learn the basics to avoid common mistakes. Discover some fundamentals tips that will serve you well for many years. Sign Pricing Series - Pricing Approaches and Accuracy This series on pricing and estimating will address the most common pricing approaches for different segments of the sign and graphics industry. Which Sign Making Software Should You Own? Part 2 Looking into ''Bridge'' software. There are many factors to include in your decision such as, your budget, the type of signs you intend to make, the kind of hardware such as cutters and printers that you want to run and of course the difficulty in learning the feature set of the software. Vinyl Hints: Don’t Damage the Vinyl During the Installation! Preventing damage to vinyl film and substrates during installation is a matter of planning, technique and tools. Can I Apply Vinyl to This? Vinyl is a profitable trend, but attempting to apply film to certain substrates is a money-losing proposition. Applying Vinyl to Glass Installing window graphics takes knowledge, skill and a steady hand. Find out how to ensure bubble-free applications. VEHICLE WRAPS COVER UPS: the world is watching Vehicle and fleet wraps are efficient and effective means for placing outdoor signage in plain sight by turning a bus, truck, touring vehicle or car into a mobile billboard that puts a client's advertising all over the place. Vinyl Techniques: Considering Environmental Conditions Temperature, humidity and other weather conditions could mean the difference between the success and failure of your vinyl application. Vinyl Techniques: Preparing the Surface Neglecting to properly prepare the surface of a substrate could cause vinyl failure. Don’t make this mistake! When to Apply Your Vinyl Wet While most professionals and manufacturers prefer to install vinyl dry, there are occasions when wet is the way to go. Boosting Vinyl Adhesion in Dry Applications Dry applications can be more challenging for beginners. Learn how to get the best adhesion with this installation method. Which Signmaking Software Should You Own? Part 1 Deciding which software to purchase for your sign making needs can be a difficult task. We'll outline a few of the softwares out today and help you to decide which one best fits your business. UV-Curable Technology, Part III: Exploring the World of UV Printers UV printer technology is the latest trend in the industry. Find out what the major players have to offer. UV-Curable Technology, Part II: Benefits of Ultraviolet Curable Inks Ultraviolet curable inks are promising to change the face of digital printing. Are you ready for the revolution? UV-Curable Technology, Part I: The Ultraviolet Media Debate Is dedicated UV media necessary? Or will any old vinyl do the trick? Avery and 3M have differing opinions. Benefits of Vehicle Wrapping Need some help selling vehicle wraps? Trade groups, sign shops and market researchers have ammunition to help you seal the deal. Installing Vehicle Wraps Like the Pros (Final part of a three-part series) Installing vehicle wraps takes knowledge and experience. Experts share some insights on getting the job done right. PSA Vinyl Usage Trends Vector Marketing released their 2002 PSA Vinyl Trends Report in December of 2002. This report is an in-depth look at PSA vinyl usage and purchasing trends in the U.S. sign and screen-print markets. Vehicle Wrapping, Part II: Design and Preparation A haphazard approach to designing for wraps and preparing the vehicle for application will result in disaster. Find out how the pros work. Venturing into Vehicle Wrapping If you’ve been considering adding vehicle wrapping to your repartee, then you won’t want to miss part one in this three part series on vehicle wrapping. Wrap It Up, I'll Take It! Today’s market rewards the sign business that can provide customer satisfaction. Sometimes providing that satisfaction requires that you diversify and offer a variety of products and services. The Art of Laminating Part 1 - The Basics of Lamination Vehicle Vinyl Expert Reveals Tricks of Trade Don't make costly mistakes with your vinyl applications and removals. Let vinyl expert Rob Ivers give you some practical dos and don'ts. Scratching the surface Part II The network and vinyl cutting Stripping Vinyl Graphics Made Easy Stripping vinyl graphics may never become a sign makers’ dream, but it does not have to be a nightmare, either. The Dollars and Sense of Digital Cameras Using a digital camera to save time and money Matching Vinyl Colors Means Understanding Light Understanding the principles of light helps ensure properly matched colors that accurately communicate your client's message. VINYL! The Customer is always right? A primer (or reminder) about the basics of vinyl applications Dye Sublimation And The Sign Business Part III Full color inkjet dye sublimation: possibilities, pitfalls and profits. Dye Sublimation And The Sign Business Part II The actual production process of laser printer sublimation and competitive advantages it gives shops over their competitors. The Sub-species: Subcontracting in the Sign Industry To be or not to be a subcontractor? Steaming Off Vinyl Graphics Fast, efficient and safe removal of applied graphics Muscle in with Vinyl Personalizing...you can do it for them Make Your Vinyl Cutter an Old Friend Sometimes the oldie but goodie can out-do the best modern technology Applying Vinyl Dreams Follow the modernized basics of vinyl application Dye Sublimation And The Sign Business Diversifying with subliminated products The Total "Language" of Signs Nothing speaks louder to a potential buyer than a bold display Talking Customer Satisfaction Product Choices in Self-Adhesive Film Shop Reputation is Gold So you don't work in a dog-eat-dog rat race of an industry... Selling Logo Design: A Psychology for Profit Understanding advertising, branding and marketing Scan, Edit, Save, and Create: Innovative Sign Design 'What you see is what you will get.' Ending the Shop's Nightmare Circus Is your sign making business as a three-ring circus? Dealing with the Less-than-Perfect Customers Surrendering to whatever customers want can be bad business Building a Team Essential elements in building a team for your business