New here.

[WEAZER]

I would like to introduce myself. I am trying break into the vehicle wrap business and I am looking to start out with just practice on design. i have been working with vinyl for years and have an extensive fabrication back ground. starting off in the late 80's running every area of an offset press shop and graphics division. Working in another field for years now I was surprized to find out how easy it was to get back in the groove. went to Fellers to take the design course and that was awsome. They give several classes but to start back in design is what I thought would be best. Did good in class I thought and here is list of things I would like to know.

What contacts are there for printers and plotters in my area?

Where the best catalogs and information for me to move forward in the business?

Thanks guys and hope i can get some great answer's.


Thanks,

WEAZER

[Jus' Roach]

Welcome to the forum!
It sounds like you are on the right path. Where are you located?
If you have taken Feller's class(es) you know he is a great resource for materials and training, and I guess now even equipment.
Everyone has a favorite brand it seems, it kinda boils down to price and support after the sale.

[WEAZER]

In Chicago land, real experience and competition real close. But as everything else I am sure he will not want to leed me in the right direction.

I know nothing about the products and it is all new to me but as stated I was in the field a long time ago. Funny thing was I did well in class. never touched ps before and did well. When asked who had a pantone color chart I was the only one who had one. I use them in my color matching now.

thanks,

Weazer

[Jus' Roach]

In that area, if A Roland machine is what you choose. Nazdar, Rayco....Sign Supply USA is in Villa Park (I bought mine from their Denver location) or Sign Outlet Store in Lisle.

Charrette Corporation sells Mimaki brand

Fellers in Elk Grove and Fujifilm Graphic System (Hanover Park) sell Mutoh brand

Often vinyl supply companies have a "intro" level wrap class at their warehouse location from time to time so you can get a hands-on experience installing. And of course, Fellers has an awsome two day class at their Tulsa location. $$$
There are also some wrap videos out there to teach you, I don't know how helpful they are.
Heck...Youtube has wrap installation videos!

Equipment is a huge investment, 30-40k to get started right.
An option is to design the job, find someone who will wholesale print and laminate it for you. Then do the install yourself.

[vehiclewrapforum]

Welcome Weazer,

I hope you enjoy the forum, we had to change our process for users so I appreciate you hanging in there with us for the few days it took.

Vehicle Wrap Forum

[WEAZER]

what about computers? The Fellers deal seams to be cool but alot of money. also art, where do you guys go? Being at Fellers obviously they have all of the best stuff loaded and you design essentailly under a 50,000.00 umbrella.

I simply do not have this kind of cash and yes having things printed somewhere else is the best option. So Computer? Artwork?

the free install classes i can not find and the website's mentioned are all very confusing. I can see what I want to do but is this possibly a mistake with one of the best wrappers 2 miles from me? I have the room and facility but this is starting to get unrealistic. if I could find a 24-30" inch system that would be fine by me right now.

Any more help would be awsome everything is helping so far.

WEAZER

[Jus' Roach]

If I can make one suggestion it would be buy the biggest, baddest, bestest (is that a word?) computer you can afford with LOTS of RAM
Some images can become huge in no time and you don't want to wait forever for them to process and RIP.

I upgraded to a Core 2 Quad 2.4 processor a few months ago. Made a big difference!
For a printer, 30 inch is as small as I would go, HOWEVER...it is easy to outgrow it fairly quick (speaking from experience) I see used SP-300's going for 6-$8000.oo
Keep in mind, if you are going to do trucks and vans, you will be making and installing more pieces.

[WEAZER]

the computer is a large deal. Just trying to do stuff now is a chore. Large files, but i am looking into one and the software. Designing is key to all of this. That is where i came ahead I thought in this field when I was in it prior.
From the old a** type setters to the press baby.

WEAZER