Speedpro Texas

Window Graphics; Many Options/Many Questions

By Speedpro Imaging

Producing graphics for windows, offices or retail stores, typically seems to involve more alternatives than many applications. We,ve got experience working with the full range, so I thought I'd share some of the key considerations to help if you ever are considering making a blank sheet of glass into a large marketing communication display.

Questions you will get from me right at the start are as follows:
- Do you want people to see the graphics from the inside, outside, or both?
- Are the graphics to be permanent or temporary?
- Do you need/want to be able to see out through the graphics?
- Are the graphics dark?

The answers to these questions, as always in our business, can lead to additional and more detailed ones as well, but these are the principal issues. Why? - because there are numerous options for the media and process for window graphics. Let me give you some examples.

The best graphic image will come from solid media that is installed on the side to be viewed; that is, on the exterior if to be viewed from the outside. An image viewed through the glass suffers from reflections on the glass getting between the eyes and the image. Adhesive vinyl with a matte finish is best. A gloss laminate can be used, but you have to consider the glare from the Sun and lights. A removable adhesive will allow for an easy, clean removal of the graphics for up to as much as a year with no residue. And if the application is desired to last longer, well, the removable adhesive becomes just as permanent as non-removable after 18 months or so. Standard adhesive vinyls are not fully opaque and will let some light through, but they are not translucent. Full block-out vinyls can be used if the need is to accomplish a complete light blocking coverage.

If there is a need to see through the graphics from the inside (for example, a shop that can and will cover all the front windows but wants to be able to see cars and people coming up), then there are two basic directions, perforated media or translucent media. Perforated media will give a somewhat muted image, but at a distance is sufficient. An adhesive perf film would go on the exterior, and from the interior would simply appear as a tinted window. There are also perforated vinyl materials that use mounting adhesive to attach on the inside of windows. But again, glare and reflections can diminish the image quality.

For economy, temporary applications, poster paper can be used and installed with double-sided tape. This media has to be installed on the inside, so you have to accept glare issues and dirty windows, but it is inexpensive. Caution also needs to be used if there is any chance of moisture, water on the windows as the paper prints will bleed, stain, and/or otherwise deteriorate.

Some applications are for graphics that do not cover an entire window pane. Examples are logos for doors or product images on windows. The most common method is to use basic adhesive vinyl (removable or permanent) with contour cuts around the image or lettering. The main consideration here is that dark colors will not show up against the dark of windows, so the graphic may require a thin white outline to be added. And know that there are many special-effects vinyls that can also be used such as frosted and etched glass effects.

For some applications, hanging a banner or a poster inside a window can work best. This type of use then opens up a full range of options on how to hang the graphics, from something as basic as tape to a world of adhesive, suction, and installed hanging clips, hooks, rods, etc.
So think about what you want to achieve and what some of your limitations and criteria might be for the graphics on your windows. Then call me...I'm sure I'll still have more questions for you to get us to a solution that is right for you and your needs.

You can see some examples of window graphics in our photo gallery at  http://www.speedprotexas.com/pages/Gallery4/gallery/6/

Can High Awareness Be Bad?

By Speedpro Imaging

Driving on Stemmons Freeway the other day I could not help but notice the black pickup a few lanes over. Large (and I do mean large) neon (and I do mean neon) green lettering was along the side and tailgate. The company name, website and phone number were all very easy to see and easy to remember. What’s more, the company promoted (what must be) a great low price for their service. Very high marks on the awareness scale for this use of vehicle graphics.

But there was possibly a problem for this approach, one that the company may never realize. The business was a Home Theatre Systems company. The offer they promoted was an installation service for ‘large screen plasma TVs”. I can only guess it was at a great, low price. Now I am sure that many if not most installations of that type are not that difficult and that saving a few bucks to have someone do it that had experience in that task might be attractive. However, my immediate reaction was that I sure wouldn’t want that guy in my house, drilling holes in my walls, and messing with my big screen TV! Sure I want the best value price I can, but do I want to trust my TV to a guy that puts large neon green letters and a big low price offer on his truck?

You see, awareness is just the first step in visual marketing. Once you get a positive response from the eyes of your prospect, you then have to get a positive response from their brain. That is when ‘image’ and perceptual filters come into play. The image you convey with your marketing should elicit the kind of brand perception/emotional response that you seek from those you are trying to reach (don’t worry about those who are not your target prospects).
For this ‘home theatre’ company, the approach is even more of a concern when you consider that one can see very nice, professional vehicle graphics for a number of other home theatre companies when driving around the market. That is a great example of how you have to consider the other visual messages your prospect is exposed to….competitors’ and non-competitors’ visuals, too.

The degree of awareness created by this company’s visuals could actually be turning off those prospects that they specifically want to reach. Their high degree of awareness could be back firing on their results. In their defense, if their target market is price shoppers who are attracted to ‘economy’ offerings, then they are right on target. (He was driving fast, so maybe he is really busy!) But what this example points out, either way you look at it, is that while you must focus first on getting attention with your vehicle graphics, trade show booth, window graphics, posters, ads, etc., you must also take advantage of the attention you get by building or reinforcing the image and response you seek. Never, never, never think that maximizing awareness alone will get your marketing message the results you desire.

Give us a call at 972-242-9002 or visit us on hte web at speedprotexas.com

COMPARE - Full color print vinyl with pre-colored cut vinyl

By Speedpro Imaging

Although some sign shops and lettering resources continue to push cut vinyl lettering as the solution for nearly all signs or graphics on a vehicle, we don’t. Yes, in some cases it is the right solution. But for most significant applications, there are too many drawbacks for the possibility of slim savings (if any!). Because many people have an automatic consideration of cut vinyl vs. a full graphic print, I want to discuss some of the pros and cons.

Cut vinyl realities.
- Pre-printed colors means you can only work in available, solid color sections so realistic color images are impossible
- Every cut is an exposed edge for moisture and deterioration
- Typically the material is 2-3 mil thickness with 4-6 year outdoor durability

If a full-coverage printed vinyl panel is used…
- Full 6-color photographic quality images can be incorporated as can gradations of color, shading, etc.
- A quality job wraps and seals the vinyl around the edges to minimize exposed edges to moisture or wind.
- The vinyl is 2-3 mil thick and typically has a 5-year outdoor durability rating. A 2-3 mil thick overlaminate is used and it has an additional 2-3 year outdoor durability rating. And 3+year UV resistant inks.

With modern wide-format digital printing technology and materials, the costs for using a full print solution are usually not vastly different from using pre-colored cut vinyl. With cut vinyl, there is more time/labor involved so true costs can often be higher with the ‘lower’ cost materials.
To produce a 4x8 sign using a full vinyl print requires these steps:
- Print; - Laminate; - Mount.

To produce a similar and typical (albeit not full color) 4x8 sign using cut vinyl requires:
- (possibly) painting all or a portion for the main background color..or installing base color vinyl; - Cutting the vinyl lettering with the plotter; - Weeding (removing) the excess vinyl from the sheet; - Pre-masking the sheet with application tape; - Trimming the individual segments of vinyl; - Laying out each piece and installing each on the sign panel.

Don’t get me wrong, there indeed are some instances when cut vinyl or a mixture of cut vinyl and printed vinyl is best (I am working on a fleet of vans right now that is best addressed with a mix). However, use of full-color printed and laminated vinyl should be considered due the advantages in appearance, quality and durability, and possibly even cost. Even if the cost is a little higher, the image and quality makes up for it.

At Speedpro, we’re experienced with cut vinyl as well as multiple materials used for full-color print applications. With vehicles or signs or window/wall graphics, we know how to find your optimum solution. Don’t fall into ‘old’ traps or easy “one solution fits all” sales jobs. Give us a call and let us help you know how to achieve what you really need.

Give us a call at 972-242-9002 or visit us on hte web at speedprotexas.com

Inexpensive Visual Promotions

By Speedpro Imaging

Even when you budget is really tight, you still must promote to create awareness. If somebody is unaware of your new product or program, they can never have a chance to buy. So promote smart!

Indoor promotions (restaurant, retail, mall, etc.)
Simple counter-stand prints are easy and inexpensive. You can do several and have them set up in key locations (e.g. cash register, near the door, etc.). For a larger visual, borrow a stand-up or counter-top easel and put a mounted print on it. For short-term indoor use, we can produce very inexpensive Foamcor mounted prints. If you have a wall or counter or table to use, a banner is an inexpensive way to cover lots of space. With promotional banners and indoor use, you can cut a lot of costs on the material and how the banner is finished. For minimal expense, you can print one or more posters on paper stock and use tacks or tape to display them.

To really grab attention, consider a big floor graphic (works on either low-pile carpet or tile) or a sticker on the door that people will see as they are leaving. These can be produced with adhesive that will work great in the short term but won’t leave any residue when you want to take them off.

Outdoor promotions (sidewalks, outdoor events, building exterior)

Banners are a common tool outdoors, but be sure you consider your needs for the material and finishing. You don’t need to spend to have a full, heavy-duty finished banner if it is only going to be put out during business hours for a week or two during a promotion. If it is better to have a banner outside for an extended period, yes – get it finished appropriately. You can also look into reasonably priced banner fixtures that will add more professionalism and display options. There are also flags, wind poles, and other specifically outdoor promotional items you can consider although most start to eat into your budget quickly.
One great fixture for many applications is a ‘wind sign’. For $100-$200, you get a two-sided fixture that is designed for outdoor use and handling the wind. These usually have 2’x3’ facings so you get a good amount of graphic space, two-sided exposure, and the materials required don’t cost a lot. The nice thing is the fixture makes it easy to swap out for new graphics for your next promotion.

If you have an exterior of a building to work with, banners on the wall or temporary graphics on the windows can be effective and inexpensive. Eye-catching graphics on a brick wall, stucco wall, and even on the sidewalk or parking lot itself can be produced and installed easily and pretty inexpensively.
With unique and eye-catching graphic design, there are many affordable options you can employ to get a successful visual promotion going. Good design and some imagination – uniqueness is always key to successful visual marketing. Speedpro has a wide range of materials, fixtures, and finishing options to help you find the right solution for your situation and budget.

For more information give us a call at 972-242-9002 or check out our incredible products at http://www.speedprotexas.com

FLOOR GRAPHICS - Grab people by their feet!

By Speedpro Imaging

Getting attention with visual communication always starts with creating an uncommon visual. It has to stand out and grab attention. This is accomplished with size, or the image itself, or certain words, or placement. Aggressive and innovative marketers know this and are more and more using the FLOOR as a place to put marketing messages.

Not only can you use removable adhesive graphics on tile floors like you've certainly seen at the supermarket, but there are now specifically designed materials for carpet, pavement, and bricks. Imagine walking a trade show isle....the booths all begin to run together....except your eyes are drawn to the colorful image on the carpet at the entry to the next booth. Bingo - job done. Imagine walking from your car to the doors at the mall and seeing something on the sidewalk...Oh, there's a special going on at one of the stores! Job done. I think you'll agree that these are eye-grabbing locations. Furthermore, the marketing message has no competition in this space.

Amazingly, producing floor graphics is quite inexpensive. The graphics are easy to install, remove cleanly, and can even be reused if properly cared for. The laminates meet ASTM standards for non-slip safety. Similarly, vinyls designed for rougher surfaces like pavement..and even bricks...offer the same advantages without being outrageously expensive.

Next time you seek to create some very strong awareness for an exhibit, a promotion, and event, or any other marketing message, consider how grabbing attention at peoples' FEET can truly set get your response rates a step ahead. At Speedpro Imaging, we can help produce effective and high image quality floor graphics and we can custom cut the shapes to really make them pop. Give us a call and let's discuss it!

972-242-9002   www.speedprotexas.com

Custom Cut Decals and Stickers

By Speedpro Imaging

Speedpro Imaging produces a fair amount of small-run, custom-cut stickers and decals for clients. I recently was asked to quote on a very small run of 5x5 stickers for a baseball team. They wanted maybe 2-3 stickers per player for the team, depending on parents' orders. The sticker was no big deal to produce, but editing the files for variable data for all the different player names and potential different quantities per name was going to take a fair amount of set up time and I priced it as such. With that, I didn't think our quote was anywhere near what some on-line sticker shop would offer. I figured there were dozens of Internet sticker shops that specialized in 'team' stickers like this for low bucks. I explained this to my client and suggested she search the Internet as I was sure my quote was unreasonable (about $1.40 a sticker).

Much to my surprise, the client said my quote was excellent! She had already contacted such an Internet company, and after much run-around about having to haggle about the specific team color, they were going to charge her over $20 per sticker!! These are 5"x5"!

Lesson - It can pay off big for you to always check with Speedpro Imaging. I'll be the first to admit that on certain types of jobs, we are probably not the most economic solution...but sometimes I learn otherwise myself. We get caught in a trap of thinking that because of our quality, customer service, and fast turnaround that as a 'custom graphics' studio, we are usually competitive but not a low price. However, sometimes my customers will enthusiastically show me that we ARE sometimes the lowest cost solution and still have better quality and service. Makes me smile......glad we can help! 972-242-9002. www.speedprotexas.com

Specialty Vinyl Applications

By Speedpro Imaging

A basic rule for effective visual communications is that the more uncommon an image is, the higher level of awareness and recall it will get from the audience. And as always, the larger and more stunning the image, awareness and positive image are impacted. As large-format digital printing has expanded over recent years, the array of specialty vinyls for the industry has expanded as well. These specialty materials allow for many new and creative ways to implement uncommon and highly effective visual marketing communications efforts. Almost any image for any surface for any environment….

In this article, I will mention but a few and I will try to organize them in a useable fashion. Let’s first review some common surfaces of interest.

WINDOWS – While these are not really ‘specialty’ vinyls, many people get confused with the various methods of getting images on windows. So let’s cover a few basic things regarding window graphics.

Inside or outside mount? Are they tinted in a way that will restrict visibility outside if graphics are on inside? Do you need to see through it? Do you want the image seen from inside and outside? These are some of the basic questions you have to answer to determine the right solution options.

Adhesive backed vinyls, permanent and removable, are a good place to start as they are generally the least expensive ways to get an image onto a window. You’ve got clear or white-backed vinyl to choose from. With the added application of a white vinyl to the back of a clear vinyl print, and with a reverse print on the material, you can create an interior mounted/exterior viewed image.

Static cling materials are a good option if the images will be taken down and moved a few times, including moving them back to their backing paper for storage and use later. If the graphics are temporary and not going to be moved, I generally advise on a removable adhesive vinyl vs. cling.

For large image areas that covered most or all of a window, it is often best to use perforated window film that applies to the exterior. This premium vinyl has a small hole pattern that when viewed print-side shows the image. But when viewed from the back side, all you see is the view through the holes. For a retail window, it acts like a heavy tint. This is an excellent way to get large images on a storefront without blocking out light or the view out of the store.

FLOORS – Floor graphics are quite eye-catching since they are pretty uncommon. It must be understood that with traffic scuffs, floor graphics are by nature temporary an subject to relatively quick wear. Nevertheless, they are an excellent way to get attention for retail promotions, grand openings, trade show exhibits, and events.

There are removable adhesive vinyls specifically designed and manufactured for each type of ‘floor’ surface. With each getting ASTM grade non-slip textured laminates for safety, you can have graphics produced to apply to tile, carpet, wood, concrete (even sidewalks or parking lots), etc. These specially formulated materials are not at a great premium over standard vinyls, so floor graphics can be a very high ROI visual media that can get high attention from existing store/mall/trade show traffic.

STICKERS/DECALS – Like window graphics, these don’t require special materials. However, people often forget about something as simple as a sticker. With the right use of a clear or white-backed material with permanent or removable adhesive, stickers can really stretch a budget for promotions, branding, or other efforts. With a plotter, most large format printers can cut out a defined shape/line around your shape to provide a full custom sticker. And you can do this with low quantities not affordable for machines requiring an expensive die or set up charges.

REFLECTIVE – Using a reflective vinyl for a print is an excellent way to create signage or outdoor graphics that will get hit with headlights. The image pops off the print as if it were lit from behind. Reflective vinyl is used for many emergency vehicles, but can also have fantastic impact on retail and facility signs and posters.

There are also many different special production vinyls that offer textures and looks such as metallics, gold leaf, diamond plate, carbon fiber, glow-in-the-dark, frosted/etched glass, etc. The ideas for applications are endless. Some of the materials can be printed over with wording or an image and all can be cut into specific shapes/letters or used as backgrounds.

Not only are there various materials to print on or cut, I’ve also got to mention a couple of specialty finishing touches that open some additional doors for uncommon applications. Dry Erase laminate turns ay print into a useful ‘marker board’. These can be effective for restaurant menus, conference room white boards, office schedule boards, etc. Why use a plain white dry erase board when you can have one custom made with an image or a pre-set form? Mounting a print onto steel allows for using magnets on top of the print. This can be a valuable tool for certain applications.

Hopefully this expands your range of thinking about what can be done with visual marketing through your large-format print studio. The main limiting factor is simply imagination. Solutions can be found for almost any situation, so open your mind to new ideas. Remember that the more uncommon an image or image placement, the higher awareness and recall you will generally get for the investment.

To discuss your latest idea, contact Speedpro Imaging at 972-242-9002 or send me an email at bjohnson@speedpro.com

Reflective Vinyl Applications

By Speedpro Imaging

“It’s 10 p.m…..do you know where your sign is?”

Unless you’ve got lights in or on your sign, it gets dull and hard to see once the sun goes down. But since you are reading this, you now know that there is a great and effective remedy! Reflective Vinyl.

There are many, many ways to incorporate reflective films into a sign, stickers, or into a vehicle graphics. Traditional reflective vinyls are available in colors that can be cut for stripes, borders, letters, etc. But more recently, printable reflective vinyls have become commonplace. These newer reflectives allow for a full custom printed, four-color, high-resolution print to go onto the reflective vinyl. When headlights or other lights hit this print, the exposed vinyl POPS as if it had lights behind it. VERY eye catching.

And more unique, and thus eye-catching, is the fact that the ‘lights’ in your reflective graphics go on and off as the lights pass over it…so it gives your image a sense of motion. It’s as if someone turned on a lighted sign just at the moment your audience was gazing into the darkness. And during the daylight hours, your sign is a premium looking image so it stands out then, too.

Some terrific applications for reflective vinyl are signs entering a gate or driveway, safety/security signs, neighborhood or community entryways, and custom cut vehicle decals. Also lawn signs for realtors, construction companies, remodelers, etc. The cost of using reflective is a premium over basic adhesive vinyls, but the awareness increase can be easily worth it for the right applications. It is a very durable and long-lasting material and the print results are exceptional.

Since your image is there to get attention and build your brand image, take advantage of the darkness to get even more exposure and a higher profile perception.

Give Speedpro Imaging a call to discuss you possible applications for highly visible reflective vinyl. 972-242-9002 or bjohnson@speedpro.com.

Trade Show and Event Marketing

By Speedpro Imaging

TWO SECONDS.

Even though attendees come to a trade show/expo to find new products or services that they think might benefit them, their mental filters are on high alert. Nobody wants to stop at every booth. Nobody wants to talk with any more salespeople than is absolutely necessary. Therefore, the attendee's mind filters out as much as possible. This filtering happens almost entirely with the visual impression an exhibit makes in the first two seconds of being seen. Just a glance and you have them…..or not.

First – NOTHING happens if they don't even see or notice you. You must create awareness. What attracts awareness is something that is unusual or extraordinary. Second – You are immediately judged by that visual image. A big, sloppy, spray painted sign on a scrap piece of plywood will get noticed….but with that image, who would want to talk with you? Not only do you need to get attention, but your visual image must also give off a positive image that communicates credibility, professionalism, quality, expertise, etc.

Few tools can help you win in these first two seconds more than high-quality graphics at your exhibit. You want to use as much size as you can with as much uniqueness as you can. And if relevant, try to attach your product or service to the viewer emotionally. This is why advertisers try to show people delightfully enjoying the benefits of using their product or service – often with including positive emotional triggers like kids, babies, dogs, kittens, etc.

Following is a range of ideas for applying visual graphics to your exhibit type or budget constraints.

Banners – hang one behind you or from the front of a table. Example – a standard 6' folding table will take a 72'x30' banner, and with simple tape at the top, you can hang it in front. Depending on the material and how it is finished, a banner such as this might cost as little as $100.

Banner stands – popular retractable banner stands roll up into their case like a projection screen. They are easy to transport and setup/take down. Good quality stands like this are as low as $300.

A motorized scrolling banner stand is an excellent tool. The moving graphics are very unique to a trade show floor and the eyes are drawn to it to see what is coming up next. The human mind seeks closure, so most will at least watch one full scroll of a well-designed banner. These stands come complete for just over $400.

There are also backdrop systems for a larger and more polished presence. These pop up and stretch-fabric 'hop-up' systems cost considerably more (typically $2000+) but are very effective, look more professional, and are built and designed for repeated use and travel.

Fold-out, table-top systems are useful for those needing an economical and easily transported system to use over and over. Such a fold out system with graphics is likely in the $400-$700 range.

Simpler tools, more appropriate for table-top expos or add-ons to your existing exhibit, are items such as mounted prints. For example, an 18"x24" laminated print mounted to a lightweight yet sturdy plastic panel could effectively show an example of your product. With a fold-out easel back, an item like this may be as little as $40-$50. You can even use a unique element such as Dry Erase laminate for a little bit more and turn the piece into an interactive tool.

There are other things you can use such as printed table throws, table covering posters, custom cut stickers, floor graphics in front of your exhibit, hanging structures, lighted graphics, etc. You don’t have to out-spend your visual competition, but you need to be at the highest possible end of the visual attractiveness field you prospects will be wandering through. Compete for their eyes first!

Check out the Resource "The Exhibitors Handbook" available on-line located on the Trade Show Displays page of the website.