You gotta love this article in the Wisconsin State Journal, extolling the virtues of vehicle wrapping. Here’s a quick excerpt:

Wrapped vehicles — boats to buses, sedans to semitrailers, enveloped in brightly colored graphics — are becoming popular marketing tools for businesses big and small.

“Companies are looking for more effective and unique ways of advertising and this is one of them, ” said Bruce Mendelsohn, director of communications for the Marketing Research Association. “I would suspect you ‘ll see more of it. “

We will see more of it, and we need more installers to serve the needs, ultimately. If you have been thinking about getting into vehicle wrapping, this is a good time. But you need some vehicle wrap training. You can get some good training from the PDAA, as well as check out our e-books on vehicle wrapping by clicking here.

Just how do you design a vehicle wrap. I graphic designer friend of mine does wonders with magazines and banners, but when he saw the vehicle template, he didn’t know what in the world to do with it. Here’s a good, very basic explanation of what goes into designing a vehicle wrap. Check back here soon for more detailed information on the topic.

Roland has tweaked and upgraded its SolJet Pro III XC-540, originally released in 2006, now re-introduced as the 2008 SolJet Pro III XC-540. The printer/cutter now includes Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology, a white-ink option, the upgraded version of VersaWorks, and new media flanges for added stability.

First introduced with the SolJet XJ series, the Roland Intelligent Pass Control is a combination of firmware and software advancements plus optimized machine stability to reduce ink bleed and irregular feeding between passes. The result is smooth gradations and improved print quality and throughput while virtually eliminating banding, reports the company. While many print mode speeds remain the same as the 2006 version of the XC-540, with Intelligent Pass Control the 2008 XC-540 is now up to twice as fast in Standard print mode when printing on vinyl.

When the Discovery Channel wanted to celebrate the 20 anniversary of Shark Week in a big way, they called on EMR Graphics to help them promote their annual TV event.

You can read about Eric Rosencrantz, CEO of EMR Graphics, and his adventure wrapping a building in this Wide-Format Imaging article. It’s worth a look!

For more detailed information on how to wrap buildings, check out our e-book, Megawraps!

There’s a good overview of color management for vinyl printing over at Digital Output magazine. Here’s a little excerpt”

Fewer proofs means less ink and paper waste and a more efficient production cycle. Efficiency is also realized through predictably. Implementing color management will give you an understanding of the gamut limits of monitors and printers, essential information that pertains to which colors can be accurately reproduced and which can�” says C. David Tobie, product technology manager, Datacolor. Armed with that knowledge, you’ll minimize mistakes.

Color management systems are vital if you are working with vinyl, especially if you are doing any work with major brands that have be be johnny on the spot with the color. Check out our e-book on colors and you’ll discover everything you need to know and maybe a little more.

Expand your digital capabilities and sales potential with vehicle wrapping. This workshop, put on by the vehicle wrap experts at Digital EFX Wraps (Louisville, Kentucky), is a largely hands-on workshop. You’ll be paired with other attendees and in charge of applying and removing several vinyl graphics on the doors, hood and rear of a vehicle.Your instructors will give you inside tips on the best ways to prepare a vehicle for a wrap application (for example, taking off removable parts such as windshield wipers).

In between your hands-on time, you’ll learn the critical steps to maximize your sales pitch to the customer without wasting unnecessary time. That instruction includes:

• Marketing vehicle wraps and transit advertising
• Pricing a vehicle wrap job
• Setting up an image file/customer preview on the job

The registration fee is $900. If that is too steep for you, check out our e-books. You can buy the whole lot for less than that. But if hands-on instruction is in your travel budget, then click here to learn about more details about the SGIA show.

We have good news for you. The International Reprographic Association (IRgA) offers a  guide to charging for digital services. It includes what digital services typically charge and best practices for reprographers and reprographic customers. You can also read a good article over at Wide-Format Imaging magazine on the topic.