Why Should You Use Adobe Illustrator in Vehicle Wrap Design

Vehicle WrapAdobe Illustrator (AI) is a Creative Cloud software, which is primarily designed for type-setting and logo areas. But, it is now seen as a powerful tool for graphic designers. While you can also use Photoshop or InDesign, Illustrator is more appropriate for vehicle wrap design. Its most distinct characteristic is its vector drawing tool, allowing you to resize the file without losing its quality. This is absolutely essential when it comes to car wrap design.

Here are other reasons why you should consider Adobe Illustrator over other software in designing vehicle graphics:

  • It uses vectors. As mentioned, vector files allow you to increase or decrease the finished design without altering the integrity of the graphics. Illustrator uses a mathematical solution in plotting paths and strokes on X and Y axes, allowing you to control the shapes during the design process. Your car wrap design is then saved to a vector format like Adobe AI or EPS, which are fully-editable in the software they were created.
  • It is equipped with drawing capabilities. Adobe Illustrator is the supreme device for crafting more organic and free flowing forms beyond basic presets because of its advanced features. The program has a unique ability to draw high-level shapes and save them as vector files, allowing you to resize them without losing quality.
  • View your artwork at full size. Some other applications are not suitable car wrap design because they do not provide you with the ability to view your design at full size. If your design contains photographic images primarily, your artwork should be created in Illustrator and other vector-based design software only.
  • Designs are delivered in EPS format. When it comes to delivering the final vehicle graphics design, always assume that your clients do not know how to edit or convert the file. Instead of sending your artwork on one single file and let your printer take it from there, send the file in EPS format. EPS is editable in Illustrator and can be resized without affecting quality. This is also the file type most requested by professionals.

Using Adobe Illustrator gives your client the most flexibility going further. Although they can’t edit your file in Photoshop, it will serve them well in perpetuity. You can create designs than be small enough to be an icon or large enough to be a billboard.

For cool car wraps design, Adobe Illustrator is an excellent software application. It can be a bit complicated because of many various features, but it can’t be beaten for vector work. Once you get the hang of it, everything will start to make sense. Then, you will see that AI is the best tool for vehicle wrap design. It is truly created for you to utilize to its fullest capacity.

If you are not sure whether Adobe Illustrator is the software for you, Adobe offers a free 30 day trial. So, dip in your toes and complete a couple tutorials to start working on your designs. You will be thankful that you are using vector images and AI when you start to work on more complicated designs.

5 Don’ts of Designing a Great Vehicle Vinyl Wrap

Compared to other forms of outdoor advertising, vehicle wraps may be the most cost-effective. For a one-time investment, business owners can use them between 5 and 12 years (depending on weather conditions and care measures). However, the vehicle templates design must be close to perfect if they want to be successful like this article explains. With the increasing number of cars on the road, it can be difficult to stand out. This is where your work as a designer comes in.

When designing vinyl graphics for cars, there are a number of things that you should do. But, there are also a lot that you shouldn’t. Here are five of them:

  1. Don’t rely solely on Vehicle templates. Getting vehicle templates online is recommended because it saves you time, but you should also see the vehicle. Remember that vehicle wrap templates will provide you with a dimensional outline and the digital canvass to work on. But, they will not alert you if customizations have been done in the vehicle. So, you should definitely see the vehicle and take measurements before printing and cutting the design. If you do it after discovering that a custom bumper has been installed, you may work again from the start and lose valuable time and money.
  2. Don’t rush headlong into your design. Although the urge to design and create immediately is strong, fight it! Communicate with your client first. Find out what they want and pay attention to specific details. Create cool car wrap designs that either meet or exceed their expectations to avoid unnecessary reworks.
  3. Don’t overcrowd your design. When designing vehicle wraps, keep it simple. Do not overcrowd your design with imagery and other art elements like the one from www.signsilo.com. The most effective vinyl graphics for cars are colorful and dynamic, but highly sophisticated in terms of design and composition. So, keep your design simple, eliminate noisy background and allow the brand message to stand out.
  4. Don’t put too much advertising copy. Too much copy can be distracting on car wraps because potential customers can only see it briefly. As a designer, try to keep advertising copy to a minimum. All you need to include in your design are contacts details, brand identity and maybe a short message.
  5. Don’t disregard the needs of your client. Your client is your partner in creating great vehicle wrap designs. Communicate with them effectively by not only giving sound advice but also listening to them. Ultimately, they are the ones paying for your service so you have to make sure that they are satisfied.

Knowing the things you should do to create amazing car wrap designs is important, but so is learning about the things you should avoid. The design is one of the most important aspects of the vehicle wrap. To create aesthetically pleasing and effective wraps, follow the above tips. Keep in mind that your clients are putting their trust on you. Keep it intact by communicating with them every step of the way. Know what they want and meet or exceed their expectations.

When Do You Need a Custom Vinyl Graphics?

There are millions of models, makes and special editions for every vehicle. So, what happens when there are no vehicle graphics templates? Vehicle wrap designers usually use a template. That’s how they know what size to print the graphics for the wraps. They ask for the model and the make as a rule of thumb. If special modifications are required, the car is usually brought a few days early to measure every nook and cranny. This means a template is custom-made.

Unlike more costly media, vehicle wraps work 24/7 for up to seven years, making it a good investment even for small businesses. According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), they offer the lowest cost-per-impression at about 4 cents per thousand. A single car wrap can generate between thirty and eighty thousand impressions per day. Other marketing benefits include local targeting, brand consistency, and strategic and creative versatility.

When do you need custom vehicle branding templates? Here are three scenarios when you actually need to bring in your vehicle for measurement:

  • If you vehicle is an older make and a van wrap template is not available. Not all vehicles fit the vehicle wrap design templates available with the designer. For instance, your car model was discontinued two decades ago and there’s simply no similar template that the designer can make to go by. Also, many classic cars have no templates. An estimate would be necessary to get you in the ballpark.
  • Special sport packages may require some foisting. Other additions such as a spoiler must be accounted for.
  • Specially modified vehicles also require custom vinyl templates. The design needs to be decided and adjusted during the wrap printing in order to fit the modification.

Utilize the Experts
While you can make your own car wrap design, we still recommend you turn to the experts. You don’t have the experience they have. Besides, you don’t have to let them take over the project. You can be partners to achieve the design you want for your business. Many providers offer awesome vinyl ready designs and pro vehicle templates. You can be sure your goals will be met.

Why is it important to choose the right car wrap design?
A well-design wrap and sign reinforce your brand identity. It is a bold way to introduce your company to thousands of people. An effective wrap design is eye-catching. It immediately delivers the most important information about your business. So, you have to keep it short and make it clear. Keep in mind that drivers and passengers only have a few seconds to take in your vehicle wrap design. So, you have to strike the balance between attention grabbing and distracting.

Vehicle graphics and car wraps are a fresh way for all types of businesses to advertise. As two dimensional objects, car wrap templates can present a challenge but it can be overcome with experience and the right tools. Vehicle templates are a good start for vehicle wrap design. Thousands of templates are available for every year, make and model. Each template offer a representation of the vehicle’s parts, making the installation easier.

Are Vehicle Graphics or Car Wraps A Good Investment for Small Businesses?

As a small business owner, it is important that you watch your bottom line. You don’t want to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars just to jump on the latest marketing bandwagon. What you need to do is to stretch your budget in advertising to its maximum value. And, that is exactly what vehicle graphics or car wraps can do for you!

Car graphics are custom-designed coverings that wrap your vehicle partially or totally. They are typically printed on heavy vinyl and professionally installed over your car’s original paint. They serve as moving billboards to get people to notice your company and know your offerings. With the number of marketing strategies available, are they a good investment for your small business?

Think about this: According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), over 95% of Americans are reached by advertising that targets vehicle passengers and drivers. That is a massive percentage!

Vehicle graphics are not only for companies with large vehicle fleets. They can work for any size of business. They also give small businesses credibility by allowing them to display their logo and brand, where potential customers can see them. They put small businesses in the same level leagues as the larger franchises and companies.

Here are other reasons why car wraps are a great investment for small businesses:

  1. When it comes to getting a brand in front of customers, nothing will beat vehicle wraps. A wrapped vehicle receives between 30,000 and 70,000 impressions per day. With a life span of up to 10 years, you can expect them to be seen at least 50 million times. That is half the number of people who watch Super Bowl advertisements – for a fraction of the cost of a 30-sec commercial.
  2. An average full wrap costs about $3000 and buys you a 24/7 promotion for at least 5 years. Compared to a billboard, which costs roughly the same, more people will be able to see it.
  3. First Impressions. People are exposed to immeasurable marketing messages every day, making it more difficult to get their attention. The artwork of your wraps creates a positive image of your company without the need for interaction or hard sale pitches. Turning your vehicle to a mobile billboard is no doubt a sound strategy.

Compared to other forms of advertising car wraps reaches more consumers at a lower cost. While newspaper ads cost around $20 per thousand impressions, car graphics are only about 4 cents. That is still lower than the $4 per thousand impressions of outdoor signs. So, how effective are these wraps? Here are three ways to find out:

  • Create a landing page for your website and place the URL on the wrap.
  • Provide a separate phone number for your advertised wraps.
  • Advertise a special deal only on the wrapped car.

When choosing a URL, make sure it’s simple so drivers and passengers will easily remember it. Then, keep track of the calls from your advertised wraps. This way, you can track their effectiveness.

 

 

5 Tips on How to Market Your Business with Vehicle Wraps

Are you looking for ways to outpace your rivals without overspending? Vehicle wraps are the answer. These adorning device with eye-catching graphics can promote your business as your drivers go around town. Unlike more costly marketing media, they work 24/7 every year for up to seven years – depending on the materials used. This makes it easier, even for small businesses, tomanage expenses. With the right creative services provider, you could easily integrate car wraps into your marketing mix.

Here are five of the best practices of advertising with vinyl car wraps for your business:

  • Keep it short. The main purpose of the wraps is for people to recognize the company. As soon as perspective customers see your vehicle, they should immediately understand what you offer. For instance, place the name Roach Busters and your contact information on your wraps. Passengers and drivers will instantly know that you help get rid of these pests.
  • Make it clear. If your business name does not clearly tell people what you do, you’ll need to include a little detail. For instance, your brand name is yours and your husband’s initials – LV Chin. Include a brief list of products like “NAILS” and “CEMENT” to clarify what your business does. You can make use of images to add clarity, too.
  • Be bold. Think of large lettering and bright colors to grab attention. Keep in mind that drivers and passengers only have a few seconds to take in your car wrap design. So, obvious is good. Use designs that fully cover the car, so your logo and company name are visible in every angle.
  • Beware of hidden messages. Plenty of big name brands have made embarrassing mistakes when it comes to using vinyl ready designs, and you don’t want to be one of them. Make sure you analyze your company name to see if there are letter combinations you need to watch out for. For instance, you are selling butter. Make sure the last “t” stays with the “e” every time, even when the downs are down or doors are open.
  • Think about your car. Keep in mind that the shape of your car is also an important factor on your design. A good designer will work to make the wrap look more natural with your vehicle. For instance, sporty cars look awesome with sleek fonts and dynamic designs. Pickup trucks can look fantastic in hot pink, too. You just need to choose a design that flows with the contours of your vehicle.

Car wraps have non-marketing benefits, too. They provide a predictable fixed-advertising cost as well as preserve your vehicle’s resale value. They protect the original paint from weather damage, chips and scratches and keep it brand new. The other two great things about them are safe removal and easy maintenance.

Unlike the yellow pages and other advertising papers, vinyl wraps have broad reach and low cost-per-impression. They can add horsepower to your marketing mix and shift your sales growth into higher gear without overspending.

 

3 Ways to Wash your Vehicle Graphics: What Should You Do?

Keeping your vehicle graphics looking its best does not need to be difficult. There are a number of ways to wash your vehicle. But, are all of them good for your wraps? Vinyl wraps aren’t only meant to be installed and forgotten. Wrap care plays an important role in keeping your graphics flawless. It requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Washing your car on a regular basis and keeping it away from possible pollutants results to longer-lasting and vibrant colors.

There are three ways to wash your car – regular washing, automated car washes and pressure washing.

On washing regularly with soap and water
The easiest and safest way to wash your car is by cleansing it with mild soap and water regularly, or when the car appears dirty. Allowing pollutants to remain on the graphics for longer periods of time makes it harder to remove during cleaning. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Rinse off as much dirt as possible with a spray of water.
  2. Use a wet, non-abrasive detergent to clean your car.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water.
  4. Use a silicone squeegee to reduce water spotting.
  5. Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.

On automated car washes
Although car washing is safer and more thorough, you can bring your vehicle to an automated car wash if you don’t have the time or energy to wash it yourself. However, take note that brush car washes may be too rough on the film. They may degrade it and cause peeling. They may also lift the edges. That’s why it is recommended to visit a car wash station that sprays water but does not use brushes.

On pressure washing
Clearly handwashing is the preferred method of cleaning because it is safer for your car graphics. However, pressure washing can be as effective when done under the following conditions:

  • Water pressure is below 2000 psi.
  • Water temperature is below 180 °F.
  • The spray nozzle has a 40-degree wide angle spray pattern.
  • The nozzle is at least 1 foot away from and perpendicular to the graphic.

These three methods of washing your car can be safe and effective as long as you follow the above guidelines. But, the safest of them all is handwashing. You can never go wrong with just a mild detergent and water.

What if you just washed your vehicle and a little bird droppings or fuel spills stained it? You can do spot cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. Then, rinse the area with cool water. Avoid using tire dressing to spot clean as it may splash on the graphics and cause stains. Also, refrain from wiping the wrap when it is hot. This can distort the vinyl and cause wrinkling.

To keep your car looking its best, wash it regularly. Do not use any abrasive polishes or cutting compounds. Avoid using wax products or matte films. If there are wax residues on the surface, remove them with an all-purpose cleaner. Whatever cleaning solution you are using, do not allow it to soak. Immediately rinse it with water.

4 Reasons You Should Get a Van Signwriting Template

Van signwriting is a long-established art. Forget about writing your advertisement onto the side of your vehicle with a paintbrush. The use of vinyl wrap to neatly and effectively display your logo, business name and contact details has taken a leap in recent years. A van signwriting template gives you freedom to choose the form most appropriate for your business. Besides making your business stand out from competition, it also helps you stake out your territory.

What else can a van signwriting template do for your business?

  • Cost-effective and high-exposure marketing. When planning a marketing campaign, you can make use of many different media channels, such as newspapers and billboards. However, the costs involved in each medium are very high for small businesses. On the other hand, vehicle signwriting is economically sensible. You ca expect up to 3,000 people to see your ad every day. The high quality vinyl can last up to five years, too.
  • Frequent fresh look. Cheaper vinyl is also available and lasts about one year. This is not a negative feature through, as it is the perfect solution for time-limited or seasonal marketing campaign. If you only have two or three vehicles, you may want to refresh their appearances frequently to guarantee attention. With cheaper vinyl, you can make use of van signwriting templates to reap the benefits of cross-channel marketing.
  • Localized brand development. The first people to see your advertisement are those who are in your local area. Overtime, they will start to recognize your vehicle and be familiar with your brand. This instills a sense of trust and reliability, which can turn your prospects to customers. Acceptance in your local community is a vital asset for your small business.
  • Non-aggressive advertising. Misplaced aggressive sales techniques can hurt your business. Instead of gaining customers, you could end up driving them away. But with van signwriting, you can sell your product, service and brand without making customers feel forced. It leaves a positive impression without the need to impose aggressive marketing styles. Drivers and passengers can see your ad and make a purchase as they please.
  • Protect and preserve. The most modern and effective form of van signwriting involves the use of self-adhesive vinyl, which protects the paintwork from stone chips and abrasion. Using an over-laminate can also further enhance the protective effect, which can be removed before resale. By preserving the original paintwork, your vehicle can look as good as new – which is a very good investment.

Van signwriting templates offer an affordable and accessible mode of marketing. A well-designed and striking sign will certainly catch your target audience’s attention. If you are looking for an effective way to advertise your business, why not turn your vehicle into a moving billboard? Vehicle wraps are very popular among small and large businesses. Take this opportunity to get your brand in front of your audience at the lowest cost possible.

Vehicle signage works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether your car is driving around or being parked in a prominent place, it can get potentially hundreds or thousands of impressions per day.

 

Vinyl Graphics: Should You Wrap Your Car?

Instead of repainting your car, car wrapping services have become a popular choice among business owners and car lovers. Whether to promote your brand with signwriting or update the look of your car, car wraps are an economical and effective method to achieve your goals. Vehicle wraps are installed in various types of materials, but vinyl graphics is the most popular. As an alternative to respraying your car, vinyl wrapping offers several advantages.

But first, let us define the term.

Vinyl wrapping refers to the process of protecting your car’s paint and providing various customization options with a vinyl. Vinyl is a thin film applied over the paint of your car to protect it against rocks and other debris that your car is subjected to regularly. Vinyl graphics protect the paint underneath and keep your car looking newer, longer.

Why should you choose vinyl graphics for your vehicle wraps? There are a number of reasons why vinyl wraps are the best choice for your car. Here are some of them:

  • Low cost. One of the most appealing features of vinyl graphics is the cost. Compared to a high quality paint job, a full vehicle wrap will only cost a fraction of the price. You can change them anytime you want. Plus, they can last between three and five years.
  • Minimal downtime. Painting a car is not that easy. From prep work to priming, it can take a lot of time. If you choose to repaint your car, it can takes several days to weeks to complete. Vinyl, on the other hand, offers faster turnaround time. The major preparation tasks include making sure that the car and design is clean. The installation will only take a day or two.
  • Wide range of options. Vinyl wraps offers various color and finish options. Any color you want can be matched with vinyl. Some vinyl graphics provider even offer color-shifting wraps. You can also choose the kind of finish, whether its gloss, semi-gloss, matte or satin. You can use vinyl to mimic other materials such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, leather and chrome too.
  • Vinyl wrapping protects your car’s original paint. So when the time comes you want to sell your car, you can remove the vinyl to reveal a pristine paint underneath. As a result, your car can have a higher value than you expect.
  • Digital design. Vinyl vehicle wraps can be customized with digital printed designs, allowing you to create a distinctive appearance for your vehicle. Some websites have incredible samples of vinyl ready designs. You can also contact them to create a design that will advertise your brand.
  • Whenever you decide to go back to the original paint or get a whole new color, you can easily do so with a vinyl wrap. Change the look of your car how often you want because the wraps are removable and replaceable.

The disadvantages of vinyl wrapping are very minimal. They are the same drawbacks of customization. So, should you wrap your car? Give it a try. You will never regret it. Because with vinyl graphics, you always get what you pay for.

4 Things to Consider in Choosing a Vehicle Graphics Provider

Vehicle wraps are a long-term investment. They can be expensive, but they typically last three to five years. The average investment falls between $1,500 and $3,000, including vehicle graphics and installation. Small and large businesses alike can benefit from these economical and effective marketing tools. Studies show that a car wrap puts small businesses in the same playing field as franchises and businesses with vehicle fleets.

Vehicle wraps can be most successful if you have the best design and a great provider like the ones on signmakingsecrets.com. To help you choose the right one, here are some things you need to consider:

  • Vehicle Wrap Design Templates
    The design is the most important part of your car wrap. That’s why it needs to be attractive, to the point, and easy to read. When choosing a vehicle graphics provider, check out their design portfolio and take note of the quality of their previous designs. Try to see how they get their message across. If it takes more than five seconds for you to understand their design, it will not be suitable for a car wrap.
  • Print and Finishing
    Vehicle wraps should be created using high-grade and pressure sensitive vinyl. They should be sturdy and durable, so they can last longer and give you the best return for your investment. Ask your vehicle graphics provider if they are using the best ink, print, film, and protection for your wrap. Keep in mind that quality materials and services will make your vehicle wraps last.
  • Installation
    Have you chosen the best vehicle graphics and materials for your car? If you have, then it’s time to check out the installation. Find a provider who has keen attention to details. Choose one with skilled and experienced workers to ensure effective installation. A good installer carefully inspects the surface of the vehicle and makes proper preparations to identify any problems that may rise ahead.
  • Vehicle Wrap Warranty
    A vehicle wrap warranty can bring you peace of mind and optimum performance for the rest of your vehicle graphics’ life. Choose a provider that offers creatively-designed graphics as well as state-of-the-art services to meet any design challenge.

Personalize your vehicle with company information or any image you choose. Make your dream car stand out from the rest and protect it from dust, scratches and harsh weather conditions with a vehicle templates wrap here https://www.signmakingsecrets.com/vehicle-templates/.

A Word of Caution
Due to the advancement in printing technology, some inexperienced people have set up shops. Thus, it is always a good idea to check the credentials and workmanship of your car wrap provider. Keep in mind that wraps should not damage your car’s paint job. To avoid images from bleeding onto the paint and scratching it, invest in your design and hire an experienced company to produce and install the wrap. More importantly, ask for warranty in writing.

Help ensure your work is of highest quality and that you are ahead of your rivals by investing on high quality vehicle graphics design. Plan and prepare for quality with the right provider.