Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on What’s Best For Your Fleet? Digital vs. Screen Print

What’s Best For Your Fleet? Digital vs. Screen Print

When it comes to deciding what the best way is to display your brand, you face many options. Big or small, fleet graphics, retail signage, window graphics, and more, Signature Graphics offers customized printing and branding solutions to suit your business needs, plus design and installation consultation.

The first step is deciding what will get your job done – digital or screen printing. We outline the differences and walk through what may be the best solution for your business.

What is a digital print?

Digital prints are any printed medium that comes directly from a digital file format. Whether it was delivered to a print shop as a PDF, .eps, .png, or another format, a digital print will go directly to the medium, be it a vinyl banner, vehicle graphic, cardstock, canvas, etc.

The format is dependent on the quality of the printer. The files are pixelated and read as dots-per-inch (dpi). The higher quality printer (they run from 350 to 1,200 dpi), the clearer the image.

Digital prints allow for out-of-the-box thinking and encourage creativity. Your material will consistently look the same.

What is a screen print?

A screenprint leans old-school. The process requires a lot of set-up time, and then the graphic will need time to cure. But it is customizable in its ability to use metallics and have exact color matches that don’t rely on the digital Pantone color wheel.

A screened print’s process is manual. Woven mesh, or screen, is run through a pre-press process of coating and then transposing the image to the screen. Once set, the screen is loaded onto the press and the ink runs over the image. Next, it is transferred to the medium (T-shirt, sign, etc.) with a squeegee before being sent through a heat tunnel to set it in place.

Why choose a digital print?

There are several benefits of using a digital print graphic:

  • Fast turnaround. Because the digital file is directly printed to a medium, eliminating a manual process, you can have the job back quickly to meet an urgent deadline.
  • Cost-effective for smaller jobs. Again, that streamlined process cuts out the time and makes a job cost-effective.
  • Complicated jobs, or wrap graphics, such as those needed for fleet graphics for vehicles, can be templated so it’s right the first time it’s printed.
  • Does the job need multiple images and/or colors? This is the way to go. It’s quick and you get what was designed.

Why choose screen print?

There are several benefits of using a screen print graphic:

  • You get exact color matches and the ability to add texture, such as metallics, to your job needs.
  • Lower cost on large runs. Since the setup is time-consuming, you may benefit from cost-effectiveness if the quantity of the job is large enough.
  • This is the OG method. It was around long before digital, so it looks classic and timeless.

What’s best for my business?

One size does not fit all jobs. Fleet graphics, window, and retail signage, and other almost one-off jobs likely will benefit from digital print graphics. If your needs lean more customizable or you require a large quantity or color, your job may need screen print graphics.

Contact Signature Graphics today for a consultation to find a solution customized to fit your needs.

We proudly use 3MTM graphic films and overlaminates.

Posted in NewsTagged , , , , , Leave a Comment on Replace Your Fleet Graphics: 8 Signs You Should

Replace Your Fleet Graphics: 8 Signs You Should

Making the Best First Impression

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Don’t let faded, ineffective commercial fleet graphics ruin your chance at prospective business or turn off existing clients. Signature Graphics can help you update your faded or dated vehicle graphics, and help you maintain consistent and uniform branding for your entire fleet.

Does your fleet look tired? Worn? It might be time to update your vehicle wraps and graphics. Here are 8 signs you should replace your fleet graphics:

1. Peeling, Faded, Flaking, or Lifting Graphics

When your graphics are peeling, fading, flaking, or lifting around the edges, it’s a clear sign that they need to be replaced. These issues not only make your vehicles look unprofessional but also undermine your brand’s credibility. High-quality graphics should remain vibrant and intact, effectively representing your business on the road.

2. Dusted, Faded, or Scratched Vehicles

Over time, exposure to the elements can cause your vehicle wraps to become dusted, faded, or scratched. These imperfections can dull the impact of your graphics and diminish the overall appearance of your fleet. Regular maintenance and timely replacements can keep your fleet looking sharp and appealing.

3. Inconsistent Branding Across Your Fleet

Consistency is key in branding. If there’s no uniformity in your fleet’s graphics, it sends a mixed message to potential customers. Ensure that all vehicles in your fleet display the same logo, colors, and design elements to strengthen your brand’s presence and make a lasting impression. If not, it may be time to replace your fleet graphics.

4. Lack of Call-to-Action

Your graphics should include a clear call-to-action, such as a phone number, website, or sales slogan. If your fleet graphics are missing these crucial elements, you’re losing out on potential leads and business opportunities. Updating your graphics to include a strong call-to-action can significantly boost your marketing efforts.

5. Missing or Hard-to-Read Graphics

Pieces of your graphics that are missing or hard to read can confuse and frustrate viewers. Ensure that your contact information and brand message are easily visible and legible from a distance. Clear, well-maintained graphics communicate professionalism and reliability.

6. Outdated Brand Messaging, Mission, or Company Culture

As your company evolves, so should your fleet graphics. If your current graphics reflect outdated brand messaging, mission statements, or company culture, it’s time for an update. Aligning your fleet graphics with your current brand values and messaging can help you connect more effectively with your target audience.

7. Outdated Offers, Out-of-Service Phone Numbers, or Broken Web Links

Promotional offers, phone numbers, and web links change over time. If your fleet graphics feature outdated information, it can lead to missed opportunities and frustrated customers. Regularly reviewing and updating this information ensures that your potential clients have access to the correct details.

8. New Logo, Colors, Updated Tagline, etc.

Rebranding is an exciting time for any company, but it’s essential to reflect these changes across all touchpoints, including your fleet. If you’ve introduced a new logo, colors, or tagline, make sure your vehicle graphics are updated to match. Consistency in your branding reinforces your new identity and helps build recognition.

Stay Ahead of the Competition

Take a moment to look at your competition’s graphics. Do your current designs stand out on a highway filled with other branded vehicles? If not, it’s time to rethink your approach. Eye-catching, modern graphics can set your fleet apart and draw more attention to your brand.

Consult with Signature Graphics

Contact Signature Graphics for a consultation on the best ways to update your fleet graphics and roll out your new designs. Our brand specialists can help develop a plan to refresh your decals and signage, ensuring your fleet looks uniform and professional wherever your vehicles go.

Conclusion

Maintaining up-to-date, attractive fleet graphics is crucial for making a positive impression and driving business success. By recognizing the signs that it’s time to replace your fleet graphics, you can keep your fleet looking its best and ensure your brand remains competitive in the market. Reach out to Signature Graphics today to revitalize your fleet and reinforce your brand’s identity.

FAQs

Fleet graphics should typically be replaced every 3-5 years, or sooner if they show signs of wear and tear such as peeling, fading, or damage.
Yes, you can update specific parts of your fleet graphics. However, for a cohesive look, it’s often best to update the entire design.
High-quality fleet graphics are usually made from durable vinyl that can withstand various weather conditions and daily wear and tear.
The installation time can vary depending on the size of your fleet and the complexity of the design. A professional installer can provide a more accurate timeline.
A call-to-action, such as a phone number or website, provides potential customers with a direct way to contact your business, increasing the likelihood of generating leads.
Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on Deckers/HOKA Order Volkswagen and MotorLease Branded Vinyl Car Wraps

Deckers/HOKA Order Volkswagen and MotorLease Branded Vinyl Car Wraps

Signature Graphics vinyl car wraps help raise brand awareness, and we have pioneered methods for speeding the delivery of branded vehicles, applying the wraps as they depart the assembly line or — as in a recent project involving Deckers/HOKA, Volkswagen and MotorLease — in the middle of a busy port.

Deckers/HOKA placed a vehicle order with Volkswagen and MotorLease for a fleet of cars to be delivered fully branded with vinyl car wraps installed. Vinyl car wraps are large decals or graphics that are placed directly over the original paint

These wraps are an excellent alternative to painting — durable, cost-effective and more customizable than painting. Installing vinyl wraps takes far less time than painting, generally three to five days compared to one or two weeks for painting. And wrapped vehicles are ready for immediate use after installation, while a painted logo and branding may need additional drying time.

In addition, vinyl wraps are rugged and durable — and actually help protect the vehicle’s paint. While painted logos almost always lowers the resale value of a car, vinyl wrapping can be removed without damaging the vehicle or original paint.

Communications was key in this rapid-fire turnaround project. The entire process unfolded in under two weeks. Volkswagen provided the part information, MotorLease provided the order status, and we made sure we were able to produce and install the branding elements in the necessary timeframe.

“Our HOKA team has been able to step away and let these projects happen,” said the project manager for Deckers/HOKA. “We have complete trust that they’ll turn out well and be done in a more efficient manner than in the past.”

While the branding elements were being produced to vehicle specifications and the delivery dates, Signature certified installers were acquiring the necessary credentials and clearances to enter the port.

When the time came, the installers were where they needed to be with the vinyl wraps ready to install. Using VIN numbers, they located the correct vehicles as they were unloaded and got to work.

“MotorLease and Signature have been terrific to work with in regards to Deckers,” said Volkswagen’s project manager. “We don’t have to micromanage or follow up several times to make sure things got handed on time and in a quality way. Having partners like Signature and MotorLease — two companies that bring their best every day — makes our job and the lives of those we serve much better.”

At Signature Graphics, our promise that every branding program mirrors the objectives and ambitions of each client to help them achieve their unique brand goals.

Fleet graphics are a proven component of successful marketing and corporate branding campaigns, with surveys finding them to be have more impact than billboards. Vehicle wraps are cost-effective, endlessly customizable and visually appealing.

Signature Graphics can make your vehicle fleet work for you in an entirely new way, using distinctive designs to get your brand maximum exposure for a minimal investment.

View our Fleet Graphics Showcase and contact us to get started today.

We proudly use 3MTM graphic films and overlaminates.

Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on Coca-Cola Promotes New Coffee Product With Signature Graphics

Coca-Cola Promotes New Coffee Product With Signature Graphics

When Coca-Cola wanted to promote their new coffee product, they came to Signature Graphics for help with part of a national general awareness campaign.

Coca-Cola calls Coca-Cola with Coffee a “breakthrough innovation” in the refreshment coffee category, a beverage that “sips like a Coke and finishes like a coffee.” Infusing Coke’s great taste with three signature flavors of Brazilian coffee, Coca-Cola with Coffee is a invigorating new afternoon pick-me-up.

To help Coca-Cola raise awareness of this new product, Signature provided vinyl fleet graphics for about a dozen tractor-trailers of various sizes. Vinyl graphic wraps are cost-effective, durable and extremely customizable. Coca-Cola’s design team provided Signature with the branding, and we adapted that design to properly fit each vehicle.

Bringing this project to fruition involved a tremendous amount of coordination, both internally and externally. Account executives, materials departments, design and production teams, and field services teams in multiple locations worked together while coordinating with several departments at Coca-Cola, including their marketing and design teams.

In addition, we coordinated with Coca-Cola’s bottlers — franchises with exclusive agreements to bottle Coca-Cola products — to ensure that this project met with their fleet-management needs.

Coordinating this project and seeing it to completion involved a lot of problem-solving on our part to ensure everyone’s satisfaction and to make the project fit the goals of the client.

As with every project, Signature Graphics brought decades of experience and a deep focus on relationship-building to this undertaking. Coca-Cola expressed complete satisfaction that we met their goals, and conveyed appreciation for our transparency and how quickly we developed the relationships needed to get the job done.

Signature’s cross-functional teams of experts approach every project with the goal of helping clients maximize their brand impact for their long-term success. No matter how large the organization, we have the experience and systems in place to execute their needs in a reasonable amount of time.

Fleet graphics are a proven component of successful marketing and corporate branding campaigns. Vehicle wraps are cost-effective, endlessly customizable and visually appealing. Signature Graphics can make your vehicle fleet work for you in new ways, using distinctive designs to get your brand maximum exposure.

View our Fleet Graphics Showcase and contact us to get started today.

We proudly use 3MTM graphic films and overlaminates.

Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on DocuVault’s Fleet Gets a Bold Upgrade With Signature Graphics

DocuVault’s Fleet Gets a Bold Upgrade With Signature Graphics

Some projects come together practically overnight, but others are years in the making. In the beginning of 2018, Signature Graphics began working with DocuVault — a New Jersey company that offers secure document storage and on-site shredding services.

Their fleet of three trucks were unmarked blank canvasses that were missing an opportunity to promote their brand. Our design team worked with DocuVault, taking their original mockup and consulting with them as the design evolved and changed.

This can be a complex undertaking. Fleet graphics involve many different people in an organization — marketing, logistics, and fleet management. With all these different people and departments involved, the design approval process can be quite lengthy.

The ability to effectively manage and execute this protracted, complicated process and all the different aspects of a fleet graphics program is what sets Signature Graphics apart. This is what we do.

Another level of complexity arises when designing graphic wraps for different vehicles. Signature maintains an extensive, up-to-date inventory of templates for many vehicles. Our design teams then ensure that proposed branding layouts will actually fit on the vehicles in the right way.

Signature has the experience and expertise to ensure that a design will translate well from paper to reality.

The designs for DocuVault’s fleet ended up being bold and colorful — and complicated, combining a partial wrap on the rear of the vehicles with digitally cut graphics that really made the vehicles stand out.

Previously, when a DocuVault truck went to a location for on-site shredding or to pick up boxes of documents for secure storage, the nondescript black trucks added no value or awareness of the business.

Now when those trucks are on the road or pulling into a business, they send a message. They represent DocuVault, and increase brand awareness for the company.

Signature Graphics can also make your vehicle fleet work for you in new ways, using distinctive designs to get your brand maximum exposure.

View our Fleet Graphics Showcase and contact us to get started today.

We proudly use 3MTM graphic films and overlaminates.

Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on Vinyl Car Wraps: Cost and Benefits vs. Painting

Vinyl Car Wraps: Cost and Benefits vs. Painting

Fleet graphics are a natural component of any successful marketing campaign, and they can help you establish a corporate identity. According to a recent survey by RYP and Becker Group, 97% of respondents recalled ads on trucks, and 96% of respondents thought fleet graphics had more impact than billboards. Vehicle wraps offer you the flexibility to customize your message to any audience and reach more potential customers at lower costs.

Benefits of Vinyl Car Wraps

Some businesses have their fleets repainted to display the right logo and contact information. However, paint is generally more expensive than vinyl wraps, and the car’s resale value decreases with the new paint job.

Vinyl car wraps are large decals or graphics that are placed directly over the original paint, and this method has several benefits over painted designs.

  1. Flexibility
    Car wraps come in a wide range of finishes and colors, which gives your fleet a branded look. Mixing colors and designs, adding texture, and highlighting certain areas makes vinyl more customizable than paint.
  2. Durability
    Vinyl car wraps are rugged, durable, and provide a layer of protection to your fleet, which includes the paint underneath the vinyl. Car wraps can handle normal wear and tear and are resilient to inclement weather.
  3. Cost Effective
    Professional car wrapping generally costs a fraction of the price of a good paint job. Vinyl car wraps are especially cost effective for larger fleets.
  4. Installation
    A new paint design may take 1 to 2 weeks to complete. By contrast, a vinyl car wrap installation typically takes only 3 to 5 days. Cars with vinyl wraps are ready for immediate use after installation, whereas painted logo and branding may need additional time to dry.
  5. Resale Value
    New vehicle paint almost always lowers the value of a car because many buyers do not want branded or modified cars for everyday use. Vinyl car wrapping can be removed without damaging the car or its original paint.

Contact Signature Graphics

Whether your service vehicle fleet consists of small passenger cars or large cargo vans, Signature Graphics can help you leverage your corporate brand by identifying your vehicles with distinctive designs. Vehicle wrapping by Signature Graphics gives you the confidence you deserve – you will get maximum exposure for minimal investment.

Let Signature increase your company’s perceived value in the marketplace. View our Fleet Graphics Showcase and contact us to get started today.

We proudly use 3MTM graphic films and overlaminates.

Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on The Benefits of Spedian Changeable Graphics for Advertising Your Fleet

The Benefits of Spedian Changeable Graphics for Advertising Your Fleet

Digital printing on fleet vehicles continues to evolve and mature, which makes truck wraps crisper and more visually appealing. Thanks to these advances in printing, companies can better communicate their brand’s identity and values.

For longer-term and more constant campaigns and brand messages, vinyl vehicle wraps remain a popular option. Short-term promotions can benefit from Spedian, a solution developed by Signature Graphics that allows business owners to change graphics quickly and affordably for their fleet.

Spedian was recently featured in Beverage Industry magazine advocating the benefits of advertising short-term promotions specifically for refrigerated trucks and trailers. The Spedian fleet graphics system adheres to the side of the vehicle and can withstand any temperature changes.

Unlike metal framing systems, Spedian does not require rivets, bolts, or screws, which lets you maximize your marketing message without making costly modifications to your trailers. Because you can swap out these side graphics easily and quickly, they are ideal for seasonal campaigns and timely rotations of branding through fleet-based promotions. Spedian banners are compatible with trucks, vans, and freight containers. They can be stored and reused, which makes fleet promotions a cost-effective investment you can use year after year.

The Spedian system boasts a virtually invisible frame. These banners are lighter and prevent an increase in fuel consumption. The vehicle and banner perimeters are lined with a material that grips tightly when the two meet up, and this solution is unaffected by wind drag and requires no maintenance after installation. Spedian also works with your existing designs so that you can easily refresh your damaged or old fleet graphics with an affordable update. Because the Spedian system sits on top of existing branding, banners can be placed over outdated or damaged messaging.

Tested at the Ohio Transportation Research Center, Spedian creates banners that are:

  • Lighter than alloy and plastic frames
  • Reusable and easily storable
  • Weather resistant and ideal for various climates
  • Unaffected by wind drag
  • Tensioned during installation and wrinkle free
  • Maintenance free

Contact Signature Graphics

Signature Graphics has the most successful and extensive experience in planning, managing, and executing large and small national fleet branding projects in the industry. Our network of certified installation experts are trained and qualified, and they exceed expectations in workmanship, warrantability, accountability, and expertise.

Contact Signature Graphics to learn more about the Spedian system and how we can help enhance your fleet’s brand message.

We proudly use 3MTM graphic films and overlaminates.

Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on Choosing Effective Signage for Your Brand

Choosing Effective Signage for Your Brand

Interior and exterior business signage are a key component to brick and mortar advertising. Window graphics and outdoor/environmental signage can reinforce your brand, drive sales, and help turn prospects into loyal customers.

Exterior Signage

One of the most important steps to convert leads into customers is getting a consumer to enter your shop or business. Window and environmental signage are unique marketing tactics that can help your company create a positive first impression and differentiate your business.

Outdoor signage must be bright and compelling enough to capture the interest of customers. Non-illuminated dimensional letters are a great option, especially if your business can be easily found in the evening. For retail signage, your graphics must be direct so customers know what to shop for and what promotions they can take advantage of.

If you have free space on your building, sidewalks or other surfaces that are not currently being utilized for marketing purposes, this equates to wasted space. Environmental graphics are any type of marketing designs that your target audience will see while out and about. This goes beyond standard storefront graphics and includes the valances and canopies at a gas station, window transoms, floor graphics, murals on the side of a building and other similar areas.

Interior Signage

The customer journey doesn’t end when a client enters your business. Interior signage can improve a customer’s shopping experience and can help leave a lasting impression, which may result in new and repeat customers.

Branding and corporate image signage gives customers an overall understanding of your business, even before they speak to an employee. Signs should portray your voice, brand, and image throughout your retail space. To visually represent your brand, display your logo with dimensional letters or graphics and share your mission or vision by incorporating them onto wall murals.

Partner with Signature Graphics

Adding signage to your business’ windows or outdoor environment is a great way to maximize your use of space, and you can rely on the professional design and printing team at Signature Graphics to help you create and install eye-catching graphics that improve your business. We can add your company’s name and logo to the front of your store and create enticing designs inside your business, transforming your space and attracting your target audience. We’re committed to helping you achieve the results you need, and we offer quality services with competitive rates.

Contact Us

Reach out to our team and get started with your exterior and interior business signage. We can partner with you on all your design and printing needs.

Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on The Benefits of Vinyl Banner Printing

The Benefits of Vinyl Banner Printing

Your business is more than just products and services – it’s an entire customer journey, and how you promote your company will determine how your audience interacts with you.

Your brand’s retail marketing should encompass all channels, such as ads, promotions, social media, website, and signage. Businesses sometimes neglect the importance of robust print advertising for customer engagement, and instead focus their energy on digital channels. However, a study by FedEx Office reveals that 74% of consumers said they entered a store based solely on its signage. Remember that your business signage can have as much of an impact on your company as your website.

Do you wonder if there’s a way to get a higher return on investment for the signage that you purchase? If so, then your company should invest in vinyl banners.

Benefits of vinyl banner printing

Vinyl banner printing remains one of the most effective ways that you can locally advertise your business and increase foot traffic into your shop. Vinyl printed banners can seamlessly enhance your existing storefront, entryway, or your store’s interior without being overbearing. This incredibly versatile signage can make your business look more professional and cohesively express your brand voice.

Vinyl banner printing has numerous other advantages, including:

  • Cost-effective with a quick turnaround time
    You need to make sure that your investment in signage will pay off. Vinyl printed banners generally cost less than other signage options, and if you order in bulk, you may enjoy even more savings. Vinyl banners can be produced quickly, so they’re a great option if you need something right away.
  • Customizable
    The design possibilities with vinyl banner printing are near limitless – you can choose from a variety of sizes, colors, and overall aesthetics. This customization potential gives you more freedom to advertise exactly the way you want.
  • Versatile and durable
    Vinyl banners can withstand a variety of weather conditions, so you can leave them in place during inclement weather. They’re also easy to hang and relocate and they maintain their quality and integrity over time. Because you won’t need to replace your signage as often, you can focus your time – and money – on other advertising ventures.

All signs point to success

Signage is a versatile business tool that has a myriad of applications, and it can serve as a visual medium that drives more attention to your business. Particularly, vinyl banners can help your business with brand recognition, give you a competitive advantage, and even increase sales.

The right signage design company can help you choose the best branding elements and narrative so that you get the most from your vinyl banner printing investment.

Contact Us

Signature Graphics is a trusted company that you can work with for all your design and printing needs. Are you interested in designing and installing quality graphics at your business that will generate results and have long-lasting durability? Contact our team today to place your order.

Posted in NewsLeave a Comment on How to Use Wall Graphics and Murals to Build a Stronger Brand

How to Use Wall Graphics and Murals to Build a Stronger Brand

Business owners know that it’s vitally important to invest resources in the products and services that their company sells. However, to gain brand recognition and attention from potential customers, you may find that you need something more.  

Do you want your business to make an impactful first impression? Grow your brand and add wall graphics and murals to your office spaces. Compelling visuals make a lasting impression on customers and showcase who your company is as a brand. Exterior signs help get customers through the door, and engaging murals and graphics for your business creates a memorable environment that people may want to visit again.

Why Are Wall Graphics and Murals Important?

Research suggests that people process visual information significantly faster and more efficiently than writing. Because your potential clients will absorb graphics more quickly than text, it’s vital that you can attract your consumers’ attention and keep them engaged in your business.

Wall graphics and murals are designed to seamlessly cover a wall in your office or retail space. Printed business wall murals can be easily installed onto nearly any surface, and they can help you create an atmosphere that caters to your unique brand.

Printed wall graphics have numerous benefits over painted murals. For example, you have more creative control over wall graphics, and you are not confined to what an artist can create with paint and a brush. Instead, your business has limitless options with printed murals: you can intermix your own pictures with stock photography, include digital illustrations, and add intricate designs to make a memorable impression and communicate your brand.

Wall Graphics and Murals Tell a Story

All companies have a story, and wall graphics can help to convey your business’ rich history in a larger-than-life format. Some companies choose graphics and murals that tell the stories of customers who have been positively affected by their business. These testimonials vouch for your business and convey your brand as a company that customers can trust.

Wall murals also serve as a powerful marketing tool that can get customers interested in your product through an impactful visual representation within your space. Because graphics offer a substantial brand building opportunity, take the time to think about your company’s core values and the best way to communicate them visually.

Contact Us

Don’t wait to build a more engaging and impactful brand. When you partner with Signature Graphics, you benefit from a complete range of designing and printing services. Our graphics consist of quality 3M materials so that you can count on them to last.

Contact Signature Graphics today to set up a consultation with our team, and we will begin working on design ideas that meet your needs.

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