Archive for Digitally Printed Signs

FULL OR PARTIAL: VEHICLE WRAPS GET THE WORD OUT ATTRACTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY

May 5th, 2012 by Rebecca Walden

Question Not Should You Wrap but How Soon Can You Wrap?

I just can’t help but stay excited about vehicle wraps and graphics. They are eye-catching, gorgeous, protect the car’s paint, and from a “cost per impression” marketing perspective, just can not be beat.

Last week we were fortunate to complete a project for Keith Gurr, President of American Window Products, Inc. on Powers Ave. here in town. Keith’s company is locally owned and operated with 50 years combined experience providing high quality replacement windows and storm doors. Check him out at www.americanwindowsproducts.biz.

Keith was scheduled to take delivery of three spanking brand new Ford Transits from Duval Ford and decided to “take the plunge” and put these cute little guys on the road fully wrapped to the hilt. As is our custom, we had a consultation meeting with Keith, our designer and myself to hear directly from Keith what his “vision” was for the art on the new Transits. Given the name of his company, Keith wanted to stick with an Americana theme but also feature some of their product offerings and of course contact information.

We were able to wrap the three vehicles in three days last week! So Keith now has a rolling marketing program every day those vehicles are out on our busy Jacksonville streets bringing quality replacement windows to his customers and being noticed by “future” customers who will say “I really need to get that window fixed” when reminded by one of Keith’s Transits!

Keith Gurr, President of American Replacement Windows/American Window Products with one of his newly wrapped Ford Transits.
The outline of the continental US has been part of Keith Gurr's branding all along and so was retained in the design.
Good day! Transit No. 3 completed and delivered! Happy client and very happy First Coast Signs owner!

Ok. But what if you really don’t think you are ready for a fully wrapped vehicle? Does that mean you are limited to just some boring cut vinyl lettering on your door? Not at all! We can use the same high quality 3M materials to print a partial wrap along with window perf to still proudly and loudly display your brand and contact information.

When Nanette Orlins who together with her husband Morgan run Morgan’s Window Cleaning Inc. in Ponte Vedra contacted us, she said she had a plain white Savana and a newly designed logo. This van is in the field daily doing a wonderful job pressure washing the beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach homes and windows of their clients and Nanette just thought it could be working harder for them with some well placed graphics.

All Nanette needed was their new logo and phone number. Her clever logo design subtly says it all: Windows, water splash, blue on white. Clear, straightforward, effective. I love it!

Window perf is just the coolest stuff! Allows for the continuity of your graphics and still be able to have full visibility from the inside out.
Clean, clear, concise. Partial wraps can get the job done for you too!

In case you’re reading this and thinking oh wow, I could never afford something like this . . . .

Let’s assume you already acknowledge that you need to advertise your business. A 1x full-page newspaper ad is going to cost you $900 – $1,000. And any advertising consultant is going to tell you, and rightly so, that a one time ad is truly money down the drain. So let’s say you run that ad between 8-20 times. You get a “volume” discount down to $625 so for the minimum of 8 insertions, you’re up to $5,000 already. And 8x really isn’t a significant advertising campaign. Yellow pages advertising? Multiples of that for a one time presence in I’m sorry, but an increasingly archaic medium.

A stem to stern vehicle wrap on even a full-sized truck is not going to remotely cost you $5,000 in today’s market. It’s going to last 3-5 years and be seen by 30,000 to 70,000 people daily. It’s a one time cost and works for you 24 x 7 provided the vehicle can be seen. The statistics in favor or wrapping your fleet vehicles are just staggering.

So the question is not should you wrap, but how fast can you call First Coast Signs at 904-398-3993 and get your fleet vehicles wrapped! Thanks for letting me share these two recent client experiences with you!

Categories : Articles about Us, Corporate Identity, Creative Marketing Use of Signs, Digitally Printed Signs, FCS Blog, Vehicle Graphics, Vehicle Partial Wraps, Vehicle Wraps
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Perfect Partial Wraps

March 14th, 2012 by Rebecca Walden

2012 Hyundai Accent A Sharp "Canvas" for a Partial Wrap

While we may be “partial” to full wraps, a “partial” wrap of your vehicle can perfectly meet your needs as well.

We thought the color of these two cars so perfectly complimented the graphics that this was a case where you’d have to think twice before you realized the whole car wasn’t wrapped. This certainly is an excellent example of a true “partial wrap” as opposed to vehicle “graphics” which tend to be a simple decal or cut vinyl phone number.

All the pertinent information is still there, as well as the famous characature of “Brandon”, our area’s only certified termite detection “real life” working dog.

So if you’re exploring whether or not you need a full vehicle wrap, we recommend you consult with your designer and determine if a partial wrap might meet your needs. Once you determine your art and if it is going to be a new vehicle, make sure the color of your new vehicle compliments your graphics. We think Brandon Pest Control and their design team at Caraway Grammel & Associates did a very effective job of creating a seamless “look” by paying close attention to their coloration and graphics!

Categories : Articles about Us, Digitally Printed Signs, FCS Blog, Vehicle Graphics, Vehicle Partial Wraps, Vehicle Wraps
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Corn Hole and Canvas Updates

February 2nd, 2012 by Rebecca Walden

Featuring his album covers.

Keeping with the theme of our last two blogs, wanted to share the most recent “custom” corn hole board prints we produced for Jimmy Buffet this week!

Ah, brought back sweet sweet memories from my days at Franklin Bank in Southfield, Michigan. I had a good friend who had season tickets to the then Pine Knob outdoor theater and every year he gave me his Jimmy Buffet tickets! So a bunch of us from the bank would get together, grill cheeseburgers in the parking lot, and in general just enjoy the “sights” of the other tailgaters and how they had their vehicles decorated prior to the concert. Henry Mayers if you’re still out there, thanks again for the tickets! Ah but I digress . . ..

"Nothing remains quite the same . . . "

On to unique canvas applications! I promised to share with you this recent canvas “memento” print that was given to participants in the 150th Anniversary Bacardi Marathon just run on January 29 in Miami. Nellie Knowles and Takashi Nakamura of Bacardi here in Jacksonville (http://www.bacardilimited.com/) contacted us looking for something classier than just a vinyl poster so we showed them our canvas options and they had these produced for the runners.

: Bacardi Poster on Canvas Commemorating their 150th Anniversary Marathon

Rum? Jimmy Buffet? Perhaps this blog wasn’t about two disparate projects after all!

Categories : Canvas Posters, Canvas Signs, Creative Marketing Use of Signs, Digitally Printed Signs, FCS Blog, Inexpensive Marketing Ideas Using Signs
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Digital Prints on Canvas

December 29th, 2011 by Rebecca Walden

Canvas . . . . it’s not just for oil paints or acrylics anymore!

We have printable canvas that is beautifully compatible with our wide format Roland CMYK printer. If you love the look of canvas but cannot quite afford an oil or acrylic version of your art, you may be quite pleased with this alternative.

Our Monet Canvas is a heavyweight 10 oz coated canvas with a prominent tooth that is ideal for giclee art reproductions. It is also used for eye-catching POP signage, museum displays, interior decorating, and store signage. This strong, yet flexible, canvas features a uniform matte texture and its specialized coating allows for vibrant, photo-realistic printing and a wide color gamut. Processed with a DigiCoat, these textiles have a coating which assures a sharp, crisp print quality while maintaining the texture and feel of the original fabric.

Art reproduced on Monet Canvas and Tru Color Historic Canvas.

We also have a product named Tru Color Historic Canvas which achieves a warmer, more “worn” look due to its more beige hue. See the above art printed on both.

Our thanks to Heather Anne Sams, MA, MBA, President and “Creative Inspiration Officer” at HAS Art Solutions for providing us with the above art for demonstration purposes.

In early January, we are producing 18″ x 24″ posters for a marathon keepsake from a very well known Jacksonville company on the Monet Canvas. Once they’ve been delivered, we’ll share with you how those turned out as well. The company decided they very much preferred the “look” and texture of their print on the canvas versus a more traditional keepsake poster on laminated vinyl.

“Different strokes for different folks!” Talk to First Coast Signs when you’re looking for a creative alternative to your sign/poster/wide-format digital print projects.

Categories : Creative Marketing Use of Signs, Digitally Printed Signs, FCS Blog, Inexpensive Marketing Ideas Using Signs, Signs
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NO MORE BORING REAL ESTATE SIGNS!

December 22nd, 2011 by Rebecca Walden

Real Estate Signs with Real Curb Appeal

As Carlton and I drove from our office to San Marco for some lunch this lovely, sunny afternoon (Hurricane Wings–the BEST!), I made it a point to look at real estate signs there and back.

Lots of them. But unfortunately, they kind of “meld” together.

Why? Think you can’t stand out from the crowd with your real estate signs? Well think again.

Maghen Wells, CEO, Broker, Realtor, SFR, BPOR of Peninsula Properties Realty was definitely NOT into boring signs that blend in with everyone else.

So when she came to First Coast Signs looking for ways to make sure her signs had “curb appeal” we were all over it!

Maghen’s ensemble included an AGENT ON DUTY sign that actually ended up being another signcade similar to her OPEN HOUSE signs, multiple FOR SALE signs for her listings and a pair of vehicle magnets for herself and two additional agents.

We used laminated digital prints on aluminum substrates for the signs and magnetic roll material for the magnets. But what REALLY provided Maghen with the “pop” or “bling” she was after was actual gold leaf vinyl cut letters for AGENT ON DUTY, FOR SALE, OPEN HOUSE and the names and phone numbers on her magnets. Pretty sharp, don’t you agree? Brings to mind Manfred Man’s “Blinded by the Light” when the sun hits those letters!

Not only do Maghen’s signs provide some exciting call to action, but her AGENT ON DUTY sign also promotes her agency’s expertise in handling short sales, foreclosures and her offer of a Free Market Analysis.

So remember, it’s more than just putting your name and number out there. You need to “sell”. Explore options to differentiate yourself from your competition. Let Jacksonville know your special areas of expertise. Draw buyers and sellers to you because you do have the creativity and moxey to “stand out” and be memorable.

First Coast Signs would be more than happy to discuss options and ideas with you that will have the town talking about your gorgeous signs–and most importantly, make folks want to list with you or have you handle the buy side of their transaction.

Remember: Life is too short for boring signs!

Categories : Construction Site Signs for Lenders and Builders, Creatiive Use of Cut Vinyl, Creative Marketing Use of Signs, Digitally Printed Signs, FCS Blog, Signs
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Jazzy Window Door, Window and Wall Vinyl for Trendy New Brew Bar

December 20th, 2011 by Rebecca Walden

We were delighted here at First Coast Signs when our friends at Content Design Group invited us to put some finishing touches on Bold Bean Coffee Roasters new location in historic Riverside/Avondale. Located in a 1920′s building on Stockton, we were thrilled to be part of the “fun” and help get the brew bar ready for its opening.

Content Design Group and their clients, Jay and Zack Burnett, owners of Bold Bean, chose Avery Specialty Films 100 Etchmark, an etched glass film for their windows and doors. The product provides the look of real etched glass at a fraction of the cost by eliminating the need for sandblasting. We love working with this product since it produces such a classy, artistic look that is subtle but still makes a statement.

Avery Etchmark Creates Understated Branding

For the twelve-foot high wall graphic inside the brew bar, we were able to use our standard vinyl, Oracal 3641. This versatile product is great for interior or exterior signage, decals, nameplates, die-cut letters and more. Applying an overlaminate to the finished print added body and protection for ease of handling and installing.

Digitally printed and laminated vinyl makes it SO easy to create distinctive wall coverings for any interior.

Thanks to Content Design Group and Bold Bean again for the opportunity to work on this project. Watch for two additional window graphic projects that we hope will come to fruition in January!

Categories : Corporate Identity, Creatiive Use of Cut Vinyl, Creative Marketing Use of Signs, Digitally Printed Signs, FCS Blog, Inexpensive Marketing Ideas Using Signs, Signs
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First Coast Signs Awarded “Preferred Vendor” Status with International Organization

December 19th, 2011 by Rebecca Walden

Your USA Business Directory

Ken Kindt of Signworld Congratulates

Owners of First Coast Signs Florida

By:

signworld corporation

12/19/2011

Laguna Hills, CA – December 12, 2011 – Ken Kindt, President and Founder of Signworld today congratulated Rebecca and Carlton Walden of First Coast Signs, a Signworld operation in Jacksonville, FL for the recent addition of a large customer with a nationwide presence.

“By virtue of a contact in Rebecca’s BNI chapter, First Coast Signs is being promoted as the preferred provider of vehicle wraps for Cruise One and Cruises Inc., a cruise vacation agency with representatives throughout the country. I congratulate Rebecca and Carlton for grabbing this deal.” said Ken Kindt.

First Coast Signs had the design concept “blessed” by Corporate Headquarters with the first vehicle, the Ford Escape. The same concept theme is used as other agents come on board and First Coast Signs “retro fits” it to accommodate their vehicles. The agents may select from various approved images provided by the Cruise Lines to feature what matches the agents’ most popular ships and destinations.

Carlton and Rebecca Walden delivered their first wrap as "preferred vendors" to owners as they disembarked from their Annual Sales Conference.

Ken Kindt applauded the camaraderie shown by Signworld owners. Both the Pathfinder and Magnum are examples of fellow Signworld owners “playing together nicely”. Rebecca reached out to Mike Bothwell, again in the metropolitan Atlanta area to wrap the Pathfinder and Martin Neill in Irvine, CA is on board to take care of wrapping the Magnum in the next few days. (Since this writing, the Magnum is complete. See photos below.)

Partial wrap on Nissan Pathfinder featured an Alaskan Cruise on one side . . . .

And tropical "zip lining" on the passenger side. Thus illustrating all the different vacation options available.

And the largest cruise ship afloat on the back! Thanks to our good friend Mike Bothwell in GA for installing this for us!

“By Signworld owners working together, it has allowed Rebecca and First Coast Signs to keep the customer, and allow others to help with installation. We have always advocated the need of working together as a team which will bring success to one and all. It is heartening to see that Signworld members are working together as a cohesive unit and initiating overall growth of the Signworld family”, said Ken Kindt.

Before, a nice looking “bare” car.

After, a 24 x 7 mobile marketing machine!

As with the Pathfinder, the Magnum’s owner opted to feature different scenes on the sides of her car. Here, a couple in Venice

And Celebrity's Silhouette on the passenger side.

We really loved the spa scene on the back of the Magnum! Notice the owner’s QR codes?

The "wake" continues over the hood and down the full length of the roof. Makes you want to just "jump in". Thanks to Martin and Mary Neill in Irvine, CA for help with this long distance project!

Rebecca says of the project, “We are so thankful that we are with the Signworld organization when it comes to a project like this. The support from other owners and also guidance and training from Signworld has helped us a lot in achieving this goal. The organization truly works like a family and not as competition, we are in this together and that is a something that shows us we joined the right group to achieve our goals.”

About Signworld Signworld is a national organization with more than 250 independently owned sign companies, which provide commercial custom signage and graphics. Jack Warner and Ken Kindt lead the Top management at Signworld. It is personable, creative, rewarding and ideal for people-oriented individuals who have the desire to learn how to manage a sales and production business. Signworld affiliates are a cut above traditional sign companies. Ongoing support and training is provided along with state-of-the-art equipment. Signworld business model runs on a no royalty concept. You can learn more about Signworld at www.signworld.org

Categories : Articles about Us, Creative Marketing Use of Signs, Digitally Printed Signs, Vehicle Wraps
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Gotta Have a Little Fun Sometimes

October 16th, 2010 by Rebecca Walden

Looking for a cute, slightly different, creative and inexpensive “marketing idea”?

Water bottle labels. Oh not just labels with your name and logo! C’mon, have some fun!

This “little sign” is an opportunity to illustrate your expertise, creativity and spirit for pennies a bottle. And it uses digitally printed vinyl, which is a specialty at First Coast Signs.

Great for give aways at trade shows, group events you sponsor or at a minimum, to have around your office when folks visit. We used this idea for the first time at CREW Jacksonville’s blow out tour in September of Cecil Field.

And if your particular profession isn’t one that typically lends itself toward “fun” and has to stay on the “straight and narrow”, you can still use this little strip of vinyl to promote your key employees, share corporate accomplishments, specialties, key accounts (with permission), etc.

I’d like to share what we did at First Coast Signs, borrowed generously from our friend John Bogensberger of Spokane, WA, Signs for Success:

Having some fun with Zephyrhills

The type is probably too small for you to read from here, but we added the caption: “Tastes Amazingly like Zephyrhills” beneath our specially “bottled” spring water . . . because that’s what it was! In addition to our contact info, we listed the ingredients as “Creativity, resourcefulness, competitive pricing and integrity. First Coast Signs 100% Natural Spring Water is bottled for fun and health, and enhanced with a sense of humor.”

And, because Zephyrhills has indeed incorporated an “eco-friendly” cap, the label gave First Coast Signs the opportunity to tout our eco-friendly, green, sign materials such as Ultra Flex bio degradable banner material and Precision Board for sandblasted and routed signs.

So knock yourself out. Have some fun. Throw a little wild abandon into your marketing promo items! Use a water bottle label to illustrate your creativity and ingenuity. And call First Coast Signs at 904-398-3993 if you’d like some input to help advertise your company, your brand, with a little digitally printed sign on a water bottle . . . or a THOUSAND water bottles, for your next event!

Categories : Creative Marketing Use of Signs, Digitally Printed Signs, FCS Blog, Green Signs, Inexpensive Marketing Ideas Using Signs
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