I have to put graphics on a new 2004 Ford F150 XLT. I'm having a real tough time working with the body lines on this one. Any input at all on the dos and don'ts would be greatly appreciated - some pics of designs that may inspire me would be even more appreciated. I see so many vehicles these days with graphics that scream against the natural lines of the vehicle. I don't want to add another one. Are there any general guidelines or articles that address this?I'm in a real creative slump with this one and the owner is not so patiently waiting. Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Is it the new body style or what they call the "heritage" model (which is just left over 2003 bodies, nasty nasty lines & front ends)?
I hope these pics don't stretch this post out so it isn't readable, but they will give you a good indication of the body lines. The truck is a tan metallic and we have decided on soft shades of metalic gold, copper, silver and moss green. He showed me pics of graphics that are lower in the front and transcend almost the full length of the vehicle, but I think the body lines are to prominent for a diagonal layout. Any thoughts? Posted by Denis E. Renaud (Member # 4610) on :
have a look at our truck for ideas Posted by Denis E. Renaud (Member # 4610) on :
Once you've done a couple there are actually fun to do. I will try to post more pics tommorow of others we've done. We do lots of work for the local "Ford" dealership, actually they are one of our best customer (that's why I drive a ford).
Posted by Todd Kehoe (Member # 1650) on :
how are you at leafing
Given the truck color and the colors the client wants to use I would recommend doing a Variegated "dawn" leaf it has all of those colors in it. Keep the graphic simple (the "kiss" theory always works). As for body lines this one isn't to bad a thin stripe (1/4" ?) from the headlight to the middle of the door where you can : - add a little tribal flame graphic then continue the stripe. - follow the bump up with the same thin line - keep the bottom of the stripe going straight but also follow the bump up, making the strip widen clear to the back.
It may sound understated and it is to some degree but believe me it will get noticed
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Kelly, I am not the best for dreaming up graphics, but I would suggest a quick trip to any good bookstore that has a good sized magazine rack. There's any number of mags devoted to custom paint and accessories to get ideas from.
Todd is IMHO right with the KISS principle---but then I am a believer in the less is more theory.
bill preston
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks guys! I took a printout of the truck and laid clear acetate over it and doodled on it. The only layout I liked was similar to what you posted Denis, only much simpler. I do like what is on your truck, although it is a little to "young" for this fellow. It definitely helped me to see more possibilities. I'd really appreciate if you could post some more pics. The idea of the variegated leaf really intrigues me, and I think I even have some. It would have to be cleared - I have 1 Shot UV clear - would that work, and could I do it right on the vinyl? I did a window with 24K gold on black vinyl and it looks fantastic - homemade version of Sign Gold (I don't make any claims here so don't no one be jumping down my throat). A simple striping job with a touch of variegated leaf in the front or back and something a little bigger towards the center would make a fairly bold statement, wouldn't it? Okay the gears are going now - keep the ideas coming folks.
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Kelly, one other thought---if I remember right, variegated gold is also called Dutch gold. Going a little further with that assumption I think this stuff is recommended for interior use only, because it is subject to tarnishing. Even if buried under clear, I think there is a risk.
But then, I could be wrong----I often am.
bill preston
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks Bill - I'll check into that. I know we put it on Dan's Truck at PTP last summer - I'll see how his is holding up. I also used it on a sign a couple of years back so I'll check it out too. I was under the impression that it could be used outdoors as long as it was cleared, but then I've been wrong plenty a time as well. Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
Bill Preston is right about the magazine idea. I once was looking at a picture of "young" graphics. There were two very competing yellow graphic components in an already busy design. By placing my finger over one of the yellow parts, the whole thing became much less chaotic. The difference was really noticeable.
If I recall, Mike Stevens said most signs that appear "too busy" are just not prioratized.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
I'm not one for fighting the natural lines of a vehicle either. I think when graphics are placed over body lines, especially ones as severe as on this truck, you are inviting trouble. From certain angles they just aren't gonna look right. That's one thing when you are doing large company logos that HAVE to go on a certain way, but for an individual, any graphics should enhance the vehicle not just be stuck on there for the sake of having graphics on it. On the photo of the silver truck, the body lines are practically screaming at you. Squint your eyes a little and the area to work within is right there. The straight line right above the door handles, the little peak that's formed at the emblem on the fender, then runs along the bulge over the wheel well, then straight back to the rear wheel well bulge, from there taper it to a point back by the tail light. Plenty of opportunity for designs in these perameters.
[ January 08, 2005, 01:32 PM: Message edited by: George Perkins ]
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Kelly
My truck still looks as bright and shiney as the day we put the gold on. I'm still delighted and would do it again in an instant!
I got gold fever here!
-grampa dan
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Hey Dan - I was just about to email you. What did you clear the gold with?
Posted by Murray MacDonald (Member # 3558) on :
If I recall correctly, Kelly, it was One Shot UV Clear, but I could be wrong, I frequently am! MUR
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)