This is a new challege for me. I have a customer who would like to have some type of vehicle graphics on the side of his new van. He first told me that he would like flames. So I came up with a layout to show him that had flames. Now he's not sure about flames about wants some more ideas. But that's just it. The info he gave me is so hard to work with. He wants some eyecatching ang big. So that people turn and say who's that. But I've never designed graphics like this before and it's a little frustrating. I don't know where to start and don't know where to go for ideas. any thoughts. And sorry, I'm a vinyl junkie.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Start off by getting a design deposit $$$$ from this guy, and explain to him the better info he gives you the cheaper the design fees will be.
Then use the vehicle's lines as a guide, lay out a design that compliments those lines. Take a digital picture of the vehicle and do layouts on screen, or print off a few copies and sketch 'em by hand. I'd probably sketch 'em by hand cause in the time it takes to layout one design on screen I could have used a pencil and done 10 of 'em.
What I would do is take 5 minutes to do some pencil sketches, call the guy in and show him ONE sketch.. if he doesnt like it he'll go home, then you call him the next day and show him one of the other sketches.. if he doesnt like that one do it again the next day until he hopefully gets tired of coming in and gives you some good information to go by.
Definitely demand a design deposit (I usually require $180) up front, before doing any additional sketching or brainstorming... unless you're hungry and don't mind blowing the budget on revisions. Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Inga, if you can give a little more input as to direction I'd be happy to help you, but... if I'm not being too bold, your company name is "Universal Design". What, exactly do you do in your shop??
k31
Posted by Glenn S. Harris (Member # 2190) on :
Sketching your layout on a line drawing of the vehicle would be a good way to start.
Look at some examples in SignCraft magazine, or some of the other trade publications.
He wants something bold,... get creative!
Posted by Mark Perkins (Member # 296) on :
If you do a Google search on vinyl graphics you will find wholesalers that stock zillions of pre printed pre cut ready to apply graphics....order some catalogs and let your customer look through them, if he likes something in the catalog order it, double the price and charge to install it...easy money!!
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Inga, Mike has the right idea. Qualify the client by 1st, finding how much they want to spend and 2nd, get a design deposit. If the client balks at either, wash your hands of him and move onto another paying project.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Inga,
I have had a lot of people come in looking for lettering and designs that are like the one you describe. They want something cool, but are not decided on what "cool" is.
Take the reigns on jobs like this. Remind them you have experience and don't feel you have to "PROVE" you can do flames. Let them know that you charge for design TIME! That tends to keep them from changing their original ideas to something else. Take a deposit and do some rough ideas. Don't jump into finished work until the customer has settled on one design. Pencil sketches or a quick layout on a computer usually work well.
If you feel like you will be spending too much time trying to keep this person happy before even doing the vehicle, go with your instincts. If it feels good, do it. If not...
Rapid
Posted by Cpack (Member # 2011) on :
Inga, you have gotten some good advice. I am blunt and upfront with everyone I deal with and ask how much they are willing to spend on the job. Some people ask for a custom decal and then fuss about $10.00 even if it only 5X5. I always work within their budget but get money up front before you start. Before I cut or order anything I need 50% down. I have the vehicle at my shop. Sometimes if they don't say they really have a budget I still get an idea and then I do 3 designs. One is cheap with white 5 year vinyl and no digital prints. The second is with a color or metallic vinyl and then last I do the digital print with 2 or 3 layers of vinyl with the 3-D look. Nine out of 10 times they pict the most expensive because if they like it , they will pay the price. Check you email for more personal thoughts. Posted by Ryan Ursta (Member # 1738) on :
You can check out a few that I have done on my website. It may give you some ideas. www.urstagraphics.cjb.net
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