posted
Wraps have gained popularity over the last decade or so. We do several a month here at Metro Signs in Huntsville. Our "wrap guy" is Alan Wilson, a good guy and very talented wrapper. I've worked with him for over six months and I've yet to see the first wrinkle or flaw in his work. (I really mean that...nothing to do with the fact that he's my boss. LOL)
Anyway, Alan was impressed with the input I got here on a biz card I'm working on. We've been wrestling with a wrap design for a truck ("we" being 95% him, 5% me) and I suggested he put up what we have so far and see what kind of suggestions might come out of it.
Alan signed up at letterville today and will join in tomorrow to what I suspect will be an interesting letterville-style critique thread.
The project is for an upscale hunting and fishing lodge. This place is massively cool...Alabama's take on someplace that Humphrey Bogart would have gone for a vacation. Of course, they want images of as many hunting and fishing images as can fit, while looking classy. We also need to fit the logo and sponsor logos in there.
posted
"upscale hunting and fishing lodge. This place is massively cool...Alabama's take on someplace that Humphrey Bogart would have gone for a vacation" To me, these designs don't convey what you describe, they look like an ad for a sporting goods store. Also the name is hard to read and there is no way to locate them.
posted
The bottom image is the better of the two. The halo around the letters on the top makes the name hard to read.
The first word that came to mind when I pulled up the image was "busy". There isn't enough contrast between "Dream" and the images that sit behind it. Compare it to "Ranch" which is much easier to read. I would try to simplify and create more contrast between the text and the images.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
My Problem with a lot of wraps is that the back ground, or Photos compete with the name, as it is doing here, why not try to do a watermark of the images, or water them down a bit, and have the lettering pop off the truck, you can add a nice drop shadow, that will enhance the logo on the image.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm with Bill, it doesn't convey upscale at all. Much too busy. It's also way to hard to read. People only have a limited amount of time to read truck lettering. The most they are going to get out of this going down the road is duck and deer head. If it's truly the upscale look you want cut the size of the lettering down, keep it on the doors.....no angle and no background on the doors, keep the pics on the bed and maybe the front fenders, try to work a border around the photos. Most wraps turn me off as they completely ignore the lines of the truck and are just a bunch of photos stuck on the side. Design the truck lettering without the picture, work them in around the lettering. If you were designing a big sign for the club entrance would you take this approach? Why follow the rest of the wrappers, most of whom have absolutely no clue?
This month SignCraft has two really good articles that could be applied to this job. Dan Antonelli on retro truck design, and man his designs POP!!! Bob Behoenuk on simplfying for better readability....excellent and to the point.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
When my wife and I were driving out to North Carolina in a moving truck, we kept passing semi trucks for a convenience store - can't remember which one. They each had the same fancy wrap on them, that was impossible to read. I mentioned to Cami what a waste of money a wrap is if you can't read it, even if it looks cool. Finally at a truck stop I saw one parked and was able to decipher the message.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Don, My first thought is that you could place the name on a leather or wood panel, to separate it from the background. I googled the place and went to their website which on first glance I believe is doing a good job of portraying their image. There are some rich tones and textures there which I think could be brought into the design. I can see gold lettering on a dark leather or wood panel with sepia/mahogany toned images in the background. I agree with others that as it is the wrap is too busy and hard to read.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Believe it or not there's a sign shop right here where I live that has their truck wrapped, and it was wrapped as part of a class on how to wrap a truck, put off by 3M... It is a Total Mess, all kinds of crazy graphics and such in the back ground, it looks like someone dropped acid and was let loose.... Wraps can and do work if done right. You know what they say, a Photo is worth a Thousand words.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just throwing this out there, but I can't see any reason to ever use a photo on any wrap. Photos are the reason why most wraps are so bad. Last 30+ wrap designs we've done, only one used a photo. For me, they hinder the message, and obscure the brand. Most often they're a crutch for a poor brand identity, so often it leaves limited options if you're forced to use it.
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I love to see photos on wraps if they are done right. Less is more. My favorite is a clear, well-lit single image with the background cropped away, blown up large enough to grab some attention. Snapshot-style images don't work as well because aren't very dynamic. They don't have the "Hey, check that out" factor.
I looked around for some examples of good photos on wraps.
I think these images are good for grabbing attention, but the type is weak or they try to say way too much. I know the goat is not a photo, but it could be - same concept:
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
a picture may be worth a thousand words but then three pictures can be the equivalent of three thousand words,... it all boils down to the kiss principle one bold image and an impacting phrase or logo,....way too many designers try to collage a bunch of similar images into a concept because the new software makes it easy,... if the producti9on staff had to illustrate it by hand the concepts would get very simple very quickly,...
-------------------- fly low...timi/NC is, Tim Barrow Barrow Art Signs Winston-Salem,NC Posts: 2224 | From: Winston-Salem,NC,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Those a great Russ, A photo can say so much... But Tim, sometimes the customer insists on having numerous Photos on their rigs, and I know it is our Job to try to convince them that less is more, I could'nt agree more with you, but if we have to blend several together then it's our job to make it happen as best as we can, like the sample I've shown, 'Shed City" Pops right off the truck, there is very little lettering on that truck, the images do the talking...from 8x8 baby Barns to Decks and large Garages. It's a fine line sometimes... but this is a good Discussion,
I do love the retro feel to Dan's Wraps very much.. I did a wrap last week on a car, for the School lunch Program, just some solid colors and a few large Apples.. very effective! And I did'nt get a Photo.. Darn!
Here's a few examples of work I've done...
[/IMG]
[/IMG]
[/IMG]
[/IMG]
[ January 13, 2012, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: Neil D. Butler ]
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
for me wraps and most of the new(non-art) people who do them, fall into the text on a t-shirt i used to have. this is what it said: IF YOU CANT DAZZLE THEM WITH YOUR BRILLIANCE.......BAFFLE THEM WITH BULLSCHIT!!!!! and most wraps i see do more baffling then dazzling))))))
[ January 13, 2012, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
Alan has been reading and taking in all the great input on this thread. He's been too busy at work this week and he just got satellite internet at home last weekend, which is slow as dial up and not working for him. Plus, you guys know how hard it is to type that first post on the site.
I'm attaching a jpeg of the first proof Alan sent to the client, to give you more of an idea of what we're dealing with. The wood is from photos of their lodge. They felt that it made it "look like they sell wood".
I like the idea of doing the wood like this, fading it into black towards the truck bed, and making a collage to the back. Then maybe making the logo look like it's carved into the wood. Making the collage look good and not be so darn busy is a challenge.
posted
i went to dreamranch.org and looked at the concepts there,...I would toy with the idea of a couple of hunters and dog,and or a fishing landscape fogged out somewhat (subdued with alot of blue atmosphere) then place the copy on top of that with a definate link to their website to give anyone interested a follow up for more info,...and a catch phrase to the effect of it being a hunters paradise,.. just flyin' kites here
-------------------- fly low...timi/NC is, Tim Barrow Barrow Art Signs Winston-Salem,NC Posts: 2224 | From: Winston-Salem,NC,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
One other thing to consider. If any part of your lettering needs a photoshop glow to make it legible, you've probably got a more fundamental layout problem.
I'll revise my 'no photo' mantra. The only exception would be box truck and tractor trailers.
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dan with respect, I Disagree with you.... Photos can and do work, when done effectively. I've done hundreds of Vehicles with Photos, designed not always by my company, but by international Advertising agencies as well. But everyone has an opinion, and yours is just as valid as Mine, as are others, after all, they are opinions.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
I think in the small business sector, photos do a disservice. For national brands, the brand is already established, and thus I believe photos have a place because it's a different objective for them versus a local small business. For the local market, it's usually not an established brand - therefor from a small business standpoint, I believe the most important part of vehicle advertising is to establish their brand, which should have a strong tie-in to their business. And I believe a good brand needs no photo to do just that.
I'm definitely not trying to critique your posted work - and of course, I have no knowledge of client 'art direction' (which we all know can be maddening!). That being said, if you look at your Nikon example, you don't know who the company is that is selling the Nikon. We know A company is selling cameras - but not who.
When I first saw Hydra Pool, I initially thought it was a company that sold spring water. And they have a fabulous brand, which I think could have been highlighted more.
I like the Salad job and think it works well, and you have the canvas to support the graphic. In that case the brand has nothing to do with the product, so you have limited options there. Can't exactly do a huge logo for them, because no one will have a clue what they do.
I think with larger canvases, they can be used effectively. But in general, it's often a crutch for a company who has a poor brand. I won't say I will never use a photo, but I think I'm a bit spoiled since we only design wraps for companies we've already designed their branding already for - or extremely rarely for a company who has a logo if we think it meets the above criteria... In most cases, we know we're doing the wrap design upfront, so it's always something that is given a lot of thought - by asking ourselves 'how will this look on the side of truck'. If I can't design a brand that answers the basic question of what the company does quickly, but is also easy to remember and be unique, than it's simply not a good brand.
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I respect your opinion, funny thing is Hydro Pool, is one we did'nt design, Honestly, we just printed and applied, and I too like you, thought it was confusing as well.... this is absolutely the truth... It was designed in California by some huge outfit... The Nikon one, Had to have the Nikon a certain size as they were paying for the wrap.... like you said, it is the first thing you see, as this is what they required....And yes I did design this one.
Have a nice day Dan... as I said I love the look and feel of your design, I'm a big fan of retro.
[ January 16, 2012, 08:00 AM: Message edited by: Neil D. Butler ]
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
I knew you got AD'd on those jobs! You're a good designer, and class act in my book.
Thanks for the kind words on the retro work. Feel like it's all we're doing lately, but we still have standard corporate ones etc - but I really love the retro genre!
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Now I'm not talking to you...lol No problem Dan, you know how I feel about your work as well..I think it's great we can throw ideas around here and not take things so personally. All the best!
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I like the idea of doing the logo in a classy way on the doors and using the images on the bed.... different images in each area.... hunting on one side.... fishing on the other, with the logo and a photo of the lodge in the background on the tailgate.
[ January 16, 2012, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: Jim Moser ]
-------------------- Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain ! Jim Moser Design 13342 C Grass Valley Ave. Grass Valley, Ca. 95945 530-273-7615 jwmoser@att.net Posts: 488 | From: Grass Valley, Ca. | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey Thanks guys for all the great ideas! Very helpful stuff! Hopefully the customer will take our design and I'll post a pic of the truck once its completed!
-------------------- Alan Wilson Metro Signs of Huntsville Huntsville, Al Posts: 1 | From: Huntsville, Alabama | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
[/IMG]
[/IMG]
[/IMG] 
[/IMG] 
[/IMG]
Printer-friendly view of this topic