posted
I haven't had a chance to look through everything yet, So forgive me if this has all been said, done and asked a million times.
I am looking to start a vinyl business, and pretty much starting from square one.
I do some graphic designing (mainly text) for a few websites and such, and I have been told that I should get it printed on vinyl.
I have some of my designs printed and done for vehicles, but I would like to make money for what I have done....From the beginning to end...(the design, to the vinyl)
What I want to know is where to start. I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off...not knowing where to start.
Good suppliers? Good place to get a plotter?
What kind of software I can use, what kinda I may need?
I want to start sort of small..(a 15-20" plotter is as big as I'll need)
If anyone, ANYONE, can please help me to get this off the ground, it would be VERY much appreciated.
Again, I apologize for the possible redundancy of my post....And Thank you in advance.
-------------------- **Kelsey Hesterly Madison, WI Posts: 4 | From: Madison, WI | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
From your post it sounds like you have experience in graphic design, & when your designs have been applied to vehicles you feel that a lot of money you should be making is being left on the table.
What I didn't hear is anything about experience you may already have with vinyl, signs, or signshops. I also didn't hear about reasons for wanting to start a vinyl sign business except money.
No offense intended, but unless you do already have signshop experience & a love for sign making (as well as computer graphics)then I think you should find a job in a signshop, before you throw all your eggs in the signshop owning basket. You will be able to find out if your heart is into this trade enough to put in the years of long hours to get established. Graphic design is part, but not all of what we do, & loving one, does not always insure loving the rest.
In my opinion there is not enough monet to start doing this from scratch if you don't love it.
posted
If you're sure you want to get started in this, try an Envision plotter from Gerber. Hyatt's carries them. Add a Gerber Edge 2 and you've got everything you need for about 30 grand.
-------------------- Mark Rogan The Great Barrington Sign Company 2 Stilwell Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 mark@gbsignco.com
"Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of fonts" Posts: 332 | From: Great Barrington, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Kelsey, and Welcome to Letterville. I'm with Doug on this one: try and work for a while in a signshop, and you will know soon what you need and what you want to do for yourself. I believe that in order to start a business, a person should have a good understaning of the work itself, including tools and equipment. Please don't take this as a discouragement, I hope you will be very successful and that you will stick around and keep us updated. You have made a great choice by coming to Letterville! Good luck, Lotti
Give me a call or get in your car and head south out of Madison on highway 14. When you hit the stop sign in Evansville, turn right, cross the tracks and take a left. Perhaps I can help you out.
-------------------- Jeff Vrstal Main Street Signs 157 E. Main Street Evansville, WI 53536 1-608-882-0322 Posts: 670 | From: Evansville, Wisconsin | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
You are correct in assuming that I do not have much (if any) qualifications or experience in the sign making field.
I also feel sort of stupid now for coming off as if I wanted to start this business ONLY for the money. I am not shallow, but I do know that in some cases that is people's only motive for decisions they make.
I also want to make a point that I did not in my previous post, that I am not going this alone. I will be going into this with a few others.
I understand your guys' concern in the fact that I have little to no knowledge in this. But I believe that the passion, and the desire that I possess to do this will get me through.(As stupid as that may sound) I enjoy the graphic design aspect of it very much. I love being able to make something that someone prompted the idea for- then interpreting it into my own creativity...and having them see the finished product- with the first words out of their mouths being "WOW! THAT'S IT! THAT'S FANTASTIC!" Nothing matches the feeling you get from that.
I am very concerned about the satisfaction of the people I do designs for. I do not like the possibilty of my "customers" not being happy with the people they go through to getting their design printed/cut. I would like to know that they are happy from the moment I accept creating what they would like, to the application of the finished product.
I seek the knowledge of the machines, of the lingo of the trade. I figure this would be one of the best places to get direct info from people who are already doing it.
I am willing to take the risk of starting this without the experience in the field. I know you all may be skeptical, but I truley think I- We can do this.
One of my partners started a Dj'ing business with only the love of music. And now him and his roommate have a DJ company based out of Milwaukee, WI with quite the cliental and they are very sucessful.
That is the result I see with starting this business. We wish to start small. I'm not looking to go big. I would like to be able to do text banners, and semi-intricate designs ON VINYL. That is where we wish to start right now. Is strictly with vinyl. We already have people wanting us to do this, and people that are wiling to buy. We have sales worked out through several online communities to cut text banners with their websites and such. I feel that if we do this we can become sucessful in the vinyl cutting aspect of it.
So, skepticism and concern aside, I ask, Please refer me to the knowledge of what I will need to start the dream of owning a business of this trade....
-------------------- **Kelsey Hesterly Madison, WI Posts: 4 | From: Madison, WI | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I am sure one could make it initially fueled mostly on passion & desire, as I think a lot of us here have. I just wondered if you already know you have the passion & desire for the actual job description of the work you will be doing. Since you mention other people, then maybe design is all you will have to do.
GO SEE JEFFERY!
You won't get a better offer then that. He could tell you more in an hour then I could type in a week, & without critiquing anyone elses typing, helpfullness, or ability to articulate themselves, I still think the best bang for the buck is talking to a shop owner. You got a great resource offered to you.
After talking to a shop owner, I think the next best thing is find a good supplier for equipment & for supplies. Both from the same source has advantages, but is not necessary. They will try to sell you what they want, but usually will have your best interests in mind, so you stay loyal a customer serving thier interests as well.
After you have consulted with suppliers you may want to ask us about specific software, plotters, or brands of vinyl. Specific questions get multiple answers here very quickly. "I don't know anything... will you do my homework for me" types of questions generally will not bring out as much goodwill.
I know I run the risk of seeming abrasive, but I hope you appreciate the time spent on offering you advice, without taking any negative comments personal.
posted
Doug- Your advice is very much appreciated. I can't expect every one to be gung=ho about my business venture and the risk I am taking.
And I wasn't necessarily asking for you "to do my homework" but rather...a good place to get help...or find the information. As I noted in my first post, I haven't had the time to go through everything on this site.
I was just hoping for some more direct referrals if possible.
Again, thank you very much.
Jeffery- Is there a possibility that I can try to set up a time to come visit you with one of my business partners...On a weekend? I appreciate your offer very much, and I feel that it would be extremely beneficial to our venture to gain some knowledge from someone who is already established.
Thank you for your kind gesture, It is much appreciated!
-------------------- **Kelsey Hesterly Madison, WI Posts: 4 | From: Madison, WI | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Kelsey, sorry if there was a bit of a misunderstanding. Go for it! Jeffrey's offer is exeptionally good. Other than that, you could check out the merchants section (to the left) and contact them for prices and products, so that you can compare.
posted
Kelsey, I'd start by taking a few days and going to the Sign Business show in Indianiapolis. There you can see most of what's worthwhile in the industry in one place plus take in some seminars. You just missed the big ISA show going on in Las Vegas now.
posted
go to jeffreys shop. dont design or draw anything.just stand there and weed vynle everyday for 6 months everyday. if you still feel this big urge to set the world on fire with yourDESIGNING SKILLS,then your ready. weeding sucks, day to day chores suck,sometimes the phone will keep you from accomplishing much.it not very glamourous...also watch your overhead costs,thell eat you alive.
Printer-friendly view of this topic