Hello {{first_name|Vinyl Visionaries}},
Welcome to the first edition of Vinyl Vision, where we are dedicated to following the exciting and evolving world of vinyl graphics, for anything from t-shirt design to vehicle wraps! We're thrilled to have you join our community of enthusiasts, designers, and professionals who share a passion for creative expression through vinyl. We aim to deliver independent industry news and features that you want, so please feel free to make suggestions and requests, to submit news, hacks, and ideas. We would love to see your designs, and we rely on your votes to award the design of the week. Christmas and New Year make for a slow news cycle but watch this space for the latest news and events.
Design Directory
🧩 Vinyl Challenge: Can You Answer?
When was the first vinyl sticker mass-produced?
Answer at the bottom.
📰Vinyl Scene: News Update
The latest trends, technology advancements, and industry news related to vinyl graphics. Got any news to share?
19 Dec - Roland DGA Corporation announces that TA resin ink for their TrueVIS™ AP-640 Resin printer has acquired ECOLOGO certification. ECOLOGO certification is a standard approved by UL LLC, a third-party organization dedicated to advancing global sustainability, environmental health, and safety by supporting the growth and development of environmentally preferable products, services, and organizations. Through rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive review, UL certifies that products comply with strict lifecycle-based environmental performance standards and have a low impact on the environment and human health.
18 Dec 2023 - Transparency Market Research Inc. - The global vehicle wrapping market was valued at US$ 7.181 million units in 2020. A growth rate of 12.65% is predicted from 2021 to 2031. The global vehicle wrapping market is expected to reach US$ 26.992 million units by the end of 2031. Wrapping a vehicle with eco-friendly materials and inks makes it more environmentally friendly. As a result, corporate social responsibility and sustainability are becoming increasingly popular.
14 Dec - The global Digitally Printed Wallpaper (DPW) Market is set to witness a growth of 23.6% during 2019-2025 according to an Energias Market Research report. The global digitally printed wallpaper market is anticipated to reach USD 10.43 billion by 2025. Based on substrate, the vinyl segment is expected to register the highest growth during the forecast period, as it is cost-effective, more durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.
💡Vinyl Hacks: Weekly Wisdom
Tips and hacks related to creating, applying, or maintaining vinyl graphics. Got a hack to share?
In the world of crafting, innovation often arises from the fusion of different techniques, and this week's tip exemplifies this creative synergy beautifully. Our featured tip comes from the talented Jamela Payne of Color Me Crafty, and it unveils a fantastic method for achieving a stunning effect by using sublimation on white flock material.
What's remarkable about this technique is that you don't necessarily need to invest in a sublimation printer to give it a try. Sublimation printers can be a costly upfront investment, and they typically need to be utilized extensively to justify the expense. However, there's a solution that's both cost-effective and accessible – sublimation print services.
These services, available worldwide, offer the flexibility to get your sublimation projects off the ground without the commitment of owning your own printer. They're perfect for small-scale projects and experimentation. For instance, if you're in the USA, you can explore PrimePick, or if you're in or near Australia, Vinyl World is an excellent option.
So, whether you're a seasoned crafter looking to expand your horizons or a newbie eager to explore new techniques, don't hesitate to dive into the world of sublimation on white flock. It's a creative journey that doesn't just push boundaries; it breaks them wide open!
Die Sublimation on Flock
🤖 Digital Artisan: AI Innovations in Design
Explore the frontier of creativity with a segment dedicated to the latest AI tools revolutionizing the art of vinyl design. Got a great AI tool or hack?
Let me share the creative journey behind our Vinyl Vision eye logo. I started with an artwork that popped up in my feed that nearly matched my vision, so I took this and uploaded it into DALL.E, and used the simple prompt of 'More like this.' With a few tweaks, like adjusting the gender and color, I refined the design. The 'more like this' prompt is incredibly efficient for evolving a concept you already admire.
🛠️ The Vinyl Toolkit: Featured Item
Round out your tool kit to be the best in the business. Found a great tool?
Weeding vinyl is a craft that truly exemplifies the importance of patience and precision. It's an art form in itself, and if you've ever found yourself sitting in the dentist's chair, you might have experienced a tinge of tool envy. Those dental instruments are precision tools, and they've got us thinking – shouldn't weeding tools be just as exceptional?
We firmly believe so. They're the tools of your trade, the extension of your artistic vision, and they should be nothing short of excellent.
But here's the thing – weeding tools have a knack for playing hide-and-seek in your workshop, right when you need them the most. That's why we like this set, with a storage case and a great selection of colors to choose from – because your tools should reflect your style.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your vinyl journey, this weeding kit is a great companion of choice, and is Amazon’s choice as well. It's not just a choice; it's the smart choice. It's time to take your vinyl weeding to the next level with tools that are as exceptional as your craft.
🎨 Design Showcase: This Week's Best
See last week’s standout vinyl graphic design, and vote on next week’s winner. Have you got a cool design idea?
Get ready to unleash your creativity! We're thrilled to announce the launch of our weekly design competition because we want to showcase the absolute best in vinyl design, and that means we need YOUR designs.
Here's how it works: Submit your most fantastic designs, and then it's time for you to play judge! Cast your vote for the winner every week, and the champion gets to revel in that ultimate feeling of victory that can be proudly shared on your social channels.
Now, since this is our very first edition, you're stuck with my choice of the winner (and a few suggestions for next week, courtesy of our slightly geeky army veteran editor). Picture this: Imagine Harry Potter decked out in Gen 3+ night vision goggles meeting the enigmatic Jack Reacher. That's the vibe we're after!
The shortlisting process? Well, that's a spirited ongoing debate that happens every Sunday dinner between Chrysti and myself. Trust us, her decisions are ironclad.
But here's the fun part – you have the power to change things up! To kick my "lame" suggestions to the curb, all you have to do is send in your designs. The stage is yours, so let your creativity run wild!
Week 1 Winner - styleicontee.com, zerelam.com, eletees.com, and others
Vote for Next Week’s Winner
🤑 Vinyl Value: Exclusive Discounts
We are on the lookout for any special deals and discounts on vinyl graphics products or services. Have you got a great deal?
We're on a mission to bring you exclusive deals tailored just for our Vinyl Vision readers, and we're eager to hear from you too! If you've got a fantastic offer, don't hesitate to share it with us.
In the meantime, we're tirelessly scouring the landscape for extraordinary deals that will make your January shine with savings. And guess what? We've got a gem for you: how about a complimentary cutter bundled with your purchase from HTVRONT? January is all about deals, and this one feels like a golden opportunity!
HTVRONT Bundle Deal
🌟 Graphic Guru: This Week's Star
Read about the movers and shakers in vinyl. Do you know someone who shook the tree?
If you think you can’t start with Birthday Cards and Invitations
Michael Bierut
Michael Bierut, a prominent figure in American graphic design, design criticism, and education, has a career that's not just defined by his successes but also rooted in the early days of learning the craft through hands-on experience.
Born in 1957 in Cleveland, Ohio, Bierut's journey into graphic design began at a time when the field wasn't as widely recognized as it is today. With a passion for fine art, drawing, and music, he embarked on a path to explore graphic design, even when resources were scarce. His local library held just two books on the subject. Undeterred, he enrolled in the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, setting the stage for his remarkable career.
During his formative years, Bierut interned at a Boston public television station, WGBH, under the guidance of Chris Pullman, himself an AIGA medalist. Upon graduating in 1980, he joined Vignelli Associates, gradually working his way up to becoming the Vice President within a decade. It was during these early years that Bierut honed his craft through manual work, driven by his passion for design.
He didn't wait for technology to catch up; instead, he dove into the world of design, creating invitations for friends' parties, offering his skills to non-profits, crafting unique birthday cards, and designing packaging for mix tapes. His dedication and efficiency didn't go unnoticed, earning him more significant responsibilities under the mentorship of Massimo Vignelli.
In 1990, Bierut became a partner at the New York office of Pentagram, where he worked with a diverse range of clients, including notable names like Alliance for Downtown New York, Motorola, Walt Disney Company, and many others. His projects spanned from designing exhibitions for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to providing design expertise for United Airlines and The New York Times building.
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael Bierut's contributions to graphic design have earned him numerous awards and a place in permanent collections at museums worldwide. He served as the president emeritus of the New York Chapter of the AIGA in the late 1980s and currently holds the presidency of AIGA national. He's authored books, co-edited anthologies, and left an indelible mark on the world of design. His recently revised book How to Illustrates the breadth of activity that graphic design encompasses today and demonstrates Bierut’s enthusiastically eclectic approach that has been a hallmark of his career.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Bierut's journey is how his early years of hands-on, free work laid the foundation for the visionary designer he would become. His dedication and willingness to immerse himself in the craft, even before the era of advanced technology, set him on a path to greatness. Michael Bierut's story reminds us that passion, perseverance, and a love for the art can shape a remarkable career in any field.
🗓️ The Year in Vinyl: Events that Educate
See what is happening around the world in the world of vinyl. Do you know an event we should list?
09-11 Jan - Gulf Print & Pack, Dubai, UAE is the Middle East and North Africa’s only dedicated commercial print and package printing trade show.
09-10 Jan - The London Textile Fair, London, United Kingdom takes place twice a year in January and September and it is now the biggest textile exhibition in the UK and one of the largest in Europe.
19-21 Jan - Impressions Expo, Long Beach, USA is your source for what’s new in decorated apparel and building your business. See why thousands of industry professionals keep coming back for more!
30 Jan - 02 Feb - RemaDays Warsaw, Poland is a fair for professionals in the advertising industry, covering sectors like signage, visual communication, and printing technologies.
06-09 Feb - Pamex, Mumbai, India, is an international exhibition on printing and allied machinery, offering insights into the latest technologies and trends in the printing industry.
25-27 Feb - DPES Sign Expo, Guangzhou, China is the leading exhibition focused on digital printing, engraving, and signage technology, perfect for those interested in the latest advancements in these fields.
07-09 Mar - Graphics Pro Expo, Irving, USA gives you access to the awards and personalization, apparel decorating, and sign and digital graphics markets, all under one roof.
19-22 Mar - FESPA Global Print Expo, Amsterdam, Netherlands is one of the largest global print expos, covering a wide range of topics such as digital and textile printing, screen printing, and signage. It's a key event for professionals in the printing industry to explore the latest technologies and trends.
18-20 Mar - UV 2024, Las Vegas. Nevada, USA is the premier all-in-one conference event for leaders in the global UV printing industry and is the only conference dedicated to UV and LED UV printing.
21-23 Mar - Impressions Expo, Atlantic City, USA is your source for what’s new in decorated apparel and building your business. See why thousands of industry professionals keep coming back for more!
10-12 Apr - ISA Sign Expo, Orlando, United States is a prominent event in the signage industry, showcasing the latest products and services in signs, graphics, print, and visual communications.
28 May - 07 June - Drupa, Düsseldorf, Germany is known as the world's leading trade fair for printing technologies, Drupa offers extensive insights into the future of the printing industry, including innovative printing processes, equipment, and materials.
13-15 Jun - Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, USA gives you access to the awards and personalization, apparel decorating, and sign and digital graphics markets, all under one roof.
10-12 Jul - Graphics Pro Expo, Philadelphia, USA gives you access to the awards and personalization, apparel decorating, and sign and digital graphics markets, all under one roof.
17-19 Jul - Visual Impact, Brisbane, Australia will showcase the latest in the visual graphics industries, including signage, digital printing, engraving, routing, awards, vinyl application, design, airbrush, screenprinting, and display solutions.
01-03 Oct - Graphispag, Barcelona, Spain is a showcases the latest innovations in the graphic and visual communication industry, including digital printing technologies, graphic arts, and visual communication solutions.
03-05 Jun - Graphics Pro Expo, Indianapolis, USA gives you access to the awards and personalization, apparel decorating, and sign and digital graphics markets, all under one roof.
10-12 Sept - Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, USA is an annual event focused on bringing together the entire print industry to see the latest trends, technology, and solutions in one place.
03-04 Oct - Wrap Fest, Towcester, England, is a show dedicated to vinyl installation and vehicle wrapping professionals, and will be held at the prestigious Silverstone Race Circuit. WrapFest includes the World Wrap Masters UK competition, which delivers an intense battle as seasoned pros go head to head to claim the UK title.
24-26 Oct - Impressions Expo, Fort Worth, USA is your source for what’s new in decorated apparel and building your business. See why thousands of industry professionals keep coming back for more!
07-09 Nov - Graphics Pro Expo, Charlotte, USA gives you access to the awards and personalization, apparel decorating, and sign and digital graphics markets, all under one roof.
TBC - Visual Impact, Sydney, Australia will showcase the latest in the visual graphics industries, including signage, digital printing, engraving, routing, awards, vinyl application, design, airbrush, screenprinting, and display solutions.
TBC - The Sublimation Summit, USA is dedicated to sublimation. Crafters and entrepreneurs alike will learn the how-tos of sublimation with classes from some of the leading experts in the industry.
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🧩 Vinyl Challenge: Answer
The first commercially available vinyl sticker was created by R. Stanton Avery in 1935. This invention marked the beginning of the "sticker" as we know it today, with a peel-off backing that could be die-cut into any size or shape.