Hello {{first_name|Vinyl Visionaries}},
Vinyl Vision, our bold endeavor, encountered a few initial challenges. The weekly publication goal proved ambitious, leading us to adjust to a fortnightly schedule. Our mission remains to cultivate a vibrant community of vinyl enthusiasts, designers, and industry experts, all united by their love for creative vinyl artistry. We eagerly anticipate the time when your enthusiasm for independent industry news and features propels us to resume weekly editions. We're excited to showcase your creative designs and depend on your votes to select our weekly top design.
Design Directory
🧩 Vinyl Challenge: Can You Answer?
How much vinyl does it take to wrap a standard sedan?
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?
31 Jan - UK -Solopress, one of the UK’s leading online print companies, is proud to announce the launch of their new podcast, "Well, You're The Designer". This engaging series offers an inside look at the challenges and intricacies of graphic design, from initial briefs to final signoffs. Aimed at graphic designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs, “Well, You’re The Designer” is a podcast that explores the tricky business of turning someone’s ideas into images. The team discusses the challenges that crop up in everyday design briefing situations, finding the underlying cause of why they occur and how they can be navigated.
30 Jan - FESPA today announces that the second edition of FESPA Middle East will return to the Dubai Exhibition Centre in 2025. The event will run for three days from 14 – 16 January 2025, occupying the North Halls of the venue, including halls 1A, 1B & 2A.
18 Jan - Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters and 3D printers, can today confirm that its first DTF (Direct to Film) printer, the TxF150-75, has surpassed the milestone of 300 units sold across EMEA. With the highest sales in the UK, France, Italy, Iberia, and the DACH region, this fast-paced, widespread adoption of the TxF150-75 not only demonstrates the quality of the printer but also the rising popularity of the DTF printing method.
19 Jan - Wide-format digital imaging leader Roland DGA Corporation has announced the addition of the BY-20 direct-to-film printer, which has already received Keypoint Intelligence's Buyers Lab (BLI) 2024 Pick Awards. "The BY-20's image quality performed very well in all areas of our testing," said David Sweetnam, director of EMEA/Asia Lab Services at the company. It showed vivid colors and excellent color reproduction of spot colors on clothes.The smooth gradation, high-definition expressiveness of fine lines and small fonts were also very impressive.
💡Vinyl Hacks: Weekly Wisdom
Tips and hacks related to creating, applying, or maintaining vinyl graphics. Got a hack to share?
This week’s hack comes from Jennifer at Pigskins & Pigtails. Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge about using CAD cut vinyl to make screen printing screens, and has her own hack to make screens that are either temporary or permanent.
This is all about the choice of the right vinyl. She cuts her mirrored artwork in a self-adhesive vinyl (Oracal 651), which is weeded and transferred to the back of the screen via application tape. This screen is suitable for short runs of up to 200 prints, and when finished the vinyl can be removed to re-use the screen.
To make a permanent screen, she cuts her artwork without mirror into an iron on vinyl (Siser EasyWeed) and then irons this onto the back of the screen. The screen is now permanent and cannot be cleaned, although the frame can be reused and the mesh stored for later use.
Check out Jennifers’ YouTube channel, or website for other great tips on screen printing with vinyl. She also has screen printing kits available on Amazon for those interested.
Jennifer from Pigskins & Pigtails
🤖 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?
This week’s AI tool is an inspiration - literally. InspiroBot is an AI dedicated to generating unique inspirational quotes along with a matching image. This tool creates an endless array of unique quotes, offering a blend of inspiration and humour. To date, I have not found a way to have any influence on the randomness of InspiroBot, but what I found interesting is that it is integrated with the Zassel print-on-demand site.
“Generate” a quote - push the “Print on t-shirt” button - “Sell on Zazzle” - Done in three clicks. You can, of course, download your designs, and you get a solid 300 dpi JPEG that you can print using your preferred methods. Like I said, it is quite random so you may find yourself pushing the “Generate” button a lot.
🛠️ The Vinyl Toolkit: Featured Item
Round out your tool kit to be the best in the business. Found a great tool?
The Ergodyne ProFlex 7042 Cut Resistant Work Gloves are a game-changer in the realm of vinyl production, where both heat and cut resistance are critical for safety and efficiency. Rated at ANSI A7 for cut resistance, these gloves offer superior protection against the sharp edges and cutting tools commonly encountered in vinyl cutting and handling processes.
What sets these gloves apart in the vinyl production context is their contact heat resistance. This feature is particularly beneficial when handling hot vinyl or vinyl that is being heated for molding or application. The sandy nitrile coating on the palms is not just about safety, but also enhancing grip, which is crucial for handling vinyl materials, but also about maintaining dexterity. This coating ensures a firm grasp on vinyl sheets, rolls, and tools, even in slightly oily conditions, thereby boosting productivity and safety.
Best of all the gloves are touchscreen capable, a feature that adds immense convenience in today's technology-driven work environments. This means vinyl professionals can operate touchscreen devices, like tablets and smartphones, without removing their gloves, maintaining workflow efficiency and safety simultaneously.
Overall, the Ergodyne ProFlex 7042 gloves are an excellent fit for the vinyl production industry. They provide the necessary protection against cuts and heat, enable a good grip and dexterity for handling materials and tools, and offer the modern convenience of touchscreen compatibility – all of which are essential for professionals in this field.
🎨 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?
Congratulations to StudioDeMilano on Etsy who is this week’s winner by a clear majority. Who says AI images beat simple one-colour designs?
Next week’s shortlist is below and maintains a strong Valentine’s Day theme. Don’t forget to 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.
Week 4 Winner - SutdioDeMilano from Etsy
Edition 4 Shortlist
🤑 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?
What is better than a discount? A Freebee. In this edition, our special comes courtesy of Adam from Australian company Adzon, who is also our Graphic Guru. Simply mention that Vinyl Vision sent you with any order and you will receive a free Adzon Essentials Accessory Pouch, with weeding and application tools.
🌟 Graphic Guru: This Week's Star
Read about the movers and shakers in vinyl. Do you know someone who shook the tree?
What qualifications does it take to make Australia’s largest vinyl brand?
If you are thinking of a Bachelor of Commerce or an MBA, then you are a long way off the mark. Adam Bandiera has taken his Certificate IV in Para Legal Studies a very long way indeed. Adam started up the corporate ladder in Sydney in a legal firm, before jumping to Sanity Music as a site supervisor until one day his new bride gave him his marching orders to the Gold Coast. So new town and back down the corporate ladder to start working as a concrete laborer.
He tells me that it all started with making shirts for mates, and he could not get the vinyl he wanted at the price he wanted. So rather than shop around the usual imported suspects, he just sourced and established his own exclusive Adzon brand based around POLI-TAPE, and started to import vinyl around 2005. I think there is a bit more to that story than ‘shirts for mates’, as he also tells me that he married into a rich vein of vinyl royalty, with his father-in-law helping him with the start-up. Wherever he got the contacts, it was clearly his energy, vision, and enthusiasm that drove the business forward.
This started at home in a triple garage.
In a classical Italian family business, all the family have been involved at some stage, and all get called in on demand. Not surprising that it only took a couple of years before all the garages at home were full of vinyl, leading to the first of three moves to larger and larger premises. The current location has, in addition to the warehouse area with hundreds of rolls of vinyl as you would expect, a showroom with the most impressive wall of vinyl, a training room, a workshop, offices, and a machine room with the largest heat press I have ever seen.
A very big heat press
The initial focus of the business was on developing the trade printing market using trade shows, but the craft market is another area of major focus. They claim to have the best selection of heat transfer films on the market, offering over 20 different product lines that encompass a vast selection of colors and patterns to fit every type of apparel decoration need. Having seen the wall of vinyl I can believe this, and it is not many supplies that offer over 88 colors of just glitter HTV. Using a combination of open days, classes, Facebook, and word of mouth this craft market continues to grow.
The Walls of Vinyl
Start chatting to Adam about anything vinyl, and it turns out there is not much he and his ‘can do’ attitude has not done in the 20 years of Adzon Agencies. He decided to vinyl wrap his car, and within months he had a local dealership sending him multiple cars each week. He wanted to expand into direct-to-garment print technology, and somehow he ended up selling, installing, and servicing one of the major brands across Australia. With two teenage daughters, some of the more time-consuming business activities like vehicle wraps have been scaled back for better work-life balance. However, talking to the serial enthusiast Adam, this work-life pause feels temporary. While he is not sure what will come next, clearly something will, and I for one will be interested to see where this ‘graphic guru’ goes next.
🗓️ 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?
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
To wrap a standard sedan, approximately 315 square feet, or 30 square meters of vinyl would be needed. This estimate is based on average sedan dimensions.