Hello {{first_name|Vinyl Visionaries}},
Some vinyl purists may question some of the content in this edition, with direct-to-garment and sublimation products creeping into the news. We like to be inclusive in all things t-shirts, so we see these as falling inside the ‘print’ part of “Everything vinyl print, cut, peel, press and wrap”, especially as die sub needs a good dose of “press and peel”. Don’t forget to hit us up for anything you are looking for, send in your creative designs, and your votes to select our best of the best design.
Design Directory
🧩 Vinyl Challenge: Can You Answer?
When was the first Direct To Garment printer developed and by who?
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?
28 Feb - Textile Image Magazine February Editon The only dedicated Textile Printing magazine in Australia and New Zealand for apparel decorators, yardage, home decor, and soft signage printers. Who knew, this is certainly news to me.
26 Feb - Roland DG has announced that a company established by Taiyo Pacific Partners, a U.S.-based investment firm, has decided to acquire Roland DG shares through a tender offer (TOB). The company will be delisted from the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and become a private company. Following the acquisition, Roland DG will continue to operate under its current name, with President Kohei Tanabe remaining at the helm.
23 Feb - Today, Nekoosa announces the launch of Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper, a new paper for the transfer of sharp, high-definition color images onto both hard and soft surfaces such as metal, wood, ceramic, fabric, glass, fiberglass and more. Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is compatible with all major dye sublimation printer brands designed with water-based ink systems. “Nekoosa's Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is setting a new standard for print quality and durability in the industry.
15 Feb - Ricoh Launches RICOH Ri 4000 Direct to Garment Printer. A gap in the market for cost-efficient, responsive, and agile production of 100% polyester garments has been closed by the RICOH Ri 4000 Direct-to-Garment printer. Developed to print vibrant colors on polyester with unmatched durability, the latest addition to Ricoh’s fast-growing portfolio of DTG and Direct To Film systems will redefine the world of custom apparel and textile printing.
💡Vinyl Hacks: Abundant Wisdom
Tips and hacks related to creating, applying, or maintaining vinyl graphics. Got a hack to share?
This vinyl hack comes to you from Silhouette School with Melissa Viscount and is about how to use your HTV scraps to generate new artwork. Using application tape she suggests that you assemble stips of your scrap vinyl and then re-cut and weed to create letters or shapes with the scrap material. If you hate waste as much as I do then this hack is one to put in your back pocket for a rainy day.
🤯 Heat Transfer Vinyl Hacks: Turn HTV Scraps into Custom Transfers
🤖 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?
So you have a killer t-shirt design but you don’t have time to make one, so you can’t get that shirt photo for Etsy or Amazon. Enter stage left Placeit by envato. Simply upload your artwork to one of the library of thousands of ever-changing free mockups, and then download the image for our favorite price.
Placeit by envato
🛠️ The Vinyl Toolkit: Featured Item
Round out your tool kit to be the best in the business. Found a great tool?
The Toughbuilt scraper utility knife is an innovative 2-in-1 tool crafted from pro-grade materials. It features a patented mechanism that allows you to transform it from a utility knife to a scraper with a simple press of your thumb. It includes five custom, Universal blades that are easily changed with the push of a button, and which are compatible with almost all other utility knives. It does everything a scraper and utility knife does, all in one tool.
In scraper-mode you can remove paint, putty, labels and adhesive from windows, mirrors, tile. In knife-mode you can cut carpet, cardboard, plastic, vinyl, rope and more with ease and precision. The rugged, non-slip rubber handle is strong, durable and easy to hold, and the finger-guard ridge helps keep you safe while cutting. It also includes an integrated paint-can opener and a handy lanyard-opening for easy tethering.
🎨 Design Showcase: The Best of the Best
See last week’s standout vinyl graphic design, and vote on next week’s winner. Have you got a cool design idea?
Turns out it is hard to go past a fireperson, so Congratulations to the Gloucester City Firefighters and Fire Officers who are this week’s winners.
Next week’s shortlist is below and we are switching to Easter. 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.
Winner Edition 5 - The Gloucester City Firefighters and Fire Officers
The short list for next edition - don’t forget to vote.
🤑 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?
The guys at CLPA are offering subscribed readers a 50% discount on their new heat press safe Prefect Pressing Grids. Just email them at [email protected] and tell the we sent you, and wherever you are they will work out how to get this unique tool to you.
50% CLPA Perfect Pressing Grid
🗓️ 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?
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.
20 - 22 Jan 2025 - FESPA Middle East has announced 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 20 – 22 January 2025, occupying the North Halls of the venue, including halls 1A, 1B & 2A.
Sharing can be rewarding, refer your friends to Vinyl Vision for rewards.
🧩 Vinyl Challenge: Answer
Direct-to-garment printing in the United States began in 1996 with the introduction of the first commercially available DTG printer named "Revolution", developed by DIS of Bradenton, Florida, and based on an invention of Matthew Rhome. Rhome had been working on the DTG project for some years and applied for a patent in July 1996. This patent was granted in August 2000 making it the first DTG patent.
The Revolution printer was offered for sale until 1998 when Rhome left the company to start development of the first Brother DTG printer, which came to market in 2005.
Innovate, Create, and Vinyl-ate.