Graphic design can have many challenges. From being creative to working with poor quality customer artwork. In this blog article, let’s talk about THINKING a job through before we even begin.
Preparing for the ISA Trade Show 2019
What is the ISA Trade Show?
ISA International Sign Expo® has had record-breaking exhibit sales and attendance since its inaugural event in 1947. This dynamic event allows over 20,000 attendees to interact with nearly 600 vendors on the show floor, in educational sessionsand in networking events.
ISA Sign Expo® gets down to business. As the largest collection of professionals in the sign, graphics, print and visual communications industry, ISA Sign Expo® is where you want to be and where you’ll get the programming and the vendors that offer serious solutions, real results and opportunities for powerful connections.
This annual event alternates locations between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Orlando, Florida.
ISA Sign Expo® 2019 will be held Tuesday-Friday, April 23-26, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Besides the fact that you can visit with just about any company that deals with wide format printing, ISa is also known for wonderfully informative educational sessions. For instance, below is one that MUTOH will do.
MUTOH AMERICA EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
ISA-23 09/25/18 9:00 – 10:00 South Pacific B Mark Rugen Mutoh Americas, Inc.
Print Basic (1-2 years of experience)
Flexi Tips & Tricks: A brief look at becoming more efficient in print-cut workflow and color management. Covering software, commercial signs, and banners, digital direct-to-substrate printing, and wide-format digital printing and finishing.
We will show you not just Flexi, but also many other programs that will make your workflow so much better. Learn how to handle low-resolution images, improve their quality and then add contour and or perf cuts with ease!
ISA is Where MUTOH Makes It Possible…
You’ll find even more information and all the experts in dye sublimation, eco-solvent and UV printing in our booth.
Mutoh America, Inc. | 3035 |
We’ve got a lot of new, innovative applications to show you. Our
booth is a learning booth, not just a printer demo booth. You will be able to ask experts in printing application how to get a job done and actually see some cool examples of applications. We will show everything from a small printer to our new 4×8 Flatbed UV printer.
Stop by and see how MUTOH Makes It Possible….
Read More
Only a Few Seats Left in Atlanta Flexi & Color Management Workshop!
HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!
Only a few seats left for the awesome workshop that is going to dial in your colors on that wide format printer!
MUTOH, MIMAKI, ROLAND, HP, EPSON?
You are still welcome, just never forget who took the time to teach you!
Find Out More NOW!!!
https://www.thinkmutoh.com/event/flexi-atl-2019
“Mark truly understands the program from the inside out. He explains efficiently the strengths of the program along with its limitations.” Jeff Fredwich – SIGNARAMA Willow Grove
“Learned a lot that I thought I already knew.” Akhay Putri – Avery Dennison
“Best software training class I have EVER attended!” – Adrienne Latiolias, AWA Printing
“Mark explains things in an easy to understand way for beginners!” Josh Munn, Munn Enterprises, Inc.
“The class was great! I came in not really knowing anything about Flexi, but after the class, I now feel confident in my abilities to use the program to make high-quality product.” Melanie Cooley, Magnolia Decal & Graphics
“Great training course! Any new to advanced users should attend.” Jeremy Carter, Munn Enterprises
“Mark is the best instructor for Flexi!” – Mark Bourg, A+ Signs
Instructor: Mark A. Rugen, MUTOH, FLEXISIGN & COLOR MANAGEMENT EXPERT
Read MoreLet’s THINK About a Design
In fact, sometimes it comes down to the simple things. Spelling, punctuation, grammar are all items in a design that we must THINK through. By THINK I also mean we need to SLOW DOWN enough to allow for that thinking to take place! Not doing so could be very embarrassing!
Making a List & Checking It Twice
Well, why do you think Santa keeps a list and checks it twice. The wrong toy to the wrong child could be disastrous! LOL! But seriously, it’s good advice to make a checklist that you use on each design. What should that list contain? Well, to better answer that question, maybe we should go through all the consideration in design.
Visualize the Final Installed Product
The best way to begin thinking about design is to start by knowing what the final product is supposed to do and how it will be constructed.
- Is the sign indoors or outdoors? This will affect the choice of design media, print, vinyl laminated, not laminated etc.
- How large will the sign be? This is important to the number of design elements to be used, the size of those elements, whether they can be all done in one application or must they be applied separately etc.
- What material will be used for the messaging area? This can determine whether the sign can be made using certain types of materials; vinyl, channel lettering, neon etc.
- Will the signage be eye level or elevated? Again, this can determine things like print resolutions, sizes of design elements etc.
- Will the sign be lighted? Front or back? Could effect things like the choice in colors etc.
- Will you make the sign in your shop or will elements be added in the field? Access to in the field signage can determine some of the sign elements sizes, etc.
Who is the Designer You or Your Customer?
This is a really important question to consider. Remember, you are the professional, so it’s important that you “guide” your customer to a better design, but they pay the bill so ultimately, you may have to bend a little. This is where you may have to allow your customer to “design” what they want, but perhaps you may have to come up with 2 or 3 “alternatives” to show the customer to perhaps help them consider other factors like the ones previously described.
- Do a thorough customer interview. You’ll want to not only find out what the customer is trying to do with the design but spending a bit of time with the customer can help you “frame” the job and set expectations for the finished product.
- Will the customer be providing some of the design elements? This is very important to know ahead of the design. It can determine how much time you will be spending cleaning up poor quality art or whether you can match a logo color etc.
- What are the top 3 elements of the design that are most important to the client? Phone numbers, services, logo, color? It will determine how you will use those elements.
Gather the Right Design Tools
Now, this is a bit of a tricky subject since design tools and a lot like choosing a car. Everyone has their own opinion of what make and model is the best choice. So, what I am sharing here is my opinion and I want to hear yours in the comments. That said, let’s jump in with both feet!
- MAC or PC? Yep. I told you everyone will have an opinion! What I really want you to think through is design vs. production design. So in my opinion, the answer could be both.
- Now for the last 30 years, I’ve just used PC hardware, primarily because of output devices (production in mind). Most of the cutter, engraver, routers, wide format printers connect with PC devices. At the same time, when I do MUTOH live training workshop, I do come across numerous people who prefer to design on a MAC and then use a PC as a server to run the output devices. So can we just settle on looking at the workflow and tweak your hardware so that you get the easiest, most productive workflow.
- What software will you use for design? Again, this can be a tricky choice. In my opinion, there is no right choice. Over the last 30 years in this business, I’ve seen Adobe and Corel become great design software choices, but I have also seen their weaknesses. Of course, programs such as SignLAB or FlexiSIGN were originally created to offer a balance between design and production, so they are in own opinion, a must for the productive shop. Then there are stand-alone RIPs such as those made by ONYX, Wasatch and others. In addition to “design” software, you will also need to think about plugins or even stand-alone software that do things like resample images for enlargement, or trace bitmaps for vinyl cutting. I’ve even seen a great software choice that does vectorize and finds fonts, GraphicTracer Pro. Here are my recommendations:
- Commercial Sign Software such as FlexiSIGN.
- Adobe or Corel for handling tricky bitmaps and to take advantage of plugins for more design range.
- PhotoZoom Pro for enlarging bitmaps.
- VectorMagic or GraphicsTracer pro for vectorizing bitmaps.
- SignElements for access to a collection of fonts, clipart, vehicle templates and more.
- How will you communicate with your customer? This doesn’t sound much like a design tool, but it actually can be. Customers may want to preview a design, make changes or corrections and the like before you actually begin manufacturing the design. Will you send me drafts using emails or will you have another way for them to review the copy. For instance, FlexiSIGN has a feature called the “Artwork Approval Tool” that allows you to upload a copy of the design and then allows your customer to add comments but not the ability to download the file and take it elsewhere. It also keeps track of revisions.
Match Software Features with Output Devices
Now that you have many of the design factors in mind, it’s time to consider the relationship between your software choices and your output device choices.
When designing, it’s a good idea to know the features and capabilities of your output devices so you can design for those devices.
- How wide are your printer and vinyl cutter? This is going to determine where you will apply overlaps if your design is wider than your devices.
- What are the contour cut and perfcut options for your printer/cutter? If your design calls for some elements that will be printed and then contour cut, you will need to know your software options very clearly. While you can certainly “design” a perfcut, some cutter, like the MUTOH VC series of cutters, may have built-in options for this that can take the guesswork out of the design.
Of course, there are other cutters with similar options, but the point is if you as the designer did not know this feature was available, you might spend hours trying to get a perf cut to work properly.
That’s not only design time that could be used on other projects but also cost for your company in design time and maybe even materials used to test your perf cut settings.
- Do you know the right color management settings for the job? Color management is probaby the number one tech support call that a software company receives. Lots of folks try to match a color and because they do not understand the color management options neeeded to do so, they struggle, maybe even printing lots of test swatches until they get close. Good color management would include applying the right monitor profile so you can use soft proofing while designing. Now, if you’ree interesting in a real-world application workshop on color management check out our nationwide tour of live seminar events where we teach students how to set up and use color management. https://www.thinkmutoh.com/live-flexi-training-2019-schedule
- What is the best media choice? Finally, be sure to consider the media choice. If outdoors signage, obviously durability may be an issue. If indoor, perhaps a textile could give the design not only a visual impact but also a tactile one. Will the final print need lamination or even anti-graffiti laminate.
Create A Checklist and Use It
Hopefully, we have covered many of the considerations in creating a great design. At this point, you should develop a checklist for yourself and be sure to use it. Once you hve one done, or if you already have one, why not share it with the rest of our community so we all get better at design?
MUTOH Workshops…Not Just Another Boring Training Seminar
We promise…you will NOT be bored!
No excuses! Sign up today!
Find out more? https://www.thinkmutoh.com/live-flexi-training-2019-schedule
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MUTOH to Conduct LIVE Color Management Training at Graphics Canada Trade Show
REAL WORLD COLOR MANAGEMENT NOT THEORY
MUTOH will conduct a color management workshop on April 12, 2019 at the Graphics Canada tradeshow. This will not be a theory class like so many others are offering, rather this is a real-world workshop by expert Mark Rugen.
“Forget the theory, I want to share some of my 30 years of tips and trick to make your wide format printer print color like it never has before and that means showing you some real-world solutions.”
What to Expect
This workshop will be filled with lessons such as:
- How to enlarge low-resolution images with little loss in quality,
- How to remove complex background without using Photoshop,
- How to match your monitor colors to your printer output,
- How to tweak simply color management settings for bright, more vivid colors,
- How to use the correct options for contour and perf cutting in the creation of decals.
Yes, these and many more topics will be discussed in the one-day workshop.
Who Should Attend?
No matter what model or make of wide format printer you own, you and your production staff should attend this seminar. It will change the way you do business. The seminar is designed for any level of expertise from g=beginner to advanced.
What Does it Cost?
The cost to attend is only $99 US and includes a free FlexiSIGN training DVD valued at $299! We will be using FlexiSIGn as well as Photoshop to teach. Users of Flexi will appreciate the over 10 hours of video training on the free DVD that each student will receive.
How do You Register?
Use this link to register now because seating will be limited: www.thinkmutoh.com/events/mutohcanadatraining
Finally, a color management class from a real shop owner!
Read MoreLearn to Control Your Wide Format Printer
You Need Control of Your Wide Format Printer
I meet many users who purchase a wide format printer and cutter, get it delivered, setup and perhaps a little training and then struggle with it for months trying to make a profit. Do you fell this way?
- Do you wonder why your printer doesn’t print the colors you see on your monitor?
- Do you struggle with matching the color your customer wants?
- Are your colors “off”?
- Are you wondering how to get the right print and cut workflow?
These and many other topics are discussed with solutions in our MUTOH 2-Day FlexiSIGN & Color Management workshops.
Get Control of Your Wide Format Printer
Get control over your wide format printer and increase production and profits. Click the link below to find out where you can learn from an expert in FlexiSIGN and Design as well as color management!
or use this link: https://www.thinkmutoh.com/live-flexi-training-2019-schedule/
Read MoreYour Competition Just Signed Up for Training – What Are You Going to Do About It?
Everyone Wants Training
Undoubtedly, we all know the value of training & education in the wide format print business. But do we have time for it? Your competition does! So what are you going to do about it? Here are just two ways to respond.
Ignore it
Many will simply ignore that fact that their competition is attending a training & education class. They will come up with excuses like “I have too much work right now.” or “I can’t take time away from my shop.” or even “My employees just don’t need it.”
Look we are all busy, but apparently, your competition isn’t. They understand the need and are looking to spend a little time away from the shop to improve production and efficiency. Once done, they will see how to make their workflow easier, faster and more profitable. They will be in business next year. Will you?
Sign Up
Another way to respond? Sign up for the workshop. By doing so, you can get the training sure, but you can also talk to your competitor, find out how they are doing, what they are doing. Look, you’ll see in our workshops they are much more than just sitting around. You’ll see lots of tips and trick for better output, faster production.
Our workshops are taught by experienced, real-world instructors who have run shops and want to now share what they learned and what they did to be successful.
We welcome everyone to our wide format training & education workshops. If you own an HP, MIMAKI, Epson, Roland MUTOH printer, this is the place to learn how to make your printer better and stay ahead of the competition.
Use this link to sign up for a class today!
https://www.thinkmutoh.com/live-flexi-training-2019-schedule
Read More
Mutoh America, Inc. launches new Dye-Sublimation Ink, “DH-21”
January 2019 – PHOENIX – Mutoh America, Inc., a leader in wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, today announced they have launched a new Mutoh Manufactured ink “DH-21” for select Dye-Sublimation ValueJet printers.
“Mutoh’s new Dye Sublimation ink, DH-21 is a cost-effective, high load performance ink designed to achieve high-density colors with less ink consumption while providing superior color rendition with reduced metamerism” shares Brian Phipps, President of Mutoh America. “It’s fast drying formula enables printing on thin and light papers while minimizing transfer times.”
MORE ABOUT MUTOH’S DH-21 INK:
- High Transferability
- Achieve high performance with less ink consumption
- Amazing Color Retention.
- DH-21 can provide consistent colors under various lighting conditions.
- Versatile Media Usage.
- Print on various media thicknesses while using less ink, and less transfer time, all while retaining vibrant colors.
- Available in 4 colors (CMYK) in 1000ml bags.
- Large capacity 1L bags for improved work efficiency.
- 18-month shelf life.
- Compatible with ValueJets 1948WX, 1638WX, 1938WX and 1624WX.
- Now offering a 12-month onsite warranty (including parts and labor) when using DH-21 on qualified new printer purchases.
Pricing and Availability
It is now available for sale through authorized Mutoh resellers across North and Latin America. For pricing, sales inquiries or free print sample, contact your authorized Mutoh reseller or find one at http://www.mutoh.com/dealers.
About Mutoh Mutoh Industries, Ltd. founded in 1952 in Tokyo, celebrates over 60 years of business beginning as a manufacturer and distributor of mechanical drafting products. Since then, ISO 9000-certified Mutoh Industries, Ltd. & has become the world’s foremost manufacturer of large format piezoelectric printers. In April, 2007, Mutoh Holdings Co, Ltd was established as a holding company of affiliates including Mutoh Industries, Ltd. Mutoh has engineering, manufacturing and distribution centers in Japan, Belgium, Germany, Singapore, Australia, China and Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit the websites:www.mutoh-hd.co.jpfor Mutoh Holdings Co, Ltd and www.mutoh.com for Mutoh America Inc., call 1-800-99-MUTOH (800-996-8864) or e-mail us at sales@mutoh.com.
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