Recent content by kcollinsdesign

Sign makers have traditionally (and significantly) undercharged for logo design work. It takes time, much thought, and much knowledge and experience to do this type of work with any degree of professionalism. Good graphic designers charge for the value of their work. I would figure $2k would...

Typical branding packages (including logo design, vehicle wrap design, stationery, all rights) start at $10,000. I'm good; these guys are better: https://www.kickcharge.com/kickcharge-branding-packages/

When taking pictures for this purpose use the longest lens availble to decrease curvilinear distortion. Wide angle lenses, as found on most phone cameras, do have some rectilinear correction but should still be avoided. Software can also be used to correct curvilinear distortion. Basically...

Yep! Read that and spend a year or two in production and sales. You cannot design a sign unless you know how they are built. And, especially today, you need to understand the customer's needs and be able to come up with a functional design while at the same time making them feel like they...

I could never wrap my head around using spreadsheets for pricing (I run a custom sign shop). I have always based pricing on cost of goods and services sold. Knowing that my non-job related expenses (overhead) is around 20% of total sales, and that I want a 20% profit for my trouble, I put a...

There are some very good reasons to use a Mac. Most of those have to do with the fluidity of the graphics and the intuitive nature of the OS and the Apple eco-system. Cost should not be a consideration if you are using the tool professionally; even a modest gain of 2% - 3% in productivity will...

Low VOC paints leave a silicon deposit on the dried surface which prevents most adhesives from sticking (sort of like applying adhesive vinyl to a dusty wall). You can try agreesively cleaning with alcohol first, then burnishing the hell out of the vinyl before removing the transfer tape, but...

If you are a local commercial or electric shop, odds are advertising on the internet (other than a web page) aren't going to help you much. If you are a specialty retailer, appealing to the mass public, maybe so (you know who you are). For a local shop, thoughtful design and competent service...

I am a big fan of outsourcing anything I can – except for installation. Too much can go wrong (especially with vinyl wraps)! I'll do the design work (branding and brand integration) and work with the client's wrap installation company (who will do the printing and installation). Design and...

Why not get a quote from Sticker Mule?

I never seal it. It is only going to last as long as whatever you stick it on. As far as laminating it: it will change the refractive index and it won't look like real gold anymore. I don't see the point.

$20k machine will not be appropriate for profitable sign production. To compete you will need to make a lot of signs, buy and warehouse truckloads of materials, have a vacuum and air cleaning system (the dust from wood and foam is toxic), have an acrylic polyurethane painting system and...

1/4" plate glass. Draw a grid underneath. A little tough on blades but always get accurate cuts. Great for painting too because you can always clean with a scraper.

Can't do it. My thumb covers about 4 digits; never know which one is going to activate. I need to use my index finger, one digit at a time. I'll use dictation if I have to. Doesn't really matter to me. My phone is turned off most of the time away (Do Not Disturb - Allow Repeated Calls). Few...

I've had a few large windows crack. High quality thick plate glass is less of an issue, but regular window glass can have internal tensions; depending on how it is installed, sometimes just tapping it or leaning against it can cause it to crack. Heat and cold (especially the differential) can...