Custom Graphics
- Thread starter MotoX10
- Start date
YoTRacer158
Member
- Jan 10, 2001
- 312
- 0
check out www.socaldecal.com they're a bit pricey but well worth it if youve got the money...they can make graphics, front/rear fender kits, fork slider kits, swingarm kits, and i think even custom jersey and chest protector ID kits
Im in the process of creating my own as well. But Im designing them AND printing them myself. Ive got access to several plotters with the ability to print on up to 36" paper and access to adhesive backed vinyl. Only thing is I dont know if Ill need special pens for my plotter or not. They do make weather proof ink pens, but Im not sure if that'll cut it. I plan on printing some here pretty soon and testing them out. I guess the best way is to stick them on and take them to the car wash, if they suvive that, then they'll survive anything. If I can get it to work, and work properly, I plan on doing some designing or maybe just printing graphics for pretty cheap. I was going to start with all of my riding buddies, but I dont see why I cant do it for anyone else. If you are designing them yourself, you have to remember that your graphics have got to be on the computer and they have to "vectorized" which means you cant do it in paint or photoshop. The only program that I have access to that creates vector graphics is Publisher. The reason they need to be vectorized is that eliminates the pixel look. If you go to any graphics company around town, they will request the same. The majority of the money it costs to have your own done by a graphics company is them taking the time to convert your graphics into vector graphics. So if you can give me your e-mail, and if youre interested, Ill print some out for you. If you can provide me with vectorized graphics in Publisher, I will charge for paper, ink, and postage to get them to you. But if Ive gotta convert your graphics, Ill have to charge for time as well. Let me know if youre interested. And that goes for anyone else. If youve got your own graphics and you can get them to me in Publisher, let me know. Ill warn you right now though, if I get too many requests, Ill have to tack a little charge on for my own time. But not too much..... Oh yeah.. if you need some help or suggestions on HOW to create your own, such as getting your shroud shape and any other questions, let me know... I can try and help....
- Thread starter
- #7
Tom, well, damn! I have been doing my graphics in paint-shop pro. They're pretty easy to replicate though. At first I was just messing around in paintshop, but then I started to like the design and wanted these decals. So, they're not the basic design. I've added lighting and all that stuff. Check out my photo album, they're in there.
Are there templates floating around on the net anywhere for the different pieces of plastic? That would be extrememly helpful. Then the design would be perfect.
Are there templates floating around on the net anywhere for the different pieces of plastic? That would be extrememly helpful. Then the design would be perfect.
Wolf
doooode
- Jul 31, 2000
- 2,487
- 1
Fellas, listen to the big "KAHOONA" Okie.
I have owned a graphics company for years had all the eqipment and I can tell you that if you want something decent (quality) you are gonna pay.
Truth is I don't think that Socal is too expensive for the product they put out.
The old saying goes: You get what you pay for.
As to the conversion of graphics from one format to another, don't let them scare you. A decent shop will do it for a reasonable price. Generally they have to clean up art work no matter what format you use.
We have always figured it into the price of production anyways, and the guys that bought my shop are still doing it that way.
I have owned a graphics company for years had all the eqipment and I can tell you that if you want something decent (quality) you are gonna pay.
Truth is I don't think that Socal is too expensive for the product they put out.
The old saying goes: You get what you pay for.
As to the conversion of graphics from one format to another, don't let them scare you. A decent shop will do it for a reasonable price. Generally they have to clean up art work no matter what format you use.
We have always figured it into the price of production anyways, and the guys that bought my shop are still doing it that way.
I was just offering maybe an alternative suggestion. I realize mine will not be as good a quality but I expect if I really try and use my resources. I can make some pretty damn good graphics. I hadnt really planned on really getting into as far as selling graphics because I know that the way I will go about making them, isnt the correct way. I just dont have the equipment to do it right. But for myself, and maybe a few others who realize these arent going to be the best out there, something like $20 for graphics wont be so bad. They will be what you want, look decent, and last for a little while. And like I said, I havent done it yet so Im not sure HOW long they will last, but I suspect it will be longer than a day. And at $20, maybe not even that much, you can afford to switch them out when they start to tear or when you wreck and rip half of them off. Especially for me, being the one who prints them, I will have new looking graphics more often. I can afford 10 sets to someone elses one. And also, it wouldnt be a bad idea to have a cheap set first, just to get an idea of how they will end up looking.
Hey motox10,
I have not done this myself, and I don't know how long they would last, but here's a guy's site you makes his own graphics for his KLX since KLX graphics are increasingly hard to find:
http://users.penn.com/~buttercupjoy/KLX/KLXGraphicsWorkshop.html
It doesn't matter what bike you have, it's the method that's important!
Hope that helps,
-Serge
I have not done this myself, and I don't know how long they would last, but here's a guy's site you makes his own graphics for his KLX since KLX graphics are increasingly hard to find:
http://users.penn.com/~buttercupjoy/KLX/KLXGraphicsWorkshop.html
It doesn't matter what bike you have, it's the method that's important!
Hope that helps,
-Serge
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well, I just needed to make it clear that I wasnt going for Profesional quality graphics. Ive made some test plots on glossy paper, and they are turning out to look REALLY good and clean. But I should say to anybody interested, these are cheap, they wont last TOO long, how long? Im not sure... yet.. but they are cheap... thats the only kicker.... I was planning on making some American Flag graphics for upcoming races.. and thats not something I would want to leave on my bike forever.. use them for a month or so and I would be ready for some more. And I think these would be perfect for that.. So yeah, if youre looking for seomthing long term, I would suggest SoCal....
- Thread starter
- #13
Kyd, thanks for the link! I saw that he printed them out with his printer. I just bough a new printer and it prints picture perfect images. I'm thinkin' this is the way to go. Anyone know where I can buy sticky vinyl sheets (or whatever they're called lol)?
Tom, lol did you see my design yet?
Tom, lol did you see my design yet?
yeah, I noticed you were doing the same.. speaking of, I saw someone wednesday at practice with some. Looks like everyone has that idea..
And the stuff is called, adhesive backed vinyl, you need to know that if youre calling around looking for it, I THINK thats the "technical" term for it. But they should sell 8.5X11 sheets of decal sheets at an office supply store, maybe in wal-mart.... just go look. Its not too durable but it would work out nicely with little smaller decals, like stickers and such.. may be REAL cool for like airbox decals... now theres an idea..... and also, we in the office here use some stuff that we call "sticky back" its not premenant, but it does stick and its clear. That you should be able to find at any office supply store.
good luck...
And the stuff is called, adhesive backed vinyl, you need to know that if youre calling around looking for it, I THINK thats the "technical" term for it. But they should sell 8.5X11 sheets of decal sheets at an office supply store, maybe in wal-mart.... just go look. Its not too durable but it would work out nicely with little smaller decals, like stickers and such.. may be REAL cool for like airbox decals... now theres an idea..... and also, we in the office here use some stuff that we call "sticky back" its not premenant, but it does stick and its clear. That you should be able to find at any office supply store.
good luck...
I wasn't knocking how good your graphics will look, rather the biggest issue, how long they will look good :) . You'll need at least a couple of layers of material over the graphics to protect them. If I'm not mistaken, Socal uses 3?
At any rate, good luck.
At any rate, good luck.
- Thread starter
- #16
I'm sick with pnemonia right now, so I haven't been able to get out and check stores for the availability of the adhesive-backed vinyl. Anyone have any ideas where I could pick some up (Office Max, Office Depot, Comp USA..... any of these places?)??? Thanks again :)
MotoX10,
Here's a link to a place that sells inkjet vinyl sheets:
http://www.boo-zwearhouse.com/paper/index.htm
I assume that is similar to what that guy used, although I am not sure if they are pre-sticky :think
You might just have to use a bunch of that spray adhesive :D
Hope that helps,
-Serge
Here's a link to a place that sells inkjet vinyl sheets:
http://www.boo-zwearhouse.com/paper/index.htm
I assume that is similar to what that guy used, although I am not sure if they are pre-sticky :think
You might just have to use a bunch of that spray adhesive :D
Hope that helps,
-Serge
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