Wide-format & Signage - January 2018

• Company Profile

• Application Spotlight

• Why You Need a Laminator

Aqueous Printing

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January 2018

Table of Contents

January 2018

Why Aqueous Printers Have So Much Staying Power

07

On the Cover: While aqueous inks have traditionally lacked the durability and substrate compatibility of other ink formulations, they continue to advance— and today aqueous printers are handling a broader, more complex range of applications than ever before.

Aqueous printers have been around for decades. Discover why, in an industry in flux, they continue to deliver so much value.

By Laurie Weller

10 Both Sides Now

16 Creating Graphics that POP with S2K

Ensuring even pressure between nit

The ins and outs of indoor and out door LED signage.

By Howard Riell

rollers is just one of many lamination advancements.

By Jeffrey Steele

Departments 05 Printing Pulse 20 New Products

Columns 13 Application Spotlight:

04 Editor’s Note

Beautifying Retail

Clean Slate

Thanks to innovative thinking by Duggal Visual Solutions, the Philadelphia area now has a new and exclusive destination for beauty.

By Howard Riell

By Jennifer Wilberschied

18 Industry Insights When Print Takes Off

By Neil Felton

19 Industry Insights Finding the Next Generation

By Lori Anderson

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January 2018

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In the Know

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Events:

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2018 FASTSIGNS Annual Convention Time to present the latest innovations and new products or services to an independently owned and operated global network, and showcase your expertise and capabilities.

January 17-20, Houston, TX

January 2018

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Aqueous Printing

@wfi PrintingNews.com linkedin.com/ groups/1780044

EFI Connect 2018 Time to present the latest innovations and new products or services to an independently owned and operated global network, and showcase your expertise and capabilities.

January 23-26, Las Vegas, NV ISA International Sign Expo The largest gathering of sign, graphics, print and visual communications professionals with programming and exhibits that offer serious solutions, real results, and provide opportunities for attendees to make powerful connections.

March 21-24, Orlando, FL

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• Why You Need a Laminator • Application Spotlight • Company Profile

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ide-Format & Signage is the business and technology resource for corporate and senior management focusing on issues across the wide-format and grandformat markets.

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Editor’s Note

Clean Slate H

appy New Year! I hope that everyone had a lovely holiday season and wish everyone a prosperous and happy new year. There is something so exciting about starting a new year. Don’t ya think? There are always so many wonderful possibilities in store and it is a time to reflect on the year that passed and look to the year ahead.

You may have a few New Year’s resolutions in place. Some popular ones are getting to the gym more often, eating healthy, or spending more time with family. What resolutions or goals do you have set for 2018? Personally, I have a few goals in mind, such as spending more time outdoors, keeping in better touch with family and friends who live far away, and doing laundry once a week instead of when I completely run out of things to wear. You know exactly what I’m talking about.

By Jennifer Wilberschied Editor Jennifer Wilberschied is a seasoned journalist who brings her awardwinning talent and fresh perspective to the ever-changing print and graphics industry, exploring the issues, challenges, and technology revolving around the commercial, digital, sign, and wide-and grandformat markets.

Wide-Format & Signage has a couple new goals for the year, as well, including ramping up our focus on our Application Spotlight Series. Sure, big printers that print big pictures in an uncountable number of colors on a myriad of different substrates is always exciting. But, what you do with those items is where the real magic happens. Sure, you brought in a new wide- or grand-format printer into your print shop – that’s great.

But, your customers are going to ask “what can I do with this?” They want to know how your product offerings are going to help them do more. We here at Wide-Format & Signage wanted to be one of those sources for ideas and share other successful projects with you and how they were done. In order to do this we have planned our editorial calendar for 2018 to include many Application Spotlight

features throughout the year. Some will highlight award winning projects, while others will showcase exciting projects we have come across throughout the year.

If you have a recent project you would like to share please feel free to drop us a line with photos and a little bit about the project and we will put it in the mix for possibilities this year. For January, we spoke with Duggal Visual Solutions, Inc., in New York City about how they helped French skincare and cosmetics company Clarins open their fi rst stand-alone store in the U.S. with thoughtful and well-planned signage.

Check out the project, starting on page 13.

Preserve & Protect As the importance and uses of lamination grow, so do the tools to laminate printed materials.

Technological advancements have made possible steady improvement in the ease of use, speed, and quality of laminators and laminates. With the number and complexity of available choices proliferating, it’s incumbent on Print Service Providers to really do their homework before making an investment in lamination systems. This month, experts advise on how to do just that, starting on page 10.

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January 2018

Find this article at PrintingNews.com/12387123

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Printing Pulse

SEMA Competition Winners: 3M 1080 Live Wrap Competition Roland DGA Partners with Adobe at Adobe MAX 2017 Creativity Conference Roland DGA recently partnered with Adobe, at Adobe MAX in Las Vegas, providing advanced digital wide-format printers for

3M is expanding graphics installers’ arsenals by adding eight new colors to the 3MTM Wrap Film Series 1080 family, bringing the color total to 106 options. With new shades to set the tone and finishes to further define the mood, installers can create unique vehicle wraps that capture the wildest of imaginations. Showcasing gloss, satin and color-flip finishes, the new class of 3M wrap colors includes: Gloss Blue Fire, Matrix Black, Satin Flip Ghost Pearl, Dead Matte Black, Shadow Black, Satin Key West, Gloss Galaxy Black and Gloss Glacier Gray.

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unique interactive attendee workshops.

The event attracted thousands of designers, photographers, web developers, video makers, illustrators, educators and other creative professionals from around the world for seminars, workshops, networking, and more.

A joint project with Coca-Cola, Adobe and Roland in the Adobe exhibition booth enabled visitors to design and print graphics for their very own, personalized bottles of Coke. Attendees used Adobe Illustrator to create their custom label designs and a Roland TrueVIS VG-640 printer/cutter to print and cut the labels in one step.

PrintingNews.com/12378368

SAi Strengthens Worldwide Sales Support Network with Key Appointments SA International (SAi), a provider of software solutions for the professional signmaking, wide-format digital printing and CAD/CAM for CNC machining industries, has announced the expansion of its worldwide technical sales support network with a number of new appointments in key locations.

Drawing on the respective skill-sets and regional expertise of the fournew staff, SAi meets a continued objective to ensure its global sales channels are properly equipped to support the varied needs of customers at the local level.

The latest additions to SAi’s growing team include Marta Da Sa, sales executive at SAi Europe, David Yin, application specialist at SAi China, Cássio Origuela, driver engineer at SAi Brazil, and Nick Day, technical support at SAi, USA. PrintingNews.com/12381818

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Printing Pulse

Mimaki to Present the Beauty of Digital Textile Printing at Heimtextil 2018 Mimaki announced that it will be exhibiting at Heimtextil 2018. The show takes place from January 9-12, 2018, in Frankfurt. The company, a pioneer with a long-

New SpeedPro Imaging CEO Larry Oberly Announces Vision for Company’s Future

standing heritage in digital textile printing, will be showcasing both direct-to-tex-

SpeedPro Imaging introduced Lar-

tile and sublimation transfer printers as well as displaying a wide range of print-

ry Oberly as the company’s new

ed textiles in Hall 6.0, Stand D10 at the show.

CEO on Monday, November 6, 2017.

“Heimtextil is an important show for Mimaki,” says Ronald van den Broek,

That same day, Oberly sent a

general manager sales at Mimaki Europe. “We are especially excited this year

letter to all SpeedPro Imaging ex-

to be speaking with attendees about not only entry-level and mid-market textile

ecutives, employees and franchise

printers, but also our Mimaki Textile Pro Series for higher volume applications.

partners detailing his vision for

Fashion designers and other show attendees are sure to find inspiration when

the company’s future. As a former

they visit our stand and see what is possible with modern digital textile printing.”

franchisee himself, Oberly said he

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understands the daily challenges faced by franchise owners and the joy that comes from building a successful business; one that creates fantastic opportunities for customers, employees and the business owners themselves.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Secures up to $20 Million in Franchisee Financing through ApplePie Capital to Continue Rapid Growth Nationwide FASTSIGNS International, Inc. announced it has partnered with ApplePie Capital to offer new and existing franchisees access to up to $20-million in debt capital to drive expansion across the U.S. To date, FASTSIGNS has opened 35 centers across the U.S. and Canada and signed 44 franchise agreements, with plans to open an additional 45 centers in 2018. “2017 has been another record year for FASTSIGNS, in every metric. We are experiencing continued growth both in the U.S. and abroad. As we look toward future growth, with both new and existing franchisees, ApplePie Capital is the ideal partner to support our aggressive expansion goals,” said Catherine Monson, CEO, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Markets with planned FASTSIGNS openings include Phoenix, Arizona; Hartford, Connecticut; Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; and throughout the state of Florida.

PrintingNews.com/12386000

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“One of the most exciting opportunities in front of all SpeedPro business owners is building a more profitable and scalable asset,” said Oberly. “That was my goal as a franchisee – to run a successful, income-generating business for as long as I wanted. And – when it was time for me to accomplish something else – to have a profitable and attractive business to sell. This is exactly what I want to help our SpeedPro franchise owners accomplish, too.”

PrintingNews.com/12384128

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Why Aqueous Printers Have So Much Staying Power Aqueous printers have been around d for decades.

Discover why, in an industry in flux, they continue to deliver so much value.

By Laurie Weller

S

ince well into the last century, aqueous inkjet printers have anchored the production environments of artists, commercial printers, and sign shops alike.

Their unparalleled color gamut and print quality have made them indispensable for applications ranging from fi ne art to fi nancial statements, direct mail, display graphics, and more.

While aqueous inks have traditionally lacked the durability and substrate compatibility of other ink formulations, they continue to advance—and today aqueous printers are handling a broader, more complex range of applications than ever before.

Many customers are asking for faster print speeds, better color and quality, and improved costs from their aqueous printers.

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“What makes aqueous inkjet printers such a staple has always been their color fidelity,” said Dan Johansen, marketing manager, wide-format solutions, commercial and industrial printing business group for Ricoh USA, Inc. “Aqueous has been a go-to for everything from general purpose wide-format and sign printing to color proofing where wide gamut and color accuracy are critical for commercial printers.”

Gianluigi Rankin, director of product marketing for Memjet, sees the evolution of aqueous inks as fundamental

the pages using inkjet.”

Reed Hecht, product manager, professional imaging for Epson America, Inc., notes that commercial printers are applying the technology beyond the realm of offset as well. “They are using these high-quality aqueous printers to differentiate their prints and offer different types of prints—backlight film, posters, photographs, canvas, etc.,” he said. “In addition, we have seen a resurgence of aqueous prints used for traditional applications such as proofing. Customers are realizing the costs to produce a proof far outweigh the cost of

graphics in an exhibit.”

Dan Halkyard, senior marketing manager for S-One Holdings Corporation, adds that advances in water-based latex printers allow them to handle a growing range of applications. “We’ve seen an evolution from dye-based to pigment inks, and then latex inks came along,” he said. “They were designed to work on vinyl so you could get outdoor durability without having to deal with the environmental issues of solvent inks. The technology is evolving and the material supply is adapting, as well.”

The impact of new media

A lot of new applications are based on substrates. There are endless new applications because companies are developing unique substrates. to the platform’s success. “If you’ve followed the market for the past 10 years, originally people were using dye-based inks, and now everybody is offering pigment inks,” he said. “Dye-based inks have a greater color gamut, and potentially the cost per copy is lower. With pigment inks, you have much higher durability, and this has opened up a lot of new applications.”

having to reprint a job due to a mistake or color inaccuracy.”

According to Randy Anderson, product marketing manager for Mutoh America, Inc., the most popular application for the company’s aqueous printer line continues to be sublimation, though direct-to-fabric printing is a growing market. “For Mutoh, the technological developments have been the increase in stability of dye and pigment inks, making for easier use by non-technical operators, and the wide variety of fabrics available in the market,” he said.

Ryosuke Nakayama, manager, textiles & apparel business development & marketing for Mimaki USA, also sees growing demand for sublimation.

“Most people think dye-sublimation is for creating team jerseys, but it is more recently being used to create soft signage, exhibit components, sellable custom art, promotional products, and more,” he said. “Soft signage is a market to watch. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a greater adoption of dye-sublimation prints for signage applications since the colors are bold, the polyester fabric is durable, and they’re easy to install in light boxes or as header

Aqueous inks come in many flavors Andrew Copley, president of graphic communications solutions for Xerox, sees transactional printing for applications like direct mail and book publishing as an area of future growth for aqueous printers. “The technology is enabling higher image quality on a broader range of substrates at a lower-cost entry point,” he said, adding that Xerox projects aqueous pages to grow annually at upwards of 15%. “The technology is capturing some pages from offset and generating new applications and types of work. For example, you can create a catalog that traditionally would have been printed with offset, and now you can personalize some of

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January 2018

While improvements in ink technology continue to enhance the value proposition of aqueous printers, new substrates are also helping to fuel demand.

According to Copley, a major step forward for aqueous inkjets has been compatibility with offset coated stocks.

“More high-end applications, such as direct mail marketing materials, use coated stocks,” he said. “Today, we can print on some, but not all—but the technology is making inroads.”

“A lot of new applications are based on substrates,” said Johansen. “If I am a print buyer and I go to my PSP, I may want to print a floor graphic, for example. These printers may be capable from a machine or ink perspective, but they need a substrate that allows someone to walk on it. There are endless new applications because companies are developing unique substrates.”

Rankin adds that new, emerging finishing processes continue to expand the technology’s market reach. “I see decorative laminates as an option for products like table tops and flooring,” he said. “If it looks like wood on top of a desk today, it is likely that it is not wood, but a printed surface. Companies are taking the paper, printing it, putting it in a resin bath, and then securing it to a board to make the final product.”

Faster, easier, wider Print speeds for aqueous devices are also accelerating, says Halkyard, and this is expanding their utility. “Highspeed, single-pass units are excelling

in areas such as GIS mapping,” he said. “The paper is coming out of these printers at amazing speeds.” He notes that new, more durable materials are ensuring the tear-resistance of printed maps, widely used for government and military applications.

Aqueous printers are also becoming easier to use, an important benefit for PSPs, says Rich Reamer, senior director, large format solutions division, business imaging solutions group, Canon USA, Inc. “The quality has also kept up with other technologies today, such as high-end DSLRs,” he said. “Prints are produced faster and require less ink than older technologies. Durable aqueous printers have now expanded the applications that PSPs can deliver to their clients.”

Aqueous printers are getting larger, too, which Rankin says is making the technology well suited for packaging applications. “There are a lot of 100-inch-wide corrugators out in the market, and high-speed laminators at

their own digital avatar,” he said. “This will allow people to ‘try on’ clothes with their avatar to check for fit, while customizing the clothing for pattern and color.”

Reamer added, “Traditional aqueous larger-format printing continues to be an important part of what PSPs need to offer their client base, and it has now more flexibility than ever before.”

these sizes as well,” he said. “Folding cartons come in all sizes and can be printed using sheet-fed technology.”

Tomorrow’s aqueous printers While aqueous printers have come a long way since their inception years ago, exactly what does the future hold?

“Many customers are asking for faster print speeds, better color and quality, and improved costs,” said Hecht.

Nakayama emphasizes that emerging markets, such as home décor and hospitality, will continue to drive growth.

“Boutique hotels or trendy restaurants, for example, would be prime candidates for a savvy print service provider to produce custom window treatments, furniture coverings, wall art, and table top transfers,” he said.

Anderson sees customization, personalization, and capacity as key factors driving up PSP adoption. “Within five years, it may be possible that one will order clothing online, custom fit to

Aqueous printers are also becoming easier to use, an important benefit for PSPs, says Rich Reamer, senior director, large format solutions division, business imaging solutions group, Canon USA, Inc.

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Laminators:

Both Sides Now

Ensuring even pressure between nit rollers is just one of many lamination advancements.

Marabu markets two different types of liquid laminates, one a water-based liquid laminate and the other a UV-curable liquid coater. It also makes available its StarLam roll-to-roll liquid laminator for wall coverings, canvas, and other flexible substrates.

By Jeffrey Steele

L

aminators are playing an ever more important role in printing. Lamination is used to protect and/or add visual enhancement to a wide range of printed materials, from signs, banners, trade show materials, canvas and vehicle graphics, to name just a few. printed materials. Technological advancements have made possible steady improvement in the ease of use, speed,

As the importance and uses of lamination grow, so do the tools to laminate

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January 2018

and quality of laminators and laminates. With the number and complexity of available choices proliferating, it’s incumbent on Print Service Providers (PSPs) to really do their homework before making an investment in lamination systems. This month, experts advise on how to do just that.

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Product evolution One of the most significant developments in the steady advancement of lamination equipment technology results from the fact most laminates are now pressure sensitive. So says Frank Corey Sr., accounting manager with Quality Media & Laminating Solutions, a distributor of laminates, laminators, and print media. “Most have a release liner,” Corey added. “One of the innovations is that the more advanced laminators like ours either have a pneumatic take-up that uses a dial, or a synchronized system that ensures the laminate and take-up shaft are at the same speed.”

Daniel Kane, marketing manager, graphics with Royal Sovereign, views controlled pressure as a key advancement. “Wide-format laminators are experiencing the rise in measurable and controlled pressurized rollers,” he said. “[They are] either mechanical or pneumatic-driven, like the Paramount 65X from Royal Sovereign. Measurable and repeatable pressure is essential in traffic graphic application when a specific PSI is required.”

Maintaining even pressure is critical for top results in lamination, notes Frank Romanello, president and CEO of Rolinx Performance Products, a distributor of Kala Finishing Systems, a French-maker of roller laminators, applicator tables, and XY cutters. “Applications today—for example, vehicle wraps—can consist of very long runs,” he said. “They protect the inks by applying a lamination film to the surface. Our laminator allows the operator to run this product through without any waste from roll to roll, without any supervision and without skewing left or right due to uneven pressure.”

Another important step forward is in the sturdiness of the laminator chassis, he added.“There’s a need for a very solid, sturdy frame, because if the frame is compromised there could be uneven pressure at the nip, where the rollers converge, resulting in skewing,” he reported. “We’ve responded by making a one-piece welded steel frame which allows our rollers to maintain a very tight tolerance.”

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how pressure is adjusted between the nit rollers through which the laminate moves, Corey said.

The reason pressure must be measured is that mounting to different substrates requires different levels of pressure. Mounting to foam core requires less pressure than mounting to Sintra, for instance. “There are a few different ways that the nit is adjusted,” Corey added. “In very basic machines, nobs at each side allow the pressure to

Lamination is often referred to as either an art or a science, he continued.

“Getting consistent results has been a very difficult task. But since Kala came out with its auto calibration, they’ve turned it into a profitable process where people don’t need to be intimidated.”

At Marabu North America, marketing manager Sarah Stafford reports her company markets two different types of liquid laminates, one a water-based liquid laminate and the other a UV-cur-

PSPs can expand beyond lamination to include pre-masking, mounting, and vehicle wraps. Another way to increase profits is to heighten the value of digital prints by adding a laminate finish, such as luster, matte-sand, or gloss, noted Royal Sovereign.

be adjusted. Or you could have a single crank that adjusts the nit. Alternatively, there could be a pneumatic or air system control. The final option is that the adjustment is done through a motorized control.”

In the lowest cost, most basic type of machine, adjusting both sides equally is very difficult. With single crank systems, operators have to be guided by a dial or a series of lights, Corey noted. By contrast, operators can make adjustments as needed with pneumatic and motorized nit systems. “We offer crank, pneumatic, and motorized systems,” Corey said.

It’s also important that PSPs choose the proper grade of high-tensile steel in the laminator’s rollers, and a proper

able liquid coater. It also makes available its StarLam roll-to-roll liquid laminator for wall coverings, canvas, and other flexible substrates.

“The big thing that’s changed is the UV coaters,” Stafford said. “They have become more affordable for [PSPs] for a variety of reasons. The speed and greater affordability means they’re becoming a more viable option. We don’t manufacture a coater ourselves, but do partner with others that provide coaters from 14 to 63 inches. There’s a broad spectrum of coaters available, depending on what you’re looking for.”

Weighing options When PSPs weigh different lamination options, they should closely examine

January 2018

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“It’s important to use a very high tensile steel in the rollers to prevent any structural deficiencies, and prevent the rollers from sagging. And of course, it’s also important to have the correct silicone rubber coating on the rollers to ensure even pressure from edge to edge,” said Rollinx’ Romanello.

coating process of the rubber surfaces in the laminator’s rollers, Romanello said. Doing so helps ensure the crucially important pressure equilibrium. “Your rollers are the heart of your machine,” he explained. “It’s important to use a very high tensile steel in the rollers to prevent any structural deficiencies, and prevent the rollers from sagging. And of course, it’s also important to have the correct rubber coating on the rollers to ensure even pressure from edge to edge.”

In addition, PSPs should keep in mind that when purchasing equipment, it’s important to consider both current and future, more profitable, applications, Kane said. “Most equipment does not have the option for aftermarket upgrades, such as adding heat assist to the top roller, or adding accessories for roll-to-roll lamination,” he noted.

For her part, Stafford emphasizes the need to consider the type of substrate you will be laminating. “Am I looking to coat a flexible material that’s going to be rolled?” she asked. “Or will I be coating a rigid substrate? They’re not going to use the same machine. The StarLam is a great option for flexible substrates like canvas. But if you’re looking at a rigid substrate, you’re going to go more with the UV line.” In addition, she advised PSPs, “purchase the largest, most capable equipment that will cover your needs, enabling the benefits they offer to be

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provided to your customers.”

Making more money It’s easy to grow profits simply by choosing liquid laminates for jobs requiring lamination, Stafford maintained. “In the past, a lot of people have used film lamination, which gives you abrasion, UV, and chemical resistance, along with other benefits,” she said. “But you’re going to get all those benefits along with cost savings when you use the liquid. You don’t have to worry about trimming, or the alignment. Your production manager sets it up and can walk away. The StarLam does not require constant attention. You’re looking at a more efficient, and effective piece of equipment—and technology. It’s a quicker ROI; paying off the StarLam can take as little as 13 months.”

The ongoing evolution of lamination technology is creating new ways for PSPs to grow sales and profits, said Kane, Corey, and Romanello. For instance, Kane says, PSPs can expand beyond lamination to include pre-masking, mounting, and vehicle wraps. Another way to increase profits is to heighten the value of digital prints by adding a laminate finish, such as luster, matte-sand, or gloss, he said.

Corey could not agree more on the suggestion of providing greater variety and value. “The most successful shops

January 2018

have either a display or sample book, take a print and display the same image with a pressure-sensitive laminate, a gloss laminate, a luster laminate, a matte laminate, and a textured laminate,” he said.

“They can say, ‘This is what we can do to protect your print.’ I have found the most successful people place these images on the wall and ask [customers] just which surface they want.”

PSPs also need to explain the difference between the characteristics of cast and calendared laminate, Corey said.

Calendared is a less expensive option that typically lasts two or three years outdoors, and over time experiences shrinkage on the edges. Moreover, this option works only on flat surfaces. “Cast vinyl, which is 2 mil. thick, is good for a minimum of seven years outdoors,” Corey said. “It will not shrink and can go around any bend with no issues.”

Often, the intended end use of the image will determine what laminate is utilized. If producing images intended for applications that might draw fingerprints, a sand-textured laminate can be the solution that produces greater customer satisfaction and repeat orders.

“If you’re doing displays in areas that have very specific lighting that can affect viewing of the prints, you’d use a laminate with a matte surface that would cut down on some of the reflection,” Romanello said. “You can use thermal laminates to add rigidity, as well.”

As for the future of laminating systems, PSPs can look forward to the advent of a new breed of very specialized machines, Romanello predicts. “It’s great to have a laminator that can do everything. But in the future we may be looking at the introduction of equipment designed to very specifically take on given applications,” he said. “That will not only be more efficient, but more cost-effective, as well.”

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Application Spotlight:

The project included custom magnetic panels with receptor graphics, wall graphics, optically clear prints, photographic prints, and a fabric ggraphic light p g box display. di d i ssp p la l a y. y.

g n i y f i t u a e B RETAIL

Thanks to innovative thinking by Duggal Visual Solutions, the Philadelphia area now has a new and exclusive destination for beauty.

By Howard Riell

D

uggal Visual Solutions, Inc. in New York City, a supplier of printed visuals, custom displays, and multimedia solutions, recently helped French skincare and cosmetics company Clarins achieve a historic first—and in doing so, launched what should be a long and profitable relationship.

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January 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

13

For more than half a century, Duggal has served as a trusted advisor and partner in helping the world’s leading image-makers communicate visually with their audiences and customers.

The company designs and produces unique custom, high-volume, oversized and complex visuals and fixtures for an extremely image-conscious clientele.

Duggal handles everything from thousand-plus-store rollouts, from printing through fulfillment and installation, to unique exhibitions and event projects for major museums, corporations, and sporting events worldwide. Its clientele includes top global retailers, Fortune 500 corporations, museums, galleries, non-profit organizations, photographers, visual artists, and designers. Among them are Polo Ralph Lauren, Disney, Limited Brands, Verizon, The Gap, The Museum of Modern Art, Tiffany & Co., Lancome, Coach, and Starbucks.

Clarins itself is no stranger to the

United States market. The brand’s line of luxurious products, which Allure once called “cult-worthy,” has been a mainstay both online and in America’s top department stores for decades.

Surprisingly, however, it was not until recently that Clarins had opened its first stand-alone store in the U.S. (the only other is located in Hong Kong).

Duggal Visual Solutions was handed the task of helping to change that fact, as Clarins opened its stand-alone store in King of Prussia Mall just outside of Philadelphia—by leasable space, the largest mall in America.

Brittany Wirtz, a Duggal account executive and the person who managed the project, collaborated with the Clarins team to produce an array of visuals for the new 1,800-square-foot store, including custom magnetic panels with receptor graphics, wall graphics, optically clear prints, photographic prints, and a fabric graphic light box display.

Wirtz also coordinated site surveys to identify where graphics were to be placed for the greatest impact, and provided material consultancy. She then ran a series of tests before moving into production and installation, all of which was expedited to meet the store’s opening date.

The mission Executives at Duggal, which has long been recognized as a leading innovator in the visual communication, display graphics, and multimedia industry, were first contacted about the project in December 2016. The mission, according to Wirtz, was “to create an effective graphics system for Clarins’ new store concept in limited time frame with tight budget.”

The total cost of the project, according to Wirtz, was $43,601. A variety of surveys, together with some extensive consulting and testing, were needed to get the project off the ground. It would

The project worked out so well that it has launched a long-term working relationship with Clarins.

14

Wide-Format & Signage

January 2018

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eventually take about three weeks from concept to finished project.

At the outset, Wirtz and her team initiated discussions to ascertain exactly what their client was looking for. As she recalled, what her team wanted to know were things like, “What issues they are having, what did they want changed?

What were they looking for in a vendor? What things are they buying, and what are they not buying?”

What Clarins was looking for, Wirtz recalled, was graphics “that could be easily installed and swapped using the existing fixturing design for the store.” Duggal began by surveying the space and existing fixturing. “Testing materials with the client, we came to the conclusion of using a magnetic/ receptive system for most the graphics. We tested the fixtures and confirmed application. We also reviewed the balance of graphics for the space.”

There are, in fact, instances when soft signage is the wrong

choice for a project, Wirtz suggested—for instance, when signage is “a little more evergreen, stagnant; a fixture that is going to stay in place forever. If the signage is communicating pricing or promotional items it might be easier to have a digital sign because you can change those out instantaneously at low cost.”

What made the project unique was not only the fact that this would be Clarins’ first-ever stand-alone location in the United States, but the size of the King of Prussia Mall itself. It was, Wirtz noted, “A big push for a brand featuring a spa.”

Duggal regularly invests in the latest technology, including the purchase of seven new presses in the past year. It boasts

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30 cutting-edge digital wide format (60-inch inch or wider) presses, the most in the United States, many of which were either the first of their kind to be installed nationally or worldwide.

Understanding and implementing What made the project memorable for the client was obvious, Wirtz explained. But what stands out in her memory was that the project “was fast-paced. They came to us around Christmas Eve last year, and we had to really understand, graphically, how to implement all the imagery in the space. It was really a matter of merchandising the entire space within that span of two weeks.”

Originally, Clarins executives had inquired about the use of magnets because all of their fi xtures were stainless steel. As Wirtz recalled, “We went to site and tested a few options, and it ended up that magnets didn’t really work on their fixturing.”

The approach for which Duggal opted she added, “has really worked out for them. Most of the graphics are evergreen, but they are all meant to be swapped out if needed.”

In general, Wirtz said, there is a lot of signage in use today that is easily swapped out via a magnet or fabric-frame gasket pieces. “Graphics that require installation are a little harder to sell, but I don’t think everyone is going completely digital yet.” Duggal does monthly swap outs in the front of the King of Prussia store with the magnets, as well.

While time frames for similar projects are routinely “all over the place usually; more than not, it’s been less and less time. But to the client’s credit, they were very collaborative in working with us, always open to testing and reviewing, and available. We worked together with their visual director really well to get this done, and I think the store is doing well.”

Feedback since the project was completed in mid-January 2017 has been “great,” Wirtz said. “Every month we swap out the front graphics so we know what’s going on in the store at all times, and it has only expanded the account.” Indeed, the project has worked out so well that it has served to launch a long-term working relationship with Clarins.

There has been technological innovation in soft signage, Wirtz added. “People are finding different ways to use it. One of the things we do really well is to create a fi xture design that we can utilize in different ways,” such as adding a film to the frame itself to illuminate the graphic in a different, interactive way. “I think technology and printing kind of collide here in our company really well.”

A larger lesson that can be gleaned from the Clarins project, Wirth said, is “that retail is not dead, and that there are people opening up new stores. Everyone is talking about how (retailers) are closing down and everything like that, but I am as busy as ever. People are still interacting. It’s just that, I think, stores are taking different approaches to the way that they visually merchandise and sell to clients.”

Between Clarins’ first-class in-store design, award-winning products, and on-site spa, the Philadelphia area now has a new and exclusive destination for beauty.

January 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

15

Company Profile:

Creating Graphics that POP with S2K President Dan Pulos attributes much of the company’s success to its phenomenal team of employees who do their job well and don’t need micromanaging.

S2K’s work with Andy’s Custard.

By Howard Riell

W

Good people

ith its state-of-the-art production equipment, national field-service network, and two strategically located print facilities, S2K Graphics in Chatsworth, California, serves clients coast-to-coast by offering low distribution costs, world class print quality, fast and on-time delivery, and what it boasts as an “unwavering” commitment to merchandising success.

The company, founded in 1989 as Signs 2000, is a nationally-recognized printer in point-of-purchase (POP) execution services, design, manufacture, and distribution of a broad array of innovative and disruptive col-

16

Wide-Format & Signage

versary on October 20, 2017, provides a variety of innovative, patented pointof-purchase products, ranging from 3M floor graphics and countertop displays to kiosks, standees, readerboard and window graphics, and more. Annual sales are between $10 million and $15 million.

“Our products are designed to give our clients an increased return on investment, using eye-catching color graphics and displays that provide adequate coverage at key areas of a store’s location,” explained founder and president Dan Pulos. Other specialties include wide-format printing, field surveys, and installations.

The majority of its clients are multisite retailers with a strong focus on quick-service restaurants, including both chains and their beverage partners. It has sales representation across the country, with production facilities in Los Angeles and Nashville. Said Pulos, “We are always looking to expand our sales and production territories.”

Indeed, he added, business grew in 2017 “along with the economy.”

or-matched POP elements. Acquired by FRANKE Company in 2008, its mission is nothing less than to transform its clients’ marketing and merchandising strategies.

S2K, which celebrated its 28th anni-

January 2018

S2K’s corporate culture has been designed to be conducive to individual achievement. “I give my employees great latitude to get their work done within the behavioral guidelines of the company,” noted Pulos. “I don’t micromanage, and I believe most of my employees do their individual jobs much better than I ever could.

I trust their experience and expertise—it’s precisely why they have the positions they do.”

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Given his heavy travel schedule, Pulos explained, he doesn’t have the time to mentor and develop employees, nor does he particularly enjoy teaching.

“Therefore, I require that my direct reports bring a lot to the table individually. With this setup and expectation, I can then coordinate my team’s efforts collectively into a win for the company and, most importantly, the client.”

Pulos says he has always focused on surrounding himself with good people, and to providing the opportunity and resources for them to get their work done efficiently. “There is no substitute for talented people taking charge of their functional areas and then working in concert with each other for the company’s collective good. I believe a good leader should recognize what individuals are needed in developing a team, and in what each individual needs in order to succeed.”

At S2K Graphics, Pulos has developed a 45-member team that he praises as having real depth, “and I believe this is something many of my competitors don’t have. Focused leadership, coupled with a skilled and valued team, makes a difference.”

R-N-B debuts The first half of 2017 was great, Pulos reported, with S2K Graphics earning recognition from Creative magazine as a Top 50 POP company, as well as by being selected as the recipient of the Best in Category award for POP Materials at the Print Excellence awards hosted by PIASC. “Q3 has been a little bit softer than expected,” he noted, “although we did pick up a new QSR account that we’re extremely excited about.”

Earlier this year, S2K outfitted its Tennessee facility with two Jeti Titan HS UV flatbed printers from Agfa Graphics.

They replaced two older devices with the goal of allowing the company to provide customers with what Pulos describes as a “higher-quality” experience from product manufacturing to delivery time. “In 2018, we expect to add three replacement wide-format printers to continue our quest for greater capacity and print quality.”

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Also during 2017, the company inked an exclusive partnership with Andy’s Frozen Custard. The chain currently operates 50 stores, and is rapidly expanding. S2K Graphics will be responsible for all new store point-of-purchase merchandising, and in September helped Andy’s management with the opening of three new stores.

For the year ahead, Pulos says he and his colleagues would like to see their company diversify its client base “and work toward creating a more viable long-term business model.”

S2K’s newest product, R-N-B (repositionable, no bubbles), is a special graphic fi lm product that is viewed as revolutionary in its ease of use and in the fi nished look.

“It’s a patent-pending exclusive product offering found only through S2K Graphics that was formulated to combat typical window graphic installation,” Pulos explained. “Whereas traditional window graphics often require two people to properly install them, R-N-B was developed so that retailers need not rely on professional or experienced installation teams to properly apply oversized promotional graphics.” The new window graphic material became available in August.

Pulos said that the product has been a dream of his for many years.

“I’ve had the idea for about five years now, and have been actively searching for a graphic film that would do what I had in mind. After extensive research, it was determined that the product didn’t exist, so I created my own special formulation, which is custom made for us and only available through S2K Graphics.”

His goal was to make window graphic installation fun. “I wanted employees to fight over who gets to install the new graphics every time a new set arrives at the store. I believe we’ve achieved that with R-N-B.” R-N-B is also very forgiving, with a built-in stiffness that allows a single person to apply, reposition and reapply graphics up to 5-foot-high without damaging the decals. Added Pulos, “I’m really proud of this product.”

Additionally, the product can be

January 2018

re-used if removed within 30 days of initial installation and properly stored for future re-use. The features increase the percentage of correct installations a multi-site retailer should expect in the field. R-N-B prints are priced comparably to view-thru films, providing retailers with a high return on investment in both labor savings and field results.

Concentrate effort S2K Graphics’ management remains committed not only to meeting and exceeding client success, but to sustainability. As the company makes clear to potential customers, it performs and manages its daily operations with the environment in mind. For instance, it only produces products and uses raw materials that are sustainably sourced. It ensures that its manufacturing processes are carried out in a sustainable way.

The company also uses a web-to-print workflow system, which allows its designers to work directly with customers to edit the designs and layouts of each project. It also includes automatized email notifications when proofs are ready to view, when comments are communicated, when revisions need to be made, and when approvals are received. Hence, no printed documents are necessary.

S2K has made what Pulos characterizes as a “concentrated effort” to grow the field-service part of its business.

“We excel at going out into the field, taking surveys for multi-site retailers, analyzing the data, and making recommendations to help grow a business.”

Its patented POP Placement Program is the company’s signature product for multi-site retailers. It shows them exactly where to place every piece of POP at each location to maximize sales results.

The program is currently in operation at more than 5,000 restaurants today.

“On the installation side, we installed graphics at more than 7,000 fast-food restaurants in the second quarter, which was quite an accomplishment for our team.”

Indeed, it is a team for whom accomplishment has become business as usual.

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17

Industry Insights:

When Print Takes Off

T

he start of a year is always a time of reflection. For FESPA, 2017 was another packed year with seven exhibitions and a number of regional events.

Since 2015, we’ve used the insight from the FESPA Print Census to tailor our exhibition and educational offerings to the needs of our global community of specialty print service providers (PSPs). Looking to 2018, it’s interesting to reflect on how some of these trends are influencing our exhibition portfolio and how they have had a direct effect on some of our strategic decisions.

By Neil Felton

Textile

CEO, FESPA Neil joined FESPA in May 2011 as Managing Director in charge of the organization’s exhibitions and events, and moved into his current role as Chief Executive Officer in 2013 A highly experienced exhibitions director, he has held a variety of senior exhibition roles, including Executive Director at William Reed Business Media and Group Event Director at Penton Media Europe.

One of the overarching trends to come out of the initial FESPA Print Census findings was the growth in textile printing. Two years later, we’re still witnessing the demand in this application area. It’s a trend that isn’t just applicable in Europe, but has been a prevailing theme at our regional exhibitions.

The rapid expansion of textile printing was evident at FESPA Global Print Expo in May 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. There were four halls dedicated to textile at the exhibition, reflecting the broader spectrum of textile applications including garments, interiors, banners, and signage. A total of 23% of new exhibitors at the event were also involved with textile.

Textile was also a noticeable trend at our inaugural FESPA Asia event in February 2017, with a high number of exhibitors showcasing textile solutions and applications. This trend is set to continue at FESPA Asia 2018 when it returns to Bangkok in February, with many exhibitors confirmed to date involved in textile printing.

FESPA Mexico has also seen significant growth within this area, in line with the worldwide trend towards the opportunities it offers. During a trip to North America at the end of 2017, the plethora of textile applications was also notable, showing that this is truly a global growth area.

Digital as a change enabler Find this article at PrintingNews.com/12386050

18

One of the key factors in helping print service providers to emerge stronger from the economic downturn has been the advance of digital technology. The findings from the first FESPA Print

Wide-Format & Signage

January 2108

Census affirmed the extent to which digital printing is a key enabler for multiple applications.

Digital printing has rapidly evolved over the past 10 years where it has dramatically reshaped and revitalized our sector, as many PSPs have now adopted digital technology, either on its own or in conjunction with screen processes.

Speaking with both visitors and exhibitors it was clear that as digital has become a mature technology, they would prefer one annual FESPA event embracing both digital and analogue products and applications to reflect the diversity of their businesses.

This insight empowered our decision to integrate our standalone FESPA Digital event—one decade after we launched it—within an all-encompassing annual FESPA Global Print Expo, which embraces all technologies and applications.

FESPA 2017, which took place in May 2018 in Hamburg, Germany, was the first edition of the all-encompassing Global Print Expo. Mote than 20,000 visitors from 139 countries attended the exhibition across the five day exhibition, with 31 exhibitors travelling from the USA. In the last couple of months, we’ve launched the campaign for the next Global Print Expo, which takes place in Berlin, Germany from May 15-18, 2018. It’s here we will announce the results of our second FESPA Print Census, which was launched in February 2017. We’re fascinated to see if how the salient trends from the last Census have progressed and identifying the latest emerging trends.

Where print takes off The Print Census found that optimism in our sector has been steadily increasing over the decade since the 2008 global financial crisis. The increased optimism can also be seen in the way FESPA’s own campaigns have evolved. Over the past decade, we’ve moved from themes that focused on innovation and discovery as a means of restoring business confidence, towards confident campaigns that celebrate print and encourage PSPs to take their business further.

The FESPA 2017 campaign theme, ‘Dare to Print Different’, reflected this change with an upbeat, positive message that challenged printers to look Continued on page 22

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Industry Insights:

Finding the Next Generation

W

By Lori Anderson President & CEO of the International Sign Association Lori Anderson is president & CEO for the International Sign Association (ISA), which serves the international on-premise signage and visual communications industry. ISA’s programs include educational conferences, government relations, technology research, and the International Sign Exposition.

Find this article at PrintingNews.com/12386056

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hat if every problem that a sign, graphics, and visual communications company faced was met with an enthusiastic solution?

Nowhere is that more clear than in the successes we’re seeing as a result of Sign Manufacturing Day, which introduces high school, technical, and community college students to career opportunities in the industry.

It is a solution to one of the most challenging issues that companies face: finding the next generation of workers. It has been made even more challenging as we see the unemployment rate drop to a figure we haven’t seen in nearly two decades. Our industry, though, has an even steeper hill in that many students aren’t really aware we exist. They may learn welding at their local trade school, but never consider that the signs they pass each day may showcase a welder’s work.

Bringing them into the manufacturing floor often generates positive letters like this one, sent to a participating company after the 2017 event: “My favorite part about the tour was looking at the different variations of signs which belonged to well-known trademarked companies. I grew a very strong interest in one day working for your company because I admire the environment, the signs which are manufactured, and the feeling of knowing I have made a sign people see every day.”

You can almost see the light bulb going off for this student, can’t you? As an industry, we are trained to turn the spotlight onto our customers.

Our focus goes into making sure that their branding is cohesive, their message is clear, and their sign drives business. But we sometimes forget that we need to do the same for our businesses and industry, too.

The end result can be just as it was for that student, a light bulb moment. As we look ahead to the new year, I challenge you to think about some of the biggest issues facing our industry and how we might find solutions by:

Investing in our future workforce. We’ve been saying this for years, but recruiting new workers into the industry is vital to our ongoing success.

Sign Manufacturing Day—which has more than quadrupled in the last five years—is certainly one way to do so. But you don’t have to wait for the first Friday in October to begin reaching out to schools in your area. Consider co-ops, internships, and building relationships with school’s job placement experts. Bring them into the facility and show them what we do. ISA’s Career Center (signs.org/careers) has plenty of resources you can use to showcase the industry. You might get more than a letter like the one above; you might get employees.

Once students are in the building, you have to keep them engaged not only in your company, but also in the industry. ISA’s Elite program— which offers training and networking for the next generation of company and industry leaders— can help.

Mirasol Juarez is part of the 2017 class. She found networking to be invaluable. “I’ve had an installer bail on me and not show up or didn’t pull permits when he said he would and he had my signs. And I’ve been able to go through people that I met at ISA and actually call board members that I knew were in that area and they were able to help me out.”

Participating in the program has led directly to success for Mirasol and so many others. That will keep younger workers engaged—and keep them at your company. Consider nominating someone that you know—or nominate yourself. Hurry, though; the application deadline is January 5.

Learn more at signexpo.org/elite.

Staying on top of a technology revolution. Every day has challenges of its own. Someone called in sick. There’s the meeting with a new client and the proposed sign that requires a variance. But if you are so busy with the day-to-day, you might just miss the next big technological revolution—or at least the evolution of your business.

January 2018

Continued on page 22

Wide-Format & Signage

19

New

Products Bubble Free Graphic Media from Plastprint Plastiprint Sales Company introduced their new Bubble Free graphic media.

It has a dot patterned adhesive that allows air to escape through the pattern channels leaving no bubbles during or after application. Installation of the media is simple and anyone at the retail

Paradigm Imaging Group PIXis UV Flatbed Printers Paradigm Imaging Group announced the release of a new line of UV flatbed printers from the new PIXis product line.

Paradigm Imaging Group announced the release of a new line of UV flatbed print-

level can apply the film with no issues or problems. It’s also PVC free, phthalate free, and plasticizer free.

PrintingNews.com/12377360

ers from the new PIXis product line. The PIXis UV flatbed printers deliver the most advanced printing technology with stronger, faster and more powerful LED curing system. The long lasting, energy efficient UV LED lamp generates low levels of heat for printing directly on a wide range of surfaces and three-dimensional objects.

Advanced Ricoh Gen5 print head technology ensures the photo quality output up to 1080×1440 dpi. The multi-drop capability allows the creation of a range of drop sizes from 7 to 21 picoliter enabling high quality gray-scale printing. The PIXis UV flatbed printers start at $79,500.

PrintingNews.com/12386357

Xante UV Flatbed Printer Hundreds of 2017 SGIA Expo attendees’ appetites for an affordable, high quality multi-substrate print solution were introduced to Xante’s new UV4000 UV LED printer. “SGIA is such an important event for commercial operations that we felt it was perfect for the UV4000,”said Robert Ross, Xante president and CEO. “They definitely weren’t disappointed and we couldn’t have been more pleased. At a

GPA Metalized Styrene

very affordable $50,000, the UV4000 de-

GPA announced the latest addition to their wide format offering: GPA Metalized Sty-

stroys a significant barrier to profitabili-

rene. These substrates make it easy to produce stunning signage and high-end point-

ty for our customers. This is a very sweet

of-purchase displays with added impact that demands attention.

spot for shops which have been waiting

GPA Metalized Styrene is perfect for creating retail displays, store fi xtures, hanging

for a UV flatbed,” Ross added. Attendees

signs, storefront window displays, and tradeshow graphics with undeniable drama.

saw the range of substrates accepted by

The metallic finish of these sheets infuses each project with a distinct mood and char-

the UV4000.

acter, from antique to sleek. The versatility of GPA Metalized Styrene makes it the ideal

Whether the media is coroplast, acryl-

solution for use in boutiques, high-end jewelry stores, beauty and cosmetics displays,

ic, metal, or glass, the UV4000 proved it

wine and spirits marketing, and in other luxury markets.

was the solution that any sign shop or in-

PrintingNews.com/12386351

plant could easily find useful.

PrintingNews.com/12386345

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Wide-Format & Signage

January 2018

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New

Products KernowJet Interiors KernowJet Interiors is suitable for a multitude of decorative wallcovering applications.

Kernow North America introduced KernowJet Interiors. KernowJet Interiors is a new range of smooth and embossed printable, professional, high-performance wallcov-

EFI Pro 24f Electronics For Imaging, Inc. an-

erings designed for tough environments. KernowJet Interiors is suitable for a multitude of decorative wallcovering applications in retail stores, hotels, offices, POS, airports, hospitals, medical, educational environments, and more.

nounced commercial availability of

Bio-Pruf characteristics are probably the most important feature for the end-user. A

its newest launched printer, the EFI

special additional step in production gives KernowJet Interiors the unique capacity to

Pro 24f. First exhibited at the recent

inhibit the growth of micro-organisms (bacteria and mold), and there is no time limit

SGIA Expo, it is the only dedicated

to it. Printers can get new business in hospitals, schools, nurseries, as well as within the

flatbed wide-format printer featuring

hospitality industry.

EFI’s proven LED and variable drop

PrintingNews.com/12386619

grayscale head technologies. It provides precision imaging, fine detail and outstanding image quality for

Zünd RM-L 100W Laser Module

a broad range of applications. “We were completely blown away once the printer was up and running,” said

With the LM 100W, Zünd has introduced a laser module for sign & display applications.

With the LM 100W, Zünd has introduced a laser module for sign & display applica-

Superior Signs & Engraving co-owner Adam Stiles. “The 24f produces vibrant colors and has great print speed. In fact, we have doubled our

tions. The purpose of this new laser-cutting system is to cut polyester fabrics and seal the edges at the same time. This addition further amplifies the versatility of Zünd’s modular, wide-format cutting systems.

The Zünd laser module is equipped with an air-cooled CO2 100W laser with a pro-

output on flatbed work with this new printer. Plus, the printer’s white ink produces a very opaque, bright white color, which has increased our quality of print. Overall we would recom-

cessing speed of 44m/144 ft per min. As a Class 1 laser, it requires no special safety gear such as protective glasses. The laser module is fully enclosed, which provides reliable protection for the operator.

PrintingNews.com/12386612

mend this printer 100%.”

PrintingNews.com/12385259

Rollem Champion SS Back Slits Rollem’s advanced technology allows you to back or face-slit stocks with the highest degree of accuracy. The SS is most commonly used for precise partial slitting (back slitting or kiss cutting) of all pressure sensitive materials including labels, tags and automotive signs and skins. A 2.5” hardened concentric roller stabilizes and supports the width of any sheet. Th is positive control eliminates high and low cutting points ensuring precision and consistency. Wide format slitting is no problem for the SS as it is offered in five sizes including 18”, 24” 30”, 36”, and 42” wide models.

PrintingNews.com/12384044

PrintingNews .com

January 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

21

Continued from page 18

for ways to differentiate their offering to expand their businesses’ boundaries.

Our FESPA 2018 campaign strapline ‘Where Print Takes Off’, is in the same vein. It’s a theme of positivity, celebrating and demonstrating what printers can do with print, persuading them to seize new opportunities, taking PSPs from commodity print to adding value

to their existing business to create revenue streams. Of course it also highlights the role of FESPA as the market’s most significant Launchpad for technology innovations.

Obtaining this insight is vital for us to represent the needs of our global print community and understand the growth opportunities and challenges that they

are facing. While we are planning for 2018 and onward, it will be interesting when the results of the second Census are announced to see where the industry is heading and how we can channel these insights to support the global print community to benefit them.

need to go to the coolest sign show ever.’ That’s what we did. We became members of the International Sign Association. Right off the bat, we came

down here and we absorbed everything we could learn and talked to everyone.

We were fascinated by the whole idea of the sign industry. So, from then on, we were just hooked.”

Even though she now knows more about signs, she continues to come to ISA Sign Expo to keep up with the rapidly changing technology. “There are so many new technologies, new ideas and new creatives,” she said. “This is the place to come. If you want to be on top of technology and you want to know what’s going on, be here. It’s where you want to be to know what is going on.”

I couldn’t agree with Monica more.

Our industry is incredibly diverse, and expanding into new areas makes sense for a lot of businesses. If you have a printer, ISA International Sign Expo will not only showcase new technologies, new printers, new substrates, and inks, but it also will spark ideas of related areas ripe for expansion. ISA International Sign Expo 2018 is March 22-24 in Orlando, Florida. Come early for the education events, which begin March 21.

Sure, our industry will encounter challenges in the year ahead. But if past experience is a guide, we’ll find solutions and opportunities that allow us to grow in unexpected ways. Here’s to a great 2018!

Continued from page 19

Monica Collard started out with awnings before expanding into signs.

“We know awnings, but we didn’t know signs,” she said. “Everyone told us, ‘You

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12/18/17 12:31 PM