From Canvas to Cars

The Evolution of the Artist in the World of Vehicle Wraps

Design Studio

by Christina McKay

My artistic journey unfolded from a childhood love for art. Despite facing resistance from my family, who guided me towards a military career, I navigated through various paths—from Air Force Weapon Technician to attending Trade School for Automotive Repair. I even took a detour into 3D Animation and chased a College degree in Psychology.

10 years ago, while pursuing 3D Animation, I discovered a profound truth: success in the industry wasn’t just about skills but also about connections. This realization led me to my now-husband, a talented 3D Effects Artist working in Hollywood Film. His encouragement ignited a spark, urging me to follow my true passion – combining art with automotive. Embracing this newfound direction, I embarked on a transformative journey, melding my artistic flair with the dynamic world of automotive design.

Discovering Vinyl Wraps: A Turning Point

The breakthrough came when I stumbled upon the world of vinyl wraps. Intrigued by the idea of applying art like a sticker, I envisioned a way to merge my love for automotive and art seamlessly. However, entering this

unknown territory required learning the ropes, starting at the bottom, and finding a mentor who believed in my potential.

Lessons from the Shop Floor:

The first wrap company that took a chance on me not only taught me the intricacies of design but also imparted invaluable lessons about the business side of things. A strict yet nurturing environment fueled my growth, laying the foundation for what would become my venture. Working in different shops exposed me to varied approaches in the industry. Each experience shaped my perspective, emphasizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all method. My artistic perfectionism faced challenges in a fast-paced shop atmosphere, but overcoming this struggle fueled my confidence and determination. I learned that success in this dynamic industry goes beyond expertise; it’s about recognizing the unstoppable force within oneself. My message to aspiring artists echoes this sentiment: dedicate yourself to the craft, embrace the learning curve, and unveil the strength that lies within.

Curvaceous Wraps: A Vision Realized

As I founded Curvaceous Wraps, my aim was clear—to create custom-made artwork surpassing the offerings of traditional wrap shops. Charging the right rates for intricate, high-style designs became imperative. Having a blend of expertise in vinyl, vehicles, art, and 3D, I created a niche that sets me apart. To those aspiring to tread this path, I affirm that it’s an achievable feat, but it demands dedication and hard work.

My Design Process:

Creating each design begins with the spark of a client’s idea—a desire for something truly special, tailored to their vision. I like to draw parallels to a tattoo artist, where instead of inking skin, I use a vehicle as my canvas. Transforming a car into a work of art presents challenges, akin to tattooing on a dynamic surface. The art must conform to the curves and contours, bending, warping, and flowing with the vehicle’s shape to avoid appearing flat. It’s a delicate balance, much like the skill required to tattoo an arm or leg.

Currently, I’m operating independently. I’ve established my own office—a creative sanctuary that I affectionately call my ‘girl boss’ cave. It’s my own space, and I love it, but sometimes I miss the collaborative atmosphere of a shop setting and being around colleges. Working for oneself demands a distinct discipline, yet there’s a unique value in constant learning through interactions with others.

Tools and Equipment:

I’m equipped with top-tier tools and technology, I invest in the best to ensure the efficiency and speed required for me to generate my intricate designs is possible. The nature of

my work does take time, but I’m always coming up with ways to work faster, just like any artist would if their aim is for profitability. Possessing the right tools is a must to achieve this—loads of RAM, I always say buying more space is always better than not having enough. Operating from a laptop won’t cut it because of the hefty files we deal with. On occasion, I find it beneficial to work with two PCs concurrently. For my digital masterpieces, I swear by my Wacom Cintiq Tablet. So undoubtedly, powerful computers are an indispensable requirement in our profession. It should be the backbone of what I do.

Inspiration:

Inspiration, for me, is looking at what other one must be a team player, giving it their best, even if it’s not perfect. You’re all in it together. Don’t throw others under the bus.

Client Happiness Matters:

I feel that the heartbeat of this profession is undeniably the client. Their satisfaction is the true measure of success. Every project is an endeavor to ensure their happiness, crafting designs that resonate with their vision. As long as the clients find joy in the final result, the mission is accomplished.

Growing Like an Artist:

I still cherish the analogy of an artist’s growth, much like a tattoo artist’s journey. Begin small, improve over time, and eventually become sought after. Each project serves as a stepping stone toward mastering the craft.

Recognizing that I couldn’t handle everything on my own was a pivotal moment. Understanding it’s perfectly fine not to wear all the hats – learning and making mistakes is part of the process. The key is to grow through these experiences and emerge better at what you do.

In essence, it’s all about teamwork, trust, dedication, making clients happy, growing like an artist, and knowing your limits in this exciting and intricate world of vehicle design.

Aspiring wrap designers and newcomers should embrace creativity as their guiding force. The secret sauce is to let their imagination run wild and break free from the usual molds. They need to take every chance to learn and play around with different styles, colors, and shapes – make their mark and let their unique style shine through.

Remember that each project is a canvas waiting to be transformed, and designs have the power to captivate and leave a lasting impression. Embrace challenges with a can-do attitude, because overcoming obstacles is how you’ll truly refine your craft. The road to becoming a kickass wrap designer is paved with passion and innovation. Let loose, get creative, and go for it!