January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 1
2 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
Editorial January 2024
06 / Liner Notes
Welcome to the Premiere Issue of WrapFam Unleashed! James “Ruggs” Kochevar gives you an inside look at the passion and promise behind the new magazine.
08 / The Wrap Business
Pricing With Confidence
Matt Richart explains the secret behind controlling expectations and holding a respectable rate for your services.
10 / The Inside Scoop
How to Capture Earned Media While Riding the Wave
Javier Lozano Jr shares Wrapmate’s strategy behind investing in the massive media attention surrounding “Coach Prime” at the University of Colorado.
p76
16 / Tips & Tricks
Which Glue is Right for You
Jay Kroll explores the differences in pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed films and how you could be burning up profits without knowing it.
22 / Ask John
You’ve Arrived
John Duever answers a philosophical question regarding a legitimizing moment in his career.
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January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 3
Editorial
Ad Index
January 2024
26 / Shop Profile
The Legend Behind the Godfather.
Starla Miller offers a glimpse behind the scenes at Miller Decals and provides a candid portrait of her husband, Jim, often revered by many as “the Godfather”. + A Q&A with Jim & Starla.
32 / The Shop
Choosing the Right Printer for Your Shop
Adam Sumner takes a look at the arduous task of purchasing your next printer.
36 / The Clear View
Leaving Money on the Table
Narayan Andrews breaks down why offering PPF and Tint could/should make sense for your business.
40 / The Centerfold
East Coast vs West Coast
Jen and Steve Carney showcase one of the sexiest wraps of the year with this tribute to 90’s Hip Hop.
46 / Tips & Tricks
The Great Divide: Traditional Art VS AI Assisted Art
Dallas Fowler dips a toe in the often taboo-riddled topic of using AI. generation as an aid in the creative process.
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52 / Design Studio
Blade Cage……………………… 85
Joe Solis takes us on a deep dive into his design process.
General Forumulations…… 84
60 / Giving Back
School of Wrap……………… 88
A behind-the-scenes look at an organization dedicated to the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.
Wrap Institute…………………… 5
74 / Featured Wraps
WRAPIX Academy…………… 88
This Star is Bright in Texas
Remembering the Fallen
Gallery
We shine a spotlight on the market’s creativity.
78 / SEMA 2023 Recap
Wraps Take Center Stage Wraps now dominate at the world’s largest trade show.
84 / New Products
Manufacturing Showcase
Bringing you the latest releases.
86 / In The News
A Look at What’s Happening in the Wraps Market Bringing you the latest news.
88 / Trainers Spotlight Trainer Profiles
An inside look at who’s ready to train you for success!
Digital EFX……………………… 31
ORAFOL/KPMF……………… 84
Wensco……………………………… 7
Wrap Nation……………………… 2 WrapIQ…………………………… 83
WrapStar Pro…………………… 13
89 / WrapToons
A dedicated Toon for the Wraps market
Dallas Fowler’s unique perspective and artistic gift to the wrap world.
- On the Cover Fulled by the Fallen
Five wrap design legends lend their talents to a special cause.
Empowering you to wrap anything like a professional from the industry's most trusted and innovative experts.
TWI Online Training Platform Professional How To Videos For Beginners and Advanced Installers Covering Everything From:
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
2944 VIDEOS AND COUNTING
PPF Interior Design Window Tint
Color Change Commercial Business Signage
TWI Platinum Tool Collection To Wrap The Best, Use The Best The ultimate collection of wrap tools from the leading manufacturers across the world
Available at
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 5
Liner Notes
W
elcome to the premiere issue of WrapFam Unleashed! I am thrilled to bring you, my wrap fam, a bold and brilliant magazine dedicated to the vinyl installation market. This magazine is designed to provide novices and pros alike with the tools they need to run a successful wraps business, stay abreast of the latest products and trends, and give readers a voice within our pages. That’s right; this magazine wants to showcase you and your work. Your opportunities are limitless and at your fingertips. You’ll notice that this magazine is paperless, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, we aim to reduce our impact on the environment by not contributing to deforestation. Secondly, it allows you to take it with you wherever you go. Thirdly, it’s easy to share any article, photo, or even the full issue within seconds! The articles, advertisers, writers, and products all link seamlessly. I’ve decided to name my column “Liner Notes” as an homage to my love for reading the inside of old records, but also as a nod to the problem everyone faces with unrecyclable release liners. Maybe someday! The dichotomy of this love/hate “liner” relationship is a great way to kick off this premiere issue. This is an inside look at what makes “the Wrap Fam” tick, in their own words. Enjoy,
-Ruggs 6 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
January 2024
VOL. 1 ISSUE 1 www.thewrapfam.com
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief James “Ruggs” Kochevar
ruggs@wrapfamunleashed.com
Art Director, Graphic Design Leslie Kochevar
leslie@northstargraphicspromo.com
Contributors Adam Sumner
adam@wrapixacademy.com
Dallas Fowler
dallas@digitalefxwraps.com
John Duever
john@wrapiq.com
Matt Richart
matt@digitalefx.com
Narayan Andrews
narayan@spectrumautollc.com
Guest Contributors Javier Lozano Jr Jay Kroll Starla Miller Jen & Steve Carney Joe Solis
@WrapFamUnleashed WrapFam Unleashed is a registered DBA of North Star Graphics & Promotions. Reproduction in part or in full without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. WrapFam Unleashed is published in the U.S. Contents copyright 2024, WrapFam Unleashed.
Want to be a contributor? BW LOGO
• • •
Design Studio Failed Featured Shop
• • •
Featured Wraps Giving Back The Centerfold
• •
Tips & Tricks Windows, Walls & Floors
We’re excited to put the spotlight on you and welcome your contributions. If you’ve got questions about your submission, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Call or text (303) 219-0827COLOR or email LOGO ruggs@thewrapfam.com
www.thewrapfam.com/editorial
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 7
The Wrap Biz
Pricing with Confidence Mastering the Art of Pricing: Building Confidence in Sales Success By Matt Richart have always been a big fan of sales and the sales process. From selling women’s clothing, outdoor lighting, water purification systems, and now Vehicle wraps I can now say that having confidence in your product is what will bring you success. In my past sales career, I have held positions where I was not successful in sales. I linked that failure to not believing in the product and most importantly myself. I learned very early in my career to educate myself on the product that I was selling from A to Z. Most important in sales is to know why and how your product can benefit your client. If you can get that important step solidified, selling with confidence should become second nature to your sales process moving forward. O.B. Smith has a great quote that I try to live by “Confidence and enthusiasm are the greatest sales producers in any kind of economy”. Having confidence in everything you do in life can be challenging to many, depending on how you are wired. Implementing confidence in your sales DNA can be easier if you can inject enthusiasm in your sales tactics. When your client hears your enthusiasm it exudes confidence. Being direct with your quote and pricing also reflects your confidence in what you require from your client in order to produce a product you strongly stand behind. 8 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
I guess you could call me old school in certain ways, but I like to give pricing and pricing avenues to our clients face to face. This allows me to read their reactions and body language
Confidence and enthusiasm are the greatest sales producers in any kind of economy. -O.B. Smith
based off what I have presented to them. For me it’s very hard to show confidence and enthusiasm through an email or text. Obviously, the final quote and estimates are emailed directly to our clients for approval, but this step happens after we have had face to face meetings. I have seen many sales reps mumble words when they are discussing pricing. My wife and I have encountered car salesman that trip over their words and can see the lack of confidence they have in the vehicle that we were looking at. Some people are also not confident in selling because they are afraid of rejections or getting the NO response. I think that plays a big part in believing in the product that you are selling. In my honest opinion vehicle wraps are one of the easiest products that I have been fortunate to sell. Vehicle wraps are one of the most effective forms of advertising available. Vehicle wraps bring almost every client a return
Image: www.freepik.com/free-photo/person-working-car-wrapping_24481805.htm
on their investment regardless if it’s a partial or full wrap. Vehicle wraps are also one of the only forms of advertising that you have something tangible in the end. Meaning once the life of the wrap has ended your client can re-wrap their existing vehicle or remove it completely. The vehicle they lease or own is still theirs. The other aspect of having confidence in selling vehicle wraps is it allows me to fit almost every budget. I can propose a $6,500 full wrap down to a set of
Take pride in your product, services, and the quality that you produce on a daily basis. Know your worth and explain the benefits of your quality product with confidence and enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid of rejection. The next customer that walks through your door will say YES to your pricing. If you believe in yourself, they will believe in you!
vehicle magnets for $85 depending on our client’s budget. This allows me to navigate any negativity that may be associated with our client’s budget. When you get in front of your client next time to discuss pricing, be ready to show enthusiasm.
Matt Richart Matt@digitalefxwraps.com Co-Owner/CFO, Digital EFX Wraps LLC. Instructor, Inside The Wrap Shop
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 9
The Inside Scoop
How to Capture Earned Media While Riding a Wave
E
By Javier Lozano Jr arned media is one of the most challenging forms of marketing there is because it’s mostly out of your control. Paid media – pretty easy. Find a channel (Facebook if you’re a wrap shop), narrow your audience, create an ad that will make people stop scrolling, put some money against it, and you’re off to the races. The goal is simple. Generate revenue. However, earned media is a different animal. It’s a brand play. It’s your “reputation” – what people think of you/your company. When you run a branding campaign, you won’t see an immediate impact on revenue. But, if you play your cards right, a branding campaign can outperform your paid media campaign. Let me explain. Earned media is when someone else uses their platform to write a story about you or your company. Traditionally, earned media has always been news stations, newspapers, print publications, radio, etc. The mainstream outlets. Today, earned media has expanded beyond the normal outlets. Influencers, industry blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, private groups, and digital publications (such as The Wrap Fam) have played a vital role in the growth 10 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
of earned media. The opportunity to capture earned media is there. But, how do you get it? I’ve created a framework over the years that has tipped the scales in my favor in getting earned media. I’ve been featured on the news (both live and recorded) 3 times, in newspapers 4 times, got a website to go viral, and more. My latest earned media was riding the wave of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.
The Backstory If you’re a college sports fan, you know Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes football team are shattering viewership, ratings, and more. Plus, I’m a University of Colorado alum. When Coach Prime got hired in December 2022 — I told my wife that I wanted to wrap my truck because I believed he would transform this team. Fast forward to September 2nd, 2023. They beat TCU on the road. Next weekend, they beat their nemesis, Nebraska at home. The following weekend, they beat in-state rival Colorado State. The game ended at 2:30am and had nearly 10 million viewers watching. This is unheard of during the regular season. Especially for the Colorado Buffaloes. They’ve been the laughingstock of college football for the better half of 2 decades. A movement was happening in college sports, and Colorado was the center of it.
And since Wrapmate is based in Denver. I’m a CU alum. The stars were aligning.
Finding a Wave to Ride Marketing is both science and art. I would argue it’s 90% science and 10% art. However, that 10% art can make up 90% of your reputation. In order to get earned media, you need to find a wave to ride. But, you need to find it early. It’s literally trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Have a pulse on local news, national news, industry news, and news that may “border” your industry. Think automobiles. You know how Tesla Cybertruck all come in the color of your dishwasher (stainless steel)??? Yea, well, we got Wrapmate to go viral by riding this wave in June 2023. Nearly 1 million website visits in 36 hours. Insanity. So, finding the right wave is important.
How It Started My team and I decided to wrap my 2019 Ford F250 with a Coach Prime and Colorado Football-inspired design. I asked our head designer to take on this project. This was an opportunity for our team to “flex” their design muscles. The goal was to turn heads. Get attention. And use it as a doorway to get earned media. It didn’t stop with my truck wrap, though. We decided to wrap 25 cars to drive around Boulder and SWARM home games. We leveraged Wrapify and its powerful technology to execute this campaign. Wrapify is a top player in the Out Of Home Advertising (OOH) space. They typically work with Fortune companies and January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 11
The Inside Scoop
businesses looking to increase their brand awareness within certain markets. Wrapmate’s marketing strategy has always been direct response. For every dollar spent, we can calculate the ROI. The 25 wrapped cars would have 1 of 3 Coach Prime-inspired quotes: 1) “We Keep Receipts”, 2) “We Believe In Coach Prime”, and 3) “We Ain’t Hard To Find.”
The Goal of this Campaign The ultimate goal of our Coach Prime campaign was to capture earned media. Not just traditional earned media. But, CU players and Coach Prime himself. In addition, we believed this campaign would also grow our Instagram followers. And, strike attention from ESPN and Fox Sports. 12 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
This was a 100% branding campaign. I believe that the earned media gained today will pay off 3, 6, and 12 months from now Not to mention the gained reputation.
Earned Media Framework: Research
This is possibly the most important part of the framework, yet the least amount of time here is spent here. You’ll need to spend about a full day building a list of local TV stations, newspapers, radio stations, podcasts, influencers, blogs, publications, etc. Your list should include information on where to submit your news tips or the main contact(s). Sometimes, you can find it on the “Contact Us” page, while other times it’s buried somewhere on the website.
As for influencers and thought leaders, you’ll need to find what platforms they tend to congregate on. Then, find ways to enter their world. Commenting on their posts, sending them a DM, or asking friends to create a connection. However, creative approaches tend to be more successful.
Pseudo Press Release I decided not to write an official press release, but rather a blog post that explained what Wrapmate was doing. This allowed us to control the narrative and document the journey in real-time. Pics of my truck wrap, SWARMs in Boulder, etc – all posted as content was created.
Contest We decided to make this a User-Generated Content (UGC) contest. Each of the 25 wrapped cars had a QR code. Scanning it took them to the contest rules page. They were simple. 1) Take a picture of a wrapped car in the “wild.” 2) post it on Instagram. 3) tag Wrapmate and 3 friends 4) use the hashtag #WrapamteBelieves. This would then enter folks into winning 2 tickets to the home game finale. This contest gave our media outlets yet another reason to do a story on us.
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The Inside Scoop
Outreach
The Waiting Game
I wrote an email, then had Chat GPT re-write the email. I then took my list of media contacts and simply copied and pasted messages. Some messages were more personalized, while others were boilerplate. This took about half a day.
Don’t be surprised if you mostly hear nothing. These outlets get pitched dozens of stories per day. And, you may need to resend the pitch a few times. Literally, it’s all about timing. Because the Coach Prime movement was so hot, I got a few emails and phone calls expressing interest. It’s a process.
Asking Your Connections Think of the connections you’ve made over the years. See who they know and if they can create an introduction. Remember, your goal is to get coverage, so make the ask. My neighbor is a co-host for a show on Fox21 News. He put me in touch with their sports anchor who was covering Coach Prime this season. The timing was just perfect. But, it started with the ask. They were the 1st news station to pick up the campaign.
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Interviews We landed 2 local news station interviews, Fox21 News and Denver7 News. Plus, a couple of industry publications (including The Wrap Fam). Each media outlet had its angle they wanted to highlight and feature. But, because I did all of the legwork prior to creating our pseudo press release, it was easy for them to pick a storyline. I shouldn’t have to say this, but if you get interviewed on TV, make your shop look perfect. Let your team know so they can be part of the opportunity. Set expectations internally. And, make sure to be yourself. That’s what got you here in the first place.
Documenting the Process We documented the entire process on social media. To the point where my audience was commenting on how much they were enjoying how this was unfolding. That’s to goal. Bring your people on this ride. In addition, we crafted posts for different social media platforms. Each post pushed folks to our contest rules page. To get further reach, we tagged appropriate handles, and used specific hashtags. We even put some money into running boosted reels because those seemed to favor the algorithms. We were posting multiple times per week. Relentlessly.
Retargeting Ads Wrapify has some slick technology that allows us to retarget people who are within 50 feet of the cars. We ran retargeting ads, pushing the traffic to the contest rules page. This also helped us build a new audience of prospective buyers. Boulder has seen an insurrection of economic growth immediately during all home games due to Coach Prime’s ability to market. The town was packed with Buffaloes fans, alums, boosters, recruits, businesses, and more.
Wins and Losses
and Denver 7 News in the segment “In Good Company,” where they highlight local Denver businesses. Plus, each of these interviews live on their website. This continues to build credibility and trust as we grow our company’s brand. Not to mention the industry publications we’ve received. All this gives us new content to share on social media, our email list, our website, and other channels. However, not everything went perfectly. We wanted to be noticed by Coach Prime, the Sanders family, Buff athletes, and national media such as ESPN and Fox Sports. Plus our UGC campaign, though clever, didn’t create as much traction as we would have hoped.
Was It Worth It? In short, yes. I probably spent about 3 weeks launching and managing this campaign. But, the amount of earned media we created is worth its weight in gold. An earned media strategy is 100% branding. But when executed correctly, your reputation will grow immensely because of the compounding effect.
Javier Lozano Jr. javier.lozano.jr@wrapmate.com CMO, Wrapmate
Our company was featured by two news stations: Fox 31 News in their late-night segment January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 15
TNT (Tips n’ Tricks)
Which Glue is Right for You? Navigating Adhesive Graphics By Jay Kroll e’ve all been there. It’s the 11th hour on a deadline, and the materials you were counting on haven’t arrived. That resourceful, desperate, creative scrambling takes hold. You grab whatever is available, getting you close enough to the spec, knowing you’ll likely have to redo it when the materials finally show up. It’s desperation-fueled ingenuity, and it has saved my bacon more than once. But what about when you have plenty of time and choose to settle for the materials on your shop floor? Have you ever tried to force functionality from films you knew weren’t a good fit? Or applied an adhesive, fingers crossed, hoping it sticks without destroying the surface? When we use cast vinyl for bumper stickers or short-term signage, or opt for economy vinyl for a car wrap, we’re doing our customers a disservice and likely leaving money on the table.
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A lot of this can be attributed to what Charles E. Hummel refers to as the “tyranny of the urgent”—struggling to keep up with complexities without taking the necessary time for education on all the options and moving parts. As a product manager at General Formulations, it is my job to understand the building blocks of adhesive-backed graphic films and what they can do, both as components and sets. My hope is that this quick overview of some of those pieces and parts will help you make better decisions when choosing material for your next job. A quick disclaimer: while I prefer working with GF films, the following information is universal for vinyl in the graphics industry. With very few exceptions, adhesive-backed graphic films will incorporate three key components: film, adhesive, and liner. Within those three building blocks, a whole world of chemistries and combinations exists. Let’s dive in with the first building block—film. For the sake of this article, we are talking about vinyl films. There are two main categories— calendered and cast—and there are different forms of calendered vinyl.
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 17
TNT (Tips n’ Tricks)
All vinyl is essentially the same base ingredients derived from chlorine (salt) and ethylene (oil) with different additives and manufacturing processes. Calendered vinyl is like pizza dough, heated as a blob of resin and squeezed and stretched to a thin film and rolled up for future processing. It has memory, which is why it tends to shrink over time or when heated. Calendered vinyl gets its texture from the calendaring process, where embossed or ultra-smooth rollers will create the matte or gloss finish, as well as impress details like a canvas or stucco texture. Monomeric vinyl, otherwise known as economy or promotional vinyl, utilizes a single 18 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
type of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. This one is typically good for limited applications and is often called “cheap and shiny.” Monomeric films can be great gloss films, but the single resin does not have enough surface area to hold all the additives such as UV stabilizers and plasticizers needed to give flexibility and longevity. These films are good for short-term or interior applications but not for projects like vehicle graphics or long-term outdoor signage. These films turn brown and chalky within one to two years outdoors as they do not have the structure to last under extended sun exposure. Polymeric vinyl, also known as intermediate
Many Small Molecules
One Large Molecule
Monomers
Polymers
vinyl, uses a mix of several types of PVC resin with a greater surface area for those additives that extend product life or give special performance characteristics. The mix of materials in this construction can increase opacity, flexibility, UV durability, fire resistance, gloss, and so on. This is the category where most specialty vinyl lives, and the applications are vast. Wall graphics, floor films, and even some vehicle and fleet wraps can all be found in this category. Cast vinyl is different right from how it is formulated and mixed, starting as a solvated liquid that is poured out onto a paper or film casting sheet, heated to flash off the liquid solvents, and then fused to form a durable, high-performance film. The casting sheet will determine the finish of the film, and typically range all the way from ultra-gloss to ultramatte. Cast vinyl for the graphics industry does not include any special textures or
patterns like you would find in intermediate vinyl. The manufacturing process is much more complex than calendered and results in a material that has incredible stretch and conformability and can be formulated to have extended outdoor durability far beyond the capabilities of its calendered counterpart. Cast vinyl is typically used for more complex, long-life projects such as fleet graphics or textured wall wraps. However, that film is just one piece of the puzzle, and film by itself can only go so far. For the material to work, it needs the second building block—glue. When thinking about glue, terms like sticky, hightack, removable, permanent, peel, or bond come to mind. What about opaque, slideable, beaded, or repositionable? Perhaps solvent or water-based? All of these are components that can be designed into an adhesive, and all have applications where they are needed. January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 19
TNT (Tips n’ Tricks)
First, let’s talk about the difference between tack and bond. Tack is a measure of how much initial or quick grip an adhesive provides. A hightack adhesive will stick immediately to a surface it contacts, attempting to anchor to the substrate so it can build bond, or “adhesion over time.” Tack is right now; bond is over time. A low-tack removable adhesive is ideal for window graphics where the higher surface energy of the glass 20 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
does not require a lot of initial tack for the adhesive to stick, and the removable adhesive ensures low bond for clean and easy replacement of the graphics when the promotion is over. On the other hand, high-tack permanent adhesives grip and hold and will likely either leave adhesive behind when it is time to change the graphic, damage the substrate, or both. It is designed to adhere strongly right from the start, making it easier to stick to surfaces that otherwise would repel the glue, like low surface energy plastics, textured surfaces, wood, or powder-coated metal. High-tack removable adhesives have that initial grip, which comes in handy when sticking to flat finishes, low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints, but maintains a low bond allowing the decals to be removed cleanly and easily when it is time to change out a promotion or redo room décor. Similarly, low-tack permanent adhesives, like those found in slideable vehicle wraps, have low initial tack to allow for easier alignment, and then build to a permanent bond with the addition of heat, pressure, and time. All these characteristics can be designed into the product and should all be considered based on the ultimate application surface, projected lifespan, and any special performance requirements. The final building block in the mix
is the liner, which is much more than the shiny piece of paper you throw away at the end of the
short-term application should be avoided. Wall graphics might require something like
job. The liner thickness, paper type, and silicone
a polymeric calendered vinyl with an adhesive
formulation play a vital role in the overall product
that is both high-tack and removable, and the
performance. Manufacturing methods may vary
slight texture of the painted drywall means no
but, generally, the release liner is coated with
special air egress functionality is needed from
adhesive, run through an oven to dry/cure the
the liner. Cast vinyl can be used for wall wraps,
adhesive, and the face film is then laminated
but then a laminate needs to be added, and it
before winding into a large jumbo roll. Very
becomes really expensive for a job with less
rarely will the vinyl itself go through the oven,
expensive vinyl options specifically designed for it.
and that has to do with “memory.” Paper or
Cut vinyl lettering for a shop window
film liner is stable through the adhesive coating
that needs to last three to five years could
process; if coating directly to the vinyl, it would
use a polymeric vinyl, permanent adhesive,
have a tendency to soften, stretch, or shrink,
and a 78# liner for better performance and
and ultimately end up impossible to work with.
finer detail with the cutting equipment.
The liner gives a surface to cut against,
These three building blocks working
provides a way to deliver stickers across the
together—film, adhesive, and liner—represent
world, imparts a pattern to the adhesive to allow
a world of possibilities in the graphics industry.
for air to escape during installation, and makes
Knowing the options and materials will help
it so we can use and reuse removable decals.
decipher the pieces and parts and allow for the
It is critical for the manufacture of adhesive-
right combination for the application. The goal is
coated vinyl and functional for how we use
to understand what one is working with and be
and install the various flavors of application-
able to know “which glue is right for you” without
specific products. It is a highly engineered,
reprints, rework, or guessing, and to ultimately be
necessary component, even if just thinking
the expert for the customers to guarantee repeat
of it as the piece that gets thrown away.
business and quality work every time.
So, what if you need to print window graphics for a one-month promotion at a pizza shop? One might use a monomeric or polymeric calendered vinyl, probably a low-tack removable adhesive, and a regular 90# lay flat liner with or without air egress. Cast vinyl would be overkill, and using a permanent adhesive on a
Jay Kroll Jkroll@generalformulations.com Product Manager (Cut & Craft Films, Wall Graphics and Transit Media), General Formulations
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 21
Ask John
You’ve Arrived By John Duever
Q: Tim Evans asked, “What was that one project, that one client, that made it really sink in… ‘I’m a professional now,’ and why.” reat question, Tim, and thank you! I think this question is multifaceted, and it has changed over time as Vinyl Images has scaled in size, revenue, core competency, and reach. There are a lot of levels to professionalism, and there are a few different clients that stick out to me over the years that were memorable and give me goosebumps even when I think about them now. Denny Brauer and Strike King Fishing Lures – In the Midwest, bass fishing is extremely popular, and Denny Brauer is the Michael Jordan of bass fishing. The stars aligned, and I had the opportunity to wrap DB’s Suburban and bass boat. I went all out on this wrap; the Suburban was a relatively straightforward commercial wrap, but where we set the bar was with his bass boat. The team at Vinyl Images wrapped everything, I mean everything. Exterior, trailer, interior, even when you opened up the storage on the decks – all of the gel coat was wrapped. When Denny arrived to pick up his rig, he was completely blown away and said it was the best wrap he has ever seen. This rig gained some traction online and led to one of my 22 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
largest commercial fleet accounts to date. The owner of this company is big into bass fishing, saw DB’s rig, and drove down to St. Louis from Chicago for an in-person meeting with me. He just showed up at the shop unannounced. We chatted for a short time, and that led to Vinyl Images making one of our first large splashes in the commercial fleet graphics industry. The initial wrap made me feel like we had “made” it, but the opportunities that have come from that, and what we did with those opportunities, is what has really made me feel like we were finally professional. Bigfoot 4x4 – Who doesn’t like monster trucks?! And when it comes to monster trucks, there is only one that matters to us – Bigfoot 4x4 and Bob Chandler. The monster truck circle is relatively small; everyone knows each other, and if you get the opportunity to get “in” that circle, you take it. Vinyl Images began our quest to wrap Bigfoot by becoming a sponsor for the Monster Truck Racing Association (MTRA). After a year or two, we won the coveted “MTRA Sponsor of the Year” award at the annual banquet. We beat out the likes of Summit Racing and Firestone, to name a couple of other sponsors. This put a big spotlight on us and gave us the opportunity to have simple talks with Bigfoot 4x4. Realizing that it was essentially the perfect fit as we are like-minded and from the St. Louis area, we became fast
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 23
Ask John
24 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
friends and have serviced their fleet of vehicles
ourselves as a company that can take on anything
and monster trucks since that day. The Chandler,
and that being known by all the major architects,
Trent, and Bigfoot team are part of the Vinyl
design firms, and construction companies in the
Images family, and we would go to war for each
Midwest was a major point that made me feel this
other. And it all started with a vision and the love
way. This job is still referenced regularly in these
of big lifted trucks and blown big block motors!
pools and continues to garner attention. Secondly,
Ridiculous Chrome Ceiling – This job
I was able to call my friends, who happen to be
made me feel like we “made” it for multiple
powerhouses in the adhesive-backed industries,
reasons, but let me explain the project so
and each of them immediately said “heck yes!”
you understand the scope of the job.
when I asked if they were interested. This
Imagine a 75’x30’ sculpture made out
opened my eyes to my network and the group
of foam, wire mesh, cement, drywall putty, all
that I was a part of. Just crazy to think about
sanded down smooth and painted – that is on
and incredibly humbling at the same time.
the ceiling of a large open office space. The
Overall, we are just getting started, but these
sculpture was made to look like liquid metal.
three projects/clients over the last 15 years were
Imagine a pool of liquid mercury, and you drop a
what began to put us on the map. It is not the
rock in it; there are waves and a lot of movement.
opportunity you get; it is what you do with those
Well, those waves and movement happened to
opportunities that will set you apart from the rest
be 75’x30’, and the relief of the waves was up
of the field. If a door is cracked open for you or
to 24” in some spots, and it was on the ceiling,
your business, my recommendation is to take a
so we were working upside down. Got it? Yes, it
couple of steps back, take a deep breath, lower
was blasphemous. The impossible project if I’m
your head and shoulder, and run through that
being honest. When I went onsite to see what
door like your life depends on it. Doors don’t get
I had gotten myself into, I was in disbelief of
cracked open often, but when they do, you better
what they wanted accomplished. I knew I had
make the most of it because second chances are
to call in the big guns to help me install this.
increasingly rare.
I reached out to the chrome kings around the world and flew them in to assist. Kevyn Kempf – PGNOLA, James Tate – Tate Designs, Phil Aquin
John Duever
– 3M, Jim Miller – Miller Decals, Blake Madsen
John@wrapiq.com
– Brand Command, Dimas Brasil – Banana
Co-Owner/Operator, Vinyl Images
Buffers, Joe Duever – Vinyl Images, and myself. The reason this job made me feel like Vinyl Images had “made” it is multifaceted. Establishing
Founder/CEO, WrapIQ Have a question for John? Submit your question here: ASK JOHN January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 25
ShopProfile
The
Legend Behind the Godfather
J
By Starla Miller
im Miller’s dad was a
out of the decals on the side
them, and he would figure out a
Little Debbie Snack
of the delivery truck with a
way to put them on the truck.
Cake distributor in
needle and smooth them out.
Miller Decals began in
Arkansas in the 70’s.
After a couple of years of doing
1979 when Jim lined up his
One of Jim’s tasks
this, Jim told his dad to tell the
first decal on the side of his
bakery to send the decals to
dad’s truck at the age of 15.
each year was to pop bubbles 26 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
There were several snack cake distributors in the area. Over the next several years, Jim continued his work smoothing out the bubbles. In 1982, while living near Jackson, Mississippi, Jim
was pursuing a graphics arts degree at Hinds Community College. A business owner approached Jim’s teacher asking if any students had any experience applying decals. Jim accepted the job with Stewart’s Sandwich Shop, applying decals to their delivery trucks. Miller Decals then officially became a business. In 1996, the Olympics were held in Atlanta. It was the place to work in the graphics and sign business, so Jim decided to move the company. The Olympics kept him very busy, and he made some great contacts with local businesses. Over time, he expanded to include all types of graphics and signage installation: vehicle wraps, ADA sign installation, textured surface vinyl application, wall, window, and floor graphics, banners, post and panel signs, etc. He loved a challenge and accepted jobs that enabled him to learn new techniques and evolve. In 2010, he became Lowen Certified, 3M Preferred, and Fellers Certified. These certifications opened many doors. In 2011 he built a new
shop to work from and became certified with Avery Dennison. Over the next several years, he added Arlon, Orafol, Mactac, Geek Wraps, PDAA, UASG, Hexis, Knifeless, and became a member of Masters of Branding and Paint is Dead organizations. Having exposure to many great vinyl materials to choose for application, the preferred one to work with is the appropriate one for the job. Examples of this include the correct material for the substrate such as brick, drywall, windows; material not oversaturated with inks, laminated perforated material for removal in cold weather, etc. Having the right material show up for an application is a winning situation for any installer. Jim says, “Love what you do. Many installers are getting into our industry for different reasons. It’s awesome to start something with a passion for getting paid for your work, but if you don’t love what you’re doing, it becomes a job. Miller Decals has never been a job; it was and is who I am. I am happy to learn everything I can about this craft, share it with others, and get paid for doing what I love.” January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 27
ShopProfile
Q&A
with
Jim Starla and
Q: Considering your longevity in the Q: What were your biggest challenges market, why was this the right time for in making this happen? The first challenge we faced was after a plat a new shop/expansion? After 32 years of installing and not having a shop, to an additional 12 years in our existing shop it was time to expand our team and create an atmosphere where we could optimize production flow. We purchased the property in 2018 and had hoped to be in our new space in October of 2020. We persevered through the process and are excited to finally see the dream coming to life. 28 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
drawing purchase, the proper property survey found that the state of Georgia and federal government held chunks of land that we had bought. This extended the time to start by a year. The next immediate challenge was the 2020 timing of Covid and its effects on the economy with the shut downs, the banking industry adapting to PPP lending solutions, and supply chain issues for building materials and costs.
The last challenge has been with many different construction processes in general. Those range from permitting, to county land records not in order, zoning issues, soil tests with bad dirt, county requirements for structural engineering and architectural aesthetics, delays in contractors or materials, miscommunications with the general contractor. We don’t know what percentage of those are normal, but our experience has seemed to constantly be one step forward and two steps
We want to thank everyone for their love and support through this process. Our immediate and extended family and friends near and wide and coworkers past and present have endured numerous hours of business conversations, we thank you for your graciousness of listening. There have been many prayers prayed on our behalf from people we very close with to others we have not met and we want to thank you for sending unexpected angels to watch
back. Making it all happen has not been easy, but seeing it come together now is very satisfying.
over us and help us through it all. To all of the wrap family who has supported us in so many January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 29
ShopProfile
tremendous ways, from coming to share the workload to reposting something on social media or asking us to write an article to picking up the phone when we call, etc… We can’t count all of them, but you know who you are and how you contributed to our success and we thank you for that! Thank you to all of the Miller Decals crew past and present for getting our business to this point. We could not be opening this new shop without your hard work and support. Last but certainly not in the least, a huge thank you to all of our customers, businesses and manufacturers who have continually welcomed us into their operations whether it be installing a job, testing new materials, demonstrating a product at a trade show or sharing knowledge to grow together. We have felt so much love from everyone 30 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
throughout the years. All of this support is what has sustained us through the many challenges.
Q: How does the partnership with The Wrap Institute play into your new operation? Miller Decals and The Wrap Institute have a long history of working together raising awareness of vehicle wraps and helping others be exposed to techniques, materials, and tools. The new facility will definitely deepen that mutual commitment. We have some exciting things developing for the coming year! We are looking forward to sharing them soon.
Q: Being the “King & Queen” of the wraps market, did you feel pressure to lead the way for others in the market looking to grow and take risks? Jim and I have grown so much over the last 12 years in both of our individual and joint journeys in the industry. Jim has always been a dreamer and I have supported him to make those dreams come to life. Both of us together pour our hearts into what we do and respect each other for our contribution and commitment. That holds true for our family as well. The wrap family is just an extension of our lives. Dreaming and creating this shop is personal, but it is also the next logical step to provide a state of the art facility where installers can grow together and have successful careers.
Q: If you never got into wrapping, where would you be now? There is no way of knowing this, but the artistic nature of graphic design was what Jim pursued in college, so I am guessing he would have been in the industry contributing in one way or another and probably would have ended up wrapping anyway. I don’t think his path would have taken him to be a rock star, chef, or woodworker even though he can play guitar, cook and build pretty much anything. He was destined to be a wrapper and I was destined to be his soul mate. It is where we are now and I wouldn’t change anything about that!
Sell it. Design it. wrap it. Pricing & Marketing Design & Scaling Hands-On Wrapping Register for class today. Limited seats available.
digitalefxwraps.com
Four days. 32 hours. 1,920 minutes. For a lifetime of knowledge. January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 31
The Shop
Choosing the Right Printer For Your Shop Navigating the Every-Evolving Printer Market By Adam Sumner ith countless options to choose from, the daunting task of selecting a printer can leave you with a bit of buyer’s remorse. With printer technology these days, it’s hard to decide what will be the best investment. So, I break down the purchase of a printer into a few categories, and the first is service. The machine that is right for you is the one that you can get serviced quickly to get you back up and running because it will break, and most of the time it breaks at the worst possible moment. You may have just landed the job you’ve been working months to get, and now, with a ridiculous turnaround, your machine is going to go down. If you can’t get service quickly to get the printer up and running, I recommend asking your supplier the first question: What is your service time when I have an issue? Also, look around and see if there are any other third-party technicians that can work on your equipment in your area. If you’re in a remote location or a small town and service could be days away, I tend to steer people towards the HP Latex machines. Those machines have many parts that are user-replaceable with little to no skill involved. 32 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
Another option is to attend trainings from the printer manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer technical service training that you can take to learn how to diagnose and fix things like replacing printheads, motors, and boards. The next question to ask is whether or not to buy used equipment. Buying used machines is never a bad option, but it’s not always the best option. I have purchased many used pieces of equipment over the years, with both positive and negative experiences. My recommendation for someone starting out is to always buy new. Yes, the upfront cost is much larger. However, when starting out, it’s hard to look at a print and know if gradient banding is due to a file issue, incorrect ripping, or file format choices. Starting with a new machine when you’re getting into the business is a good way to rule out a printer malfunction. Although just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s working flawlessly, at least you will have a warranty to be able to make a call to have them come and take a look at the printer and diagnose the issue without having to pay service fees, which can add up quickly. The next question is workflow. Speed is king when it comes to printing, and I always like to compare the SF/Hr (Square foot per hour) of the machines I’m looking at. This way, I can figure out which machine is going to work best for me. Typically, the more color options a printer has, the slower the speed; the fewer color options,
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 33
The Shop
34 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
step away and realize it to sprint back in time to make sure it doesn’t touch the floor. I have never been a fan of the Print and cut options. I ran a Roland for years and loved the printer but very quickly added in a Graphtec plotter so that I could keep the printer doing its main job while the Graphtec did the finishing. The debate between solvent and the faster the machine. That is not always the case, but it’s a good rule of thumb. For example, if there is a 4-color option vs. 6-8-10 color options, the 4-color will be faster, as in the case of the Epson 60600 and 80600. With the 80600, you will get a massive color gamut with 10 colors and spot colors like red and white. Your eyes will be blown away by the color, that is if they can stay open long enough to watch the print finish. With the 60600, you’re going to get almost 2x the speed but will sacrifice the spectrum of colors
latex will be the one that lasts a lifetime. I currently run both ink sets and could go on about the advantages and disadvantages of each. HINT HINT, there is an article coming about that very topic soon. However, choosing a printer is more than just what ink set is the best. Service is the most important, so when looking for a printer, whether it’s a first purchase or the 10th, make sure to keep in mind, when the inevitable strikes, how fast can you get back to full operating speed.
you are able to hit. We are currently running the 80600L and love that machine. In my opinion, it’s one of the best machines I have ever owned. The
Adam Sumner Adam@wrapixacademy.com
color blows me away, and it’s so quiet I forget
Owner, Wrapix Academy
it’s even running, which can make getting to the
Owner, Wrapix Imaging
take-up roll in time an Olympic sport when you
3M Authorized Trainer
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 35
The Clear View
Leaving Money on the Table Expanding Your Shop’s Services for Maximum Profit By Narayan Andrews Are you leaving money on the table in your shop? Are customers taking their vehicles to another shop to realize the restyle they envisioned from day one? If you’re unsure, the answer is probably yes. As a business owner, it’s crucial to identify areas where potential revenue is being overlooked. Not offering paint protection film (PPF) and window tint is a significant opportunity where I have personally seen shops miss out on profits. If your shop only provides wraps, you really need to work on making the crossover to be a one-stop shop. Aim to offer all three services in-house and stop redirecting your clients to other shops. When I started Spectrum Auto and decided to offer PPF, window tint, and wraps, I had several friends and competitors laugh at the idea and tell me I was crazy. Now, it has come full circle, and shops are offering more in-house services. Transforming your shop into a one-stop destination for restyling is the best way to ensure you’re making the maximum profit and giving your customers the best experience possible. Paint protection film can be a great way to attract customers who do not want to completely change the look of their vehicle but wish to protect the paint from unsightly rock chips and chemicals applied to the road during winter storms. Numerous PPF training programs 36 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
are currently offered, making them easily accessible nationwide. As an Avery Dennison trainer, I’m partial to their training program and personally use their materials in my own shop. Many wrappers might find applying PPF very similar to applying vinyl, making it a manageable transition for a vinyl installer. Paint protection film is thicker than vinyl, providing a different feel, but it is very much doable for someone accustomed to cutting vinyl and wrapping vehicles. At this point, paint protection film can be applied wet or dry, depending on the brand a shop chooses to offer, fitting the installer’s preferences. Given the rising cost of vehicles, PPF is an investment in protecting your vehicle and is typically an easy upsell. You can help your customers protect their vehicle’s paint while also increasing profits for your shop. Window tint is another way that a wrap shop can position itself as a one-stop shop for a total vehicle makeover. A newly wrapped and restyled car can look incomplete without fresh window tint to accompany that new wrap and make everything look nice and clean. Even if a customer doesn’t opt for a full restyle, window tint is the least expensive way for them to change the look of a vehicle. It’s also an easy way for you, the shop owner, to make a solid profit with minimal overhead. Window tint film isn’t very expensive, especially compared to PPF and vinyl. For example, if you tint a four-door
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 37
The Clear View
38 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
sedan and the back window, you can charge your customer about $400-$600, depending on your market, and only use about $40 worth of window film. A skilled installer can complete this job in about 90 minutes, making it an incredible way to maximize profit in minimum time. Window tint isn’t at all difficult to learn if you have an installer who is already proficient at PPF due to the similarity of the wet application method, but it isn’t a particularly difficult skill for any installer to learn. Window tint is an obvious choice for vehicles in high-altitude states to protect the interior from the harsh sun. It’s also a great
If you’re limiting your services to only vinyl and wrapping, you are undoubtedly leaving money behind that could easily become profit for your shop. Customers are increasingly looking for a shop that can complete their restyle entirely in one place. Empower your employees to learn new skills that can also benefit you as a shop owner and enhance your customers’ experience. Provide your customers with the restyled vehicle they envision. The bottom line is that, no matter how big or small your business is, there are always ways to grow and maximize profits by recognizing areas where money is being left on the table.
addition for hot summers, not only protecting the interior of the vehicle but also keeping the vehicle’s interior cooler. It’s a great upsell that shouldn’t be overlooked by wrap shops.
Narayan Andrews Narayan@spectrumautollc.com Owner/Operator, Spectrum Auto •
Avery Dennison Certified PPF Trainer
•
Avery Dennison/3M/ORAFOL Certified Installer January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 39
The Centerfold
EAST COAST V
T
By Jen & Steve Carney, Carbon Wraps his Ferrari 296gtb took part in the 2023 goldRush Rally. The owner wanted a 90s hip-hop-themed wrap design. With that said, we delved into East Coast vs West Coast, Biggie and Tupac. We did a deep dive into 90’s hip-hop—reinvigorating our playlists, watching documentaries, and reminiscing about who we listened to “back in the day.”
40 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
S WEST COAST
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 41
The Centerfold
EAST C This is where we started creating lists of some of the artists we knew we wanted to include, as well as some of the iconic culturally significant moments. Like the parental advisory label on the roof, the gold chains on the hood, the laidback West Coast palm tree vibe, and the East Coast bustling urban city vibe. 42 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
COAST The West Coast side showcases Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Suge Knight, Coolio, 2Pac, and Ice Cube. The East Coast side features DMX (Jen’s fav), Biggie, Diddy, Nas, 50 Cent, and Jay Z. The hood has various artists and groups highlighted, like Wu-Tang, Ruff Ryders, NWA. January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 43
The Centerfold
WEST C
This one was a hit, not a one-hit wonder, and won goldRush Rally’s best wrap for 2023. This was exciting since we have been designing for clients’ goldRush cars since 2016. Sooo, “if ya don’t know, now ya know...”
44 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
COAST Print Media: 3M IJ280 with 8428g lam Printer: Epson Surecolor S80600 Photo Cred: Zuumy January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 45
TNT (Tips n’ Tricks)
The Great Divide
Traditional Art VS
AI Assisted Art
Image generated by AI NightCafe Studio 46 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
I
n the dynamic intersection of art and technology, AI’s role in the art world has sparked a significant debate. I view AI as a collaborator, not a competitor, in the creative process. I was on the other side of the fence at one point. I was at a design conference hosted by Lincoln Design Earlier this year. A guest speaker said, “Do not let others tell you how to use AI, start exploring now and use AI as a tool. It is not going to replace us so learn to use it to help other do their job better, faster, more efficiently.” After hearing this I knew that my opinion had changed, because no matter how much info I plugged into AI prompts. It cannot feel emotions, moods or stay current on trends that a client may need to create their brand. While traditionalists value manual skill and originality, a new wave of artists, including myself, sees AI as an innovative tool that expands artistic boundaries. AI is not about replacing our creativity but augmenting it. It’s like having a digital assistant, providing fresh ideas and perspectives to enhance our artistic vision. To me, AI is like a digital secretary, handling research and organization, thus enabling more effective multitasking and focusing on creative expression.
Concerns of Authenticity There’s a viewpoint that using AI is like “cheating”, diluting the artist’s own creativity. Additionally, the issue of claiming AI-generated art as one’s personal creation raises ethical questions. It’s crucial to maintain transparency about how much of the work is AI-assisted and to respect
the collaborative nature of such creations. AI is particularly empowering for those who might not possess traditional artistic skills, allowing everyone to visualize and actualize unique ideas. While embracing AI’s capabilities, it’s important to balance its contributions with our human touch, ensuring that AI enhances rather than overshadows our artistic creations.
Addressing the Core Concerns of AI Art Perception of Authenticity and Skill Authenticity Concerns: There’s a debate over whether AI-assisted art lacks authenticity, with some questioning the extent of human involvement and creativity. Skill Evaluation: Traditionalists often emphasize the importance of manual skills and conceptual abilities, fearing that AI might undermine these valued aspects of artistry.
Defining Artistic Creativity Expanding Definitions: On the other hand, many argue that creativity transcends manual skills, encompassing the ability to conceptualize, curate, and utilize tools like AI effectively. Innovative Expressions: AI is increasingly being recognized as a legitimate medium, like how photography and digital art gradually gained acceptance.
Ethical & Philosophical Considerations Authorship and Originality: AI in art challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality, raising questions about who the “real” creator is. continued on page 48… January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 47
TNT (Tips n’ Tricks)
2
1
4
3
Here is how I used ChatGPT and Dall-E to quickly create images for social media posts: Thanksgiving and Christmas Social Media Post: 1st Prompt - Create a turkey standing and an exotic wrapped car in the background. 2nd Prompt – Add more wrapped cars in the background. 3rd Prompt – Create a night version of this scene. 4th Prompt – Create a cyberpunk version of this scene. Santa Claus Themed Prompts: 1st Prompt - Create a Santa Claus with a red Lamborghini. 2nd Prompt – Create Santa skateboarding on a half pipe. 3rd Prompt – Create a Claymation version of this scene.
48 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
4th Prompt – Create Santa skateboarding in an empty pool, clothes changed to shorts and tank top with tattoos, in a manga style. These prompts were effective for a quick social media post announcing holiday closure. AI art can be used as a reference for your own art, artist block, or mood boards, helping to explore ideas quickly without extensive time investment. It’s important to stay educated on laws related to AI-generated images. For instance, images created on Mid Journey for paid subscribers are owned as a file but do not carry copyright, making them public domain. Let’s pin this thought for a future discussion on the pros and cons of copyright of AI images.
1
2
3
4
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 49
TNT (Tips n’ Tricks)
…continued from page 45 Value of Art: This leads to broader discussions about what truly constitutes the value of art - the process, the creator, or the end product.
Cultural and Generational Shifts Generational Perspectives: Younger
need time to adapt, redefining the value and meaning of AI-assisted creativity in the process.
Wrap Family Artists Unite Together, let’s explore, innovate, and unite in our shared passion for art, using AI not just as a tool, but as a gateway to new creative
artists and audiences, more familiar with
realms. Embracing AI in the art world isn’t about
technology, may be more open to AI in art.
undermining our talents; it’s about enriching
Cultural Adaptation: As AI becomes more
and expanding them. This new era isn’t just
prevalent in various sectors, its acceptance and
about the tools we use; it’s an imagination
integration into the art world are likely to evolve.
contest, challenging us to push the boundaries of creativity. Now, more than ever, we have
Impact on the Art Market Market Dynamics: The art market may start distinguishing between AI-assisted and purely human-created works, influencing their perceived value and authenticity. Emerging Niches: A market for both AI-assisted and traditional art is likely to develop, each appealing to distinct segments of the art community.
Conclusion The integration of AI into the art world
the opportunity to blend technology with our artistic vision. Let’s harness AI’s potential, not just to create art, but to reimagine what art can be. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this fascinating blend of art and technology. Let’s create some truly cool and innovative art, showcasing the limitless power of our imagination. I want to hear feedback and let’s create discussions to stay on top of emerging laws and advancements of AI and how it’s used. Hope this article got you thinking, thanks for reading it.
prompts essential questions about creativity, the role of technology in art, and evolving definitions of artistic expression. While some view AI as
Dallas Fowler
detracting from human creativity or as a form
Dallas@digitalefxwraps.com
of “cheating”, others see it as an innovative and
Co-Owner, Digital EFX Wraps LLC
legitimate tool that pushes the boundaries of what art can be. Societal and cultural norms will 50 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
Creator, WrapToons
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January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 51
Design Studio
52 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
From Drafting Dreams to Designing Drives: A Texas Tale of Artistic Evolution
I
By Joe Solis graduated high school in 1989 and was a mediocre student at best. I didn’t get the grades to get into a good school or university, and honestly, I didn’t even know if I wanted to go to school. However, I had taken some kind of drafting or architecture every
year in high school. So without much direction, I just opted to go to a (everyone can get in) junior college and was “accepted,” starting a secondary education in “drafting technology.” Little did I know that this style of drafting was more like engineering than architecture. January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 53
Design Studio
I was a math guy; the only math I like is addition and subtraction of money! So, consistent as I am in school, I did not do well, and even worse in the prerequisite classes for the drafting classes based on math. By year two, I was on academic probation and needed something to get my GPA back up. I had always loved art, and my father was a huge inspiration as he was always drawing and loved art. I never took art in HS because I was taking all the drafting and architectural classes. I saw that the junior college had some art classes that I could take, so I jumped on them, hoping to boost my GPA. I took those classes, and one was a commercial art class, and I really loved it. Its only parameters were just to do what has good composition and color. So, these throwaway classes really caught my eye. My teacher asked if I ever thought about a commercial art degree, and I said I didn’t even know that existed. After I walked away from the college thing, I looked into a more credible side of art and found The Art Institute of Houston. I really dug into that and fell in love with the commercial side of art and the limitless variations of media and tools. As I was going to AIH, I found that I still needed to make some income, and my father (who was a police officer) knew of an architectural sign company needing someone in their art department. I applied and became their “art director,” but it was less impressive than the title stated. I was just in charge of taking floor plans and making them into “egress maps” for elevators in high-rise buildings in downtown Houston. I did that for two years and got a chance every now and then to do some custom sign designs when given the opportunity. 54 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
After a couple of years there, I transitioned into more of what I liked doing, commercial sign design, by going to work for a commercial sign shop. This led me into my first adventure into vehicle design. I started to manage a one-day sign shop that did banners and stickers, and I had some friends who raced cars and asked me if I could do multicolor number and graphic designs. I took the challenge, and this is where I knew I would be for the rest of my career. I
an idea and making that idea come to life and then see it on a vehicle!!! That’s so awesome. So for me, the process has refined itself over the last 20+ years. Over the last two decades, I have refined it and tried to make it as efficient as possible. I have a 2400 sqft shop with an 1800 installation bay and a couple of offices. My office has a custom-designed and made computer to handle the large files I create for each client. I utilize Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flexisign
loved doing themed cars and characters. This is where I decided to push my career towards that direction. Shortly after that, wraps came out, and I have been designing ever since. I love all aspects of wrap, but there’s nothing like taking
for my design programs. I have never been an illustrator but more a photo manipulator. I take photographs and add different effects and create something unique and personal for each client. My core competency is designs for the service January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 55
Design Studio
industry and commercial fleets. My love is in the more custom themed one-off designs for show and custom vehicles. I really like the freedom that those clients give me. The one thing I learned about this industry that I am in is that it’s a true community. There are so many super-talented individuals and companies that, if you watch, challenge you in a slight way to raise your bar, to always push the envelope, and continue to get better with each project. For me, finding inspiration is so easy, from music and the way it makes me feel, to pieces of artwork or styles of artwork. Tattoo artists, designers, custom car makers, stories, articles, sculptures. I get inspiration from life. I love typography and really like to see different perspectives on how to design with type. When people hear music and can recite lyrics almost instantaneously is the way I see color and color theory. I LOVE color; I love bright colors and combinations. I love to see how color combinations go together and how to push those boundaries. The future is going to be exciting (and slightly frightening) with the advent of AI. It’s going to be a very interesting next few years. Doing this on my own, I have learned to develop customer relations and then bootstrap my company to where it’s at today. I often would take any and every client, and that was always a detriment because they never ended the way it was supposed to. Early on, I took it personally when a client didn’t like my art FOR them. It was like they were not liking me personally, not just not liking the art direction. One of the biggest pieces of advice I could give a designer is LISTEN to the client and then take your expertise IN design, and if their ideas and your experience don’t 56 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
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Design Studio
jive, then be a professional and give educated feedback on why their idea isn’t the best way to do it. If you take this approach, you will get less pushback and more interest in your ideas. Looking back, if I could speak to myself, I would say enjoy the process. There is no end to the game; it’s just a growing process from the beginning to when I decide to retire. Some advice I would give to those wanting to get into this industry would be pretty simple, LEARN, learn as much as you can. Back when I started, there were no lines of separation between designer, production, installer, to salesperson. So learning it all was just part of the industry two decades ago. Now there are dedicated positions for each of those, and it has evolved into a promising career for each of those positions. In the aspect of designing, there are two ways that I can see to get there. The traditional way is to go to a university or college and get a degree in marketing or commercial design, and then the harder way (which I did) and just learn on my own. I took the challenge to learn on my own through books, online classes, and other mentors who helped along the way. As far as some things I got from this journey is learning that my time is valuable. No more free artwork, no more artwork INCLUDED in my project
industry, there are things that you can’t learn in
costs. I charge for my time whether it’s one hour
a school (yet). Learning templating and how to
or a full-blown-out project. If I were speaking to
make a design have the same composition on the
a designer starting out, I would encourage that
driver AS WELL as the passenger side. Being able
designer to always push your limits and get better
to make the design flow and, more importantly,
and learn as much as they can. Design has its
efficient for the installer once the wrap has been
caveats and different industries, so in our wrap
printed and produced January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 59
Giving Back
Remembering the
Fallen
Wraps of Remembrance: Honoring 9/11 with Art and Heart
By James “Ruggs” Kochevar
FIRST RESPONDERS
TRAD
Designed by Ryan Sandoval, Glarb Design, FL
Designed by Case
F
ueled By The Fallen is an organization geared towards keeping the memory of the events of 9/11 in the hearts and minds of all Americans. Their goal is to ensure that our children and grandchildren know what happened on that tragic day and take time to remember and salute
PENTAGON Designed by Kevin Kempf, PG NOLA, LA
60 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
THE 9/11 ANGELS
TRADE TOWER
DE TOWER
ey Folk, PDX Wraps, OR
Designed by Dallas Fowler, Digital EFX, KY
those who lost their lives. Kevyn Major Howard, better known as “Rafterman” from the movie Full Metal Jacket, has spearheaded this organization since 2007, using his celebrity and media contacts to further his mission. Kevyn has five wrapped “Angel” Camaros that display the names of the fallen. They are a rolling tribute
FLIGHT VICTIMS Car photos above by Kevyn Major Howard
FUELED BY THE FALLEN
.ORG
Designed by Jamie Mullican, Wrap Artist, TN Providing Aid to America’s Heroes and Scholarships for their children left behind
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 61
Remembering the
Fallen
Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper
Photo above and right by Elliott Nail
Designed by Ryan Sandoval, Glarb Design, FL 62 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
FIRST RESPONDERS
Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper
to the first responders, the people in the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and all the passengers of the flights associated with 9/11. Kevyn and his wife Tiffanie approached me at WRAPSCON 2023 in Long Beach, California, and asked if I knew anyone who could help with the redesign and wrapping of the Angels. That morning, we hosted a Wraps Design panel discussion with whom I call the “Mount Rushmore of Design.” The members included the Pride of Portland, Casey Folk (PDX Wraps), Kentucky’s “DJ” Dallas Fowler (Digital EFX/ WrapToons), Nashville’s wrapper to the stars, Jamie “Mully” Mullican (Wrap Artist/School of Wrap), N’awlins’ own, Kevin “The Professa” Kempf (PG NOLA), and the magic man himself,
Ryan “Glarb” Sandoval (Glarb Designs) in FL. It only made sense to offer these amazing designers the first crack at this project, and they all eagerly signed on. Five designers, five cars, and only a few weeks to meet the deadline. This was a huge task and a significant commitment, considering these designers are all scheduled out for months, yet they still made time to squeeze in this special project. Though these designers knew of each other, they hadn’t worked together, much less collaborated on a project like this. Over the next couple of weeks, we met as a team, going over design elements and coordinating ideas, templating, printing, and shipping. We decided to go metallic for printing, and 3M’s Marc Bagley January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 63
Remembering the
Fallen
Photo above and right by Kevyn Major Howard
Designed by Casey Folk, PDX Wraps, OR 64 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
TRADE TOWER
Photo by Kevyn Major Howard
Photo by Elliott Nail
stepped up in a huge way, providing five full kits for the project. Without 3M’s generosity, we were sunk, so this was a big win. The final piece was lining up the right company for the install. Since the cars were already in NV, finding a local shop made the most sense, especially with the tight deadline, but this was a huge ask. Elliott Nail (5150 Wraps) in Las Vegas swooped in like Superman to save the day. Over the next couple of weeks, Elliott not only shut down his shop, but he and his team went above and beyond stripping, prepping, and wrapping the Angels with their new designs. The effort was nothing short of Herculean, and the finished lineup is breathtaking. As he summed up the project, Elliott said, “This was such an honor to be a part of!! The caliber of January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 65
Remembering the
Fallen
Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper
Designed by Dallas Fowler, Digital EFX, KY 66 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
TRADE TOWER
Photo by Kevyn Major Howard
Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper
Photo by Elliott Nail
people involved cannot be accurately described other than just AMAZING! Thanks everyone for letting me be a small part of a really big deal.” This project involved a substantial contribution of donated materials, design efforts, and wrapping services, but the value is immeasurable. As Dallas stated, “For me, over 40 hrs of digitally hand-drawn art and Photoshop time was involved, and I would do it again without hesitation.” The Angels were unveiled at this year’s WWWRAP event during SEMA, and the group took home the prize for 2023’s Wrap Project of the Year, making the reveal just that much sweeter. The Fueled By The Fallen Angels will now begin a new circuit of parades, conventions, memorials, and appearances from California to New York, including the Statue of Liberty, the Military Influencers Conference, and the F1 circuit, to name a few. They will also be January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 67
Remembering the
Fallen
Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper
Photo by Elliott Nail
Designed by Kevin Kempf, PG NOLA, LA 68 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
PENTAGON
Photo above and left by Elliott Nail
featured in a Netflix documentary titled “A Modern Art Masterpiece - The Making of Full Metal Jacket,” currently in production. Obviously, this project went WAY beyond the scope of most charitable acts within the wraps community. However, this was something extraordinary. Something that has and will continue to touch the lives of every American. For me, it was a chance to shine a spotlight on wraps design and installation on a national level, reaching the highest ranks of the military, the government, and beyond, and to pull together the wraps community’s resources and truly give these Angels a makeover that would honor the fallen. Kevyn Major Howard summed up the project, “You and your talented team of artists have given January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 69
Remembering the
Fallen
Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper
Designed by Jamie Mullican, Wrap Artist, TN 70 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
Photo above and left by Elliott Nail
FLIGHT VICTIMS
Photo above and left by Elliott Nail
America an amazing gift in creating the artwork for the 2nd Edition of the 9/11 Angel Tribute Cars and blessed the journey they are about to undertake throughout the nation. I am proud to show them off to the American people, with you, as our way of saying, ‘We Have Not Forgotten.’” “Being able to give respect to the ones that were affected by 9/11 through what we do for a living is simply an honor!” said Casey. Kevin added, “Death, misfortune, horror, etc… affect us all at one point or another in our lives, but 9/11 affected an entire nation instantly.” “In Nashville, I’ve served up countless wraps to some of country music’s biggest names, but there are no stars bigger than the ones on the flag. This was special,” said Mully. January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 71
Remembering the
Fallen
Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper 72 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
The team that made it all happen at WWWRAP 2023. Photo by Tim Evans Photography/WrapperMapper
For Dallas, this project especially hit close to home. He said, “As an artist, I felt that if I could strike some emotion and create a beautiful piece
to remind everyone of the “impression” 9/11 had on us as a country is a huge honor!” Kevyn and Fueled By The Fallen, we hope
of art, it would be my way of giving back to my
we did you, America, and those who perished
brother, Chief Warrant Officer 3, Ricky Fowler.”
on 9/11 proud in our attempt to honor that
Glarb drove home the main objective by
day. We wish you and the Angels Godspeed on
saying, “As with most, I vividly remember the
your journey and hope everyone who catches
exact moment when I heard the first tower was
a glimpse of these beauties can take a moment
hit and the impact it had on us as Americans
to reflect, share a memory, and find peace
witnessing our country being attacked. It seems
through the imagery generously created by these
that moment has been slowly forgotten as the
wonderful, kind-hearted artists.
years go by, so being able to create a design January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 73
Featured
Wraps
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January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 75
Featured Featured
Wraps Wraps
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January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 77
A M SE
P A EC R 23 0 2
Wraps Take Center
O
nce again, the world’s largest trade show did not disappoint! Considering the point of view of covering this event from a wraps perspective, 78 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
I have to consider where project cars used to be and where they are now. This year marks the 20th anniversary of me personally attending SEMA from a press standpoint. At first, I went for the electronics
side of things. Checking out brands like Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Scosche and the like. Then I covered performance products, including Skyjacker, Bully Dog and Fidanza. Now, it’s all vinyl, all day, everyday!
Stage By James “Ruggs” Kochevar Photo above and right: CORSA Auto Design and 506Wraps presents “The Black GT”. Winner of the Wrap Design of the Year at WWWRAP 2023
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 79
A M SE
P A EC R 23 0 2
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In 2003, at my first SEMA convention, custom paint ruled the scene. Gorgeous low riders, trucks and bikes glistened as far as the eye could see. Wraps had a place, but not a lot of “purists” wanted to talk about them. Fast forward twenty years and wraps are the undeniably de facto method of choice and are at the forefront of the restyling landscape. Why is that? Why the shift? For starters, custom paint is crazy expensive. I mean, like an arm-and-leg expensive. It’s also hard to get scheduled for a project build, as these things don’t always go to plan. If the build takes longer than expected, you may lose your window on the painter’s schedule. Don’t even get me started on airbrushing. These artists need time and that might be a luxury you don’t have. Enter the flexibility of wraps. Even with a custom design, an artist can be working on the design while the builders are in production. As long as there’s communication on the dimensions of the layout, an artist can plan ahead and print on their schedule, then it’s up to the installer to nail the beauty lines. This is even January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 81
A M SE
P A EC R 23 0 2
82 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
easier, when you consider a straight color change. Speaking of color change, what an incredible alternative for project cars to bring a totally different look from year to year. We all have our favorite builds, but it’s ultracool to see them with a new color or design. Not to mention the incredible savings for the owners year after year. This year we saw gloss and matte finishes. We saw wet and dry PPF. We saw the brands you know and love, including 3M, Arlon, Avery Dennison, EVOLV, Flexishield, HEXIS, Inozetek, ORAFOL/KPMF, STEK, Teckwrap. Also on hand were some incredible tool and printer manufacturers who help us keep our edge. Companies like Fusion Tools, Mutoh America, Mimaki USA, Pressure on Demand, The Rag Company, WrapCut and WrapGlove. We also witnessed a big announcement from The Wrap Institute, ZENO and Ford which promises to change the game in dealership related wraps. There were amazing contests with ridiculously cool swag and high $$$ prizes for the winners. The wrap fam did not disappoint, capturing the
attention of SEMA onlookers and installers alike. Congrats to the winners, but also congrats to us all, as we continue to grow awareness for wraps in the market and capture our seat at the SEMA table. As we wrap up another remarkable
SEMA event, it’s clear that the world of vinyl wraps has firmly established itself as a driving force in the automotive industry, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve in the years to come. Cheers!
How To Responsibly Scale Your Business Into New Markets or Industries. Group Coaching Industry Forum Networking and Community With the WrapIQ Membership, industry leaders like yourself, band together to navigate the latest industry news and developments. Unpack and learn to overcome the top issues facing the skilled trades and the business side of the adhesive backed industries. We provide continued education on things like: How to price your products and services to grow profits and stay competitive. What are the most effective ways to market your business and attract new customers We share our best practices. What works for us and what hasn’t!
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By Joining The WrapIQ Membership Today At:
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 83
New
Products
D
iscover the latest in wrap industry innovations. Here, we feature cutting-edge tools, materials, and
solutions designed to enhance your wrap
Launching a New Product or Innovation?
Fw: KPMF New Color Announceme
projects. These new offerings come from
Showcase it in the New Products
leading manufacturers, boasting advanced
section. This is your space to highlight
features and improved efficiencies.
the latest in industry advancements.
From: James Kochevar | ruggs@thewrapfam.com
To: Leslie Kochevar, NSGP | info@northstargraphicspromo.com
From: KPMF | wraps@kayautomotive.net
To: James Kochevar | ruggs@thew
Explore these novel products to stay at the forefront of wrap technology and elevate your craft. Visit their websites for detailed information and availability.
Visit www.thewrapfam.com/advertise to submit your Meet product KPMF's Newly Rele
Available now from your neare or contact ruggs@thewrapfam.com
K75591 - Matte Iced Ambe
Wrapp
ANNOUNCES
Launch of NEW AutoMark™ Cast Laminates General Formulations has released two new products in its AutoMark™ Cast Laminates line: the glossy GF 813 AutoMark™ Cast 1.3 Mil Gloss Clear and the matte GF 844 AutoMark™ Cast 2.0 Mil Ulti-Matte Clear. Suitable for full or partial vehicle wraps and fleet graphics, these laminates offer UV, moisture, and abrasion protection, with features like enhanced slidability and repositionability. More details at www.generalformulations.com.
NEW COLORS K75591 - Matte Iced Amber Titanium A premium double-cast car wrap with special effects; Amber & Gold finish that glows in sunlight. K75413 - Tidal Teal New addition to our Straight Shade Series; a unique blend of teal and green. K75509 - Matte Arctic Borealis Shift from Green to Gold, Blue to Green, and even shades of purple. K75508 - Matte Widowed Red The deep, rich red metallic offers a dynamic shift from deep red to black. Available from your nearest distributor!
KPMF Owne Titaniu perfec refresh your ca double Green specia purple wrappi Arctic K75413 - Tidal Te to crea solutio finish. Matte you loo Tidal off. Ab shades kind person Watch in ou sun. It's Tr s mixtu Pictu color for a really
Wrappe Green Photogr
purple Arctic solutio Matte off. Ab perso
K75508 - Matte Widowe
Wrapp
Matte anothe K75509 - Matte Arctic color f is a gr Matte lookin lates Wrappe key, th Photog from sun. T in the metall Gree from b color!
84 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
K75508 - Matte Widow
By Dallas Fowler January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 85
In the News
Ford Announces Exciting Partnership with The Wrap Institute and xix3D:
Avery Dennison Announces 2024 Training Schedule at SEMA Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions revealed its 2024 training and certification schedule at SEMA, Las Vegas, encompassing Supreme Wrapping Film™/Vehicle Color Change, Full Print Digital/Commercial, Paint Protection Film (PPF), and Automotive Window Film Training. Suitable for all skill levels, the training offers an inclusive platform for wrap shops and freelance installers. Select Supreme Wrapping Film classes are available in Spanish. The training provides tangible benefits, including an application kit, a roll of film post-training, and a discount on The Wrap Institute membership. Developed by expert Justin Pate, the training emphasizes hands-on learning with a 90% practical approach. Additionally, PPF, Automotive, and soonto-launch Architectural Window Film Training, led by seasoned trainers, offer live demos and hands-on sessions with added benefits like free practice materials and tools. Advanced Supreme Wrapping Film Training, exclusive to Avery Dennison CWI holders, is also upcoming. For more details on these programs and to join the Avery Dennison Graphics community, visit graphics.averydennison.com/training and follow their social media channels.
86 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
A Drive into the Future of Customization
Ford, in collaboration with xix3D and The Wrap Institute, has launched the Ford Wrap Program (wraps.ford.com), a groundbreaking initiative for vehicle personalization. This program enables customers to easily access customization services online, setting a new standard in the automotive aftermarket. With Zeno Certified shops ensuring high-quality craftsmanship, the program promises a consistent and superior customization experience across the U.S. Starting in early 2024 in California, Florida, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to go nationwide, the Ford Wrap Program offers an online platform for seamless service scheduling and order tracking. It focuses on convenience, quality, and building a community among car enthusiasts. The program includes customer feedback analysis for continuous improvement and plans to expand into various vehicle modifications. Tiago Teixeira, CEO of xix3D, highlights this partnership as a game-changer in vehicle personalization and a movement redefining customer interaction with vehicle customization.
Free - Bodyfence Roll for All Training Students. Starting in 2024, every student who completes a BODYFENCE Training Course gets a FREE BODYFENCE PPF roll. This exclusive offer is our way of rewarding your commitment to perfecting your skills as a BODYFENCE installer. Whether you’re new to the PPF industry or an installer looking to brush up on your skills, this added bonus will provide you with the support you need to apply your newly learned skills right away. Spots are limited for our 2024 Training Dates (hexisamericas.com) so sign up today.
MASTER THE WRAP™ Initiative Transforms Commercial Fleet Training The “MASTER THE WRAP™ Initiative,” a partnership between WrapStar University and Arlon Graphics, offers an Intermediate Commercial Van & Fleet Training program for intermediate installers. This program focuses on commercial fleet wraps, blending engaging learning experiences with hands-on skills development. Participants will deepen their understanding of fleet wrap techniques, paving the way for Arlon’s Advanced Certification. The initiative provides networking opportunities and a complimentary “Wrap It Right” platform training. Starting January 2024, over 30 training sessions are scheduled across Sacramento, CA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; and Atlanta, GA, with the first session at Miller Decals from January 10th-12th. For details and registration, visit www.masterthewrap.com.
Introducing - Films Applied Strategic Training (FAST): A game-changing training program. Films Applied Strategic Training (FAST), spearheaded by Phil Aquin with over 35 years of industry experience, has launched to transform automotive and fleet film installation training. Targeting the Personal Auto Market, FAST offers global custom training and workshops for various skill levels, focusing on Automotive Window Film (AWF), Paint Protection Film (PPF), Vehicle Color Change (VCC), and Fleet applications. Additionally, FAST provides a Commercial Graphics workshop, webinars, monthly training videos, and one-on-one virtual sessions to keep professionals updated with industry trends. Phil, a 3M Authorized Trainer and pioneer in Knifeless™ Tape development in Canada, aims to revolutionize film installation training worldwide. For more details, visit fastfilmstraining.com.
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 87
Spotlight Trainer
W
elcome to the Trainer Spotlight, where we highlight individual trainers. The spotlighted trainers are industry leaders with a wealth of knowledge to share, offering
valuable tips, techniques, and hands-on experiences that
Want to be featured?
Spotlight Trainer
Visit www.thewrapfam.com/ advertise
will empower you to excel in your wrap craft. Be sure
to submit your ad
to visit their websites for more info and training dates.
or contact ruggs@thewrapfam.com
Adam Sumner
WRAPIX Academy Burbank, CA 91502 818-433-7548 Adam@wrapixacademy.com Wrapix Academy is the only west coast 3M Authorized training and testing facility. With over 6000 square feet our training facility is dedicated only to graphic installations. We offer 11 different hands on stations to build and refine skills. Whether you be new to the industry or a seasoned professional, our training classes can be adapted to fit any need.
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Jamie Mullican School Of Wrap Nashville, TN 37210 (615) 646-3277 mully@schoolofwrap.com Located in the heart of the music city, School of Wrap is a 3M Authorized Training Facility offering 3 different certifications and training. As 3M Preferred Installer you will be recognized as among the best in the industry. Promote yourself and your business as a leader in installations and 3M will list and promote you as well. Our training will teach you the latest techniques and standards used in the industry.
YOUR SPOTLIGHT HERE
January 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 89
Coming Next Month… • Shop Profile: GetGraphic • Wall Wraps: Understanding Adhesion • Knowing when to say “No” in Sales • Design Studio: Curvaceous Wraps
Don’t miss an issue, subscribe now www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe @WrapFamUnleashed 90 l WrapFam Unleashed l January 2024
