What is the International Language?

Liner Notes

by James "Ruggs" Kochevar

The romantic in us says love is the international language. English is considered the international language of commerce. But in our world, vinyl is the international language.

Think about it. It doesn’t matter what brand you’re working with. It doesn’t matter if it’s printed or color-change. It doesn’t change if it’s color-shift or chrome. It can even be PPF or tint. It’s about reading the film. It’s about understanding its properties, tendencies, and ability to conform to the object in front of you. It’s knowing the conditions and what is required. It’s about acknowledging limitations; how far you can heat it and stretch it without destroying yourself or the film. It’s about comprehending what it’s saying to you at that moment. And, like in every good relationship, it’s about reducing tension to make everything run smoothly. Every wrapper in the world speaks this language. They know what every bubble, wrinkle and fold means and how to interpret it to work the task at hand. Wrap contests are a perfect opportunity to watch wrappers from different countries come together and “talk” vinyl, even when they can’t speak each other's native tongue. It’s really cool.

This language transcends borders, races, sexes, and creeds. This language binds a community of like-minded graphics professionals together, from manufacturers to distributors, designers to installers, and shop owners to enthusiasts. This language is what makes the Wrap Fam what it is. It’s the adhesive if you will…

Cheers!

-Ruggs