theSignPad

Hey everyone, I know a lot of people has asked where I got off to in the last.....8 or 9 months. Well, I had to keep things under wraps, but as of today theSignPad has changed a little (a lot) I had the opportunity to finally start my own business, and I have jumped on it in a big way. I've spent the last while building up the entire brand, building our location, equipment etc and the business is finally launched today. It's very exciting! The name....you guessed it (theSignPad). check out the majorly revised website at www.theSignPad.com It's a big step for me, and I am loving every minute of it. Orders are already flying in....So welcome back everyone Here i am!

Winner is : Ashcomputers

These seem to be gaining popularity, so here is the contest for April How to enter: Post a reply to this tread with your username. I will pick a random username from the thread and they will receive a free logo design or signage design from myself courtesy of theSignPad.com. Draw: I will pick a random username from the thread on April 15th, and get in contact. Here are the few rules I have. Rules: I will design something within reason. IE a Logo, Banner, Sandwichboard, vehicle graphics (NOT a wrap), business cards, etc etc. I will design with vinyl or digital printing in mind (depending on what your capabilities are). I will NOT design for your client. IE this is a free design for YOU, not a free design for a client which you can then profit from (just to keep everyone honest). Notes: If you win, and have an existing logo or identity and would like to use in your signage design, you will need to supply that to me in a suitable format (.ai .eps. .pdf etc) Also, I am working on getting on the spacebooks / twitter stuff, if people want to join up on Facebook you'll get more regular updates as to what theSignPad is up to: http://www.facebook.com/signpad Here is some of the winners finished work from the previous months

Awesome, thanks everyone! Really appreciate it!

Ok it's a little past April 1st, but here is the deal One of the articles I have been wanting to do for theSignPad is an "Ultimate Guide to Designing and Installing Vehicle Wraps". It will be a long, and several part guide that covers in depth how to do everything involved in a vehicle wrap. This will cover everything from initial client consultation and budgeting, how to design the wrap, what media / overlaminate to choose, how to transition your design into prepress / printing, and finally, how to INSTALL the wrap. This is where my offer comes in, I am looking for someone who will work WITH me on this guide. I want to make an "Example" design that can be used in the guide that will show how we came up with the design, printed it and installed it. I will design the wrap for free for you, all that is required on your end is to print and install the wrap, and while you are installing it, take a lot of different photos that I can use for the "installation" end of the article. I would prefer that person working with me on this has some experience in installing vehicle wraps. I have installed many myself, and know that it's not an easy task for a beginner. In exchange, you are getting a free wrap design, and exposure in the article for your company. I am assuming that any of those taking me up on the offer will be wanting to design the wrap for their signage / graphics business. There is A LOT more to installing a vehicle wrap than can be explained in an article, thats why there are all day seminars and different levels on the subject. But this guide is mostly meant for designers on how to design wraps, but also on how to design something that can actually be INSTALLED too, and creating pre-press files / laying out the vehicle so that your installers aren't cursing you while they are trying to put it on. IF you are interested, please PM me.

Yah I was thinking I was gonna hold you guys ransom with no new content until you gave me enough votes! Just kidding Speaking on new content, I just realeased a new article last night on how to use clipping masks in Illustrator. It is one of the most useful and powerful tools you will need to learn to master in Illustrator. http://www.thesignpad.com/2011/04/how-to-use-clipping-masks-illustrator/

Hey Ash, nope I never did. I only got one new "like" I need 25 to get be able to register my "vanity URL" (ie facebook.com/thesignpad) currently at 18 Any help would be appreciated http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thesignpad/122869841115484?sk=wall I will also be posting soon for Aprils contest. Where on earth did March go

Never clean a sign face with windex before final prep. It contains Amonnia which can weaken / affect the adhesive, that is likely what you are seeing here. I prefer using an isopropyl alcohol / water mix (60 / 40)

annnnnd the lucky winner is: Dakotagrafx!

I didn't get a chance to make it on the puter last night. I will tally up the results later this afternoon and pick the winner. Everyone will know tonight!

I tell people to layer it on the actual surface you plan on sticking it to. If you "pre-layer" the decal at your shop, you get a lot more bubbles than you do if you layer it ON the actual final surface. I use a "triangle" method to line up layers.

Bump! Only 2 more days to get in.

The contests for Jan and Feb were a GREAT success. If the winning members from previous months want to post up their finished designs / signaage that would be awesome! How to enter: Post a reply to this tread with your username. I will pick a random username from the thread and they will receive a free logo design or signage design from myself courtesy of theSignPad.com. Draw: I will pick a random username from the thread on March 16th, and get in contact. Here are the few rules I have. Rules: I will design something within reason. IE a Logo, Banner, Sandwichboard, vehicle graphics (NOT a wrap), business cards, etc etc. I will design with vinyl or digital printing in mind (depending on what your capabilities are). I will NOT design for your client. IE this is a free design for YOU, not a free design for a client which you can then profit from (just to keep everyone honest). Notes: If you win, and have an existing logo or identity and would like to use in your signage design, you will need to supply that to me in a suitable format (.ai .eps. .pdf etc) I also have a personal favor! I just registered theSignPad on Facebook, and need 25 "likes" to be able to register the vanity URL (ie facebook.com/theSignPad). If some of you would be nice enough to "like" theSignPad for me that would be greatly appreciated! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thesignpad/122869841115484 Winner: dakotagrafx

There are some very large "industry only" print engines that give you very low sq footage prices (eg in Western Canada there is www.Signboom.com). Their cost is low enough that a home based or small business can almost double their cost and still remain competitive. I agree that most small or home based shops don't have large format printers, which is why they can stay competitive, or crack markets by using industry only suppliers like this.

For smaller or at-home signage businesses, sometimes carving a niche for yourself as the "go-to" people for a product is the best way to drive NEW business. Floor graphics are one where there is less competition in them (say compared to vehicle wraps). We've compiled a list of fun and interesting use of floor graphics to help you get started http://www.thesignpad.com/2011/03/creative-floor-graphics/ As usual, I love to hear feedback and ideas for what kind of content everyone would like to see. If you've got an idea or would like to help contribute please let me know