About this site and its Author
TKO Graphix Brandwire
Dexterity, Bruises, and Pride in Vehicle Graphics Done Well
by Micah Bowers, “The New Guy”
There’s a curious ease to ordinary tasks like opening a can of soda, tying shoelaces, or navigating a smart phone — effortless motion! A beautiful combination of dexterity and muscle memory that’s often unnoticed. Our hands and fingers are wonderfully capable. They feel, apply pressure, generate leverage, multitask, synchronize, and carry out a range of actions the most advanced robotic technology can only shake a clumsy hydraulic fist at.
I’ve always enjoyed activities and jobs that require the hands and mind to work in tandem. There’s satisfaction to the immediacy of working through a problem and seeing the results in real time. In my first post, I mentioned a lag between my understanding of the decal process and my inability to perform the required hand skills. As I’ve continued learning the ins and outs of commercial graphics installation with TKO, I’ve found that my hands are becoming less awkward and more agile.
Getting vinyl to stick to a surface in a way that will hold up to the elements and look professional takes a lot of cleaning, heating, pulling, tearing, cutting, brushing, and wiping. All of this takes a toll on the hands …well, at least my hands. Every day on the job brings a thousand tiny abuses — cuts, burns, scrapes, and gouges. My wrists crack, knuckles pop, and palms ache, but there’s an element of pride that emerges as callouses form and fingers strengthen.
I’m amazed when I think about the evolution my hands have undergone in just six weeks of work. These days, we hear a lot about the rapid progression of technology. Today’s new version is tomorrow’s outdated model! In the past 100 years, automation has driven industries to unparalleled heights, but there are still many jobs that machines stink at. Fortunately, we humans have a knack for expressing spontaneous ingenuity through our hands, making us well suited for detail-oriented work with unpredictable variables …like installing graphics!
About The Author
Micah Bowers, “The New Guy,” is training as a graphics installer for TKO after recently completing his studies in art, design, and new media at Purdue University. With an eclectic resume (stints as a teacher, carpenter, and whitewater guide), Micah is excited about the challenge of learning both his new trade and TKO’s culture. Off the clock, Micah makes time for writing, collaborating on various art projects, and working his way through the films of the Criterion Collection.
The Surgeon’s Precision and Vehicle Graphics
by Micah Bowers, “The New Guy”
The more time I spend training as a TKO installer, the more I appreciate the abilities of the guys around me. Vinyl is a fickle material that somehow manages to be both fragile and robust, requiring substantial abuse to be installed appropriately (heating, cutting, jostling, brushing, etc.). There are times when I fear the harsh treatment will destroy the graphic I’m working with, but somehow doesn’t, and there are times when the most innocuous touches wreak havoc.
At TKO, the experienced installers seem to have an innate understanding of heat, as temperature is one of the more important variables for adhering graphics properly. Like any skill, the application of heat calls for balance. If vinyl is too cold, it becomes prone to tearing and bubbles. Too hot, and it’s toast! Believe me, neither result looks good on an automobile.
Our installers’ tool belts carry a variety of razor thin blades and sharp, pointed, poking tools. During my first week on the job, even the simplest cuts seemed strangely impossible. Vinyl has a way of stretching and shrinking (another heat issue), and if blades aren’t correctly positioned or held at the right angle, ugly seams emerge along cut lines. So far, I’ve been most impressed with guys who take on the irregular and advanced cuts along parting lines and small components, like door handles and hood emblems. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that a surgeon’s precision is required.
As training has progressed these past few weeks, my confidence has grown, but there’s still much to be learned — and once learned — practiced. One thing’s for certain: the skills of the veteran TKO installers are impressive and hard-earned.
About The Author
Micah Bowers, “The New Guy,” is training as a graphics installer for TKO after recently completing his studies in art, design, and new media at Purdue University. With an eclectic resume (stints as a teacher, carpenter, and whitewater guide), Micah is excited about the challenge of learning both his new trade and TKO’s culture. Off the clock, Micah makes time for writing, collaborating on various art projects, and working his way through the films of the Criterion Collection.
The Music of Work
by Micah Bowers, “The New Guy”
Soulful harmonies, improvisational lyric edits, and genre defying playlists are the norm in TKO’s Plainfield installation shop. Music is common ground for the varied personalities working here — a way to relate.
In my short time as a trainee at TKO, I’ve noticed how installing graphics has its own rhythms. The more experienced crew members understand the order and timing of balancing efficiency with high quality work, and music seems to aid the focus and flow of this process.
For me, it’s been cool to see how certain guys respond to different songs. I’ve heard perfectly pitched high notes (not quite Mariah Carey-esque) unleashed by honest, hard working guys who you’d want on your side in any confrontation.
Changing lyrics is another popular practice. The comedic effect a few unexpected words can have on a familiar song is truly surprising.
I’ve never been one to peg a certain type of music or artist as my favorite. Without wandering off into the expanse of music philosophy, I think it’s amazing sounds exist in such wide array and that they can be combined and patterned in ways that greatly influence human behavior.
So, if you ever stop by TKO and visit the installation department, expect to hear the irregular noises of industrial workmanship held together by a steady bass line.
About The Author
Micah Bowers, “The New Guy,” is training as a graphics installer for TKO after recently completing his studies in art, design, and new media at Purdue University. With an eclectic resume (stints as a teacher, carpenter, and whitewater guide), Micah is excited about the challenge of learning both his new trade and TKO’s culture. Off the clock, Micah makes time for writing, collaborating on various art projects, and working his way through the films of the Criterion Collection.
The Process Of Vehicle Graphics
Good friend, Bobbie Garner, is helping the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County wrap one of their vehicles, and Health Care Professionals Credit Union are sponsoring the vehicle graphics. Bobbie mentioned, “Their board asked several times — What is the process? It would be really great if there was a simple post about what to expect.”
Thanks Bobbie — here you go…
The process is simple, if not complicated by lack of preparation.
1. Artwork — Do you have artwork? Do you need design assistance? Keep in mind — even experienced designers sometimes struggle with taking a two-dimensional design and making it work three-dimensionally. The design process can be a submit-review-adjust process. Give yourself time to make changes and work with your provider’s design team. Don’t wait until the last minute.
2. Production — Scheduling production will depend on several factors, including type and quantity of vehicles. A complete wrap will require more time than a plotter cut decal, and the number of orders ahead of yours will make a difference. Production timeframes should be discussed at the beginning of the process.
3. Installation — Once again, this should be discussed up front. Will it be installed at the provider’s facility, or the customer’s place of business? Is there an additional charge for on-site installation? Time frames will vary by vehicle and graphic; for example, a standard van can be wrapped in a day, although TKO likes to have two days to cover contingencies. Always allot extra time, and as always, don’t wait until the last minute.
Be Prepared, Not Surprised
You’re probably not a graphics expert, so how do you avoid surprises? It’s important to ask questions in advance. Truly, the only dumb question is the one left unasked. Here are 10 Questions You Need to Ask About Fleet Graphics.
The New Guy
I had the privilege of meeting and initially interviewing Micah Bowers for employment. I was impressed. He recently completed his Master’s in New Media at Purdue. I assumed he could write, and hoped he wasn’t sick of it from his college days. After his first week on the job, I asked if he’d like to write a post from the “The New Guy” perspective. As you’ll see, I was rewarded with a post from a writer with a great voice, writing from an interesting perspective, who is informative, humorous, and entertaining.
Enjoy…
Randy Clark
November 15, 2011 | by Micah Bowers — When it’s time to start a new job, most of us are inclined to wonder, “What if it doesn’t work out?” Actually, new jobs stir up a lot of “what if’s.” “What if my coworkers don’t like me?” “What if I’m not as qualified as I thought?” “What if my car breaks down on the way to my first day?” For me it was, “What if I look like a total newbie?” After landing a job in the installation department at TKO, my excitement about the opportunity was quickly tempered in realizing I would be working in a skilled trade, for which I had no previous training. I love to learn, but it’s humbling to be the least knowledgeable person on a job. So, I resolved to do two things: Show up, and stay positive. On my first day, I arrived early and watched as the installation crew sauntered in to get their assignments. I paid careful attention to what the guys were doing with their tool belts. HOW did they hold them? WHEN did they put them on? Anything to make it seem like I had some idea of what was happening around me. Turns out, I was wasting my time. Within five minutes, I received a nickname (or something similar to a nickname) that made my status quite clear — “New Guy.” I’ve given it some thought, and I think it’s a perfect fit. I mean… I’m new, and I’m a guy. Really, that’s all anyone needs to know. Anyhow, as the new guy, there’s much to learn — years worth of learning!
Installing graphics is a lot like fly-fishing; there’s an order and rhythm that must be internalized until the process becomes a harmonious marriage of thought and feel. Ed, my supervisor, has been teaching me the ins and outs. He’s a knowledgeable guy and cares about the quality of work TKO produces. So far, my basic understanding of the installation process is greater than my ability to perform the required physical tasks in a skilled manner. Ed assures me I’ll get the hang of it, but he also cautions that the learning curve is steep, and like any skill, becoming a good installer takes time and practice. Being this is my initial post, it’s worth mentioning that the installation department at TKO has a swagger and personality which, along with my training experiences, I aim to highlight heading forward. As for my pre-employment fears of looking newbish, well… they were realized. It doesn’t matter, though. I’m “New Guy.” That’s just the way it goes.
What Can You Wrap?
Everyone knows about vehicle wraps, graphics, and decals. Of course, TKO Graphix does vehicle wraps. Last year, we wrapped around 28,453 vehicles — large fleets, small fleets, and individual vehicles. We wrapped company cars, work trucks, and tractor-trailers. We wrapped vans, pickup trucks, box trucks, limousines, SUV’s, and smart cars, but we also wrapped other things. What else can be wrapped? With modern adhesives, inks and digital printers, you can wrap almost anything.
If you hire a design team who understands translating two dimensional ideas into 3D realities, competent printers who understand color calibration, and trained installers, you’re only limited by YOUR imagination.
Stuff We Can Wrap
· Watercraft, Boats, Jet Skis
· Golf Carts
· Motorcycles, Scooters, Helmets
· Race Cars, Pit Stands, Haulers
· RV’s
· Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
· Buildings!
· Buses
· The bottom of a swimming pool
· Laptops, iPhones & Cases
· A lead box in a CAT scanner
· QR codes on almost anything
· Weapons, Shot Guns, Cross Bows
· Appliances, Refrigerators and more
· Ice Cream Cases, Store Freezers
· Elevator Doors
· Tanning Beds
· Entry Doors, Office Doors
· Sports equipment, Hockey sticks, Lacrosse…whatever they play with
· Cameras, Video Cameras, Floating Speaker Cabinets
What have you wrapped? What would you like to wrap? Let us know. Let’s wrap about it.
You’re Driving Your Best Advertising — Use It
Companies are beginning to understand they should not only identify
their vehicles with a company name and vehicle number, but they should also advertise on the vehicle. Your vehicle or trailer is a rolling billboard. Organizations that continue to limit vehicle graphics to identification, and not advertisement, are missing what may be the lowest cost per impression advertising available. Check out these vehicle graphics facts.
I asked Glenn Burris, National Account Manager for TKO Graphix, what exciting new projects he was working on. He shared an advertising program set up with a 46-store Midwest retailer. The retailer offers advertising to selected vendors on their tractor-trailers.
Wow! This retailer is taking clean slate, blank trailers and not charging the vendors to advertise. The selected vendors are responsible for the cost of graphics, but are not charged for the space.
What Is The Return For The Retailer?
· Advertising - the retailer’s name is piggy backed with the vendor on the graphics
· Relationship Building – improving brand awareness for vendor and retailer
· Driving Business – sending customers to the retailer for the vendor’s product
How Do You Get Started?
Here’s how TKO can help you set up a customer-advertising program. We can:
· Contact and inform vendors
· Design graphics for vendors
· Install graphics on trailers
· Find trailers if you need them
· Promote on social networks
Email Glenn Burris, or call, 1-888-544-8051. Tell him Randy sent you.
A blank trailer is a terrible thing to waste.
The 59-Second Lesson
Challenge – A Faded Vehicle Wrap
A small business owner brought his work vehicle — which had a faded graphic installed by another graphics provider — to TKO, to inquire about repair. The graphics provider who completed the installation was no longer in business. Unfortunately, the material used had a very limited warranty. It covered fading, but did not cover removal or installation of the failed graphic.
Solution – Research Warranties From Graphics Providers
For example, 3M offers three warranties on its vinyl adhesive materials, 3M Basic, 3M Performance Guarantee, and 3M MCS. MCS is the only 3M warranty covering qualified removal and installation of materials. Be sure the graphics provider qualifies and offers the MCS warranty. Also, determine if the material and application are covered for your usage.
The Following Is From The 3M MCS Brochure:
Remedy: Credit or replacement of all 3M materials used in the graphic. Certain fleet and vehicle graphics may also have a labor reimbursement component. (Once again, be certain your graphic is covered.)
Labor: For a limited number of products and applications, as stated in specific individual Product Bulletins, 3M may provide labor coverage to remove, remake and reapply failed graphics.
Removal: If a film identified as removable or changeable cannot be successfully removed, or an excessive amount of adhesive remains on the surface, 3M will reimburse the purchaser for reasonable, documented additional removal labor costs.
Result
The result for small business owner who came to us was not good. The choices? Live with the faded vehicle wrap, which makes the company look unprofessional, or spend the money to replace the wrap. In this case, a cheaper, permanent material had been used. The cost to remove the damaged wrap and install a new wrap was not warranted. Like many things, the result of going cheaper was costing more.
What Is A Vehicle Wrap?
It seems at every networking event I attend, someone exclaims,
“TKO Graphix—You’re the vehicle wrap people, aren’t you?” I am proud that TKO’s 25 years of outstanding work is recognized—if misunderstood. We completed 23,000 vehicles in 2010. The majority were not wraps.
A wrap is defined as the covering of a complete area of a vehicle. For example, it could be a fender, the rear, or the entire vehicle.
A plotter cut graphic is a decal applied to a vehicle, but not covering an entire area.
OK, what’s the big deal, and why does it matter? If you want to make an informed decision, you should know the difference BEFORE you wrap your vehicle.
Tracey White, our design department manager, compiled the list below to help us help you with recommendations of artwork and design for your vehicle. You should consider:
General Vehicle Information
· Make, Model, Year, Color
Vans
· Regular or extended bed
· Windows on side or rear
Pickups
· Regular / extended / crew cab
· Bed length (often three or more variations)
Box Trucks & Trailers
· Model of cab (box trucks only)
· Box “skin” dimensions (height & width)
· Type of rear door
· Door / rear dimensions
· Side door / door placement
Avoid Unnecessary Delays
A blue-on-white logo, on a used yellow vehicle, may require wrapping the entire vehicle. However, a white vehicle, with a blue logo, may be better suited for plotter cuts. Do hinges, lights, and gear on your vehicle take up a lot of room or make for odd-sized open areas? Plotter cut graphics can be designed to fit the area. How will the size of the vehicle affect the design? By submitting accurate and complete information, your graphics provider (hopefully, TKO!) may advise the best options for your vehicle.
Here’s an example of a plotter cut over a black vehicle—no need to wrap.
Here’s an example where wrapping the trailer is the only way to achieve the desired result.
The 1 Minute & 38 Seconds Case Study
Challenge – Re-brand Work Vehicles with Zero Vehicle Downtime
A national company wanted to de-identify and re-brand over 4,000 vehicles without losing work time. The vehicles were used from 6am to 6pm daily, except Sunday. Adding to the challenge, the vehicles were in over 200 cities throughout North America.
Solution – Schedule De-ID and Installation On-Site After Hours
The company contracted TKO Graphix to manufacture, de-identify, and install new graphics. Through TKO’s online fulfillment program, the decal manufacturing, shipping, delivery, and installation to all 200 + locations was coordinated. The process was divided into four phases with five installation crews traveling North America. Individual company branch locations were able to access status information at any time. The fulfillment program integrated all phases of the process with TKO Graphix and the customer.
Result – A Fresh Message, Seen by Millions, and No Lost Time
The company now has over 4,000 re-branded work vehicles on the street. They deliver a new, fresh message, at a cost of less than $1 CPM (cost per thousand impressions). Putting the CPM in perspective — traditional media, such as TV, radio, and print, can cost upward of twenty dollars CPM. The work was all completed after work hours, with zero time lost. A potential multi-thousand dollar loss, due to interrupted work, was avoided.
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