Having been badly let down by a previous vinyl wrapping supplier, Pyramid Visuals were contacted in something of a panic to try and help rectify a predicament a client had been dropped in. With less than half a week to go to meet the deadline for a large outdoor event, we were tasked with digitally printing and wrapping 10 contemporary-styled Rickshaws in bespoke Arsenal / O2 branding.
All seemed well on the face of it – the deadline was unrealistically tight, our fitting diary was totally booked out for the remainder of the week leaving no space to squeeze the job in, the Rickshaws were delivered still partially wrapped from a previous job and as for the material being in stock, we simply didn’t have time to wait for new stock to be delivered. So a fairly routine job it was then …!
Having re-jigged the fitting diary, pacified many concerned Pyramid employees about the limited turnaround time, stripped the vehicles in preparation for rebranding wrap and sourced enough material to do the job, we waited for the artwork to be sent through … and we waited and waited and waited.
Finally, with a day and a half to go until the job was due to be unveiled to the public, the artwork was eventually sent to Pyramid and the professional yet slightly ‘frantic’ printing and subsequent fitting session began – and continued long into the evening. The following day, the client decided to pay an adhoc visit to our offices to inspect the quality of print and the quality of Pyramid’s fitting capabilities – as the previous suppliers hadn’t been able to achieve the correct colour shades or achieve a good enough finish for the end client.
Upon leaving Pyramid’s premises the client not only expressed their appreciation at the speed and professionalism in overcoming the many hurdles that we’d been presented with, but also commented that they were so impressed with the manner in which Pyramid had reacted so efficiently and the quality of finished product witnessed that they were to use Pyramid Visuals as their preferred supplier for all future business.
Rick, Pyramid Visuals – Sept 2010
Pyramid Visuals were contacted by Endemol, the production company behind Big Brother and the current consumer documentary on Channel 4 simply entitled “FOOD”. The programme series is essentially about investigating the journey of food consumed in the UK every day and examines where food comes from, what happens to it and how long it takes to get to the nation’s dinner plates.
Given that time was short with only days to go until filming commenced for the series, we were asked if we could print an image of a beach scene directly onto a “rigid board type material”. Having offered various options, the decision was left to us to select the correct substrate required to fulfil the somewhat open-ended brief of, “it will either be free standing on set, fixed to a wall or propped up as a temporary backdrop in front of the presenters”. We therefore took the decision and recommended that the desired image be printed directly on our Inca Spyder V Flatbed digital machine printed onto a 5mm foamex panel and cut to the required size (10’ x 5’). This was duly agreed and the ok given.
Fortunately, having sent a proof of the beach scene image to the client for approval prior to pressing ahead with printing, the production company decided that a beach scene wasn’t right after all as the programme was about food, farming and rural sustainability. With an even tighter deadline, a substitute image was found – one depicting a classic rural scene (as shown below) – and production duly commenced. The job was completed and despatched from Pyramid Visuals directly to the studio set for immediate filming within 2 days.
Rick – September 2010
Images above as featured on the documentary programme, FOOD on Channel 4
Citroen Head office wanted to brighten up there reception area so called in Pyramid Visuals to produce a massive 3 meter high x 5 meter wide digitally printed canvas frame.
This is one of the largest canvas picture frames Pyramid Visuals has produced which was digitally printed on our massive 5 meter wide HP XL1500 solvent printer. The wooden frame was made out of 65mm x 32mm softwood from a non rainforest country with 8 supports.
The printed canvas frame was so large the frame had to be fabricated on site and the canvas stretched onto the wood frame in the reception area.
The print was of a the concept car GTbyCITROËN, which started life as a concept car for the wildly popular Gran Turismo gaming franchise (part of Polyphony Digital Inc. and Sony’s Playstation empire)
Though originally designed as nothing more than a model to drum up interest in the French automaker and the oft-delayed next instalment of Gran Turismo, there has reportedly been so much interest in the GT that there is actually a very real chance that Citroen will put the supercar into limited production, possibly powered by a rumbling V8 engine.
A call came in from Quiksilver enquiring about the possibilities of customising a 1970’s Campervan for an upcoming “promotional tour”. Having talked through a selection of options to meet with their budget, it was only at this point that we learned that the “promotional tour” was in fact to help launch the fledgling career of Charlotte O’Connor, a young British female musician recently signed to Columbia Records – a record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment – and also a recently signed female ambassador for Quiksilver Women.
The following day and after several discussions with Charlotte’s manager, the head of music promotion at Sony, several in-house designers for Quiksilver and the European director for Quiksilver Women, the first sight of the draft artwork was witnessed. Pyramid Visuals were also informed that the Campervan would have to be fully branded using Charlotte’s own designs and ready to hit the road for the start of her UK tour within the next 3 days. We were also informed that the van was being picked up and delivered for fitting to Pyramid Visuals in 2 days time and that we would only have one morning to complete the fitting.
Once again, Pyramid Visuals delivered the job on time and on budget to the great delight to Charlotte, who tweeted and facebooked several pictures of the tour van to her growing legions of fans within 15 minutes of collecting it, and her manager, Quiksilver and Sony representatives who have all subsequently expressed their appreciation and delight at how quickly and professionally the whole job was handled by Pyramid Visuals from start to finish.
You can follow Charlotte on her tour by reading more on her website http://www.charlotteoconnor.com/
Pyramid Visuals wishes Charlotte mega success in her career.
Pyramid Visuals has evolved into one of the leading digital print specialists in the UK. We offer a comprehensive list of services which includes Exhibition Displays, Retail Displays, Vehicle Liveries and branding, Point of Sale, Large format Print, Outdoor media, Signage, Event branding, and Print Management.
We’d like to continue to send you news and information from time to time about our services and recent projects that we have undertaken, which we hope you find interesting and informative. News of different aspects of our offering will build a picture of our capabilities, and could provide ideas for your company in the future. If you have received this e mail in error, or do not wish to see future news please use the unsubscribe link at the foot of this note.
Pyramid and the Lego Technic Challenge
Lego recently launched their global Technic challenge competition where Lego fanatics have the chance to show of their design skills and build the best possible Technic model using Technic pieces. To promote the competition various stores around the country are to host events to promote the competition and allow children to practice with Technic and create machines to perform every day tasks.
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Pyramids brief was to create a Point of Sale display Unit and Dumpbin that would enable Lego to show of the Technic pieces capabilities. Creating the FSDU, essentially didn’t cause our cardboard engineers many problems, although, because of it’s sheer size we had to use 6 sheets ( sheet size: 2400 x 1600mm) of EB flute to replicate just one unit. To Create the Technic Cogs on top of the FSDU we were able to use our Zund Cutter to shape the corrugated. However, when it came to designing the Dumpbin we were faced with two major problems. Firstly, corrugated is quite a rigid substance thus, would not bend to form the cylindrical shape and secondly, creating a cog effect to the externals of the dumpbin. To overcome these problems our cardboard engineers created an inner cylindrical shape, locked with tabs, from 440mic semi rigid PVC and created the cog effect by concertinaring a 2.5m length of EB flute to create a 300mm diameter circle. This was then fastened to the inner cylinder by weaving a strap through the concertina thus, leaving no fixings visible.
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Overall the project was a brilliant success and the units are being displayed throughout the country.
For more of our Point of Sales Services please visit us on www.pyramidvisuals.co.uk
Designing and Preparing the Vehicle for Wrapping
Design work for vehicle wrapping is much different than design work for flat graphics or banners or any other vinyl application, according to experts, and preparing vehicles for installation is critical to the appearance and life of the wrap.
Designing for Vehicle Wraps
Knowing the vehicle
Knowing the shape and size of the vehicle and all its nuances is a critical part of the design process; therefore, taking measurements before you do any design work is a must. You really have to have a good handle on templates, templates are so key because positioning is critical. If you have to do a lot of reprints, then that could break your business. Experts also recommend an auto library that contains vector images of cars, trucks and buses and a digital camera with which to take pictures. The goal is to know every millimetre of the vehicle. If you don’t take time to do this up front, then you could end up with text over a door handle. Even though you are wrapping a box trailer, for example, measurements are still important because there are slight differences that could cause major problems during installation.
Business have successfully been using vehicle wrapping for the past 15 years but its only recently that end users have also seen the benefits of car wrapping thanks to the advances and colour finishes of the vinyl.
With so many vehicles with colourful wraps on the road it was only a matter of time before the public wised up to the world of vehicles wraps. People tend to get bored of with their cars and with the credit crunch buying a new car is just not affordable. So changing the colour of their car would add a new lease of life to the car and owner and the vinyl manufactures have geared up to the next generation of vehicle wrapping.
Whilst printable and self colour wrapping vinyl’s have been around for 15 years the unusual colours and finish are just at the beginning. There has been about 20% increase in enquires this year for matt finish wrap which probably started this all off a couple of years ago and carbon fibre effect is constantly been asked for but no vinyl was up to the job of a full wrap until now.
There is now a range of colour effect wrapping vinyl’s from fantastic pearl white and carbon white to a cost effective mirror chrome. I’m sure once the custom car market sees some of these then there will be a greater demand for more colour effect vinyl’s as wrapping is significantly cheaper than a re-spray and takes a fraction of the time and can be done many times.
Creative designers have also cottoned these new self coloured effect vinyl’s and to make the wraps more interesting are designing vehicles wraps which have a
combination of digital print and colour effect vinyl creating an even more eye catching design.
matt black finish wrap
As printing costs have come down and speeded up, self adhesive vinyl’s are easier to install and remove many Blue Chip companies with fleets are frequently re-wrapping parts of their fleets to fit in with companies above the line advertising campaign.
Installation costs won’t come down much as it takes time and skill to wrap a vehicle but with more companies offering this service then this will give the consumer great choose and more locally.
Promotional vehicle wraps to support other field marketing campaigns is up 10% possibly down to becoming more affordable and vehicle rental Companies becoming more lenient to fully wrapping their vehicles. Field marketing gets to the very heart of target audiences and what better way to do this than a large double decker coach in the middle of the car park, or driving up and down the high street, you just can’t miss it!
Got a new office? A launch in the pipeline? Summer sale to promote?
One effective way to spread your message is through vinyl graphics. Vinyl Graphics and window decals have been around for years and are an inexpensive and functional way to decorate windows, buses, cars and virtually any other smooth surface. The good news is window decals and vinyl graphics are also becoming more innovative every day.
Looking for a cost effective promotional tool?
Printing window graphics doesn’t cost much nowadays. With digitally printed design and production, the process is highly simplified and requires less expense and resource, so you can get vinyl graphics and window decals printed quickly. Business owners appreciate the benefits of this, which is why self adhesive vinyl printing tends to be an integral part of any marketing campaign.
Vinyl is a strong and durable material
Vinyl graphics are able to withstands the effects of prolonged exposure to sun, rain, wind and snow. The secret of why it’ so long lasting lies in its use pigments in the solvent ink mixed to create the self-adhesive vinyl prints. It is very common for vinyl producers to use UV ink, which also protects vinyl banners from UV, water and humidity.
Window manifestations that stop crowds
Window manifestations can be used for catching the eyes of passers-by, as seasonal decorations, to promote a sale or special offer– these are just three of the many options available. Custom window manifestation designs are usually computer cut and applied to create the exact effect you want.
The versatility that every advertiser wants
Vinyl graphics and window decals can be reused for future marketing campaigns, e.g. window graphics are easy to put up and take down.
Simply store your vinyl graphics until they are needed again. If you want to change the copy or design of an existing window manifestation, it can literally take minutes to change the original design – as long as it’s still on file. With vinyl graphics there is no need to create new signs from scratch. This ensures value for money, versatility and consistency of brand. All the ingredients needed for successful and ongoing marketing communication.
The effectiveness of point of sale – when combined with vibrant design, digital printing and reduced production costs – means that point of sale can take many forms and is no longer just for huge brands.
Let’s look at the different examples of point of sale:
- Counter top displays
- Large POS signs
- Wobblers
- Free standing display units (FSDU)
- Cardboard displays
Point of sale displays should carry a strong ‘call to action’ message. Customers must be prompted to enquire more about your product or service as soon as he or she sees your POS display.
packaging display units
Three fail-safe pointers to help you develop successful point of sale
Placement makes perfect
Placement should never be underestimated – you will only benefit when your prospects see the POS at the right time.
Depending on your business, place POS on counters, at the front of your store, next to restaurant tables or at the bar, e.g. so people can read it as they wait for their drinks.
Make it catchy
No one likes to read boring signs. If you have a product, you should have an eye-catching quote or a stand-out design in order to let people to interact – and act on it. The message you choose must be understood at a glance.
Work with vendors
If you are not sure where to start when it comes to point of sale, contact Pyramid Visuals or ask other, similar businesses who have used POS in the past.
Point of sale – the stand out option
These are three essential points that will help you to create a successful point of sale – especially as part of an integrated marketing campaign. By bearing these three points in mind, you’ll be able to dodge the main POS pitfalls and find success in this productive, yet often underestimated form of promotion. Good luck!
I am here interested in the intricacies of digital print, from the small lowly flag to the majestic building wrap, no surprise then that I was over the moon when Pyramid Visuals offered me employment.
Now I was in a position where I could not only earn an honest wage but lo and behold I was put smack bang in the centre of a fast paced multi organisational company whose life blood was the visuals they produced.
We have a plethora of printers, SEVEN in fact, all UV or Solvent specification.
We also have a large flat bed printer and the beauty of these printing resources?
We can print anything for anyone anywhere and practically any time.
Hard working Digital Print operator and Fitters join forces here with an imaginative creative team and dynamic sales force to culminate in the perfect place to work.
I never fail to be impressed by the volume and quality of work the team produce and have a constant thirst for knowledge, everyone here at Pyramid Visuals is more than happy to talk me through how a job is completed and can discuss at length the different materials we use and for what job so that when I am approached by a customer, I can take great pride in the fact that I can answer their queries to the best of my abilities.
In short, I love working for a company that not only know what they are doing but are also at the cutting edge of the industry.
Life is good 🙂