Signage and graphics on vehicles
by Marc Levy, Signs360

Signage on vehicles first appeared in the 1920s. The famous Model T Ford with gold leaf writing that advertised corporate brands stood out in cities throughout the US. In the last 50 years, signage and graphics on vehicles has certainly advanced and still continues to turn heads.

To transform a vehicle into an attention grabber requires artistic skill. It involves the understanding of design substrates such as vinyls and non-fading digital printing onto cast vinyls, professionally custom applied to create magnificent pieces of moving media that pay for themselves over and over _ a valuable investment.

From enamel painting, to airbrushing, to digital printing, are all possibilities for the vehicle graphic market. Excellent application on vehicles is an art in itself as the sign creator needs to view the valuable vehicle space as a moving billboard where maximum attention can be drawn and impact can be achieved.

Some years ago, whitewall tyres with advertising printed on them was the new addition on the block. Whitewalls on cars in 1950 were very popular with the styles and designs of those cars in that era, masterpieces with high shine, big fins and lots of chrome.

During my experience in business I have always used vehicle graphics and signage as an absolute must for our companies. It ensures that we get our message across for decades and to as many potential clients as possible. Window branding is approached using a special contra-vision vinyl material, which allows the driver to see out, but is silk-screened with the original overall look of the graphic on the paintwork.

Vehicle graphics are the equivalent of moving billboards, advertising via digital printing and the portrayal of serious brands.