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16
Joined
10/6/2016
Location
LT
Hello,
I'm designing graphics right now and want to start printing them by myself. I wonder if there are some people who know what equipment I need and could suggest exact models of products. I believe I need printer, laminate and cutter, but I have no idea what kind and where to look. Any help?
I'm designing graphics right now and want to start printing them by myself. I wonder if there are some people who know what equipment I need and could suggest exact models of products. I believe I need printer, laminate and cutter, but I have no idea what kind and where to look. Any help?
You'll need a printer, vinyl and laminate. But not just any will do. You'll need Convex 4mil vinyl and 12 mil laminate.
You may have better odds working with someone or a company to print them out.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
What I will tell you is I did/do just what you're looking to do. I got into it to produce mx graphics for me and my buddies and grow it from there ... and to keep me busy through the winter months while I couldn't be riding. It's a cool process and pretty fun, but I already own a business and this got TOO busy for me. I ended up printing all kinds of stuff for people. Decals for the first responder vehicles, school fundraisers, yeti mugs, bikes, helmets, etc. I read a post on this site one time from a guy that said he'd rather wrap a team semi than produce graphics for every team in the pits because you'll lose money and spend more time than you have designing custom graphics ...and he was right! "Change this, change that, do this, put this here..." It'll eat you alive!!
That said, if I wanted to do this full time and could devote 8-5 to it, I could make a lot of money, no question. I just don't have the time with a 'real' business and a wife and two kids.
Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll do my best to answer as I've been in your shoes and now I'm trying to sell those shoes....
So the question you raised is the same exact question I asked myself like 1 year ago. I am originally graphic designer, having a great job for very good money, as well as doing some freelancing on some other cool projects here and there. I have wife and 15 mths old kid so you can imagine how much time I can invest into MX graphics
Same thing as you, as I was giving the designed product somewhere else to get printed, I obviously wanted to print it myself to have control over it. I have now my machines for around 6 months and I can tell you it is a little bit of uphill battle. Even though I have some printing background (from college) and also understand the technology, it is still not an easy task. Especially if you have no one around to ask or bounce feedback from. You will need to invest A LOT of time into making it work proper. Its not just buying equipment but there is far more behind it.
I had to basically find the right equipment on my own cause there was no one around, and not even on the internet forums who would help (people in this industry don't seem to help each other that much), I want to change it and I can get you all info I have, to get you started. I am still in very early stages, but I can at least tell you the equipment I use for the job. So please write me a DM if you are interested. I have pretty OK/cheap setup for start which can produce very good outcome in general.
The only struggle is colour correction at the moment, so please if there is a person here willing to help on the right colour profiling a Roland printer, PLEASE let me know. Good luck, thanks
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