Angelenos have embraced the street food culture because they are always on the go. Ever since the food truck scene exploded in Los Angeles several years ago, there has been no shortage of mobile restaurants that provide breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner for the hungry street foodie. While the quality of the food is the main attraction, well-designed truck wraps are the first thing that draws the attention of potential diners.

If you are a budding restaurateur but are not yet ready to open your first branch, maintaining a food truck will help you gain the necessary experience needed to succeed in the restaurant industry. After making a business plan and getting a permit to operate, it’s time to buy or rent a truck. The interior and exterior of your food truck need to be carefully designed if you want your street food venture to succeed.

Setting up the Interior of Your Food Truck

You will have an idea on how to design your kitchen after you have decided on what type of cuisine you will be serving. Make a complete list of onboard food preparation, refrigeration, and storage equipment that you will need. All of your equipment must satisfy commercial health and fire code requirements. The regulations will determine the location of the electrical outlets, sinks, vents, and other features. An ergonomically designed kitchen enhances functionality, labor efficiency, and safety, allowing your crew to finish their tasks swiftly and avoid injuries.

Truck Wraps for Mobile Restaurants

Serving delicious food is the surefire way to get exposure for your food truck but you have to make your mobile restaurant look appetizing as well to attract the attention of diners. Truck wraps will transform your restaurant on wheels into an instant billboard. Depending on your route, your truck will be seen by and potentially serve food to thousands of people a day.

Truck wraps for mobile restaurants should give diners an idea of what type of food is being offered. Try including images of your best menu items in the design. Make sure that your food truck wraps can be seen by people who are blocks away, and from a bird’s eye view to attract the attention of those who are in office buildings. However, resist the urge of putting in too much text because your advertisement needs to be legible. Your potential customers just need to see the type of food you’re offering, your name and logo, your catering promotion, your website, your Twitter handle and follow us call to action, your address, and your phone number.

Want to be part of the Los Angeles street food scene? Contact Arete Digital Imaging to get a free consultation and a no obligation quote for your food truck wraps.

Fleet wraps are vehicle graphics that are used to cover two or more cars, trucks, vans, and other types of company-owned vehicles. It does not matter if you have only two cars or if you have hundreds of delivery vans; fleet wraps will maximize the return of investment of your vehicles by transforming them into mobile marketing machines.

At first, outfitting your company vehicles with fleet wraps may not seem like a cost-effective venture. After all, you already have budget allotted for fuel and maintenance costs. But research suggests that vehicle wraps can actually help you save on your advertising costs.

• A study conducted by the RYP & Becker Group suggests that 96 percent of people thought fleet wraps had more impact than billboards.
• A three-month study conducted by American conglomerate 3M in San Francisco showed that an advertisement placed on a vehicle wrap costs about $0.48 per thousand impressions, compared to $23.70 on television, $21.46 on magazines, $19.70 on newspapers, and $7.75 on radio.
• According to the American Trucking Association, a single intra-city truck wrapped with vehicle graphics can generate up to 16 million visual impressions in a year.

Quality Fleet Wraps Get Your Message Moving and Noticed

Fleet wraps allow cars, trucks, vans, and other company vehicles to advertise your products and services while on the road and even when parked. It does not matter if your vehicles are old or if they are of different makes because it is simple for designers to create the proper templates to ensure that all the units in your fleet are wrapped according your branding or promotion.

You can choose between custom decals, partial wraps, and full wraps for your fleet. If it is your first time to try mobile advertising and you want to test the waters, custom decals are your ideal option. You can put in basic information like your company name, logo, phone number, and website.

Partial wraps can be installed on the sides or back of a vehicle. When properly designed and installed, partial wraps on larger vehicles can have the same or even greater impact than a full wrap, which, as the name suggests, covers an entire vehicle. Full wraps are ideal if you want to draw the attention of your targeted audience with a combination of text, images, and vibrant colors.

Fleet wraps can be removed anytime without damaging paint. It is easy to switch to another design if your corporate branding changes or if you want to run a different promotion. Entrust your mobile advertising project to an experienced vehicle wrapping company like Arete Digital Imaging to get the best possible results.

Car graphics, when properly designed and installed, can help a small business with just one company car make the most out of itslimited advertising budget. A company car can be outfitted with car graphics to display the company logo, products or services offered, phone number, and website, so it can advertise the business while on the road and even while parked.

But car graphics are definitely not just for business owners. If you are an automotive enthusiast, “wrapping” your car is a great way of
personalizing your vehicle. Car decals are made using a vinyl film with a special adhesive that won’t harm your paint job. Once you have chosen a computer-generated design, the artwork is printed on the vinyl panels. Because vinyl can be cut to virtually any shape, the design possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Make Your Ride Stand Out with Custom Car Graphics

You are probably wondering why you should go for vinyl graphics when you can have an automotive painter airbrush your preferred design on your car. A custom paint job will suit you fine if the budget is not an issue. That said, vinyl graphics are less expensive but can still provide stunning visual effects because of the latest advancements in printing technology. You can also remove the decals at any time if you want to change the look of your car over and over. The money you save if you choose vinyl graphics over a paint job can be used to increase your budget for the other components of your car customization project, like the engine, rims, and interiors.

There are different types of custom car graphics that you can choose from. A full wrap is a design that covers the entire surface of your car, transforming its look completely. A partial wrap covers a section of the surface. When designed correctly, partial wraps seamlessly blend in with the base color of your car.

Vinyl graphics generally have a lifespan of three to five years. It is easier to maintain vinyl graphics than a custom paint job. All you need to do is to manually wash your car with soap and water. You don’t need to buff, polish, or wax the graphics to maintain its luster and shine.

If you are good with your hands and are familiar with vinyl graphics, you can have your design printed and install the decals yourself. But if you are not too confident that you can pull it off, just let the vehicle wrapping experts at Arete Digital Imaging do the job for you.

Keeping abreast of advertising trends is a must if you want to edge out the competition. In outdoor advertising for example, you now have the option of using wallscapes in addition to vehicle wraps, billboards, outdoor banners, and street furniture. Wallscapes and wall graphics, as the names imply, are ads that can be mounted on buildings and other high-traffic surfaces that deliver a BIG statement. They are available in both horizontal and vertical formats and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Why wallscapes

When it comes to outdoor advertising, you can forget about the link between good things and small packages; bigger is better. After all, a bigger space means better opportunities to showcase your brand and let people know what your company is all about. Now, if you are at a loss as to the elements that make a good wallscape, consider asking an advertising pro who can recommend the best type of mural that will put your company in the most flattering light.

Some tips on wallscape advertising

The challenge with having to work with such a huge canvass is that any flaw in the design or copy is automatically magnified. Your best bet then, if this if your first time printing a wallscape is to go with a simple design. That means keeping the wording, color scheme, and graphics uncomplicated so that these elements do not pull focus from the product or service that you are promoting. Don’t worry though, as even those who have been using wallscapes with great success often rely on the K.I.S.S (keep it simple, stupid) formula. You’re in good company if you do, and if you don’t, well, there’s always room for rule-breakers in the advertising world. Who knows, maybe you’ll set a new standard and they (your competitors) will be the ones to follow you.

Stretching your advertising dollars

Yes, wallscapes can cost a pretty penny but the good news is that you can get great deals as long as you choose a reputable company that you can build a long-term relationship with. Typically, you would want to go for removable wallscapes that are durable enough to withstand the elements. This would save you more money compared to hiring a professional painter who would take weeks or even months to complete your wall graphics. Plus, with removable wallscapes or those printed on vinyl, you don’t have to worry about the paint being washed off when it rains and the set up and tear down are pretty much hassle-free.

*Discover more large format printing products at www.aretedi.com.

Possibly one of the most cost-effective forms of outdoor advertising you can try, vinyl banners come in different sizes and can last for up to five years. A lot of vinyl banners nowadays are printed using high-tech large format inkjet printers but there are some that are still screenprinted or painted. The typical vinyl banner Los Angeles can be single- or double-sided with or without grommets and banner hem tapes. It’s up to you how you want to design your banners but you should definitely check out the tips below so you can get the most mileage out of these promotional materials.

Break out the color wheel.

If you don’t have a designer on your team, you should try consulting someone whom you think has an excellent feel for colors. As a general rule, your vinyl banner Los Angeles design is better rendered in striking colors to deliver your message with a bang. You can still use pale and subtle hues though, as long as you figure out a way to come up with an interesting color combination. By the way, you should also take note that stripes, checks, and ultra intricate color patterns may not print well on vinyl. Try bold but solid colors for a vinyl banner Los Angeles color scheme that works.

Experiment with shapes.

Just as you are not limited to one size and one size only, you also have the freedom to choose the shape of the vinyl banner you want. Of course, you have to understand that your text and graphics should be modified based on the banner shape that you have chosen. All these can be explained to you by your printer or the graphic designer you hired. If you have any questions on what the best banner configuration would work best for the product or service or brand that you are promoting, don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail.

Vinyl Banner Care Tips

As mentioned your vinyl banner Los Angeles can last for up to five years. However, you need to do your part to ensure that it doesn’t give out on you well before its sell-by date, so to speak. One way to do that is to clean your banner with soap and water after every use. You may also use a mild detergent, maybe a dishwashing liquid and then after, you may use a soft cloth to wipe your banner dry.

As for storage, don’t forget to roll your banner with the lettering facing outside. You may also purchase a cardboard tube to keep your banner protected from anything that may cause damage. Experts do not recommend folding vinyl banners; especially if these are to be used again and again as folding may cause permanent creases. As a final note, remember not to store your banner where extreme heat can cause the vinyl to melt. Room temperature is fine, but a cool dry place is better.

You don’t have to be a marketing or advertising expert to figure out how banners can help showcase your brand. Banners don’t cost a lot to print, are effective in grabbing your target customers’ attention, and can be integrated into your marketing mix without any problems. Of course, since you are dealing with a promotional tool, you would have to be particular about your strategy. Remember that your competitors are also using banners to reach out to clients and promote brand awareness. A so-so banner Los Angeles marketing plan therefore just wouldn’t cut it. To help you out, here are some guidelines that you need to take note of while you are formulating a marketing plan using banners.

Layout

You can order any designer to make the layout of your banner to be as easy on the eyes as possible. That is, after all, one of the design considerations that needs to be addressed. However, you also need to insist on brand consistency to ensure that your banners can be easily associated with your company. Don’t forget that creativity is just one part of the winning banner layout equation. To be effective, your banners must also clue your target customers in on what your brand is all about.

Copy

No matter the scale of your ad campaign, it always pays to have a talented copywriter on your team. You see, it’s not just a matter of throwing words at your banner and seeing what sticks. The banner copy must be on point and rendered in easy to read font. And by easy to read, we mean none of the squiggly stuff and visible from a distance.

Graphics

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well, if you are going to use images in your banner Los Angeles, at least know your limits. Don’t put ten pictures in your banner if you think that would obscure the fact that your copy needs polishing. Every image that you use must not pull focus from the other elements of your banner. Balance is your friend and you’d do well to always remember it.

Size

Take what you have learned from font size and apply it to the actual size of your banner. Is your banner big enough to be seen from afar? Is the space enough for your graphics and copy? Are you limited to the standard banner size and shape? These are just some of the factors that you need to consider before you settle on a banner option. You could also benefit from trying out different banner configurations just to make it easier for your prospects to distinguish your company from the competition.

*For more information on banner printing services and rates, please check out www.aretedi.com.

Honestly, we’re not here to tell you why you should have your vehicle wrapped. You’re reading this because you’ve already decided that outfitting your van or car or bus with vehicle graphics is the way to go. No, you’re here because you want to know more about the processes that companies such as ADI use to customize your ride. And you want to make sure that your chosen printer has the expertise and capabilities to complete your vehicle wrapping project.

So how exactly does a full-service graphic design and large format printing company work on your vehicle and transform it into a one-of-a-kind work of art on wheels?

We’ve summarized the most important points below.

Preparation

Let’s leave the design phase for now and focus on the installation process. First is the prep stage, where your license plate is removed and the parts that won’t be wrapped are covered with masking tape and paper. This is also where the installers of your vehicle graphics would clean the surfaces to be wrapped to ensure that the vinyl is able to stick properly.

Application

Now that the vehicle wrapping pros have prepped your ride, it’s time to apply your vehicle graphics. On hand would be tools of the trade including a squeegee, sharp knife or scalpel, heat gun, and so on. Most installers usually start at the back, applying the wrap and then using the squeegee to press out bubbles for a smooth finish. The whole process may take about an hour or so, as the installers spend a bit of time using the heat gun to stretch the vinyl around the corners.

Finishing

Before a vehicle graphics project is deemed as complete, the wrapping experts would need to check if there are bubbles, wrinkles, tears, or raised areas that they may have missed. If such imperfections are found, the installers would have to use a pin to let the air out and then a squeegee again to smooth out the problem areas. After that quality check, the vehicle wrappers would then use a scalpel to trim out any excess vinyl. They would have to do this very carefully to avoid cutting or damaging the paint job below the wrap. You will then be advised to let your vehicle sit for about a day to ensure that your vehicle graphics have fully adhered to the surface.

*Want to know more about our vehicle wrapping services? Feel free to browse our site or fill out our online Request a Quote form for a no obligation price quote.

Who says your input is not needed when it comes to the design of your vehicle wraps? Yes, you may have hired a vehicle wrapping company to take care of all those design stuff. But as the client, don’t you think you need to make sure that the final product is on-brand? So many so-called specialists in vehicle wraps depend on templates that sometimes all you see on the road are just variations of the same design. It need not be said that your wrapped vehicle must be unique, able to stand out, and grab the attention of your target consumers. Participating in the design creation process ensures that you don’t end up with something that is as lackluster as the usual fare that you encounter on the street.

Take a look at some guidelines below to make sure that your vehicle wraps are designed for maximum impact.

Know when to edit.

Too many elements take away from the effectiveness of your vehicle wrap’s design. As the client, you need to be clear with your instructions as to how creative you need the design to be without losing sight of your brand identity. If you are working with a graphic designer to create a specific look for your vehicle wraps, you would need to help him or her strike that balance between artistry and marketability.

Show, don’t tell.

You’ll get more mileage out of your vehicle wraps if you stay away from the text-heavy presentation. Given the limited amount of time that your customers have to view your vehicle graphics, it just doesn’t make sense to fill your wrap with line after line of information about your company – its products and services. If you must enumerate the ways that make your company awesome, pick a more appropriate method such as a catalog or a brochure. A vehicle wrap is definitely not the way to go if you feel the need to talk up your unique selling points.

Understand your prospects.

Well-designed vehicle wraps have the ability to grab attention but in terms of marketing or advertising, the most successful vehicle graphics don’t just appeal to a random set of people. Remember that you are targeting a specific slice of the population, which means that your wrap has to be impressive enough to prompt that slice into knowing more about your company. Put simply, you should consider the principles of target advertising when designing your vehicle wraps, as anything that is too abstract may not yield the results that you are after.

*Browse our site for details on how we can help you design vehicle wraps that support your branding efforts.

Having a fleet of vehicles, whether owned or leased, is beneficial for your business. Your fleet of cars, trucks, and vans provide more convenience for your employees as they can be used for deliveries, house calls, presentations, or as a means of transportation from their homes to the office. Leasing or maintaining a fleet does not come cheap but you can maximize the value of your larger vehicles by outfitting them with truck wraps and truck graphics.

Advertising Using Truck Wraps

Truck wraps can transform your fleet into mobile advertising machines. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the average delivery truck generates 16 million visual impressions annually. The signs on a company vehicle generate results at a considerably lower cost per impression compared to other forms of advertising. Your entire fleet, when covered in truck graphics, promotes your products and services day and night while on the road and parked. The high impact provided by truck wraps allows you to boost brand visibility and customize your message based on the geographic location of your targeted audience.

Designing Your Truck Graphics

According to the ATA, 91 percent of people notice words and pictures when displayed on trucks and 75 percent of drivers form an impression of a company based on the signage so you need to carefully choose your truck graphics. White is a safe base color for your trucks.  The 2011 DuPont Color Popularity Survey found that white is the top color for fleet vehicles in North America. A white base is ideal for branding purposes, as your company logo and name are more visible on white trucks. On the other hand, bold and striking colors will make your truck fleet stand out from the crowd while warmer, earth-themed hues give the impression of cleanliness and eco-friendliness.

One of the most important considerations when designing truck graphics is the route that your fleet takes on a recurring basis. Try to factor in the average speed and traffic congestion, which determines the viewing time of your targeted audience. Less is more when it comes to the design because most of the drivers and passengers only have a few seconds to glance at your sign. Think of a powerful slogan that your audience can easily associate with your product or service. Use images that evoke emotions. While truck graphics look better on the sides of the vehicle, the rear window and the area over the rear wheels are the most powerful viewing areas for drivers so try to put your slogan, website, and contact information on those areas.

Remember: the success of your mobile advertising campaign hinges on the design of your truck graphics so choose an experienced business printing company like Arete Digital Imaging to handle your truck wraps project.

Here’s the thing. You can spend a lot of money on banners, building wraps, highway billboards, transit posters, and street furniture but unless you have a keen sense of what works in terms of outdoor advertising, you may as well throw your advertising funds down the drain. This is not to say, however, that newbies in out-of-home-advertising have no way of making it and are better off trying other advertising channels. There are tried and tested outdoor advertising tips that are commonly employed by big brands that work just as well for small players. Here is a list of those must-try pointers to ensure that your outdoor strategies are able to fit in your total media mix.

Say it quickly, creatively.

One saying that has found so many uses in the advertising industry is: “Brevity is the soul of wit.” This means conveying your message in just a few words and resisting the urge to elaborate. Remember that your target customers may not have a lot of time to stay put and analyze your outdoor billboard or poster. If they only have 10 seconds, for example, to view your ad, then within that time, your prospects should have understood what you are trying to say or promote. Bottom line: avoid text-heavy ads but don’t make the mistake of going overly simple that your copy turns out super bland.

Think exciting, not distracting.

The point of your outdoor ads is to garner attention for the product or service that you are promoting but never to the extent that viewers would find said ads a huge distraction. And by distraction, we mean accidents both minor and major in the context of highway billboards. On your part, you would be required to find the perfect balance among colors, images, text, and location. It’s not enough that you have a well-designed outdoor ad but fail on the messaging or have a clever tagline that gets lost within a maze of busy design elements. Balance is your friend, and you would do well to remember that in all of your advertising efforts.

Don’t forget your call to action.

Sounds obvious, right? You may think that a call to action is pretty standard for all ads, but you would be surprised to learn that not all brands are able to use it in a way that increases response rates. For an outdoor ad, a simple call to action would be the inclusion of a phone number or website. But you can up the ante by let’s say offering 10 percent off on the item featured in the ad, if the customer mentions where the poster or billboard is located. There may be a limit as to how creative you can get with a call to action but the important thing is to not forget it when planning your outdoor advertising strategy.

*Need help with planning and printing outdoor ads? Visit Aretedi.com for more information.