Questions About Design

Q: How hard is it to remove the background of an image?

Well, sometimes it can be easy. So easy even an AI can do it! Sometimes though it can take hours of work by a real graphic designer. Much depends on the quality of the image and also the nature of the image. Quality of the image: If the image is already a bit pixelated or has semi transparent pixels close to edge, these have to be manually cleaned up. No AI tricks here. Maybe one day, but not yet. Nature of the image: If the image has sections that fade or feather, creating a nice edge for a die cut image is a challenge and has to be drawn manually. No AI tricks here either. So, yes, $15 to remove the background is a deal. But, truthfully, at times, if the above is not an issue with your image, than the free online AI background removal services will work. Save the $15 and run your image through their filters and see how it looks. Pay attention to the edges. Make sure all remnants are removed and you are satisfied with the result. When you're ready, use this new image on our "Turn your image into a Decal" tool.

Q: Why does custom work cost more?

'Volume Volume Volume' In business it used to be 'location location location' as the three most important things needed for success. But not online. To illustrate. With a store front it takes about 30 minutes to work with a customer and design and make a custom printed graphic. When the customer designs themselves online, well, it takes us 30 minutes to do TEN printed graphics. So we produce and make 10 times as much with the customer designing. So, our prices reflect this reality. We don't like to say 'CHEAP', but well, they are. They really are. The prices that is. Not the quality. So, yes, a bit of sticker shock when we have to raise the price for custom work. It won't by 10 times higher. Still at even 3 or 4 times higher the pricing is not sustainable for the business. The truth is: Custom work is subsidized by our regular work. Just doing custom work and we would go bankrupt. Why do it at all? Well, we are graphic designers. It's what we enjoy. So, steady yourself. The price for custom work will be higher, but really, never high enough.

Q: How do we match your color?

Well the latest and greatest iPhone will not help. It would seem simple enough to just take a picture and print that color. The human eye and brain though are way better, and also, at the same time, get tricked way easier than most expect. We've all seen the dress that some people see as one color, and others see as another color. Our eyes and brain interpret and filter what we see. For instance, take a picture of a red car. Import that picture into a photo editing app. Color sample various areas of the red car. Each and every sample will be a different color code. Our eyes see ONE color, the computer sees hundreds. On the other hand, we can print out a dozen different similar red sample color codes. When our eyes look at the samples it will see a dozen different reds. BUT take a picture of the samples and then look at the picture. They will all look alike. Even the latest and greatest iPhone can not match the human eye. So, the only way to really match a color exactly is to use all the tools available. Yes, color matching tools save a lot of time. But they are only the start. The best tool we have: trained human eye... can fine tune the print and get the perfect match. Mail us your sample and we will match it: SignSpecialist.com 105 Ruth Ann Lane Broadway NC 27505

Q: Why does Image Cropping Matter?

When uploading an image to be sized and made into a decal, how the image is cropped really matters. If the image is cropped disproportionately then: We are left guessing on the sizes needed Your order could be delayed Pricing could be inaccurate What you order might not be what you had in mind For example, if you have an image like this: But if the actual outside proportions do not match the image inside, like this: Then the size you enter and the width that is calculated might not be what you had in mind. As an example, say you want a 10" tall decal. But if the unwanted background is not cropped out, the size calculations will be off: So crop the image correctly and sizing will be accurate. Of course this is an extreme example but hopefully it shows the issue. To review, if the image appears to be cropped disproportionately then: We are left guessing on the sizes needed Your order could be delayed Pricing could be inaccurate What you order might not be what you had in mind So, crop the image to the desired proportions and all these concerns go away and you'll get the decal exactly like you have in mind. Ready? Upload your cropped image and make it into a decal here

Q: I have this picture, can you turn it into a decal for me? (actual example)

Recently a customer send us this image: He wanted to take this image (the above size being 1.5 "x1.5") and turn it into a small decal (10"x10"). Normally, the cost of a decal like this well under $20... if we have the artwork in a decal ready format. However, this above decal is not even close. The above image is less than 3 square inches. To get to 100 square inches, the above decal would have to be 33 times larger. So lets do that. The following image is a crop of the original. It is ONLY enlarged half that amount. Can you tell which part of the original it is? Imagine if it was enlarged to the size need. The details just are not there. Added to this, the original image is only 'drawn' at 72dpi. Minimum quality needed is 150dpi. Enough of these technical issues. What does this mean for the customer who just wanted a nice decal made from the original image? Much added cost. A redraw by hand is needed. Then the redraw will be scanned into the computer for more clean up and conversion to a final decal file format. Even before a decal can be made, several hours of redraw time is needed... cost $75 (not including the decal cost). Wow! Why go over all this? At first glance the cost of converting an image to a decal seems like we're some kind of bandits... to some customers. But the reality is, even at the prices we do charge, our conversion prices do not cover our conversion costs. Why do we do it anyway? It's fun (although not profitable). It's fun to get paid to draw. To get away from a computer and keyboard and sit down with paper and pencil and draw.... now that is some quality personal time. And to get paid for it besides, it makes it all worth while. So by no reason, feel we don't want to do decal conversions. Send us what you have and we'll get back with you a quote and ordering link (but steady yourself before you look at the price). Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Can I get a CamoWraps kit for my ________?

UPDATED CamoWraps is discontinued. Over the decades we have only offered the best of the best. Technology moves forward Tastes change Custom made wraps are more economical and easy to make 'one off' just for you Very common question. While CamoWraps does offer kits for some ATVs die cut to fit, this is not a popular option. Why? Well, what happens if you mess-up just one little piece? A big problem... because of the time and expense of getting that one fitted piece to you. A much better option is to order either a kit with the same square footage you need or order by the sheet. This will allow some leeway for mistakes. So what to do? Take some time and measure the square footage needed to cover your ________ and, first see if another general CamoWraps kit has close to the same material. If not, order the number of 4'x5' sheets needed to cover your project. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Can you change the color or size just a bit on a pre-made graphic?

Sadly, these are pre-made and we simply distribute the product for someone else. But this is a great idea. We've asked..... and asked . But the makers of these products just will not give out the high dpi files for us to work with. Which does make sense for them. Why would we buy and distribute their product if we had their artwork. We would simply bypass them. Sometimes the next question is: Can you make these graphics up 'from scratch' for a one time run for me? Yes - but the cost will be high for just a one run graphic (by comparison). This is the reason others mass produce and then get others to sell their production. That being said, if you have artwork or a design in mind, let us know - we love doing first class custom work. But the price just will not be as cheap as the pre-made graphics. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Can you do a rendering in your pre-made graphics?

Image Quest, Fas Graphics, and Auto Trim Express graphics can not be rendered well. We simply distribute. The manufacturers will not give us the computer graphics for renderings. They are afraid we would use the files as a template to make the graphics custom. Which would be a good idea. This limits what renderings we can do. :( Only the graphics that are custom made found in this section can be rendered. But that is still over 1,200 side stripes. Many to choose from. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Can you make a Camo pin-stripe for my truck?

Sadly, a camo pattern for a pin-stripe - while it sounds like a good idea - in application just does not look good. The problem is in recognizing the pattern as camo. If the pattern is left at it usual size, there is not enough detail on a skinny stripe to recognize the pattern... It looks all splotchy. If the pattern is reduced to get the details (leaves, twigs, etc..), you have to get so close (within just a couple of inches) to see the details. We've tried this idea, and are looking for someone to figure out how to make a good looking camo pin stripe. But, as of yet, nobody has one. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: I want ___ inches by ____ inches and ____ inches lettering. Will this work?

Common design problem. Let's put some figures on this problem so it makes more sense. A customer may want 5" letters and want it to spell out Mississippi and only wants it 15" long. On most fonts this will want to work out to more than twice as long as desired. So the dilemma. The customer wants 5" lettering and no more than 15" length. Experience says: 'don't try'. Trying to force a design in a desired space will end up ugly. Trying to work with both dimensions as absolutes is equal to 'design by committee'.. ugly. While they may be more visible at a tall height,... stretching / squeezing letters makes them less readable (ugly). There are very few times we insist on as a design issue. Pink with burgundy is one - and forcing sizes that do not want to work is another. It will end up frustrating everyone. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Question 1

Can I get a CamoWraps kit for my ________?

Answer

CamoWraps has been discontinued. Previously, pre-fitted kits for specific vehicles were available but discouraged because a single mistake could ruin a custom piece. Customers were advised to measure their project’s square footage and purchase unfitted kits or sheets to allow for errors during installation.

Question 2

Can I get Vertical Lettering?

Answer

Yes, you can order vertical lettering by placing a standard order and adding a note with your request. However, vertical layouts are difficult to preview online and may require a hand-drawn proof. Additionally, vertical lettering runs significantly longer than horizontal text, which will increase both the material cost and the overall size of the decal.

Question 3

Can you change the color or size just a bit on a pre-made graphic?

Answer

Pre-made graphics from third-party manufacturers cannot be altered in color or size because the high-resolution files are not provided to the distributor. While the company can create a similar graphic from scratch as a custom order, doing so for a one-time run will be significantly more expensive than purchasing the pre-made version.

Question 4

Can you do a rendering in your pre-made graphics?

Answer

Renderings cannot be provided for pre-made graphics distributed from third-party manufacturers like Image Quest, Fas Graphics, or Auto Trim Express, as the manufacturers do not share the necessary digital files. Renderings are only available for the company’s own custom-made side stripes.

Question 5

Can you make a Camo pin-stripe for my truck?

Answer

Creating a camouflage pin-stripe is not recommended because the pattern loses its recognizable detail when scaled down to a narrow stripe, appearing either splotchy or requiring the viewer to be unnaturally close to see the details. The company has not found a way to make a camo pin-stripe look visually appealing.

Question 6

Can you match my color?

Answer

While 95% of colors can be matched easily, matching vehicle paint exactly is nearly impossible due to differences between printed ink and painted finishes, as well as paint fading and varying lusters. To make a matched color work, it is best to create a physical separation, such as a border or trim, between the decal and the painted surface so the slight difference is not noticeable.

Question 7

Does CamoWraps come pre-fitted?

Answer

CamoWraps is discontinued. Historically, some kits came pre-fitted, but unfitted sheets were recommended to avoid registration issues and allow for trimming after application. When installing multiple panels, it was advised to align the pattern’s shadow direction consistently across all pieces for a uniform look.

Question 8

How do we match your color?

Answer

Matching a color exactly from a photo is difficult because cameras and screens interpret colors differently than the human eye. To achieve a perfect match, the company relies on physical color samples and the trained eye of their designers to fine-tune the print. Customers can mail a physical sample to the company for the most accurate color matching.

Question 9

How easy is CamoWrap to install?

Answer

CamoWraps has been discontinued. Prior to discontinuation, it was considered relatively easy to install because it used 3M Control Tac vinyl, allowing for repositioning before curing, and the camouflage pattern effectively hid bubbles and splices. However, installation was highly time-consuming, often requiring around 40 hours of meticulous preparation and application.

Question 10

How hard is it to remove the background of an image?

Answer

Removing the background of an image can be easy if the edges are clean, and free online AI tools might suffice. However, if the image is pixelated, has semi-transparent edges, or features fading sections, it requires hours of manual cleanup by a graphic designer. In such cases, the company charges a fee for the background removal service.

Question 11

I have this picture, can you turn it into a decal for me? (actual example)

Answer

Yes, the company can convert a picture into a decal, but the cost depends heavily on the image’s quality and resolution. If the image is small or low-resolution, it must be redrawn by hand by an artist, which incurs an additional fee. High-quality, high-resolution images can be converted using software at no extra design charge.

Question 12

I have this picture, can you turn it into a decal for me? (background information)

Answer

Yes, the company can convert a picture into a decal, but the process depends on the image’s quality. High-resolution images can be converted using software at no extra charge. Low-resolution or small images lack the necessary detail for enlargement and must be redrawn by hand by an artist, which incurs an additional design fee.

Question 13

I want ___ inches by ____ inches and ____ inches lettering. Will this work?

Answer

Forcing lettering to fit exact height and width dimensions simultaneously often results in stretched or squeezed letters that look distorted and are difficult to read. It is best to prioritize one dimension, such as height for visibility, and allow the overall width to adjust naturally according to the font’s proportions to ensure the design looks professional and readable.

Question 14

I want to send you a design I created. What file format should I send?

Answer

The company accepts most graphic file formats like JPG, GIF, BMP, or TIF for viewing, but these raster formats cannot be scaled and may require a costly hand redraw. For the best results and to avoid redraw fees, provide vector-based files such as AI, EPS, or DXF. Do not simply resave a raster file as a vector format, as it will not convert the image data.

Question 15

I would like a sun visor with a cut out of a Ford logo in the center?

Answer

It is possible to add a cutout design to a sun visor, but getting the exact placement and measurements can be tricky due to the curvature of the windshield. Installation also requires careful wet-application techniques to manage bubbles when removing the pre-mask around the cutout. Additionally, Ford strictly regulates the use of its logos, so unauthorized use of their trademarks is not permitted.

Question 16

Pre-Order Design Work

Answer

The company prioritizes design work for paying customers over pre-order requests from those who are still browsing. If the design crew is busy, they may not be able to accommodate pre-order design work and will instead provide an ordering link so you can purchase the design service directly, which guarantees top priority for your project.

Question 17

What design should I get?

Answer

Choosing a design is a highly personal decision, and the company cannot select the perfect design for you. However, they are happy to provide suggestions based on current trends and what similar customers have liked. It is best to share your preferences and ideas so they can point you in the right direction.

Question 18

What do you mean you "Design for Free"?

Answer

The company offers free design modifications for their products, meaning you can customize text, fonts, layouts, and mirroring without incurring additional design fees. You only pay for the material, size, and number of colors. For custom signs and graphics, they will also create and revise proofs for your review at no extra charge until you are satisfied with the design.

Question 19

What is the difference between Removable and Permanent CamoClad?

Answer

CamoWraps and CamoClad products have been discontinued. The company previously offered both options but now only provides high-quality custom wraps that ensure no paint damage upon removal and prevent accidental peeling, rendering the distinction between removable and permanent versions obsolete.

Question 20

Why do you prefer to correspond by email?

Answer

The company prefers email correspondence because it provides a written record of all details, such as sizes, colors, and layouts, preventing memory lapses or misunderstandings that can occur over the phone. Email also allows for the exchange of visual references, ensuring that abstract ideas are accurately translated into the final product.

Question 21

Why does custom work cost more?

Answer

Custom work costs more because it requires significantly more time and manual effort from the design team compared to customers who design their own orders online using the automated tools. The lower prices for standard online orders are subsidized by the high volume of self-service designs, whereas custom work requires dedicated, one-on-one design time that is not sustainable at the standard rate.

Question 22

Why does Image Cropping Matter?

Answer

Properly cropping an image before uploading is crucial because uncropped backgrounds can skew the size calculations, leading to inaccurate pricing and a final decal that does not match your dimensions. If the image is cropped disproportionately, the company may have to guess the intended size, which can delay your order and result in a product that does not fit your vision.

Question 23

Why no Haggling?

Answer

The company has a strict no-haggling policy for both practical and moral reasons. Practically, negotiating takes time that reduces efficiency and increases costs. Morally, they believe in consistent, fair pricing based on material costs and do not want to take advantage of customers who are less price-sensitive, ensuring everyone is treated equally.