I started a sign company after 16 years in this industry, 4 years ago. There have been very dark days, but overall the pros outweigh the cons. I started with a single deposit and have kept it going. Have a plan, have a mission and vision statement, you want to know how you are going to get wherever you are going so realistic plan and goals and execution. Get the deposit, get the project into permitting and manufacturing and then install so you can get the final payment. Rinse and repeat with great customer service. Great video by the way
The sign guy is giving you very honest opinion, if you are looking into the sign business listen to this man, very high integrity. I am a painter and I have a passion for what I do. But if I would be interested in signs shop I will subscribe to his channel.
Once again a great informational video! As Sean expressed...design and layout experience is crucial! If I may, I would suggest gaining some experience by working in a sign shop for a couple years...invaluable experience! Also, there are many books and trade mags that are very helpful. Signcraft is one of the best. Mike Stevens book on layouts is excellent, among others. I've been in the sign / print business since '95 and have no regrets...still love this business today! Oh and I'm a Corel guy!
Thanks Weston!👍👍 I still have my Dan Antonelli "Logo Design" books I refer to when I hit a creative road block 😁. SignCraft is another GREAT source for inspiration as well, worth every penny. I always learned the hard way, sign shops where so protective of the "inner workings" back in the day I never had the opportunity to learn in one. I took my knowledge to another shop and applied it to help them grow. My Dad used Corel Wayyyyy back but I just never got the hang of it, but I do have it loaded and use it as a crutch for some things Flexi has a hard time at.
As someone who went to school for graphic design I am more into the design aspect more than production, Im really into logo/brand identity, lettering, badge designs, digital illustrations but I do like to be able to make decals, apparel, posters, . I like to envision someones business and translate their brand identity on business card, poster, signage, print collateral etc. to help promote their visual brand identity
I’ve used and mastered all of the programs you mentioned. Started with Adobe Photoshop in 96 in Jamaica then Corel In 98 and moved on to Flexi and the rest of the Adobe Suite. I migrated to the recently and I don’t even know where to start getting customers. So I’m thinking to design first and then eventually open a sign shop
I've worked in the sign and graphics industry for about 15 years now and I can tell this guy knows his trade. I'm now looking to branch out on my own but I'm hesitant because ive had a good thing working for another company for so long. I have an old roland vinyl cutter that only works with windows xp.. wondering if I should just start with that or bite the bullet and invest in something modern
Appreciate the kind words. You have the experience, the only thing stopping you is you... Personally if you have the design skill and everything works just use what you got IMO.
Hey man where did you get the racks that you put your vinyl on that’s mounted on your walls? Mine are all on the floor , yours is much neater. Thanks man
Got them a long time ago from a place called Harbor Sales in MD. You can also get them form Metalcraft Industries, Inc. in FL and I believe Sign Outlet Store sells them too!
Good afternoon, your time lol I am just getting started with everything. I found 2 54 Roland printers for a decent price. They need fixed so why not learn everything about them. The reason behind thos 54 in printers is I need a van wrap, for my roof cleaning n dryer vent cleaning etc, wraps are like a min of 3k to 8k. But if I learn this new hobby I can se the equipment after or start a small sign shop in the off season. Oops I talked to much lol but anyway any recommendations on software would be Fantastic! To cut, design, print etc I really appreciate your help! And Happy New Years
Good luck on your journey! For software I use Flexi sign, I know it's pricey but for me does everything I need it to do. I've been using LXI/Flexi for about 20 years now and I'm very comfortable using it and it doing what I need it to do. You also have the option for Adobe Illustrator and Photo Shop and don't forget CorelDraw. My .02 on used printers, if you have zero experience on how they work, it will be an expensive learning curve. Buy one that works 100% older is okay but it take out the aggravation of starting a new venture. I would also suggest to sub your prints out to start as you learn how to design. In my opinion design is key, knowledge of working the software is huge and speaks volumes as to the type of work you can create and sell.
Great content, thank you! I'm interested in Etsy and home based sigs with installation and am planning on starting with a desktop diode 36W laser, vinyl cutter, and CNC (in that order), as my business grows. Do you use CO2 laser at all? I just found out about acrylic skinned with metal and thought I might need to plan space for CO2 as well.
I don't have a laser, not sure if I can bring myself to try to learn something else. Still use my CNC, I still says that was the wisest purchase I ever made, it does have the best ROI if you have the space.
I don't have any experience with the summa but other than the cost, never heard a complaint. Can't go wrong with either cutter imo, cost, tech support and parts availability would be me concerns.
Good luck trying to find one. Keep an eye out on ebay and marketplace. I have 3 licenses with the USB dongles v10.5 and 12 I think . Not sure what will happen if the usb's fail!
Besides a certificate of authority, what business licenses does a sign shop need? Specifically one that does window film installation, wall murals/decals, window decals and wraps, spot graphics for commercial auto.
None specifically but it will depend on you state. In SC you don't even need a business license issued by the state, you just claim your earnings and run as sole proprietor. It will also depend on how you structure your business, sole proprietor or some sort of LLC. You may need other local or county permits, in our case in MD and SC we did/do not. If you are the only worker, business liability insurance will cater to what you do. The more the risk of injury or damage the more complicated the policy will be and the insurance company will ask for. For me because I did all the install work the policy covered me in everything I did. The LLC protected the wife and I and separated us in the event the company was sued and they could not go after our personal belongings. For the most part you just need some liability insurance if you are doing installs. Go to your local agent and they can tell you what you need and how much coverage in the event something happens.
Flexisign is very complete to vinyl cut but has a few bugs on his interface(maybe my old version was corrected now hopefully) and the best part is has his own manual on the program you can learn everything on the manual if you click help!!!
Lots of tutorials to learn from on UA-cam as well! I have 2 older versions of Flexi (10.5 & 12) 10.5 is very stable, very rarely have a crash. The new version in installed of 12 I have had random issues I've never had before. Overall it's what I'm used to but I do have Corel and Illy loaded as well when I need them. Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I have a passion for the Motorsports industry and I’m a former professional driver. I’m looking to get into numbers and graphics for race cars. I know and understand that industry and how to market to them. I’m ready to invest in software and equipment. I’m going to look into the Flexi software you discussed. Equipment wise I’m looking for something reliable and user friendly. I understand I need to get through the learning curve with any software and equipment. My son will be working with me who is very tech savvy and proficient in CAD design. I’m told latex printing is the way to go for race car numbers and graphics. Do you agree and have any equipment suggestions?
That is a great place to start, sounds like you have a plan. Flexi is what I've used about my entire sign "career" I started with LXI (sign warehouse) and I have used COREL and a touch of Illy but I've stuck with Flexi because I'm comfortable with it. It does not restrict me from using just about any equipment combination out there cutter, printer whatever 99.9% of the time it works. Equipment, well for me the support would be up there like #1 or 2, Eco Sol or Latex pick your poison. I don't have any experience with running latex printers just the Eco-Solvent and thermal printers. If printing and laminating quick is the priority than latex, I for one like the durability and better color gamut from Eco-Sol from what I've seen. I have personally seen a Eco-Solvent MUTOH printer that is 12 years old still printing (today) with average printing and cleanings on the same maintenance station and printhead. Not saying MUTOH is #1, 2 or 3 but they don't make things like they used to and printer manufacturing companies don't make money when a printer runs for 10 years. HP Latex IMO has a good money grab situation there and I've seen printers (sign shops) wish they could get rid of them because of the issues. I have also seen shops that LOVE them and there are a bunch out there. For me IF I was going to buy a new printer I would look at the EPSON SureColor Series first, just my .02! Lots of variables here and you just have to get what works best for you, and don't just listen to the sales reps selling you the equipment. TSG
Thanks so much for your valuable insight. I love your passion after all the years you’ve been doing this. Sharing your knowledge is really helpful for new people like me starting out. I’m not new to business I’ve been in the lighting business since I was 14 and still have the business in my family for over 50 years. If I find a printer I’m close to purchasing I’d like to run it by you to get your opinion if that’s okay.
Sounds good about the printer. Eco Sol will do shirt transfers but IMO not the best option for a full line of garment printing. Look at the DTG, DTF or screen printing options for a "softer" feel. The material that the eco sol uses for the transfers does not breathe, it's like saran wrap on your back. I never cared for it on shirts but I did a few on hoodies.
great vid, whats your opinion on outsourcing? ie. I run a mimaki cjv-100 so can cut up to 3ft wide. Recently I had a client send a 4ft wide banner job my way so I reached out to my local community and had it made up for them and aded a 20% markup. Would you do the same or would you just say "sorry, but XYZ can do it"
No outsource any print job you can and make that $$$ unless you are busy and don't want to mess with it. Generally if you send to xyz, they won't be back. I will talk about that in another video.
I recently fell in love with making Car Decals. Just the standard 5-7 inch decals but now I’m thinking of starting a decal shop where I can sell the small decals but also do bigger jobs for local business vehicles and stuff like that. Do you think that is still something that can be a scalable business in todays world?
When we were in MD we had every decal we created on the shelf, nicely packaged and ready for sale. Over 300 different decals we sold on etsy, ebay and amazon sat on our walls and maybe sold 1 every week @$5 is not worth it. Focus on the bigger stuff, time is money and offer the decals as a side gig from the bigger stuff. We still sell the same decals we used to and might make $20 a week off of them. Most decals are bought and sold on-line, having a brick and mortar store just seems like a big investment for a little return. Best of luck to you whatever you decide!
I definitely went for the big fish. Im in SoFlo and half of my community is hispanic. Guess what?! Hispanics like to deal with hispanics lol and im 100% a native spanish speaker, so that's definitely an advantage! I feel i cant beat the $4-6 decals sold on etsy. Too much of it
Hey Sean, After picking a software do you recommend learning that first for a few months before trying to start a sign shop? I currently use photoshop and illustrator but I’m not the biggest fan of them and was thinking of moving to flexi. Also once I get flexi down pretty good what should I start making first as I current have no equipment and don’t know what I should purchase first. I would love to get a cnc machine but that’s probably down the road a bit. Thanks!
The software and equipment somewhat go hand and hand. Flexi is VERY versatile with a wide range (the biggest to my knowledge) of different cutter and printer manufactures. I highly recommend starting with a vinyl cutter, they are inexpensive and have a easy learning curve. It's all in what you are comfortable with, once you are comfortable you become confident! Like I said I have Illustrator and corel draw but use them as a crutch when I can't get flexi to do what I need it to do. My opinion is once you are comfortable with flexi (or any design program), you need to start producing something. Once you see the results of your design it should get the creative gears turning. Start thinking of the markets you want to get into and that will help shape the type of design work you want to do. But don't be close minded because sometimes the market will steer you in a different direction.
Hi. I love your videos! Question/opinion.. I started out in production at a sign shop after taking a graphic design course and fell in love with industry as a whole. I feel that I have the skill set to potentially start my own business. Anyways, after 2 years at one shop I quit and started with a new shop just recently. The owner is excited about the prospect of me taking over his business in the near future. Luckily I do have the capital or buying power to make it happen. Do you know anyone who’s been through this? If so, do you have any tips for someone who is strongly considering it. I’m wondering how I can negotiate it. He mentioned taking ownership in phases.
Not personally, we tried to transfer/sell the business to the kids (years ago) and a few employees but they were not interested. Working for/in the shop was just a stepping stone and a way for them to work for the time being. That's why we decided to downsize, move and just get back to basics and be a 1 man show. You have to have a passion for this line of work, just being creative is not enough anymore. You have to want to succeed in the sign industry, wake up every day and do nothing but think of ways to use your equipment for profit. Your creative twist is unique to you and that's what you have to sell... How I would brake it down (I'm sure I'll forget something): Does he own or lease the location the shop is in? How much value does that location have to making the business run? Figure up the total cost of the equipment when new, media and other parts that make it run and find a value for it (fair market value). Do the existing customers and designs go with the business when sold? Best of luck to you on this venture! TSG
@@TheSignGuy thanks for your insight. Much appreciated. I love the business and have a lot of passion for it. Time will tell if I have the courage to pull the plug to invest in something.
My US Cutter leaves light cutting/surface marks on my vinyl when it’s mapping everything out and moving the blade around. It’s ruining the quality of my signs and not sure how to fix it other then buy a better cutter. Any recommendations?
If the cutting head is pulling up all the way, I would check that the cutting blade tip does not protrude any more than 1-2mm. Make sure the media fan is flat, also check the pen holder, move it up a scotch so it won't drag on the media. In the past when I cut THICK media 15-20 mils and would have the same issue. I never got through it and it is what it is even on my Graphtec.
I’m 33 and wanting to start a sign shop, I just don’t know how to begin and where to start. I have been at a company for over 5 years now and I make banners, yard signs, decals and custom shirts heat transfer vinyl and sublimation.
@@TheSignGuy I’m in Ohio but I might take you up on that and fly down sometime. 😂 It would definitely help. We spoke on the phone a few months ago. I’ll have to give you a call again soon.
Great informational videos Part 1 and Part 2 I am excited about venturing into the sign business, I bring a background in graphic design but lack hands-on experience with the actual production and commercial printing aspects. I'm keen on gaining real-life insights. Would you be open to mentoring me in person? If not are you able to suggest where can I get practical knowledge. I'm willing to work and learn, and I'm not seeking any compensation for your guidance. I appreciate your consideration. Thank you!
I wouldn't mind but I'm not in the shop like I used to be. I don't have the orders like I used to as well so I'm not as busy on the sign side as I once was. The 54" printer and cutter are gone, just have the EDGE 2 printer, the 2 cutters, lasers and whatnot.
Not really, I'm horrible at free hand drawing. I used to be able to sketch abstract art pretty good, now I do it all on the computer. To be 100% honest I was never good at drawing, I could see what I wanted in my head but could never get my hand to follow my head. LOL
I started a sign company after 16 years in this industry, 4 years ago. There have been very dark days, but overall the pros outweigh the cons. I started with a single deposit and have kept it going. Have a plan, have a mission and vision statement, you want to know how you are going to get wherever you are going so realistic plan and goals and execution. Get the deposit, get the project into permitting and manufacturing and then install so you can get the final payment. Rinse and repeat with great customer service. Great video by the way
I agree, there are highs and lows. But overall a great and rewarding trade to get into. Thanks for the comment and keep truckin' on!
The sign guy is giving you very honest opinion, if you are looking into the sign business listen to this man, very high integrity. I am a painter and I have a passion for what I do. But if I would be interested in signs shop I will subscribe to his channel.
Thank you! I've made many mistakes along the way but it's great when it all works itself out and I can help out.
Once again a great informational video! As Sean expressed...design and layout experience is crucial! If I may, I would suggest gaining some experience by working in a sign shop for a couple years...invaluable experience! Also, there are many books and trade mags that are very helpful. Signcraft is one of the best. Mike Stevens book on layouts is excellent, among others. I've been in the sign / print business since '95 and have no regrets...still love this business today! Oh and I'm a Corel guy!
Thanks Weston!👍👍 I still have my Dan Antonelli "Logo Design" books I refer to when I hit a creative road block 😁. SignCraft is another GREAT source for inspiration as well, worth every penny. I always learned the hard way, sign shops where so protective of the "inner workings" back in the day I never had the opportunity to learn in one. I took my knowledge to another shop and applied it to help them grow. My Dad used Corel Wayyyyy back but I just never got the hang of it, but I do have it loaded and use it as a crutch for some things Flexi has a hard time at.
As someone who went to school for graphic design I am more into the design aspect more than production, Im really into logo/brand identity, lettering, badge designs, digital illustrations but I do like to be able to make decals, apparel, posters, . I like to envision someones business and translate their brand identity on business card, poster, signage, print collateral etc. to help promote their visual brand identity
You rock man. First video I’ve ever commented on. Thanks for putting it all out there. God bless
Thanks for watching and I hope it helps!!
Thanks for the info. I am starting a sign shop and really could use some help. Im focusing on highway signs.
Best of luck!
I’ve used and mastered all of the programs you mentioned. Started with Adobe Photoshop in 96 in Jamaica then Corel In 98 and moved on to Flexi and the rest of the Adobe Suite. I migrated to the recently and I don’t even know where to start getting customers. So I’m thinking to design first and then eventually open a sign shop
People need to see your work, that will get jobs and sales.
I've worked in the sign and graphics industry for about 15 years now and I can tell this guy knows his trade.
I'm now looking to branch out on my own but I'm hesitant because ive had a good thing working for another company for so long. I have an old roland vinyl cutter that only works with windows xp.. wondering if I should just start with that or bite the bullet and invest in something modern
Appreciate the kind words. You have the experience, the only thing stopping you is you... Personally if you have the design skill and everything works just use what you got IMO.
Hey man where did you get the racks that you put your vinyl on that’s mounted on your walls? Mine are all on the floor , yours is much neater.
Thanks man
Got them a long time ago from a place called Harbor Sales in MD. You can also get them form Metalcraft Industries, Inc. in FL and I believe Sign Outlet Store sells them too!
Great advice!
Love this, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Good afternoon, your time lol I am just getting started with everything. I found 2 54 Roland printers for a decent price. They need fixed so why not learn everything about them. The reason behind thos 54 in printers is I need a van wrap, for my roof cleaning n dryer vent cleaning etc, wraps are like a min of 3k to 8k. But if I learn this new hobby I can se the equipment after or start a small sign shop in the off season. Oops I talked to much lol but anyway any recommendations on software would be Fantastic! To cut, design, print etc I really appreciate your help! And Happy New Years
Good luck on your journey! For software I use Flexi sign, I know it's pricey but for me does everything I need it to do. I've been using LXI/Flexi for about 20 years now and I'm very comfortable using it and it doing what I need it to do. You also have the option for Adobe Illustrator and Photo Shop and don't forget CorelDraw. My .02 on used printers, if you have zero experience on how they work, it will be an expensive learning curve. Buy one that works 100% older is okay but it take out the aggravation of starting a new venture.
I would also suggest to sub your prints out to start as you learn how to design. In my opinion design is key, knowledge of working the software is huge and speaks volumes as to the type of work you can create and sell.
Thank you for the advice!
Glad it was helpful!
Flexisign is gold to me in my sign shop.
Same here, I would be nothing without it. Heck I can barely draw a stick figure 🤣
Great content, thank you! I'm interested in Etsy and home based sigs with installation and am planning on starting with a desktop diode 36W laser, vinyl cutter, and CNC (in that order), as my business grows. Do you use CO2 laser at all? I just found out about acrylic skinned with metal and thought I might need to plan space for CO2 as well.
I don't have a laser, not sure if I can bring myself to try to learn something else. Still use my CNC, I still says that was the wisest purchase I ever made, it does have the best ROI if you have the space.
Thank you for your help, I’m confused between Summa or Graphtec Plotter can you recommend ?
I don't have any experience with the summa but other than the cost, never heard a complaint. Can't go wrong with either cutter imo, cost, tech support and parts availability would be me concerns.
Thanks Sean for the video! Appreciate you sharing the knowledge. Any idea where to get the older version of Flexi non-subscription
Good luck trying to find one. Keep an eye out on ebay and marketplace. I have 3 licenses with the USB dongles v10.5 and 12 I think . Not sure what will happen if the usb's fail!
@@TheSignGuy I’ll take a look around and see if I can find one
@@SouthbayCreations I'll keep and eye out as well, if I see on I'll reach out to ya.
@@TheSignGuy Awesome! Thank you!
@@TheSignGuy Which version of Felxi do you use?
Besides a certificate of authority, what business licenses does a sign shop need? Specifically one that does window film installation, wall murals/decals, window decals and wraps, spot graphics for commercial auto.
None specifically but it will depend on you state. In SC you don't even need a business license issued by the state, you just claim your earnings and run as sole proprietor. It will also depend on how you structure your business, sole proprietor or some sort of LLC. You may need other local or county permits, in our case in MD and SC we did/do not. If you are the only worker, business liability insurance will cater to what you do. The more the risk of injury or damage the more complicated the policy will be and the insurance company will ask for. For me because I did all the install work the policy covered me in everything I did. The LLC protected the wife and I and separated us in the event the company was sued and they could not go after our personal belongings.
For the most part you just need some liability insurance if you are doing installs. Go to your local agent and they can tell you what you need and how much coverage in the event something happens.
Amazing content! Needed this 💪😎
I hope it help and thanks for watching!
Flexisign is very complete to vinyl cut but has a few bugs on his interface(maybe my old version was corrected now hopefully) and the best part is has his own manual on the program you can learn everything on the manual if you click help!!!
Lots of tutorials to learn from on UA-cam as well! I have 2 older versions of Flexi (10.5 & 12) 10.5 is very stable, very rarely have a crash. The new version in installed of 12 I have had random issues I've never had before. Overall it's what I'm used to but I do have Corel and Illy loaded as well when I need them. Thanks for watching!
Do have you have a blue print for your work table?
No but I believe I covered them in one of my videos.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I have a passion for the Motorsports industry and I’m a former professional driver. I’m looking to get into numbers and graphics for race cars. I know and understand that industry and how to market to them. I’m ready to invest in software and equipment. I’m going to look into the Flexi software you discussed. Equipment wise I’m looking for something reliable and user friendly. I understand I need to get through the learning curve with any software and equipment. My son will be working with me who is very tech savvy and proficient in CAD design. I’m told latex printing is the way to go for race car numbers and graphics. Do you agree and have any equipment suggestions?
That is a great place to start, sounds like you have a plan.
Flexi is what I've used about my entire sign "career" I started with LXI (sign warehouse) and I have used COREL and a touch of Illy but I've stuck with Flexi because I'm comfortable with it. It does not restrict me from using just about any equipment combination out there cutter, printer whatever 99.9% of the time it works.
Equipment, well for me the support would be up there like #1 or 2, Eco Sol or Latex pick your poison. I don't have any experience with running latex printers just the Eco-Solvent and thermal printers. If printing and laminating quick is the priority than latex, I for one like the durability and better color gamut from Eco-Sol from what I've seen. I have personally seen a Eco-Solvent MUTOH printer that is 12 years old still printing (today) with average printing and cleanings on the same maintenance station and printhead. Not saying MUTOH is #1, 2 or 3 but they don't make things like they used to and printer manufacturing companies don't make money when a printer runs for 10 years. HP Latex IMO has a good money grab situation there and I've seen printers (sign shops) wish they could get rid of them because of the issues. I have also seen shops that LOVE them and there are a bunch out there. For me IF I was going to buy a new printer I would look at the EPSON SureColor Series first, just my .02! Lots of variables here and you just have to get what works best for you, and don't just listen to the sales reps selling you the equipment. TSG
Thanks so much for your valuable insight. I love your passion after all the years you’ve been doing this. Sharing your knowledge is really helpful for new people like me starting out. I’m not new to business I’ve been in the lighting business since I was 14 and still have the business in my family for over 50 years. If I find a printer I’m close to purchasing I’d like to run it by you to get your opinion if that’s okay.
Also my wife plans to do t-shirt transfers. Is the Eco Sol the best option for that application as well?
Sounds good about the printer. Eco Sol will do shirt transfers but IMO not the best option for a full line of garment printing. Look at the DTG, DTF or screen printing options for a "softer" feel. The material that the eco sol uses for the transfers does not breathe, it's like saran wrap on your back. I never cared for it on shirts but I did a few on hoodies.
great vid, whats your opinion on outsourcing?
ie. I run a mimaki cjv-100 so can cut up to 3ft wide. Recently I had a client send a 4ft wide banner job my way so I reached out to my local community and had it made up for them and aded a 20% markup. Would you do the same or would you just say "sorry, but XYZ can do it"
No outsource any print job you can and make that $$$ unless you are busy and don't want to mess with it. Generally if you send to xyz, they won't be back. I will talk about that in another video.
I recently fell in love with making Car Decals. Just the standard 5-7 inch decals but now I’m thinking of starting a decal shop where I can sell the small decals but also do bigger jobs for local business vehicles and stuff like that.
Do you think that is still something that can be a scalable business in todays world?
When we were in MD we had every decal we created on the shelf, nicely packaged and ready for sale. Over 300 different decals we sold on etsy, ebay and amazon sat on our walls and maybe sold 1 every week @$5 is not worth it. Focus on the bigger stuff, time is money and offer the decals as a side gig from the bigger stuff. We still sell the same decals we used to and might make $20 a week off of them. Most decals are bought and sold on-line, having a brick and mortar store just seems like a big investment for a little return. Best of luck to you whatever you decide!
I definitely went for the big fish. Im in SoFlo and half of my community is hispanic. Guess what?! Hispanics like to deal with hispanics lol and im 100% a native spanish speaker, so that's definitely an advantage! I feel i cant beat the $4-6 decals sold on etsy. Too much of it
Hey Sean, After picking a software do you recommend learning that first for a few months before trying to start a sign shop? I currently use photoshop and illustrator but I’m not the biggest fan of them and was thinking of moving to flexi. Also once I get flexi down pretty good what should I start making first as I current have no equipment and don’t know what I should purchase first. I would love to get a cnc machine but that’s probably down the road a bit. Thanks!
The software and equipment somewhat go hand and hand. Flexi is VERY versatile with a wide range (the biggest to my knowledge) of different cutter and printer manufactures. I highly recommend starting with a vinyl cutter, they are inexpensive and have a easy learning curve.
It's all in what you are comfortable with, once you are comfortable you become confident! Like I said I have Illustrator and corel draw but use them as a crutch when I can't get flexi to do what I need it to do.
My opinion is once you are comfortable with flexi (or any design program), you need to start producing something. Once you see the results of your design it should get the creative gears turning. Start thinking of the markets you want to get into and that will help shape the type of design work you want to do. But don't be close minded because sometimes the market will steer you in a different direction.
where do i find a software??
Where do you buy sign blanks
I make my own. I buy full 4x8 sheets and cut them down to whatever size I need.
Wow this is good
Thank you!
Hi. I love your videos! Question/opinion.. I started out in production at a sign shop after taking a graphic design course and fell in love with industry as a whole. I feel that I have the skill set to potentially start my own business. Anyways, after 2 years at one shop I quit and started with a new shop just recently. The owner is excited about the prospect of me taking over his business in the near future. Luckily I do have the capital or buying power to make it happen.
Do you know anyone who’s been through this? If so, do you have any tips for someone who is strongly considering it. I’m wondering how I can negotiate it. He mentioned taking ownership in phases.
Not personally, we tried to transfer/sell the business to the kids (years ago) and a few employees but they were not interested. Working for/in the shop was just a stepping stone and a way for them to work for the time being. That's why we decided to downsize, move and just get back to basics and be a 1 man show.
You have to have a passion for this line of work, just being creative is not enough anymore. You have to want to succeed in the sign industry, wake up every day and do nothing but think of ways to use your equipment for profit. Your creative twist is unique to you and that's what you have to sell...
How I would brake it down (I'm sure I'll forget something): Does he own or lease the location the shop is in? How much value does that location have to making the business run?
Figure up the total cost of the equipment when new, media and other parts that make it run and find a value for it (fair market value). Do the existing customers and designs go with the business when sold?
Best of luck to you on this venture! TSG
@@TheSignGuy thanks for your insight. Much appreciated. I love the business and have a lot of passion for it. Time will tell if I have the courage to pull the plug to invest in something.
Are you using inkscape and SB?
I use flexisign
Thank you 👍
You are welcome
My US Cutter leaves light cutting/surface marks on my vinyl when it’s mapping everything out and moving the blade around. It’s ruining the quality of my signs and not sure how to fix it other then buy a better cutter. Any recommendations?
If the cutting head is pulling up all the way, I would check that the cutting blade tip does not protrude any more than 1-2mm. Make sure the media fan is flat, also check the pen holder, move it up a scotch so it won't drag on the media. In the past when I cut THICK media 15-20 mils and would have the same issue. I never got through it and it is what it is even on my Graphtec.
@@TheSignGuy I’ll give it a shot thank you. Your videos are awesome and helping a lot. Cheers
Great video! Hardly any young folks getting into printing nowadays.
Thanks and I 100% agree!
I’m 33 and wanting to start a sign shop, I just don’t know how to begin and where to start. I have been at a company for over 5 years now and I make banners, yard signs, decals and custom shirts heat transfer vinyl and sublimation.
@@RoscoeFamilyVlogs if you are close to SC I'll show you everything I know. What and what NOT to do 🤣
@@TheSignGuy I’m in Ohio but I might take you up on that and fly down sometime. 😂 It would definitely help. We spoke on the phone a few months ago. I’ll have to give you a call again soon.
@@RoscoeFamilyVlogs yeah, that's a tad to far 😂. Call anytime 👍👍
Great informational videos Part 1 and Part 2 I am excited about venturing into the sign business, I bring a background in graphic design but lack hands-on experience with the actual production and commercial printing aspects. I'm keen on gaining real-life insights.
Would you be open to mentoring me in person? If not are you able to suggest where can I get practical knowledge. I'm willing to work and learn, and I'm not seeking any compensation for your guidance. I appreciate your consideration. Thank you!
I wouldn't mind but I'm not in the shop like I used to be. I don't have the orders like I used to as well so I'm not as busy on the sign side as I once was. The 54" printer and cutter are gone, just have the EDGE 2 printer, the 2 cutters, lasers and whatnot.
do yall think we also need to be good at drawing
Not really, I'm horrible at free hand drawing. I used to be able to sketch abstract art pretty good, now I do it all on the computer. To be 100% honest I was never good at drawing, I could see what I wanted in my head but could never get my hand to follow my head. LOL
hi sir where to but low cost vynl
Have to shop around, not an easy answer.
40 years later - relearn open source tools…. Cheers!
I'm retired and moved on. Open source is not for everyone, 100% not for me but to each their own...
it boils down the the knowledge you have in the software and designing. if you was brought up on flexi your a sign guy lol
I agree 👍👍but flexi is not for everyone and I use the older versions that are not cloud based.
@@TheSignGuy me too the pirate bay version lmao
@@-CBA- whatever works ya!!! Lol
.eps should be standard
I think it was back in the day along with dxf files. Before they figured out how to make money on the software.