Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 25
plenty. With about 600 expected exhibitors, ISA International
Sign Expo 2020 showcases the breadth of the sign, graphics,
print and visual communications industry. For growth-minded
garment decorators wanting to explore opportunities therein,
here is an overview and some tips to consider.
What Is This Industry, Anyway?
You should seriously explore
the opportunities the signgraphics niche can present
for a profitable appareldecorating business.
By Sandy Smith,
Contributing Writer
T
he sign-graphics industry is booming, and those with
wide-format printers find themselves with opportunities to expand. As Impressions Expo prepares to colocate with the International Sign Association's (ISA)
International Sign Expo, starting next year in Orlando,
Florida, exploring synergies between the two industries makes
sense.
Wide-format printers provide the basis for the common
ground and provide growth opportunities, according to recent
research from ISA. In the report Looking for BIG Opportunity in
Graphic Communications & Specialty Printing, survey respondents
reported that their wide-format print volume was increasing -
and they expected volume to grow by 31% annually. Those who
experienced growth did so in three ways: expanding the applications they produced to appeal to new markets; adding services to
become one-stop providers; and focusing their marketing efforts
on vertical industries.
"Savvy printers are finding that adding wide-format applications to their existing offerings can enable them to grow sales
with existing customers, strengthen customer relationships, and
generate additional revenues," according to the research. "In
addition, firms that already are offering these applications are
investing in additional devices to expand growth, better meet
customer demands, upgrade their offerings, improve efficiency,
and add capacity."
That sounds like a recipe for growth and success. Should you
need further proof, the 200,000-square-foot trade show will offer
A Supplement to Impressions
Just take a look around and the industry will explain itself. Walk
through the airport and follow the wayfinding signs to the baggage claim. Pass the restaurants - identified by signage - and
browse their menus, which may be displayed on digital signs.
On the way to the hotel - which probably will be identified by
a large sign atop the building - notice nearby restaurants and
entertainment options.
Architectural signs will convey something about the type
of food or atmosphere inside. At the hotel, follow wayfinding
signs to the registration desk, which may have a printed banner
welcoming Impressions Expo and ISA International Sign Expo
2020 attendees. Then, find your specific room by - you guessed
it - following signage.
The sign, graphics and visual-communications industry is
behind all these sign types, from those that are just a few inches
tall to those that span several stories. They can be in a variety of
media, including print, providing information and reinforcing
branding (think of the "Golden Arches").
Are you getting the idea that this industry is somewhat
diverse? It also is growing and offers opportunities for expansion, collaboration and connections.
Synergies Abound
Obvious starting points for exploring growth are areas that use
equipment and expertise, with clients already in place. Printing
T-shirts for a new restaurant? Maybe a "grand opening" banner
is in order.
In some ways, garment decorators have a basic understanding
of at least the print side of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. Garment decorators may be keenly familiar
with the many print options for textiles. But printed signs exponentially expand the substrate possibilities: vinyl, film, rigid and
foam core among them. Each substrate has its particular use,
printers and inks, as well as finishing products and installation
expertise.
Of course, print is just one side of the sign, graphics and visual
communications industry. Garment decorators who want to
expand into these other areas could partner with existing companies. Sign, graphics and visual communications companies often
outsource some print projects to those with the equipment to
handle wide- or large-format print projects. Significant investment and training in channel letters or programming digital
signs, for instance, may not make sense for a garment decorator.
However, be aware that most communities closely regulate signs and graphics. Some require sign installers to possess
certain licenses. Others determine the type of sign that can be
installed, perhaps regulated by zoning district. Understanding
the many codes and regulations impacting the industry is vital
before getting involved.
Missteps can be costly to the company and damaging to
the end user. ISA provides assistance for helping communities
understand how signs build vibrant businesses. A healthy business economy means jobs and a strong tax base - things for
which most local leaders will fight.
Fall 2019 * 25
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019
Impressions - Digital Director 2019
Contents
The Sublimation Solution
Little Products Equal Big Profits
Become a Niche Expert
Use Full-Color Decorating Options for Boosting Sales
Preparing for the Peak Holiday Season
Exploring the Sign Business
Digital Decorating Products
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Impressions - Digital Director 2019
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Cover2
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Contents
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 2
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 3
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - The Sublimation Solution
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 5
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 6
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 7
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Little Products Equal Big Profits
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 9
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 10
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 11
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 12
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 13
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Become a Niche Expert
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 15
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 16
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 17
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Use Full-Color Decorating Options for Boosting Sales
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 19
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 20
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 21
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Preparing for the Peak Holiday Season
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 23
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Exploring the Sign Business
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 25
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 26
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 27
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Digital Decorating Products
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Cover3
Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202412
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20241011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20240809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20240809S
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20240506
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202404S
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202404
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https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202312
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20231011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230506
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202304
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202303
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https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202212
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20221011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220506
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202204
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202203
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220102
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202112
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20211011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/DigitalDecorator_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20210809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/teamactivewear_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202106
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202105
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/imp_0421_digital
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20210102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_fall2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nxtbook_bhtest/impwessons
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20201011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2020fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202008
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20200607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202005
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202001
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201912
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2019fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201908
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20190607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201905
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201904
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201903
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2019spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201902
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201901
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201812
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2018fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201808
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201806
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201805
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201804
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201803
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2018spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201802
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201801
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201712
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201710
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201709
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2017fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20170607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201705
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201704
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201703
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2017spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201702
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201701
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201612
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201610
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201609
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201608
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2016fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20160607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201605
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201604
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201603
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2016spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201602
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201509
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201508
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20150607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201504
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201503
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2015spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201502
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201410
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201409
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201408
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2014summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20140607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sportsfanretailer_201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20131011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201308
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2013fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20130607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2013spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201302
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201301
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201212
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20121011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2012fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20120809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20120607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2012spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201202
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201201
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20111011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2011fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2011spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201101
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sourcebook2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20101112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20100910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2010fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20100708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2010winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201003
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_200909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_eco_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20091112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sourcebook_200906
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201001
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