Recent content by kcollinsdesign

That's not true in my case. I have used most of the software available over the years, and just prefer using the Adobe suite for the quality of their programs and the seamless and efficient integration (I mostly use Illustrator for vector art and layout, photoshop for bitmap image manipulation...

It depends. Outdoor Image has a good selection and are easy to work with. I would at least check them out! I would recommend Formetco for ratchet straps and some info on how billboards work (mechanically, not advertising – that's a whole 'nother topic).

Geneva Olson: My example was labor only, based on your example of "(2) 8 hour days = 16 hours. charging by the hour, $125/ hour, thats $2000" vs. "I've got 3200 sf of material. The going rate is anywhere between $3sf and $7sf.". I agree with your point of charging more for a dedicated time slot...

Charging by the hour makes more sense. I'll sometimes use "square footage rates" as a reference, but relying on that for an accurate estimate is a bad idea. Too many variables and costs enter into the equation. All of my materials and fabrication are outsourced. I use a standard markup (ample...

The Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard for a reason. Powerful, professional grade programs with universal compatibility. The creative possibilities are endless. Matches well with every printer driver made (you might also like to complement the Adobe software with SAi FlexiComplete if...

I don't like most of it, and the stuff I think is okay is boring. The whole sign business irritates me today. I got into this business because I was a good artist and came up with good ideas. I had a style, and eventually a reputation. I'd get invited everywhere and got to know a lot of people...

1. Local code and permitting requirements. Preliminary site inspection. Make sure you can install the sign where you want to and get a dedicated power line to it. 2. Engineering. The sign will need to be engineered for the soil conditions and wind load whether a stamped drawing is required or...

You couldn't have chosen a more competitive market segment! Small, shippable, and requires no installation. Anybody with a $300 PixCut can make stickers. Printing, laminating, and cutting is the easy part. Sorting, packaging, and shipping will be your bottle neck. File prep will also vary; it's...

Sew a pole pocket into both vertical sides of the banner with an opening large enough to accommodate both a length of 1/2" PCV conduit AND a series of grommets about 18" apart from each other. The conduit should fit in between the vertical stitch and the edges of the grommets. Make the pole...

Looks legit. I would want to see the specs before I installed anything. But if someone else is doing it who cares?!

I guess that would work for a single-sided sign. The Town probably does not own the "telephone" poles. If the utility company sees that, they will ask that it be removed. I'm surprised you got a permit for that, but the ultimate liability falls on the installer. I would want written and recorded...

Check out sites like Sticker Mule and determine whether you can compete with them before you start your journey. You may be able to match their fabrication and printing price point, but they have automated shipping departments and negotiated contracts with shipping companies that lowers their...

Assuming, of course, you already have an engineered structure to install the banner on and you have secured the proper permits, you will likely want 18oz. reinforced vinyl material with webbing reinforced hems and internal ropes sewn into the top and bottom hems. You will want stainless hardware...

Well, I'm glad it got resolved. The design is not even adequate. The floors of the building do not line up, the perspective is off, the trees look like the aftermath of a forest fire, nobody cares if the company is organized as an "LLC" (why advertise that?), and a phone number that nobody will...

Use Javascript for interactive forms and PHP for server side applications and database integration. If you don't know how, find someone who does. It will take forever to find something in a can and you will never be happy.