Official Show Daily • Cygnus Graphics Media Exploring New Markets
with Digital Printing DigitalArtz expands customer offerings with the Roland VersaCAMM wide-format machine
D
igitalArtz founder G. Ryan Quayle comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, and he feels right at home run-
ning his own business. Quayle started off as a teen doing fine art and graphic design work for his relatives’ compa- nies, teaching himself computer design software along the way. After graduat- ing and working in corporate market- ing for several years, he opened his own print design and sign shop called Imageworks Creative Group. As his business grew, he changed his focus to
ners for youth baseball teams as well as signage for annual summer festi- vals. It also handles commercial work, installing way-finding signage systems with digitally printed lettering in office buildings, hospitals and universities.
An increase in orders As businesses search for cost effec-
tive ways to advertise, DigitalArtz has seen an increase in orders for partial and full vehicle wraps. They recently completed a project for a local credit union that included wrapping an H1
GRAPH EXPO • October 6, 2010 ■ 41
large-format media and signage, inspir- ing him to change the Imageworks moniker to DigitalArtz. To maximize his shop’s productiv-
ity, Quayle invested in the Roland Ver- saCAMM VP-540 54" printer/cutter. “I had owned Roland vinyl cutters over the years and I knew their machines were bulletproof,” says Quayle. “It seemed like all the other companies were chas- ing Roland’s (Booth 4338) technology anyway, so our choice was clear.” With the expansion of digital print and cut capabilities, Quayle and cre- ative director Chris Eb, can now offer custom signage, banners, vehicle wraps, posters and fine art reproductions. They also specialize in custom solutions for all types of graphics, dimensional let- ters and logos, decals and displays. Recently, Quayle moved his business
from Troy, IL, to its current location in picturesque Highland, IL. The move allowed them to increase the size of its operations and take advantage of opportunities offered by the nearby St. Louis market. Having a VersaCAMM offers Quayle a competitive advantage in Highland, since there are very few large-format digital printers east of St. Louis. “The Roland is really the cornerstone of our production,” says Quayle. “You can do so many things with this machine.”
DigitalArtz is able to serve many needs in its local community, providing wraps for local municipalities and ban-
Hummer and a specially designed trailer that transforms to reveal a mobile ATM unit. “There wasn’t one square inch of that Hummer that didn’t have a rivet or a crease,” laughs Quayle. “It’s great to see the whole ensemble at local events and know we helped make it a success.” DigitalArtz has also developed a specialty in antique bicycle and trac- tor restoration, which requires preci- sion work and expert color matching. “Especially with our restoration work, it’s extremely important to replicate the color,” says Quayle. “We’ve always been able to generate the exact shades we need on the Roland.” Like many shops, DigitalArtz expe- rienced a shift in its business during the economic downturn. “We’ve seen a reduction in real estate and construction signage, but our banner and interior sig- nage orders are up,” notes Quayle. “We can always find something to do to help us keep the lights on.”
In recent years, DigitalArtz has branched out, creating interior sig- nage for several retail outlets in the St. Louis market and generating large format art reproductions. “We’re start- ing to be able to have some fun and get more creative with our proposals,” says Quayle.
He adds, “The Roland VersaCAMM
allows us to pursue new markets. It can assist with everything from the ‘meat and potatoes’ projects, to the high-end niche applications.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64