| The
Stick to It Vehicle Wrap Design Challenge |
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They’re only 17 and 18 years old, but
already they have graphic design portfolios that rival those
of college graduates. Forsyth Central students in Heather
Hanline’s Graphic Arts II class have created logo designs
for business cards and t-shirts and designed product packaging.
They have even worked with local businesses on marketing campaigns.
But they never dreamed their designs would soon become literally
“larger than life.”
In an effort to expose graphic arts students
to the vehicle graphics and sign industry and encourage them
to pursue careers in all of the avenues available to them,
In-Depth Signs & Designs invited the class to “Stick
to It”. The challenge is ... design a new vehicle wrap
for the In-Depth shop car (a Honda Element) and win prize
money...AND much-needed design software for the classroom.
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In-Depth was excited to be able to talk
to the class about how to design for vehicle graphics. Here,
graphic arts students pull up their vehicle wrap designs for
discussion.
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When Oracal USA heard about In-Depth's idea,
they enthusiastically donated Oracal's Rapid Air material
for the project. The Element wrap is installed in our temperature
controlled vehicle bay. Attention to detail in the installation
phase is critical if the finished product is going to meet
In-Depth's high standards.
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John installs the side of the Element
wrap in one panel to eliminate seams and trims along body
lines to finish up the full wrap installation. The Oracal
Rapid Air vinyl makes short work of the installation, even
over ridges and around obstacles.
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Selecting a winner was not easy. In-Depth
received so many fantastic designs, they sent them out to
industry associates, clients, and consumers for a vote. Even
then, the decision was difficult. Everyone had a different
favorite! The votes were so close and the designs were so
impressive, In-Depth decided to select TWO winners. Senior
Jessica Watson’s design was chosen for the Pacifica.
Due to the time constraints of the Challenge, her eye-catching
wave design had to wait to be installed after the official
unveiling. The class viewed Watson’s finalized design
(which was met with spontaneous applause) on the class overhead
before they made their way to the Element. Four other designs
are being safeguarded by In-Depth for use with a future client.
The finalists are excited that they might see their designs
on the road soon!
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As a growing mob of classmates looked on in front of
the campus, challenge winners John Taylor and Jessica Watson
helped In-Depth install the hood graphic.
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Junior John Taylor accepts his prize in the Stick to It Vehicle
Wrap Design Challenge.
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The unveiling of the Stick to It Element
winner was the buzz of Forsyth Central. There might have
been a movie star on campus, the way Forsyth Central High
School students crowded around doors and windows to get
a glimpse of the Honda Element vehicle graphics designed
by one of their own.
“When I saw my design, I was very excited.
Everyone in the class worked so hard. Being chosen out of
all of their designs was an amazing feeling. I am really
happy to have my name on the car, too. Most people in the
graphic design world don’t get recognition for their
work...it’s sort of a behind-the-scenes job,”
said Taylor.
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| Part of the excitement
about the design competition is the sheer impact of vehicle
graphics...how many people will see these students’ art.
In the Atlanta area, vehicle graphics enjoy 600 impressions
for every mile driven. And a vehicle wrap is a portable message,
so it goes where you send it. The In-Depth Element and Pacifica
will make appearances for the art students at venues they choose
so that it might showcase their design throughout the community.
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Senior Jessica Watson helps John install the perforated
window film on her Pacifica design at a special presentation
of the completed Pacifica.
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Jessica poses proudly in front of her
winning Pacifica design. |
“We want these kids to be
recognized for their talent. This challenge will hopefully lead
to a continued interest in graphic arts careers, and maybe even
some freelance work that could help these students pay their
way through college. And these kids are truly talented. Our
wish is to pair that talent with exposure to the business world
and the momentum that Heather has started in class to keep them
in the industry long-term,” says Torri Westmoreland, Co-Owner
of In-Depth Signs & Designs. |
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