Now that our Vehicle Graphics Contest, sponsored by Mutoh, has reached its seventh edition, it’s safe to say it’s no longer an experiment. As the vehicle-graphics market has evolved and matured, so has the competition. Although we do still see some wraps with flamboyant color palates or over-the-top visuals, most vehicle-wrap designers and fabricators now emphasize legibility and compile graphics consistent with how a viewer’s eye would naturally interpret a graphic. The gee-whiz notion of “Look at me, I have a wrap!” now seems as antiquated as the novelty of saying, “Look at me, my business is on the Internet!”
This year, we received 272 entries. (90% came in the last three days before the deadline, which generated several more gray hairs on my scalp – my wife politely says I look distinguished). With each passing year, fewer submissions appear unqualified for the competition. Presumably, this attests to several factors: better materials, inks and printers; more educational resources and certification-program availability; the growth of the market as the public becomes more aware of wraps’ dynamic, cost-effective reach, which perpetuates growth; and, above all, the growing talent and confidence wrap providers have to tackle any vehicle that’s brought to their installation bays.
For this year’s competition judging, we ventured 30 miles south to Hebron, KY, to Crux Roadboardz, which wraps vehicles that range from sedans to semi trailers. Adam Coffaro, Crux’s owner, graciously agreed to hold the judging in his installation garage. In addition to Coffaro, our other judges included lead installer Joe Prewitt, general manager Doug Withrow and senior designer Jason Fiscus.
A few interesting trends occurred; we noticed a surge in boat wraps. Some were done for signshop employees’ vessels, but some seemingly celebrated the “end” of the recession with a new, wrapped boat. And, this trend might shoot holes in the perception that boating is a passé diversion.
As usual, Service Vehicles and Promotional Vehicles were the two largest categories, although not by quite as large a margin as in past years. In its inaugural year, Food Trucks garnered a respectable 27 entries. And, as usual, a disproportionate share of entries came from the Pacific Time Zone – likely a testament to a more preferable climate than back East.
As we progressed through the categories, three candidates emerged for Best of Show: SignFarm’s “You Can’t Lie to Me” RV Wrap, which promoted a book tour; Arizona Color’s (Phoenix) wrap for The Flyer Guys, a flyer-printing and delivery service; and Great Big Signs’ (Kyle, TX) collaboration with Full Print Solutions (North Hollywood, CA) to deck out a super-sized, ice-cream truck. Ultimately, Arizona Color prevailed.
We also initiated the inaugural Vehicle Graphics Readers’ Choice Award. Among the 1,585 votes cast, Xtreme Grafx (Albany, OR) prevailed among the 11 nominees with its wrap for Dutch Bros. Coffee.
So, let’s hit the accelerator and roll on to the winners’ circle. Some victors are fun; some are fierce, but they all provide strong examples of how far skill and creativity can take you in building your client’s business.