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How to get started designing for digital print?
Having spent 6 years designing 2-d for cut vinyl, I am
AT LAST getting a printer! I shall be having training from the guy selling it, but I wanted to get a feel for design in 3-d before I get there.
I use Signlab, the printer comes with Versaworks and Shiraz RIP, to be honest I have not a clue where to start.
…😥
😥 Maybe I should stick with my trusty little old CX24. (chat.)
How do all you print experts get your fabulous designs together?
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13 Replies
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Hi Lorraine…..not really sure what you mean by 3D compared to 2D?
do you just want to give lettering and objects the illusion of depth?
I’m not overly familiar with your software but I would imagine there will be tutorials available to give you some pointers
Have a look at Phils tutorial on here about ‘Depth & Reflectivity’…I don’t know if your software has the same tools but it could give you some ideas
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lorraine,
What version of signlab do you have? is it print and cut?Peter
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I don’t know what version of Signlab you have but you may need to upgrade to get features that are specific for digital print (I would ask your Signlab re-seller for a trial version to see if you want to go down the Signlab route). Gradient fills are an easy way to get started. You can also use "eyecandy" effects that convert flat 2D object into photorealistic 3D objects. This includes things like chrome effect and plastic. Another effect is the use of "soft" shadows (as opposed to solid vector drawn shadows) these are "blurry" and more realistic looking giving the illusion of 3D. Signlab also allows you to output directly to your printer using its own RIP. All this can be done using colour versions of Signlab or you can switch to another vector based design program such as Corel (although this does not have it’s own RIP).
Photoshop is another program you should think about learning (or Corel Photopaint which comes as part of the Corel Draw suite).
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good luck Lorraine xxx
Lynn
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Great News Lorraine.
It won’t take you long which ever software you use. I’m sure all on here will help you get started and help with any problems or questions you have. -
good luck lorraine…I was the same, after using vectors for years, it is a learning curve, and you will get there ok 😉
nik
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Hi everyone, thanks for your replies.
I am currently using Signlab 7. I’ve used SL for the past 6 years, and although I have Photoshop and Corel 12 I hardly ever use either, and I am rubbish at photo-editing. Doesn’t bode well for printing, really! 🙄I recall a van someone posted on here a couple of months back, and I did try to find it to show what I meant, but can’t remember who posted it. It was a stunning purple wrap, with a chrome effect through it. The image has stayed with me since then, but the details elude me!
I am so excited about getting the printer I can’t sleep, hence why I am here at stupid-o’clock!
Lorraine
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hi Lorraine
is this the van?
https://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=39156 -
Lorraine,
If that is the van that Peter has posted I reckon that the vast majority of members here would be delighted if they could come up with something like that. I for one wouldn’t know where to start with something like that
Like everything else it will be a learning curve for you but don’t put yourself under pressure thinking you have to be brilliant from the start
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Some of the designs posted by members on this forum are pure inspirational and nothing short of amazing!
I would LOVE to have 1/10th of the design ability that some of you guys have.
If I thought I could make one of the new HP latex printers pay for itself, I’d order one tomorrow.
Good luck Lorraine.
John
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There’s many tutorials on youtube and on here Lorraine to get you started.
Be prepared to waste a deal of ink and vinyl though in the early days as this being new to you you’ll no doubt make a few mistakes. Don’t let go of the guy training you….make sure when he’s gone he’s knaackered with all the questions you’ve asked. I guess you’ll be posting alot more for a few weeks.
Look forward to seeing the results. 😉 -
quote Glenn Sharp:Lorraine,
If that is the van that Peter has posted I reckon that the vast majority of members here would be delighted if they could come up with something like that. I for one wouldn’t know where to start with something like that
You buy the disc with the graphic on it!
Or go on to a stock image site and download something. A lot of the wrap stuff you see will be done in that way. It’s always good to learn a few techniques yourself though so your work is indivisual.
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Hi Peter, that was the one, by Daral Brennan. I’m thinking maybe that came from a ready-made disc? (I actually didn’t know until today that you can buy discs with ready-made designs on, I suppose I didn’t need to know before!)
I can see that I am going to be burning the midnight oil! It’s good in a way that after this week the pub is going to be quieter, so I can spend more time at the shop, ‘learning’!
Thanks for all your replies everyone, appreciated.
Lorraine
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