Category: News You Can Use

August Featured Artist: Paul Tardie

Posted on | by Luci Miller

Paul H. Tardie is a visual artist who has drawn inspiration from nature, both human and non-human. As a teenager in California and later Tennessee, Tardie gravitated to drawing and painting with little formal training outside of public school. In 2005, the artist fled Tennessee for the warmer climates of Louisiana and then Texas. Seasonal work in Montana introduced the artist to the beauty of landscapes which prominently became the subject of paintings from 2008 onward.

Returning to the city every autumn would inspire works that lampooned culture as Austin changed over time and living as a street artist selling stenciled t-shirts was no longer sustainable. In 2015, Tardie took printmaking courses at Austin Community College and found a knack for intaglio, block print, and lithography. Themes following this phase began to oscillate regularly between critique, humor, biophilia, and wildland-urban interface. Tardie’s education as a biology student has recently influenced their focus on organisms, environmentalism, and social realism.

In 2022, Tardie anonymously received the Best of Austin: Arts and Entertainment Wildcard award for the “You’re My Butthole” amendment to the “You’re My Better Half” mural. Other mural work of theirs in Austin includes the East Side Pies “Pizza Wizard”, collaboration at the Graffiti Park at Castle Hill, and various pieces of street art. In 2018, Tardie self-published “Inside: Dissecting a County Jail” as well as collaborated on “Books Through Bars: Stories from the Prison Books Movement published in 2024.

“I have been going to Miller IDS for prints and scans of artwork for almost 10 years. The amount of care that is given to each piece by them is equal to that which I put into my own work. Dana’s attention to detail has provided prints that I couldn’t discern from the original if it weren’t for the fact that they’re on different surfaces. The quality of the materials along with the turnaround in service allows me to operate an online store with high customer satisfaction. Communication on timelines and how each art piece was managed always give me a sense of my work being in not just the right hands but the best, especially as everyone there is so personable.”

Contact Paul:
Website: paultardieart.com
Instagram: @paultardie

Contact our fine art specialist, Dana Burton, for more information on fine art scans and reproduction.

August Featured Graphics: Farm Aire Express Wall Vinyl

Posted on | by Luci Miller

We are always excited about helping with high visibility jobs in the airport! This “Farm Aire Express” is a new addition to “Farm Aire” café by Annie’s also located in ABIA. The express take-out/grab-n-go section is at the west end, near gates 33 & 34 – the very furthest wall on the west end of the airport. It’s a fresh food option for busy travelers!

Brett Stiles was the designer for the project, and we were the printing and installation provider. (Brett seems to be an interesting guy, check out his Instagram- @bstiles665 !) We printed these graphics on adhesive vinyl (specifically 3M IJ180) with a matte lamination. This combo is a frequent go-to for our customers desiring long-lasting wall mural graphics.

The last step was applying the cut vinyl letters (“Farm Aire Express”) to the wall. Easy peasy! Please keep us in mind for your wall graphics – whether it be temporary graphics, long lasting wall graphics, or permanent wall paper. And extend your brain to other related areas, and we probably do them, also. Other interior wall art… 3-dimensional logos or graphics on your walls…. Privacy panels for glass partitions… email cssr@MillerIDS.com to discuss your wall project!

To get started on your own project with us, reach out to CSSR@MillerIDS.com or CSSR7@MillerIDS.com.

Featured Graphics: Trimbuilt’s 40th Anniversary Party

Posted on | by Madi

Trimbuilt celebrated their 40th anniversary in a spectacular way! They hosted a big bash at Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC. They went all out with the signage and branding for the event and it turned out amazing.

We were thrilled to help with the Q2 Stadium takeover, ensuring every detail was perfect. From wall graphics and cooler stickers to table tents and outdoor banners, no detail was spared.

Thank you Trimbuilt for allowing us to be part of this amazing event and congratulations on 40 years in business!

To get started on your own project with us, reach out to CSSR@MillerIDS.com or CSSR7@MillerIDS.com.

See more pictures of the event on our Instagram and below!

Door Decals

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Fun & Featured Graphics! “A Toast to Texas Film”

Posted on | by Madi

We were lucky enough to print graphics for the Austin Film Society event “A Toast to Texas Film” honoring Glen Powell! Our small role was to produce the podium graphics, posters, the step-and-repeat backdrops, and the programs, utilizing our skills in small and large-scale printing. And we were thrilled! We do these things all the time, and hope you keep us in mind for event signage of any size!

To focus on some good Austin factoids, Glen Powell grew up in Austin and went to Westwood High School. His first movie was in Robert Rodriguez’ Spy Kids 3: Game Over (what 90’s parent hasn’t seen this trilogy!) Glen and his most recent movie, Hit Man, are making quite the buzz. Powell stars in and co-wrote the new noir comedy from director Richard Linklater. And for another Austin fact, the casting was done by a local firm, Vicky Boone Casting! After playing in theaters for two weeks, the movie is available on Netflix. 

The Austin Film Society was founded in 1985 by Richard Linklater and you can read their story here. Thank you Austin Film Society for allowing us to be a small part of such a fun event with so many wonderful ties to our community.

To get started on your own project with us, reach out to CSSR@MillerIDS.com or CSSR7@MillerIDS.com.

May Graphics Feature: JE Dunn Fun Fest

Posted on | by Luci Miller

Miller IDS was honored to provide print support for JE Dunn’s annual “Dunn Fun Fest,” their family-friendly event for clients and employees alike. This year was extra special, with JE Dunn also celebrating 100 years of building America!

Through the directions and designs of Veronica Escobedo (Senior Marketing Specialist at JE Dunn) and the rest of their stellar marketing team, we put together the printed pieces of a great outdoor experience for those lucky enough to attend. Our part of the fun included oversized polaroid style candid photos printed on foamboard, some expertly designed asphalt graphics taking attendees through a timeline of JE Dunn’s 100 years, and a one-of-a-kind mini skyline exhibit with building cutouts that showcased many of JE Dunn’s stand out contributions to the Austin skyline over the last few years. Our graphics salesperson, Josh Meza, worked closely with JE Dunn’s marketing team and our production team to make sure the best materials were chosen for the project.

View more fun photos of the event and graphics pieces on our Instagram: @miller_ids!

We love finding creative ways for our clients to make their corporate events fun, unique experiences that make lasting impressions for their guests! For assistance with your next event, please contact CSSR@MillerIDS.com or Josh.Meza@MillerIDS.com.

April Graphics Feature: Long Center Eclipse Party

Posted on | by Madi

In celebration of the total solar eclipse on April 8th, the Long Center and the Simons Foundation hosted a free total eclipse viewing party on the Long Center lawn and H-E-B Terrace.

The event featured entertainment centered around the total eclipse and provided opportunities for guests to engage with astronomers and celebrate with the community. There was music, food and drinks, and even a visual storytelling time. The first 1000 guests to arrive received eclipse tote bags and all guests received complimentary viewing glasses.

photo courtesy of Jordan Mathias (@_jordian.mathias)

We printed and installed large-scale window graphics featuring a total eclipse design on the windows of the Long Center. We also printed and cut foamboard icons that were attached to a giant frame for participants to have a photo-op as well as other signage like bar menus and safety signs.

Thank you to the Long Center for allowing us to part of this amazing event!

Click here to see a video of the eclipse window graphics.

If you would like to get started on a project with our graphics team, reach out to  CSSR7@MillerIDS.com or CSSR2@MillerIDS.com.

March Graphics Feature: Urban Spaces

Posted on | by Madi


March was incredibly busy in our graphics department. Just to spotlight what ONE company did with us here are shots from Urban Space projects. We do both big and small for these folks and truly appreciate how they have so positively impacted Austin, the skyline, and been a driver of density in the downtown area specifically. Take a peak!

January Featured Graphics: Chesmar Homes Frosted Vinyl

Posted on | by Madi

Chesmar Homes reached out to us for a solution for their new office space. They wanted to create privacy for the conference room and offices but also increase visibility of the glass walls.

To achieve this we printed frosted vinyl stripes for the larger walls and doors, as well as solid frosted panels for lower window panels. In addition, we printed frosted glass logos for Chesmar Homes’ local partners, CLM Mortgage and N Title, to add to the door to their office.

More and more companies are using glass partitions to create separate rooms without blocking light and visibility. This gives the feeling of one communal space, but allows individuals their own space and privacy for meetings, phone calls, etc. 
 
As the use of glass walls has increased, so have the requests for vinyl applications by our team. We want to help with your space if you also have a need for improved visibility of glass walls. Many customers add their logo, mission statement, company motto, or decorative designs to their partitions to add visual interest and to personalize the wall or door.

Chesmar Homes Website

If you would like to get started on a project with our graphics team, reach out to a team member at CSSR@MillerIDS.com or CSSR@@MillerIDS.com or CSSR7@MillerIDS.com.

Featured Graphics: SMPS City Limits Event Signage

Posted on | by Madi

SMPS Austin hosted a welcome party to kick of the 2023 Amplify AEC National SMPS conference. The party was “ACL” themed and highlighted all things Austin culture with BBQ, live music, cocktails, and networking.

They welcomed a crowd from across the country and we were happy to provide support to our local Austin chapter who hosted the national conference this year.

In support of SMPS Austin, we printed a variety of signage and branded materials for the event. We produced foamboard welcome signs, menus, stir stick stickers for drinks, table tents, and retractable banners. We also printed window clings, raffle cards, a-frame signage, a mural banner, and even pedicab signage!

Keep us in mind if you need printed materials for your event!

If you would like to get started on a project with our graphics team, reach out to Sydney Donelson at CSSR@MillerIDS.com.

Featured Graphics: Encotech Vinyl Wall Mural

Posted on | by Madi

Encotech Engineering Consultants is a central Texas engineering firm with offices in Austin and San Antonio. This mural was created for their new office location in San Antonio. The mural was an in-house job designed and produced in Adobe Illustrator by Juan Arango, Encotech’s Director of Marketing and Business Development. The communication goal is to showcase Encotech’s core values while celebrating the rich and diverse culture of San Antonio through some of its iconic imagery.  

For the Encotech San Antonio office, we were tasked with matching a specific blue hue that the client had requested; Sherwin Williams – Adriatic Sea. The client had already painted a number of the walls in the office this color, and they were hoping for a near exact color match to keep all installed office graphics cohesive and within brand guidelines. They’ve had issues with color matching on previous office graphics installed, so getting it right the first time was key. Color matching was only possible by obtaining a swatch from the client of the paint color used on the wall. We then compared that swatch to our book of Pantone colors and found the closest three visual matches. Our production team then printed samples of the color options with the exact material and laminate specifications that the installed vinyl would have. The final color was selected from the sample, which ensures that the final color selection would still be the best match when viewed with the laminate and vinyl material we specifically chose.

Since the wall we installed the graphics on was already the correct shade of blue, you may be asking, why not just cut the design out of white vinyl and apply that way? We opted for full-coverage vinyl panels to ensure the intricate design the client had proposed looked as sharp as possible, maintaining its crisp angles and sharp lines that the design called for. The client felt more comfortable executing the design in this way as it saved time, money, and eliminated the need for the design to be intricately cut out by our iEcho machine. The client’s design was printed directly to our 3M 40C vinyl and sealed with a 3M matte laminate to protect the finished surface from scratches and damage. The project was installed in under 3 hours and was completed in time to meet a deadline the client had set.

Contact Encotech:
Website: encotechengineering.com
Instagram: @encotech_ec
Facebook: Encotech Engineering Consultants
LinkedIn: Encotech Engineering Consultants, Inc.

If you would like to get started on a project with our graphics team, reach out to Sydney Donelson at CSSR@MillerIDS.com.