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

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.

April Featured Artist: Larry Stephenson

Larry has been drawing and painting as far back as he can recall. Larry obtained his Fine Art degree with studies from some of the most prolific professors of art across America with expanded studies in South America, Spain, and Portugal. “I studied under world-renowned artists that witnessed my gift and encouraged me and taught me ‘the placement of my soul on the canvas’.”

“As a Fine Artist my goal is to capture a moment in time or feeling in life which I can place on canvas that will reflect on our mind and imagination for generations to come. Composition, contrast, value, and color are the influences of my work. Transposing what I see to what one is really looking at is my goal that will last for generations. The intent of my work is to open the viewer’s mind to the depths of my soul. May my work be interesting, pleasing and thought-provoking. Painting is a creation for the eye and can only be hinted at with words.”

“Painting brings me so much joy and fulfillment when sharing what I see in the way that I place it from the pallet to the canvas, so all may enjoy my visions (which they may have seen) but never let their eyes capture that moment. Painting is music intended for the eye. My art is created primarily and solely for the imagination, aesthetic, and intellectual content that one’s soul may ponder and enjoy. I paint with a palette knife so I may pull and push the oils together in a manner that is indistinguishable yet gives the viewer the latitude to blend the work as they wish to see it.”

“This commission piece “At Peace on My Porch” of vast ranchland and hay fields near Marble Falls Texas only came to pass by Fine Art Collectors, masterful image scanning by Dana Barton, professional coordination by Larry Williams Junior and the patronage of Luci Miller to support not only my work, but the work of so many whose ambitions flourish under her compassionate eye for talent.”

Stephenson said this about working with Miller IDS over the past 25 years, “I have been working diligently to establish myself as an artist in the ‘FINE ARTS’. Miller is like family to me, Josh has always taken very good care of me, Dana is a pleasure to work with and very knowledgeable and extremely talented in her area of expertise. I just cannot say enough kind words regarding [Miller IDS Customer Service Representative] Larry Williams. He makes each and every visit I have to Miller very enjoyable, in fact I look forward to every visit I have with Miller because of his professionalism, sense of humor, and his unique personality which makes each and every visit a true pleasure.”

Contact Larry:
Email: les_sr@hotmail.com
LinkedIn: Larry Stephenson
Website: greendesignbuildinc.com

Best Banner Material for Your Outdoor Advertising Needs

Best Banner Material for Your Outdoor Advertising Needs

Introduction

Outdoor advertising is a dynamic platform for capturing audience attention, but its success largely hinges on the banner material chosen. The right material ensures not only longevity and durability against the whims of weather but also the vibrancy and clarity of the message it carries. Whether it’s the high-traffic streets or the seasonal outdoor events, each banner serves as a silent herald of your brand.

Hence, selecting the appropriate material becomes not just a technical decision but a marketing strategy. This guide will navigate you through the myriad of banner materials available, helping you to choose the one that aligns with your outdoor advertising needs, considering factors such as durability, print quality, environmental conditions, and sustainability.

Understanding Different Banner Materials

Banners come in various materials, each with attributes suited to specific conditions and advertising goals. Vinyl banners are the stalwarts of outdoor advertising; known for their durability and versatility, they can withstand rain, sunlight, and wind, making them ideal for long-term use. Within the vinyl category, there are options like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) banners, which are heavy-duty and can endure extreme conditions. Another popular choice is mesh vinyl, which allows for air to pass through, reducing wind resistance and making it perfect for high-wind areas.

On the other hand, fabric banners offer an upscale look with a smoother finish, providing a high-end feel to the print but may require more care in harsh weather conditions. Polyester fabric, often used in these banners, is lightweight and can reproduce vibrant colors with sharp details.

Furthermore, eco-friendly materials are gaining traction. They are designed to be less harmful to the environment and can be recycled more easily than traditional materials. Though they may not have the same robustness as vinyl, advances in technology are closing the gap in durability without sacrificing print quality.

Each material also has a different level of print compatibility, with certain inks adhering better to specific substrates, affecting the longevity of the printed design. When selecting a banner material, it’s crucial to balance the visual impact with functional durability to ensure your outdoor advertising makes the lasting impression it’s meant to.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Banner Material

When it’s time to select a banner material for your outdoor advertising, several factors come into play. Durability is paramount; you’ll need a material that stands up to the environmental challenges it will face, such as UV exposure, wind, rain, and pollution. Consider the location of your banner—materials that fare well in temperate climates may not hold up in more extreme conditions.

The printing process itself is another vital factor. The material should be compatible with the type of printing you’ll be using, ensuring the colors stay vibrant and the message remains clear over time. Weight and ease of installation should also influence your choice—heavy materials might be more durable but can be challenging to install without proper equipment.

Finally, think about the visual effect you’re aiming for. Glossy materials can make colors pop but might create glare in photographs or under bright lights. Matte finishes, while less vibrant, are easier to read from all angles and in various lighting conditions.

Vinyl Banners: A Deep Dive

Vinyl is synonymous with outdoor advertising for good reason. It’s a versatile material that comes in several weights and finishes, suitable for almost any outdoor condition. Standard vinyl banners are known for their strength and durability, making them a go-to for long-lasting outdoor signage. They are typically waterproof and tear-resistant, which means they can look as good as new with minimal maintenance, even after months outdoors.

The printing on vinyl is often crisp and vibrant, thanks to the material’s excellent ink adhesion properties. Whether you’re using digital inkjet or screen printing, the end result is usually sharp and dynamic. With options for both high-gloss and matte finishes, vinyl can be customized to the desired aesthetic of any campaign or branding strategy.

Innovative and Eco-Friendly Options

As the demand for sustainable products rises, the banner industry has responded with eco-friendly materials. These innovative options, made from biodegradable or recycled components, offer a green alternative without compromising on quality. They cater to environmentally conscious brands and consumers, supporting a greener marketing message.

Maintenance and Longevity

The longevity of a banner is significantly influenced by its maintenance. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and timely repairs can extend a banner’s life, maintaining its appearance and functionality. Choosing the right material also plays a role in reducing wear and tear, ensuring your message remains vibrant for longer.

Case Studies

Successful case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of well-chosen banner materials. One particular campaign showed how a durable, well-maintained vinyl banner could withstand months of outdoor exposure, maintaining its color and integrity, leading to increased brand recognition.

Conclusion

The right banner material is a crucial choice that impacts the success of your outdoor advertising. It’s about finding a balance between aesthetic appeal, environmental responsibility, and durability. Understanding these factors can help in making an informed decision that aligns with your branding and marketing goals, ensuring that your outdoor advertisements stand out and endure. Remember to consider not just the immediate impact, but the long-term sustainability of your marketing investments.

March Artist of the Month: Terri Gray

Terri Gray earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. Terri put herself through college working as a graphic artist and continued in the field after graduating. During this time, she enjoyed learning and developing new mediums and artistic techniques. She has spent the last 40 years as a working artist and teacher. Terri’s artwork is strongly influenced by her background as a graphic artist. Her work features shapes, imagery, and textures from nature. She playfully interprets the animal and natural world to create her mixed media paintings and ceramic pieces.

Terri works, teaches and shows her work at Austin Pottery Studio and Gallery. Currently her work is being shown in a national exhibit at Charlie Cummings Gallery in Florida. In 2023, Terri was invited to show her work at the George Washington Carver Museum in Austin, Texas, and has been a featured artist for the Clay Collective of Austin and the Texas Clay Arts Association.

“Hi, my name is Terri Gray. As a local artist looking to create digital images of my mixed media paintings, I need a reliable and affordable company that can scan and print my work. After discussing the topic with the local artist community, there was one recommendation that kept coming up. Miller IDS. Dana at Miller listened to my needs and delivered to my specifications with a friendly and professional artist viewpoint. When I needed a couple of things to be expedited, Dana was able to accommodate. I really appreciated Dana’s input and expertise. I will be using Miller IDS for my future projects, and highly recommend Miller IDS to others looking for high quality printing and scanning.” 

Contact Terri:
Instagram: @terrigray4439

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

January Artist of the Month: Meena Matai

Meena Matai creates vivid and lively abstract art with detailed designs that showcase a balance between spontaneity and introspection. Art has remained a constant throughout her life growing up in India and now, as an artist, engineer, mother, educator, and community organizer. She strives to find balance in her many roles while living and working out of Austin for more than a decade. Meena has been featured in many arts media programs and press. Her vibrant paintings are part of corporate and private collections, both in the country and internationally.
Statement:

In the midst of a world marred by pandemic, conflicts, and widespread suffering, a call resonates, urging us to return home – to our core, our roots – in search of stability. As an immigrant, Meena recognizes that the true definition of home can evolve from an external concept to an internal one. From this introspective space, Meena’s art finds its birth through play and experimentation, as she delves into the experience of creation emanating from the place she calls home – her being.Meena’s art explores the complexities of identity and the fluidity of boundaries between seemingly opposing concepts. As an Indian-American artist and engineer, and a working mother, she intimately understands the constant balancing act of navigating different cultures and roles. Her work depicts the delicate balance between feeling foreign and at home, between nurturing others and self care, between practicality and imagination, between spontaneity and planning, and between action and reflection. Through her art, Meena seeks to capture the richness and complexity of the balancing art and feels fortunate to be able to explore these themes in her own life.

Meena invites viewers to engage with her art with an open mind and a boundless imagination, while being grounded in the origin stories and rich history that inform her work. She hopes that her art sparks a sense of recognition of our shared humanity despite our differences. Her ultimate goal is to inspire positivity, collaboration, and support, starting with the self and extending beyond.

Contact Meena:
Instagram: @meenamataiart
Facebook: @MeenaMataiArt
Website: meenamatai.com

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

November Artist of the Month: Lori Sonnier

Lori Sonnier creates colorful paintings inspired by the beauty and vibrant colors of the natural environment. She has a background in biology and worked for a decade in environmental management. But she was always interested in art and began taking art classes at night through UCLA Extension while working full-time.

In 2006, her family moved to Austin when her husband was hired as a faculty member at UT. “We really like Texas and were so excited to move to Austin”. Shortly after arriving, Lori began taking painting classes through The Art School at The Contemporary Austin (Laguna Gloria). She also did painting workshops in Santa Fe, New Mexico with Albert Handell and Lee Rommel and began painting both indoors and outdoors. “I hope that my paintings bring joy to people, and that they help people appreciate the beauty that is around us in the world”.
  
Lori came to Miller IDS in 2022 to find a local business partner in creating fine art prints and notecards. “It has been great working with Dana Burton at Miller on my prints. They have turned out very well and I am happy to say they are made locally here in Austin. Dana has a great eye for color and detail, and the staff at Miller have been a pleasure to work with.”
 
Read the rest of Lori’s feature on our website.

Contact Lori:
Instagram: @lorisonnier.art
Website: lorisonnier.com
Email: lorisonnier.art@gmail.com

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

September Artist of the Month: Kara Buse

A Central Texas native, artist and photographer Kara Buse finds beauty in the uniqueness of each individual, the diversity of the planet, and mother nature in all her glory. Kara is driven to discover the balance between expressing something that is deeply meaningful and creating a sense of joy that will touch the lives of others through her work.

Kara uses visual storytelling to showcase the organic, visceral human experience where words often fail. This is the WHY behind Kara’s work, and the reason for the Y in Wyld Roots. Kara has had the privilege of working with some of the most inspiring creatives and brands: strangers and friends who have supported and contributed to making Wyld Roots an inimitable lifestyle platform.

“I have been a loyal customer of Miller for going on 4 years now and I couldn’t be more happy with the quality of their work and people. Dana, the fine arts specialist, has given me so much joy by helping me honor the meaningful photography in my life through printed and tangible artifacts that I have sold in galleries or hung in my own home. She has nurtured my understanding of the art of printing and I am very grateful!”

Contact Kara:
Instagram: @wyld_roots
Website: wyldroots.com

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

Featured Graphics: SMPS City Limits Event Signage

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.

July Artist of the Month: Ruth Lauer

Ruth Lauer studied at the Minneapolis School of Art and Design and lived for 10 years in Europe. She moved to Austin, Texas, in 1991 for the music. Working in oil and acrylic, Ruth’s paintings celebrate everyday life, community and/or poke fun at her own and humanity’s foibles. The featured painting, “Shirley’s Chicken Run”, was inspired by a neighbor’s backyard. The original painting sold, but prints are available.
 
I create portraits, sometimes of people, food or animals, but also of private moments in public settings. I try to portray the emotion that a memory holds, and the calm of commonplace beauty.  And sometimes I just want to push color around.” An admirer of religious and narrative art, Ruth would like her paintings to evoke a personal memory or emotion in viewers.
 
Ruth has been using the Fine Art Services at Miller IDS for 20 years. “Dana Burton and the other friendly, professional staff at Miller IDS are a joy to work with. Dana knows the technicalities of art printing and always delivers an amazing product. Her eye is true.”
 
Contact Ruth:
Email: ruthybob56@hotmail.com

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

Graphics Feature: Westlake High School Baseball

Westlake High School wanted to pump up their players by refreshing their baseball locker room and dugout (who isn’t inspired by beautiful surroundings!). We teamed up with a graphic designer who could accomplish their motivational and design goals, then handled the printing and installation of the project.

We printed their graphics on large format adhesive vinyl, similar to a peel and stick wallpaper. This allowed our installers to put the graphics up in panels with the fewest number of seams possible. We recommended the proper vinyl that would adhere to the textured walls, in this case cinderblock. This material is able to stretch slightly to be smoothed over any texture.

Vinyl panels work for both indoor and outdoor use and are very easy to maintain. Because the vinyl has a smooth surface and is laminated, it can be wiped down if it starts looking dirty or dull, which is great for outdoor areas or spaces that are exposed to the elements.

Vinyl wall graphics are one of our favorite ways to brand a space because they really pack a punch. The process is fairly simple once the designs are created, making it one of the easiest ways to make a big visual difference pretty quickly.

We would love to help with your next graphics project whether that be with large-scale adhesive vinyl or something else!

Quick personal notes: Ralph Yznaga was the designer for these graphics. Ralph has designed other projects inside the locker rooms of Westlake and has worked with Miller in various capacities for years. He designed our current website! Alongside that, he is the Editor and Co-Owner of Edible Magazine! Our thanks goes out to Coach JT Blair at WHS; we helped him with the initial “rebrand” of the locker room about seven years ago and he called on us again to help this go-around. Thanks Coach!

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