iPod Shuffles and jolly good cheer!

What do you get when you mix Apple iPods, Origami, and BIG Images Christmas cheer?

You get employee Christmas presents comprised of 2nd Generation iPod Shuffles wrapped in Origami boxes made of $100 bills.

The holiday season is a time for family, a time for warm cups of peppermint hot chocolate, and even more a time for jolly good cheer to your fellow man. We at BIG Images also believe it’s a time for rocking out in a BIG way. And so, in an effort to turn our employees from unproductive drones slaving away in the corporate mines to ecstatically overjoyed productive drones, we gave each of them a shiny new 2nd Gen iPod Shuffle wrapped in $200 origami boxes (we just had to one-up Santa Steve).

Edit: We have had an overwhelming request for the instructions to make this box — download them as a PDF here. Thanks for the diggs!

A step-by-step collage of a Second Generation iPod Shuffle getting wrapped in two $100 bill origami boxes made by Jon Beebe. This was the BIG Images Christmas present for all our employees. Click here to view a larger image of the wrapped iPod.

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BIG Images Introduces new outdoor print media and better color.

BIG Images is announcing the adoption of new outdoor large format digital banner and adhesive backed vinyl that increases color gamut & product quality.

In our continuing quest to improve our large format products and services we are proud to announce the immediate release of new outdoor print media: large format digital banner and adhesive backed vinyl. Each of these improves upon the qualities of the media they replaced and offers customers distinct benefits in color quality, durability, and longevity.

Outdoor banner

Our new outdoor large format digital banner offers a higher thread-count — in fact it is the industries highest — so the banner is incredibly strong and tear-resistant. It also has one of the highest white-points on the market. In addition it is more compatible with our new ink set so the colors are brighter, the blacks are blacker, and the over-all color gamut is greater than its predecessor. Its superior white-point and darker black-point give it a dynamic range far superior to our previous banner vinyl. The smooth surface allows for tighter dot-control, thus increasing image sharpness and resolution. As always the banner is waterproof, fade resistant, and can last up to 5 years outdoors. This new banner is an ideal match for our outdoor banner stands and indoor banner stands.

Adhesive Backed Vinyl (ABV)

Our ABV has an improved adhesive for better adhesion in extreme weather and temperatures. It is also more compatible with our new ink set so the colors are brighter, the blacks are blacker, and the over-all color gamut in greater than its predecessor. The strength of the ink’s bond is great enough that it can be used without lamination to replace laminated photo paper in many situations. As always the ABV is waterproof, fade resistant, and can last up to 5 years outdoors.

The Holiday Season is coming. Is your business ready?

Every December, the “big boxes” and national chain stores suck away precious customers from small business. To whom can small business turn to remain competitive amidst the holiday season’s multi-million-dollar marketing frenzy?

Look no further than BIG Images! This December you need to maximize your sales. The most effective and inexpensive way is to breathe new life into your storefront — capture customers’ attention and pull them in.

Thousands of potential customers may pass by your storefront everyday on their shopping quests. With BIG Images as your ally you can reach out to those customers by utilizing your store front effectively. Convince them that you provide what they’re looking for. Make your message too large to ignore. Turn foot traffic into dollars.

BIG Images will help you accomplish this with the following effective products:

• Window Graphics — Repositionable window graphics make your storefront come alive in full color.
• Vehicle Magnets — Take your marketing efforts on the road and turn rush hour into a captive audience.
• Floor Graphics — Dazzle customers with contour-cut slip-resistant floor graphics.
• Banner Stands — Break from the confines of your walls with a banner stand for indoor or outdoor use.

Getting started is easy — give us a call at 1-805-781-9301. We work on a 3-day turn around schedule so we will have your project ready to pick up, or shipped to you, in three days or less. If you do not have artwork ready to print we can help by putting you in touch with a designer that best suits your specific needs.

For those of you that do not have print-ready artwork and would rather not hire a designer, or just like to do it yourself, we’ve give you Banner-Works. Simply click here to go to Banner Works, choose from one of hundreds of pre-made templates, and edit to your heart’s content. Design on your own time, at your own pace, and get it printed quickly. You don’t need thousand-dollar software and weeks of instruction, just an internet connection. From there you’ll be one step closer to an effective marketing campaign.

For any questions, or to start outfitting your storefront with effective & inexpensive holiday marketing, call Ken Pettit at 1-805-781-9301.

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Dry Erase Laminate now Standard Finishing Option

Dry-Erase Laminate: Custom Dry-Erasable Graphics Increase Effectiveness and Visibility

A dry-erasable surface is now a standard finishing option on all of BIG Images print media. This option can be added to almost every type of product BIG Images offers, from Banners to Photographs, Presentation Boards to Charity Checks, and Sandwich Boards to Sidewalk menus.

A dry-erasable finish is now a standard option on all of BIG Images print media. Any type of large-format print can be finished with a dry-erasable laminate that allows for temporary marking on the write-on and wipe-off surface. The benefits include increased re-usability of the image, better communication effectiveness, and increased productivity & visibility.

Large-format print buyers want to increase the effectiveness of their marketing, trade-show, and presentation materials. For some this means having the flexibility to change and/or adjust the content at will. The possibilities offered by dry-erase laminates — to be able to change out the message daily, or to discriminately highlight areas for increased communication & marketing effectiveness — mean prints will remain more useable and flexible in the unforeseen future.

Here are some quotes from customers who have successfully used BIG Images dry-erase laminate to solve their unique challenges:

“The large Dry Erase Check we got from BIG Images makes a great visual representation of our annual Rotary ‘Mums for Mammograms’ fundraising efforts. Being able to customize it multiple times each year for publicity photos and check presentations at the various participating clubs is really convenient, saving both time and money.” — Robin Dudley, Founder / Chairperson “Mums for Mammograms”. A Rotary Breast Cancer Awareness Project

“Once again BIG Images has pulled a rabbit out of it's proverbial hat. We needed branded menu boards for use indoors and outdoors, and we needed to be able to update them daily. Their dry-erasable laminate was the perfect solution. BIG Images’ quality and attentiveness has yet again creatively and effectively solved our needs.” — Darren Smith, Operations Officer of Downtown Brew

“I had a need for a number of large dry erasable and portable maps. BIG Images was willing to experiment and work with me to find a solution on very quick turnaround. The maps will be used for many years in training programs. BIG Images is my source for large print jobs, I highly recommend them.” — Nancy Graves CTS

Available for immediate purchase, this product is recommended for the following applications:

• Where hand-written, personalized messages are appropriate.
• Training events & presentations to drawing attention to key elements.
• Charity checks and presentation checks.
• Sidewalk advertisements such as sandwich boards & easels.
• Product banners where prices fluctuate regularly.
• Dry Erase Large Checks

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Ken Pettit Elected VP of SLOCAMA, on Marketing Committee for SLO Symphony

Ken Pettit, a founding partner in BIG Images, has been elected as Vice President of SLOCAMA for the third year in a row. In addition he has been invited to join the San Luis Obispo Symphony’s Marketing Committee.

In 2004 Ken co-founded SLOCAMA, the San Luis Obispo Creative and Marketing Alliance. It is a group of creative and marketing professionals and students in San Luis Obispo County. The goals of SLOCAMA are:

• Inspiration: To raise the bar and inspire each other
• Collaboration: To bring creative professionals together
• Education: To educate our community about marketing

This year Ken continues to bolster the Marketing community by helping to lead SLOCAMA into 2007. Ken has also helped lead BIG Images’ efforts in supporting the San Luis Obispo Symphony for three years running (read more here). Ken’s continued local involvement has been an invaluable asset to the marketing community & the musical arts of San Luis Obispo.

Ken Helps M.D.A. Raise $58,000

Thank you to everyone who helped make Ken Pettit’s time at the MDA Lock-Up a success!

Thanks to our many generous customers including Molly Dawson of

Data Based Marketing

, Darren Smith of

Compass Health

, and Damien Porter of

SLO Passport

for their participation. Everyone’s generosity helped Ken raise his bail, which funds the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and allows the kids to attend a week-long summer camp.

Official Logo for Banner-Works is Complete

The Banner-Works logo designed by Benjamin Lawless

Ben Lawless, our intrepid man of miracles (the one who takes all our good stuff and makes it look a whole-heck-of-alot better), has just completed the logo for Banner-Works. What do you think? Like it? Then trust us when we say you will enjoy the experience at Banner-Works even more. Check out all our designs (including a slew from Ben himself). Treat yourself by customizing and personalizing your very own vinyl banner and then have the banner you just designed printed right here at BIG Images.

Ken Pettit Must Have Rolled Three Doubles...

Ken Pettit has rolled 3 doubles! Help bail him out of jail.

Well, I must have rolled three doubles because I’m about to be taken to jail without passing go!  I’m participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s San Luis Obispo Lock Up to help “Jerry's Kids®”.  My bail’s been set at $1800, just enough to send three kids to summer camp. I need your help to reach my goal and earn my “Get out of Jail Free” card. 

MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments and cures for 43 neuromuscular diseases.

To find out more, click here to see my Participant Page. You’ll find plenty of information about MDA and the local services it provides so that you can see how your donation will be used. You may make your donation on-line by credit card or, print out a form to mail or fax over to me.  Feel free to contact me directly at 805-781-9301 or via e-mail.  And if you happen to roll the dice, come by to “just visit”.

Thank you for helping me help others. 

Ken Pettit


P.S.  If you don't help save my ugly mug this year, you might just find yours nominated next year.

Design Online! Banner-Works Goes Live.

The Banner-Works pencil

In sync with the vision and energy that originally founded BIG Images the company has once again turned heads with its revolutionary online design technology–Banner-Works. In an effort to serve its customers that may not have the tools, time, or expertise to create large-format artwork BIG Images is releasing its design software to its customers for free.

You're free to use it, play with it, save your artwork and return at anytime to continue editing it. When you are ready, click print, and your file is sent to BIG Images automatically.

Banner-Works gives BIG Images customers professional design tools, personal control, creative inspiration, real-time price quotes, and, most importantly, a fun and hassle free experience when working with the large-format world.

BIG Images Sponsors the San Luis Obispo Symphony

It's the best way to spend Labor Day Weekend on the Central Coast!

The San Luis Obispo Symphony Pops by the Sea Logo - Printed by BIG Images 12' 9" tall x 25' wide.

This year, 2006, marks the third year running that BIG Images has sponsored the San Luis Symphony and Pops by the Sea. The SLO Symphony, often noted for incredible marketing graphics that rival their music in quality, uses BIG Images for all its outdoor signage at the annual Pops by the Sea concert, and for the foyer banners greeting the audience as they arrive to performances at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center. For more information on this years Pops concert and other performances throughout the year visit their web page at http://slosymphony.com/

New Ink Solutions Increase BIG Images Color

One of BIG Images' printers - a 7 foot wide banner-printer using new outdoor-inks.

New Inks increase color gamut and image strength.

BIG Images recently completed the conversion to a new ink system for its outdoor solutions. These new inks bring a few direct benefits to our customers. These include:

• Increased color gamut—we can now produce better color encompassing about 15% more of the Pantone color range.
• Better weather resistance—waterproof and lightfast outdoors for up to 5 years.
• Increased strength—the new inks stick to the material better, meaning more scratch resistance and longer life

All of BIG Images outdoor solutions are using this new ink starting immediately.

Team Oracle Flies High with BIG Images

Team Oracle

Our DesignJet HP5000 printing posters for Team Oracle.

"My Business takes me all over the country and BIG Images' solution-based approach provides me with on-demand marketing tools wherever I am.   Their streamlined processes ensure the highest quality product, on time, every time, which allows them to focus their attention on technology, research and development, and me; the customer." —Karl Koeppen, Team Oracle

Challenge:
Oracle needed an on-demand print shop to produce projects such as the 7 ft. x 10 ft. banner, capable of withstanding the rigors of the outdoor environment - sunlight, moisture, cross-country transportation, all within 20 hours.

Solution:
BIG Images utilized its custom designed production facility and inks built for outdoor use to produce this huge full-color banner in less than 20 hours.   The unique reinforced vinyl banner material is designed to withstand the test of time and outdoor elements.

Hope Worldwide Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

One of the many murals painted by volunteers on the L.A. Day on Hope 2006. Murals that day were designed by Diana Roberts, Beebe Hargrove, Chystal Santoyo and Ewa Pietraszak

“Everybody can be GREAT, because everybody can SERVE.” —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“HOPE worldwide is an international charity that changes lives by harnessing the compassion and commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers to deliver sustainable, high-impact, community-based services to the poor and needy.” —From the Hope Worldwide web page

One of their many events was the LA Day on Hope and BIG Images is proud to help by providing banners and signage for the event.

The 2006 event drew 3,500 participants, including 1,500 volunteers, to 6 sites in the greater L.A. area. Activities of the day included soccer clinics provided by the Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer team, health education provided by the Children's Hospital of Orange County, and mural painting to beautify the schools' grounds.