Tip of the Week

There are two fundamentally different types of graphic images. Vector graphics are composed of mathematically defined points, curves and shapes called objects. An object can be filled with a solid color, a gradient or a pattern and stroked with a colored outline of a specific weight. Raster images use a grid of colored squares called pixels that render variations of color. Though Photoshop is primarily used for pixel manipulation, there is one section in the Tools palette that contains a few vector tools. Conversely, most of the tools and processes in Illustrator generate and edit vector objects with a few filters and effects that modify pixels.

Click here to read more about pixels and objects.

 

Global Garage Website Launched

Louisville, Colo.-based Global Garage announces the launch of its new website at www.globalgarage.net. When the Global Garage started in early 2009 it operated as a section of Global Imaging’s website (www.globalimaginginc.com), but in just a few short months, the Global Garage became the most visited portion of Global Imaging’s site. At the time of website launch, Global Garage has over $2.5 million in equipment listed for sale. Buyers can browse thumbnails and sort by manufacturer or technology type, then drill deeper into individual product listings that contain complete details and photos.
Mike Altreuter, President of Global Garage personally contacts every seller to ensure their listing details and inclusions are accurate and optimized. He also contacts buyers to assist them in finding the absolute best match for their business needs. “In the superwide format print business, money is made with technology. Speed from start to finish, efficient workflow and unique offerings are the name of the game. Keeping up with technology has many barriers and if we can help businesses move their old equipment to get into something they have a demand for, and sell that same piece of equipment to another business who can make a profit with it, everyone is winning,” stated Mike.

 

Fujifilm Announces Creation of Fujifilm North America Corporation

Fujifilm has announced that effective January 1, 2010 it is creating a new organization, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, which will merge FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. and FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A. Inc. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. will become a subsidiary of the new company as of April 1, 2010.
“The creation of this unified organization will enable us to build a stronger presence in the North American markets and realize greater collaboration between businesses,” said Ryutaro Hosoda, President FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation.
FUJIFILM North America will bring together five operating divisions: photo imaging products including digital photo processing equipment and services supplying commercial and consumer customers; graphic systems products and services supplying the printing industry; consumer digital cameras; motion picture films; and the Canada Division (operating as FUJIFILM Canada Inc.) which markets multiple Fujifilm products.

 

Arlon Announces Addition of Gary Vasbinder

Arlon, Santa Ana, Calif., announce the addition of Gary Vasbinder as Regional Sales Manager for the South Eastern Region. In addition to becoming a member of the Arlon team, Gary will work with Arlon’s South Eastern distribution channel to develop and coordinate sales activities, and provide technical support and marketing assistance to sign shops throughout the South Eastern region. Prior to joining Arlon, Vasbinder served as Director of Sales, Milliken Distribution, and prior to that position he held the position of Regional Sales Manager.

 

GSG Forms Alliances with GraphxSource

Dallas-based graphics supplies provider GSG has entered into a strategic alliance with GraphXSource, also of Dallas. The partnership will enable GSG to provide its customers with embroidery digitizing as well as digital art and design services. GraphXSource is a division of Netemb and serves the garment, graphics and printing industries as a digital art and design bureau catering to multiple arenas including commercial digitizing, screen printing, wide format, catalog services, print media and more. All GSG/GraphXSource customers will have access to a new web-based quote and order management system accessible 24-7 along with a fully staffed customer service department located in Dallas.

 

Imagine! Installs HP Scitex FB7500 Printer

Minneapolis-based Imagine! Print Solutions, one of the largest print service providers in North America, has installed an HP Scitex FB7500 printer and has contracted to purchase a second unit next year. The company plans to use the printers to capture new business, particularly from top retailers who demand quick turnaround times, superior quality and regionalized signage applications.

Bob Lothenbach, founder and president of Imagine! Print Solutions says, “The purchase and installation of this printer is a smart and strategic long-term investment in our company’s success.”

 

Light Tower at Wisconsin Place

Washington, D.C.-based Art Display Company recently completed a 35-foot tall light tower designed by artist Athena Tacha at The Shops at Wisconsin Place, located at the corner of Wisconsin and Western avenues near Mazza Gallerie in Washington, D.C.

"We are very excited to work with a talented sculptor in helping define the new Wisconsin Place," said Doug Kilsheimer, President of Art Display Company. "The light tower represents the expansion and vitality of our growing community."
The tower culminates the vision of both Art Display Company and tower sculptor Tacha. The W's in the tower's design refer to the internet and modern information age and to the three surrounding avenues of the block – Wisconsin, Western, and Willard.

The Light Obelisk on the fountain (inspired by both Metro signposts and Washington’s Memorial) rises 25 feet as the focus at the crossing of the axes–from the main street corner to Bloomingdale’s, through the Light Riggings activating the Arcade, to the office and the condominium towers–and down to the 35-foot WWW-Tower, the culminating beacon at the Willard entrance. The project architect, Brad Edgerly, termed the complex a “Light Avenue” – hinting at Paris’ Champs Elysees or New York’s Time Square.
Sculptor Athena Tacha says that the triangular WWW-tower is based on the initials of the three avenues, but also playfully refers to the Web and the information age we live in. Microsoft is one of the development’s major tenants.

Tacha's sculptures and photo-works are on display in many American museums and private collections and she has won over fifty competitions for permanent public art commissions. Her other works at the development include an obelisk sculpture with an LED light display in the south plaza and a light sculpture above the pedestrian arcade.
Art Display Company and Tacha worked collaboratively to conceive, design, and bring to life the tri-colored LED structure, which sits in front of the plaza's Whole Foods entrance. The RGB tubes, programmed to constantly change colors in varying rhythmic progressions, are suspended from the roof with large aluminum beams and a network of steel cables which prevent the tubes from swaying even in 70-mile-hour-winds. This cable network gives the impression of a ship’s riggings—the arcade’s airy and semi-transparent roof can be imagined as the sails held by their Light Riggings.

 

Rogers Durel To Showcase Printed Electronics

The Durel Division of Rogers Corporation (Chandler, Ariz.) will be showcasing its printed electronics and electroluminscent lighting solutions at the upcoming Printed Electronics show, December 2-3, in San Jose, Calif. Products and applications of the company’s 20 years of design and manufacturing experience in printed electronics will be on display including medical electrodes and sensors, thin film battery, conductive adhesives, antenna, electroluminescent lamps, light guide film and illuminated advertising solutions for Point of Purchase and transit advertising.