Dexterity, Bruises, and Pride in Vehicle Graphics Done Well

Vehicle graphics done well doesn’t just happen. There’s a curious ease to ordinary tasks like opening a can of soda, tying shoelaces, or navigating a smart phone — effortless motion! A beautiful combination of dexterity and muscle memory that’s often unnoticed. Our hands and fingers are wonderfully capable. They feel, apply pressure, generate leverage, multi-task, and synchronize. They carry out a range of actions the most advanced robotic technology can only shake a clumsy hydraulic fist at.

Vehicle Graphics Done Well

Hands On

I’ve always enjoyed activities and jobs that require the hands and mind to work in tandem. Vehicle graphics done well fits the bill. There’s satisfaction to the immediacy of working through a problem and seeing the results in real time. In my first post, I mentioned a lag between my understanding of the decal process and my inability to perform the required hand skills. As I’ve continued learning the ins and outs of commercial graphics installation with TKO, I’ve found that my hands are becoming less awkward and more agile. I’m learning how vehicle graphics are applied well. The feeling of accomplishment eases the pain.

It’s a Sticky Situation

Getting vinyl to stick to a surface in a way that will hold up to the elements and look professional takes a lot. It takes cleaning, heating, pulling, tearing, cutting, brushing, and wiping. All of this takes a toll on the hands …well, at least my hands. Every day on the job brings a thousand tiny abuses — cuts, burns, scrapes, and gouges. My wrists crack, knuckles pop, and palms ache. But there’s an element of pride that emerges as callouses form and fingers strengthen.

I’m amazed when I think about the evolution my hands have undergone in just six weeks of work. It’s muscle memory and more. These days, we hear a lot about the rapid progression of technology. Today’s new version is tomorrow’s outdated model! In the past 100 years, automation has driven industries to unparalleled heights, but there are still many jobs that machines stink at. Vehicle graphics application s one of those jobs. Fortunately, we humans have a knack for expressing spontaneous ingenuity through our hands, making us well suited for detail-oriented work with unpredictable variables … like installing graphics! Do you work with your hands? If so you already know that we who work with our hands do it with our minds.

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like vehicle graphics done well, designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us. 

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

We’re in our fourth decade of helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles. Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.