Published: August 18, 2005 in articles » branding by Thomas Baekdal
Update: See the tutorial on "How to make Car Advertisement Mock-ups".
Whenever I want to relax I start to design full body car advertisements. Yes, I know - It is a strange hobby, but it is fun.
I started designing full body car advertisements a few years back. The company I work for asked me to design a taxi with the company logo. This was a fun project and a welcome break from the daily routine.
The final result:
One thing is to design Taxi's, why not create car advertisements for super sports cars or concept vehicle?
Here are a few examples (or maybe more than a few)...
The Company I work for.
The company owned by my mother
Fantastic. I've seen buses used for advertising. Someone will make a fortune putting ads on taxis. Or how about putting ads like this on company owned salesperson's cars?
Or why couldn't the general public be paid to have ads on their personal cars? Especially if it were possible to formulate a paint that did not come off in the rain, but would easily come off with a solvent so that the car could be resold with the original paint job restored?
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Thanks,
Putting ads on Taxi's and even on private vehicles is not something new. It is common in many countries.
You do not have to invent special paint. The cars are wrapped with a gigantic full cover "sticker". This has two advantages
1: You do not have to repaint you car
2: When you remove it, the original paint looks as new as when you bought the car.
In our business we call this a vehicle wrap.
To learn how to wrap vehicle go to the
Wrap Academy
all our installers watch the videos and go to the live hands-on training. And now we do vehicle wraps for a living!
vehicle wraps installed!
if you have any questions feel free to ask!
Tor
Wrap Master Installer
Great idea - I love the Quicktime ad in particular, you managed to balance delivering the branding while also keeping it intriguing and elegant; very well done.
I'm with a company that also wraps vehicles. Your Mock-ups are great! Did you ever actually get these cars wrapped?
-Jessica Seymour
www.skinzwraps.com
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Jessica, Wow! I just looked at your gallery and that is some cool artwork. Really impressive stuff!
Did I ever get mine wrapped? Well, yes and no. My designs has "made it" to the real thing 7 times.
Hi there mate,
I love your manips, they are eye-popping :)
I'd love to see more of your work hit the streets. I myself work as a graphic designer with these kind of stuff on regular basis. ( www.brandfactory.se ).. But as you probably will see Im not designing that much. My work consists of applying company profiles on their cars/busses/airplanes or trains. And if you want any more pictures on taxis, that can be arranged.
I'd sure love to be more creative with my customers and give them more vivid designs.. but, unfortunatly, companies tend to be very restrictive about what they will have on their vehicles.
// Marcus
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Hi Marcus, Thanks!
I do know about the restrictive nature, even conservative nature of what the companies want. Just take the Taxi example above (at the top). The two designs I made have a much more graphical touch than the final design.
The white lines was removed, the background gray effect was toned down (and partly removed), the logo is no longer tilted to simulate motion. I made 6 other suggestions with went even further in terms of graphics, but they were rejected.
The same happened when I designed the graphics for a small company in Norway.
I think the problem is that the companies want to stand out - but not too much. That is why most of these car wraps is "a logo and sometimes a generic image".
I have also noticed that this is more the case in Europe than in the rest of the world. Most of the car wraps in USA and Japan have crazy designs (sometime way over the top). Big and bold seems to be the way "over there".
Thomas,
Aye, I know exactly what you mean. I even tried to take it to the next level by adding a vinyl shop for regular customers, where they can browse 8 to 10 different more vibrant and vivid decals, or, if they rather want a personal designed wrapper, that too would be possible.
Anywho, here are some examples of 4 different companies that has choosen taxi as a medium for advertising:
http://idi.mine.nu/margonaut/taxis.htm
The only one of those 4 that I find interesting is the Carslberg/Ramlösa wrap. The others are just meh. And I don't really get it why they don't wanna "scream" and go big when it's such new and perfect medium (in Sweden).
My conclusion is that they just are afraid. If only one company would go big on this idea I'm pretty sure that more companies would get their courage and step into the light.
You're most welcome to drop a line on my mail if you want to see more or if anything else pops up :)
hi thomas,
i'm very impressed with your graphic, it looks like first class.
i would hire you for a van wrap design, if you're interested and have time drop me a line.
thanx,
baga
kick ass!
Nice graphics! I was wondering what sports coupe is in most of the ads? It's hot as hell.
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Baga, I do not currently have time to help you. December = Christmas = Stress :)
Thank you for asking though!
Mike, It is the Citroen C-SportLounge Concept Car
You are crazy man..It's amazing!
Wow, your graphics look great!
Can carwrapped cars be driven in the rain?! How long do you have to wait before they can be rained on?!
Great job!
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Adine, Yes it can be used in the rain, and you do not have to wait at all
Dear Thomas
I wanted to request that we use the snickers vehicle picture in our brochure as we provide the same service while writing your name underneath it
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Tarek,
I am sorry, but I cannot grant you permission to use the snicker car. Snickers is a trademark of the Mars Corporation, and you need to gain permission from them (which will be highly unlikely unless that is one of your customers) - and the image of the car is copyrighted by the Ford Corporation (from which you also need permission).
My suggestion to you is to use images from one of your existing clients.
I could also make a special image for you (for a price), but I do not have time until medio-february.
I would like to know how much it would cost to have a small add on the side of a 2001 chevy silverado truck .
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The prices for something like that varies greatly from on company to the next. You need to ask your local bureau.
Dear Thomas
Snickers is actually one of our customers in Egypt, we have no problem using it from a legal stand point I was just asking you for permission to put the image that you drew up of the car in our brochure since you are the designer of the car
Thanks
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Tarek,
Well, that solves half the problem. But, the picture of the car - the one I used to put the graphics on is from the Ford GT presentation catalog. Theoretically I cannot even use it myself, but I consider it fair use, as I am only displaying it for personaly use.
I do not try to be unhelpful, but I just cannot grant you permission to use any image from which I do not hold the rights.
I am sorry.
hello i want to have a consultation to have you posibly design avehicle for us please contact me. the vehicle that we want to do is an excursion.
my tel #954-963-4001
thanks
I have a stretch limo and I want to sell advertising on it. Call me at 949-723-0106 Thanks, Brett
Interested in having my car have advertising on it. 2007 saturn ion 3. Location currently in st.louis missouri
what............this a cool.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow - they give life to the wheels! TIRED OF DREARY ONE COLOR OR Two toned cars!
very nice I'd like you to make a design for a corvette comvertable
I CAN SURE TO YOU THAT NOT IN ALL COUNTRIES ALL ABLE TO COVER WRAPPED CAR. IN SPAIN WE ARE NOT ABLE TO CARRY ON. BUT I WISH CHANGE IT IN A FUTURE.
What kind of software do you use to make these amazing works of art. I want to make one for my car or even just to see how it can look with different paint jobs.!
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Photoshop. Tutorial here :
http://www.baekdal.com/articles/fun/car-advertisement-samples/
Thomas have you used or no of anyone who has succesfully used the site you advertise here: http://www.thefreecar.com ?
I'm really interested in borrowing money from my parents to get a used car now, but I would love to start making money from it to pay them back as quickly as possible. The other thing is that I'm building a 3D animated film (I'm filmmaker with a degree from Temple U. and NYU) and would love to do something like this to independently promote it so I don't have to sell it to a larger company.
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No, I do not have any personal experience with the "get paid to drive" concept. The car wraps I make is used on company cars, or on special promotion vehicles for fairs or tours. In general know little of the car advertising business.
I would, however, not use thefreecar.com. They only thing they offer is to give a list of other companies. If I was you I would contact those other companies directly. Search for "Get paid to drive" on Google.
As for promoting your 3D work on cars. The steps are really very similar. You can wrap you own car (when you get one) for USD $500-3000 - or you can contact the same companies. Again do a search on Google for "Car Wraps"
AWESOME love the gt40's
Good job
PS- GO AUSTRALIA
Me again,
Ive got a challenge for you, try and do car graphics, for a formula one car
talk to me more at
elliot_mcgeary@hotmail.com
how could u find a company that makes these for companys that pay people to drive around with these on there cars
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Search for "get paid to drive" on Google
Hi Thomas!
I've had your website in my bookmarks for the last 6 months and I've tried to use CS2 to do what you've done, but damn it's not easy...
I dont have any real training with CS2 and I suppose that might have been an advantage ha ha!
I do however see and amazing business opportunity in this whole decal/wrap business and especially the mainly american idea of paying people to drive a wrapped car. I am from Denmark myself so not too far away, I do live abroad at the moment though and I was thinking if there is any way I can get you to send a cd with the quick video tutorial you've made. It's hard to get a clear picture when downloading it and it moves very fast. I will be more than happy to pay you a good price for it?! Or another possibility could be to hire you for a "lesson" on how to do the designs?!
I work as a commercial pilot and have no experience in this, I just see a great idea and I love cars..
Let me hear what you think and any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated.
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Mike, What if I uploaded the original video file instead of sending a CD? I can of course send you the CD, but it would be easier to simply upload it.
I am, unfortunately very pressed for time, so a 1-on-1 lesson is not possible for me at the moment.
Note: I am away from the office, and that is where the files are. I will upload or send you the files when I get back (sometime late next week).
Hi Thomas!
It would be really great if you could find the time to upload the file like you say. I'm in no hurry so don't stress about it, anytime you have some spare time in the office is fine..
I fully understand you are busy with work, so no worries about 1-on-1 session - I'll try to use the video and maybe ask you a few questions on here is that's ok?!
Thank you so much for the help - Tak!
Cheers
Mike
Hi Thomas,
Sorry to bug you again, I know you're busy at work!
Just a friendly reminder, to see if you have had any luck uploading the slow/normal speed video tutorial.
Best Regards
Michael
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Hi Michael,
I ran into a problem, being that I could not find the original files - neither on my main computer or on my archieve server. ...and then I apparently forgot all about telling you!
I am very sorry!
I might create a new tutorial, but I do not have time for it until december (which is a bit sketchy too - since we all know how Christmas is the time of not-having-any-time).
I run into your Website and as I was looking at your work, I was of course impressed. As I was reading some of the emails I happen to read about wrap and I think this is what i want for my car. How much do you charge usually for a small car maybe just the back. Can you let me know please.
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Hi Sylvia, Thanks you for your comment, I really appreciate it.
Three things:
1: Unfortunately my schedule is packed - so far until March 2008 (probably longer). Creating car wraps is not what I do for a living (it is more of a hobby), so unfortunately these kinds of jobs has low priority.
2: I do not produce car wraps, I only make the concepts. I create a design "sketch", turn it over to a car wrapping company who then in turn create the final graphics and print for the car.
3: My fees is 900 DKK/hour - but, you might want to read this: http://www.baekdal.com/notes/personal/us-economy/
My advice to you is to contact one of the many companies who make car wraps - there are several links in the comments above.
I am curious about the price range for restaurant advertisements on the doors and back window of a Jeep Patriot '07 and a Dodge Sprinter.
Please get back to me asap.
Ralph
Recently did a job on my hummer. Although our results turned out amazing it would have been nice to have seen your work prior to doing our wrap. Excellent work!
Hi Thomas,
I have seen alot of your wraps and what you do and was just wondering where you learned to do all this stuff? and is it just Photoshop that you are using or other programs as well?
The reason why I ask is because I am fifteen years old, and am seriously looking into graphic design, and I am looking to learn more. If you could get back to me that would be great.
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Just Photoshop - see these pages:
http://www.baekdal.com/design/automotive/car-design-tutorial
http://www.baekdal.com/articles/fun/car-advertisement-samples/
PS: In my former job I teached people how to use Photoshop...
WoooooooW
You really have talent. Congratulations, very good work. By the way, Why don't you work making graphics for a brand of cars? Not only making comercial design.
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Thanks José!
- Why don't you work making graphics for a brand of cars?
Well, mostly because it is only a hobby, my real work - making web applications and helping companies form an good internet strategi - more than covers my day :)
Congratulations, very good work.
I'm very impressed with your graphic, it looks like first class
Very good workkk!!!
SPEACHLESS.
HI PLEASE I AM IN MIAMI FLORIDA AND WANT FOR YOU TO MAKE A DESIGN FOR US PLEASE CONTACT ME TO MY EMAIL.
THANKS ARMANDO
Beautiful work .. I am looking for an intial design to start my company in SW FL. As you may know good graphics and layouts are hard to find, at least for a beginner in this industry. Please let me know if you have time for the little guys out there like me? Again great work and hope to hear from you.
am intrested in working for someone who ill hire me to advertise on my vehicles...i ve been looking on websites snd i have failed i would relly apreciate it if you can give me some pointers or point me in the right direction...
I have a commercial van and would like to rent it to anyone that would pay me to advertise their company with a wrap (if they pay for the wrapping).
Do you know where I could contact such a company?
Thanks for your reply.
I was looking to get paid by using my two wips. Wrapping them with a company logo seems interesting.I have a "off the hook" 97 Chevy Cavalier with customized paint, interior,body kit,spoiler, rims,music,tv's and much more. My '97 Venture is in mint condish and also has rims. What do I do next?
I would like to find out if you deal with ad cars that pay the car owner for ads placed?
if not, i would like to know how much a rear ad would be for a Toyota Sienna
Thank You
Ken Chiang
Great example...I like your approach with the use of Photoshop
its a greate idea. i was having this idea from long time. i wanna do this to my car & also want to start this as a buisiness. defnitely this will be having gud future as max middle class ppl like to get something to maintain their fuel price. anybody can guide me how to go ahead with this as a business in india. plzz reply...
Thanx alot
como faz isso???
looks cool but i wont drive it any where to nice .
I would love to have my Mazda 3 hatchback wrapped and advertise for a company. Do you have any names of company's that will pay me to do this? I am skeptical over paying a company money to give me a list of company's that are paying drivers to wrap their cars. Thanks,
Trina
Those car concept/ design are fantastic.
If you were in the UK Id be speaking to you this week to get my car done as a small business owner this has to be worth the investment. Know of any UK based companies as good?
Thanks Thomas
Martin
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Martin, Thanks!
I don't know any car wrapping companies in the UK by personal experience, but there is a lot of them around. Search for car wraps on Google UK
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=car+wraps&btnG=Google+Search&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB
Hi Thomas ...
Superb ideas & excellent design.
Just to get permission from you to use some of your photos for my blog.. http://tvcarads.blogspot.com
Thanks Thomas!!
MAN
Very impressive designs, nice & eye catching without being over the top. We wrap mostly fleet vehicles but when we get one off promotional vehicles, the designs can get really attractive.
Did You load the template as a smart object? because I am having alot of trouble designing photos on the 2d template
i love to use my truck for one of your advertisement or maybe your mom company markno would like some advertisement. bond7982@yahoo.com
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Mrs.Mo, I am sorry, but it is not that kind of advertisements. I am not affiliated with any "get paid to drive" schemes.
hello, Could u tell me any companys i can contact to drive a new car for advertisining for them, Thankyou
esta muy bonito los trabajos en los carros,
hora yo quiero poner uno en mi canioneta dodge 1996 aprobechando que la pintura no esta muy buena, es caro esta clase de trabajo?
contact me and give a phone number so I can talk to someone about advertisment. im in the ARMY so maybe i could do an ARMY logo.
I have seen this blog before, but I did not scan the content of it and that was a mistake.. I did not see how cool this cars are.. I like the camaro's design and the Star Trek..
It was also a good idea to make an advertisement in cars.. making it attractive and at the same time get an income from it..
hi,
im very interested to be hired to drive my car with a companies logo. where can i find these companies that can hire me?
very nice graphics on cars . I m interested in advertisment on my car and SUVin india , bihar , Patna.. so kindly help me about which company interested in adv. on my car
Hey I really love your work!
I'm a designer as well and I'm looking to branch out and use different mediums besides paper and web. I'm just wondering if there is a good site you use to get your original pictures of the cars/buses/planes to then mock up?
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Jordana, I have mostly been using the car manufacturers press centers :)
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Jul 30
2006
Anonymous
COOL!!!!