Wildguzzi.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 01:24:53 PM

Title: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 01:24:53 PM
My local graphics guy doesn't want to tackle this, don't know if anyone here does this sort of thing. Here's what I want:

(http://my.raex.com/~spajohn/.photos/MotoGuzziDecals/lateambosidecover.jpg)

Except "1000" in place of the "750" and "Automatic" in place of "Ambassador", all in a font as close as possible to the original. Need to be in white for use on black battery covers, like these:

(http://my.raex.com/~spajohn/.photos/MotoGuzziDecals/Sidecovers003.jpg)

If anyone can do this, I'd like to hear from you.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: kenvil1 on April 04, 2016, 02:15:42 PM
Finding the correct font for Ambassador (Automatic) could prove extremely difficult, unless Guzzi themselves can be of assistance.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Groover on April 04, 2016, 02:34:14 PM
Try contacting "kingoffleece" here on the forum. I think he was selling decals in the swap meet section, so he may have the know-how.

I agree, that font will likely be impossible to find. Might want to giving this task to a tattoo artist and have them use paint - long shot still.

Good luck!

Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: guzzisteve on April 04, 2016, 02:46:44 PM
Any Display house can have it made up in vinyl, might cost a bit. That is how they do graphics for Trade Shows.
Now what was a Rambler auto tranny called?
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 03:32:51 PM
No help on that, Charlie, but how is the atf pump experiment going?

Won't know how it works until the bike is up and running, long way from that point. Still stuck in mock-up stage. The engine is just an empty case.

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/t31.0-8/12901196_873228192799313_4747509485387707607_o.jpg)

 I hope to have the pump bracket made this week, been repairing the bandsaw so I can cut the .075" sheet metal. Right now it only exists in cardboard.

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12901120_864591953662937_1639327611970110927_o.jpg)

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12593791_865509783571154_4434039251280842151_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Howard R on April 04, 2016, 04:03:18 PM
Nice CAD system you have there.
(Cardboard Aided Design)  :grin: :grin: :grin:


You might try contacting someone like Greg Locke (artist/painter) to get the basic design, then turn it into a JPEG or PDF for printing.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Triple Jim on April 04, 2016, 04:12:51 PM
You might try contacting someone like Greg Locke (artist/painter) to get the basic design, then turn it into a JPEG or PDF for printing.

Good suggestion, but in particular, printers want vector graphics files like .SVG      I've seen additional setup fees if they get something like a JPG, because they have to create the vector file before they can do the job.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 04:37:52 PM
Good suggestion, but in particular, printers want vector graphics files like .SVG      I've seen additional setup fees if they get something like a JPG, because they have to create the vector file before they can do the job.

If I had just an image of what I want, my graphics guy could scan and print it. I wouldn't even need an actual decal. He made some Cal 2 sidecover decals for me once by just putting one sidecover on his flatbed scanner and copying the decal. He's done others by finding an image on Google, resizing it and cleaning them up.

Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Triple Jim on April 04, 2016, 04:45:27 PM
If I had just an image of what I want, my graphics guy could scan and print it. I wouldn't even need an actual decal. He made some Cal 2 sidecover decals for me once by just putting one sidecover on his flatbed scanner and copying the decal. He's done others by finding an image on Google, resizing it and cleaning them up.

If your guy will do that at a reasonable price, more power to you both!      :grin:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 05:26:02 PM
If your guy will do that at a reasonable price, more power to you both!      :grin:

He made two Cal II decals for $10 - very reasonable.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: normzone on April 04, 2016, 05:38:09 PM
Ooh, the perfect thread to hijack for my own needs...but rather than do that, I'll just mention my selfish needs here and go start my own thread, now that I see your approach...

I do not like my Bassa side covers - all that print on what could be a beautiful pearl white expanse. I've tried to remove the decal, but after fifteen years, it's there. Removal would leave a scar.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: boatdetective on April 04, 2016, 06:37:40 PM
Av design student with Adobe Illustrator should be able to help you. Measure the max height of the letters, than the over all dimensions of the piece.  If they are just the side covers, my guess is that you are not talking about anything that big. The finescale modelling community design and print their own decals using printable decal stock. No reason why you can't do the same.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Dean Rose on April 04, 2016, 06:38:42 PM
Any signshop that has a digital signmaker should be able to do that in vinyl. Just find the font that is correct or so similar you can't tell the difference. Trick is to use the thinest vinyl you can, then it will look like it's painted on.


Dean
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: rob-mg on April 04, 2016, 07:31:17 PM
...same font as the original.

There are a number of fora dedicated to typography. If you post your photo, and ask what typeface it is, you are likely to get an answer. This assumes that it is a known typeface. For an example of a unique typeface, the Moto Guzzi logo is one. It can be replicated fairly easily using what are called bezier curves, but extrapolating a unique typeface to other letters is another matter.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Penderic on April 04, 2016, 07:37:31 PM
I can do it.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: guzziownr on April 04, 2016, 08:03:12 PM
Brushscript is pretty close.  I'm sure a sign shop would have something satisfactory

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E2oIwm1VMYQ/VwLfqvLMqfI/AAAAAAAABOU/ZAndm4MlkNw-3kpoAjTX0_54cblGXsmhA/w1055-h660-no/Ambovert.jpg)
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Bluerobotz on April 04, 2016, 08:08:27 PM
This any good?

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/49288430/1000%20Automatic%201.png)

PM me your email address & I can send you it in SVG and DXF format.

Dave
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Penderic on April 04, 2016, 08:26:05 PM
I gots competition!   :kiss:

I can modify the type to your specs - the exact font faces are not on my system but I can take a couple of close ones and modify each letter or number. Faster that ways sometimes for a small job rather that digging thru my old stuff.

Here is a work in progess jpg - pick the number 1 that you like. I will use the same zero from the original. The ambassor fonts I have are close - it is a variation on a commerical script that I can also modify the letters to suit.

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic001/guzzi%20v1000_zpsno45lp0n.jpg)
I put the next draft up asap!
 :whip2:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 08:28:02 PM
This any good?

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/49288430/1000%20Automatic%201.png)

PM me your email address & I can send you it in SVG and DXF format.

Dave

Wow! That's pretty darn close to perfect. Could you make the 1 the same size as the zeros?
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Bluerobotz on April 04, 2016, 08:38:52 PM
What typeface is that?

This is the second reply from people who say that they can do the job, but neither has volunteered the obvious - what typeface they are using. In both cases, it's pretty obvious that they are existing typefaces, and probably typefaces available on any computer or downloadable for free. If it were otherwise, I would expect to be told the name of the designer (e.g.Hoefler), the name of the face, and the cost.

Also, neither has identified the typeface shown in the original post, which anyone competent in typography should be able to do. As mentioned earlier, there are fora where there are people who could identify the face in the original photo, assuming that it isn't unique, immediately.

Sorry to have tried to help.  :sad: You aren't even the original poster, so of what concern is it of yours may I ask. Have you been appointed as the Wildguzzi typeface Stasi? Sheesh!!! as they say in the USA.

Now to get back to the subject for the OP:
The typeface is Alex Brush. This was the closest I have installed. The capital A wasn't anywhere near close, so I converted it to polylines and edited it to suit. I had to do the same with the rest of the text and then blend the letters together. All done using a program called Artcam which I use with my CNC machine. This is the first time I've tried anything like this, so if the OP doesn't want it, I won't be offended. :smiley:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Bluerobotz on April 04, 2016, 08:44:33 PM
Wow! That's pretty darn close to perfect. Could you make the 1 the same size as the zeros?

Yes I can Charlie. Do you want it in line with the zeros, below the lines, and the lines then being continuous? In the first version I just made it the same size as the original "7" and blended it in with the lines.

Dave
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: oldbike54 on April 04, 2016, 08:48:19 PM
 I say we call it the Blue Pennie font  :bow: Who needs another forum , we keep it in house  :thumb:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: fotoguzzi on April 04, 2016, 08:51:55 PM
Nice work Bluerobotz ! for extra points I think a little "AmboVert" signature emblem would be cool.. I don't know where on the bike it should go tho..
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: boatdetective on April 04, 2016, 08:52:31 PM
Sorry to have tried to help.  :sad: You aren't even the original poster, so of what concern is it of yours may I ask. Have you been appointed as the Wildguzzi typeface Stasi? Sheesh!!! as they say in the USA.

Now to get back to the subject for the OP:
The typeface is Alex Brush. This was the closest I have installed. The capital A wasn't anywhere near close, so I converted it to polylines and edited it to suit. I had to do the same with the rest of the text and then blend the letters together. All done using a program called Artcam which I use with my CNC machine. This is the first time I've tried anything like this, so if the OP doesn't want it, I won't be offended. :smiley:

I've always been interested by design-   I remember going to Charette's in Harvard Square to get Letraset transfers in the days before computers!  very, very cool, Blue.  :bow:    Was I correct that you can print this onto decal film?
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Penderic on April 04, 2016, 09:09:27 PM
My turn!

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic001/guzzi%20v1000_zpsswci0nlh.jpg)

You may want to modify the big number 1  and I can fatten up the Automatic letters and connect them better.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Bluerobotz on April 04, 2016, 09:10:33 PM
Nice work Bluerobotz ! for extra points I think a little "AmboVert" signature emblem would be cool.. I don't know where on the bike it should go tho..

LOL. I'll give it a go, but later, have work to do at the moment, its just coming up to lunchtime over here in Aus.

Dave
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 09:12:12 PM
Yes I can Charlie. Do you want it in line with the zeros, below the lines, and the lines then being continuous? In the first version I just made it the same size as the original "7" and blended it in with the lines.

Dave

Yes, in line with the zeros, below the lines, lines continuous. Thanks!
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Bluerobotz on April 04, 2016, 09:52:35 PM
Yes, in line with the zeros, below the lines, lines continuous. Thanks!

How is this Charlie?

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/jg09os9n1q6uihs/1000%20automatic%202.png?dl=0)

or do you prefer the "1000" to be further to the left, the 1 starting where the previous 7 starts?

For some reason this image doesn't show up in my browser, so if its the same for you, just right click and select "open image in new tab"

Dave
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Bluerobotz on April 04, 2016, 09:54:16 PM
Rob- ratchet it back there a bit, buddy.  Both Blue and Penderic have swooped down to help Charlie with some great work. The whole point here is that they have done it.   I don't really care if they did it with magic wands. Frankly, in their business- I don't see any ethical reason for them to tell you anything. They are paid to produce a product.
Thanks,

I've done this as I've learned a lot from Charlie's posts over the years (and also from many more who post on here), so I'm trying to pay something back. I don't get paid for this, it is just a bit of a hobby. As for "Rob" - whomever he is anyway and frankly WGAFA? I'll get round to dealing with him later.

Dave
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 04, 2016, 11:09:17 PM
A big thanks to (almost) everyone, especially Penderic and Bluerobotz. I didn't think such a simple request could turn into such a giant $hitstorm.  :sad:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: oldbike54 on April 05, 2016, 11:38:32 AM
 Charlie , we are going to unlock this for a bit , so much good info here . Have cleaned it up some .

 Dusty

 PM sent
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Penderic on April 05, 2016, 12:37:10 PM
Goody.

Latest version for enquiring minds....
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic001/guzzi%20v950b_zpsmv6twaib.jpg)

 :popcorn:

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic001/comp1_zpsfzxflon5.jpg)
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: mtiberio on April 05, 2016, 12:38:54 PM
I was thinking 950 Automatic, better mimics 750 Ambassador. Good job...
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: charlie b on April 05, 2016, 12:46:03 PM
Do you guys do the vinyl too or do you need a cutter?
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Groover on April 05, 2016, 12:50:36 PM
Looks great! Good jobs guys.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: kenvil1 on April 05, 2016, 12:53:45 PM
What about "Mille Automatico", or is that going too far?
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 05, 2016, 01:09:07 PM
Goody.

Latest version for enquiring minds....
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic001/guzzi%20v950b_zpsmv6twaib.jpg)

 :popcorn:

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic001/comp1_zpsfzxflon5.jpg)

This one "nails it"!  :grin:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: oldbike54 on April 05, 2016, 01:16:03 PM



                                                     Improbability drive 
 Doug would think it amusing

 Dusty
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: twhitaker on April 05, 2016, 01:38:00 PM
Quote
Also, a popular automatic from the 60s was the Hyraflow.

I was thinking Powerglide
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Guzzistajohn on April 05, 2016, 02:24:29 PM
That's "slip and slide power glide"
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on April 05, 2016, 04:17:20 PM
Actually, I was thinking the Convert was pretty close in concept to the Buick Dynaflow..
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on April 05, 2016, 04:19:18 PM
Oh, and *nice job* Penderic.. attaboy.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: fotoguzzi on April 05, 2016, 04:46:34 PM


Depending on how you feel about calling a Convert an 'automatic' (it isn't), maybe 'fluid drive' or a like term 
Slush pump?
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 05, 2016, 05:14:22 PM

Yeah, the guys got their design pencils rightly sharp there.  Are you gonna put their finals up for a vote, Charlie?


Penderic's last post is what I've decided to go with.

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic001/comp1_zpsfzxflon5.jpg)

Thanks very much to Bluerobotz for his designs as well.





Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: boatdetective on April 05, 2016, 05:28:54 PM
Cool thread. I'm amazed and the turnaround time!  The final version just looks so right. 

I vote that we declare this a rare prototype that was liberated from the elves in Mandello. Invent some story about how a disgruntled employee hopped on the thing and roared out of the factory in a cloud of smoke and echoed curses. We can all agree to keep it on the QT- that way we can have our own homegrown conspiracy.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 05, 2016, 05:57:20 PM
I wonder how many people will ask: "is that the new V9?". ;-)
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: oldbike54 on April 05, 2016, 05:59:35 PM
Cool thread. I'm amazed and the turnaround time!  The final version just looks so right. 

I vote that we declare this a rare prototype that was liberated from the elves in Mandello. Invent some story about how a disgruntled employee hopped on the thing and roared out of the factory in a cloud of smoke and echoed curses. We can all agree to keep it on the QT- that way we can have our own homegrown conspiracy.

 The Keebler Elves ? They make more than cookies .

 OK , someone get on the story ...

  Dusty
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Guzzistajohn on April 05, 2016, 06:22:21 PM
Pretty cool how that worked out, Bravo!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 05, 2016, 06:39:01 PM
Should I do a full "Ambovert build thread" or are y'all sick of me yammering on about it already? ;-)
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Bluerobotz on April 05, 2016, 06:48:25 PM
OK, hopefully these will work.

(http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k515/bluerobotz/Artwork/1000%20automatic%203_zpswnapoxgb.png) (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/bluerobotz/media/Artwork/1000%20automatic%203_zpswnapoxgb.png.html)

This one for fotoguzzi's amusement:

(http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k515/bluerobotz/Artwork/Ambovert1_zpsfllpyuud.png) (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/bluerobotz/media/Artwork/Ambovert1_zpsfllpyuud.png.html)
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: oldbike54 on April 05, 2016, 07:13:08 PM
Should I do a full "Ambovert build thread" or are y'all sick of me yammering on about it already? ;-)

 What ??? Oh you ain't getting away without a full build report ...

 Dusty
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: rboe on April 05, 2016, 08:22:06 PM
950 YammerDrive...... :)
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Cam3512 on April 05, 2016, 08:43:59 PM
Should I do a full "Ambovert build thread" or are y'all sick of me yammering on about it already? ;-)

That's a big YES ( to the build thread)!  Link it up.
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on April 05, 2016, 09:23:55 PM
Okay, I'll start one and add to it as time allows. 
Title: Re: Graphics design help wanted - custom decals for my "Ambovert"
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on April 06, 2016, 02:35:42 PM
Late to the party here, working about 80hrs a week at the moment....

Just wanted to say that Charlie has provided THOUSANDS of dollars worth of free expert advise in his professional field to the members of WG and I see no problem with him asking for a little free help in someone else's professional field...  What comes around goes around and the whole point of this board is to share info and skills to better the Guzzi community!