Office Location

16581 N 108th St. Scottsdale , AZ 85255
Phone: (480) 471-2300

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ART

ART SETUP GUIDELINES

Ready to send us your digital art file? Just fill out the form below and browse to the file(s) you want to upload or attach to your email. If you have an art file that is bigger than 10mg, let us know and we will link you to our dropbox. If you aren’t familiar with the file formats or color configurations we accept, please carefully read our file setup guidelines.

File Setup Guidelines - Use these file guidelines when preparing jobs for all graphics printing including banners, wall graphics, floor graphics, wall murals, pole banners, textured wall graphics, etc. Our digital printing processes are engineered for quality and efficiency and like any precision piece of equipment, achieving optimal results requires acquaintance with operation requirements.

Set up Your Files

  • Design your artwork at 1/4 scale at 400 dpi

  • Make the size of your art board the same size as your design

  • Set file color space to CMYK color mode

  • Use CMYK values for ALL colors (not Pantone or PMS # or RGB)

  • “Blue” colors to have at least a 30% difference in the Cyan and Magenta values

  • Use “rich black” for your blacks (C: 60%, M: 40%, Y: 40%, K: 100%)

  • Convert all fonts to curves

  • Flatten the artwork (no transparency layers, no hidden layers)

  • Save file as a press quality PDF or a high quality JPEG

  • Open the file you just made and double check to make sure it looks the way you were expecting (TIP: zoom in 300%-400% and examine it closely)

Files not set up according to the above file setup guidelines are subject to an additional production fee

Please note: If the file you are uploading is larger than 50 MB, please call 480.471.2600 before uploading as we will want to review the job specifications prior to you sending the art.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE OUR MAIN PRODUCT LINES?

Sole Images® media is a foil-based wide format print media for digital printers. It is available with three finishes: “Non-Skid”, “Smooth Wall” and “Endurance”.

Non-Skid: features a non-skid surface suitable for exterior walkways made of asphalt, brick, cement and other masonry surfaces. The high-friction surface provides dual characteristics including exceptional slip resistance and reflectivity making this the best-in-class material that is durable, safe, highly visible and easy to use.

Smooth Wall: is designed for exterior walls such as brick, cinder block, and stucco.

The material naturally conforms to rough or smooth textured surfaces; giving the appearance of painted graphics.

Endurance: is designed for longer use, with an average 2 to 3 year span and beyond. It provides easy removal and replace. We created this product to provide a much more durable outdoor, higher quality image media with a peel and stick installation, at a much lower finished cost, with manual labor included. It is designed and tested to stand up to tire continuous tire shear as well as the elements.

HOW ARE OUR PRODUCTS USED?

Sole Images® media is utilized for graphics that can appear as painted on floors or walls both outdoor and indoors. Because the material is so easy to apply and remove, there are many creative applications for advertising, branding, experiential marketing, directional / wayfinding, and interpretive graphics at restaurants, retail, trade shows, stadiums, amusement parks, transportation facilities, parking garages, public sidewalks, and more.

DOES OUR MEDIA NEED AN OVER LAMINATE?

No, Sole Images® media does not need an over laminate with its Aluminium media.The unique coating bonds to most of the industry's solvent, eco solvent, UV and Latex inks. However, our “Endurance” product does have an over laminate to increase the product life.

WILL PEOPLE TRIP ON OUR “NON-SKID” MEDIA?

Sole Images® media Non-Skid is a rugged aluminum foil material and is designed to naturally conform to the texture of rough or smooth surfaces. The high-friction / slip-resistant surface improves the stability of pedestrian traffic in the area it is applied to. It's designed to withstand harsh weather conditions in both hot and cold weather conditions.

IS “NON-SKID” REFLECTIVE?

Yes, The Non-Skid surface does have a reflective quality in areas that are not printed. The result is a graphic that is highly visible at night when lights shine near the graphic. Our New “Non-Skid GLOW” will provide even more safety at night by providing a soft image glow at night.

WHAT SIZES CAN WE PRINT?

Sole Images® media is available in blank rolls. Both finishes are 53 inches in width, completely usable edge to edge and is available in lengths up to 150 feet long.

WHAT CAN BE PRINTED ON OUR MEDIA?

Because it is printed on large format digital printers, absolutely anything can be printed on this media including intricate logos, photographs or solid color arrows. Large scaled graphics can be tiled together and form almost any size and shape.

CAN SOLE IMAGES® MEDIA BE CUT TO ANY SHAPE?

Sole Images® media can be cut to shape with large format plotters, die cutting or manually with scissors. As with any aggressive non-skid substrate, our Non-Skid material will dull blades quicker than thin vinyl substrates.

HOW DOES “NON-SKID” COMPARE TO OTHER MEDIA USED ON CONCRETE AND ASPHALT?

“Non-Skid” is the widest media of its type at 53" w; usable edge to edge. It can be used outdoors as well as indoors; does not require expensive professional installation; never needs a laminate, and it holds up to both heavy pedestrian and rolling vehicle traffic. It is truly reliable, cost efficient, safe and easily removed.

HOW EASY IS SOLE IMAGES® MEDIA TO APPLY?

It doesn't get any easier!!! No heat, sealer, over-laminate or professional installer required. Simply sweep the desired area clear of dirt, debris or moisture (If the surface is oily, it may need to be power washed with a commercial degreaser); peel off the release liner; lay flat on the surface or wall and compress by hand or with a roller, making sure all edges are completely adhered. It is now ready for immediate use. The high performance pressure sensitive adhesive provides superior holding strength. It can be applied at temperatures of 32 degrees F / 0 degrees C or above.

IS SOLE IMAGES® MEDIA SIMPLE TO REMOVE?

Yes, just take a putty knife or blade to peel up a corner then pull off at an angle less than 45 degrees. Our media typically leaves no residue. Graphics placed on asphalt or other rough surfaces in locations where heavy vehicle traffic is present and can be more difficult to remove by hand. However, we have a few solutions for you which we will be happy to provide for those unique circumstances.

IS SOLE IMAGES® MEDIA ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?

Yes, Sole Images® media is made from aluminum and contains no PVC or hazardous ingredients; it can be disposed with aluminum recycling. Our Endurance product has a different composition and is not recyclable.

WHAT IS THE WARRANTY OF SOLE IMAGES® PRODUCTS?

We stand behind the quality of our products. We cannot, however, guarantee the finished results because Sole Images® exercises no control over individual operating, production and installation procedures. While technical information and advice on the use of the products are provided in good faith, the user bears sole responsibility for selecting the appropriate product for their end use requirements. Users are also responsible for testing to determine that the products will perform as expected during the printed item's entire life cycle from printing, post print processing, shipment, to end use. The products have been specially formulated for digital printing and should be tested for any other method. Any liability associated with the use of this product is limited to the value of the product purchased from Sole Images®.

CAN SOLE IMAGES® MEDIA BE USED ON GLASS OR HIGH GLOSS FINISHES?

Our media features a specially-formulated adhesive that is designed for a clean release on masonry surfaces...most, of which, are highly-textured. If it is placed on glass or masonry products with a very highly-polished surface (like polished marble), some adhesive can be left behind. Adhesive can be removed using Simple Green, mineral spirits or other similar cleaning products. As always, we recommend testing our products on the surface prior to a full installation.

DOES SOLE IMAGES® MEDIA NEED HEAT TO APPLY?

No, it DOES NOT need heat to apply. Our foil substrate naturally conforms to textured surfaces. The material easily conforms using a J-roller or similar rubber application roller.

CAN SOLE IMAGES® MEDIA BE APPLIED TO PAINTED SURFACES?

As with any substrate, our media bond to painted surfaces is only as strong as the paint is to the brick. If the adhesion of the paint to the brick is not optimal, there is a chance that paint will peel away from the brick. We always recommends to fully test adhesion and removal on the actual surface before using.

WHAT IS PRODUCTION TIME?

Standard production time is 7-10 business days after acknowledged receipt of production-ready artwork and PO or proof approvals.

DO YOU OFFER RUSH SERVICE?

Rush service is available based on current production schedule and difficulty of requested project. Additional handling fees will be incurred, generally starting at $50.00. We highly recommend calling for a quote to determine availability and cost.

PRODUCTION TIME

Standard production time is 7-10 business days after acknowledged receipt of production-ready artwork and PO or proof approvals.

GENERAL

ABOUT US

 

We have been a creative marketing agency since we started in New Jersey in 1978, solving creative marketing and promotional challenges for some of the top brands internationally, like Sony, Panasonic, BMW, Lipton, PetSmart, Carnival Cruise… What’s important to know, are the challenges of staying ahead of the competition, promoting a cause, or communicating an important product or safety message. And this is where we can help.

With a leading edge large format digital printer, we’re fast, flexible and competitive, and can support your individual needs for outdoor and indoor graphics. In addition to the printing, we can design, produce, inventory and fulfill, what you need, where you need it and when.

PRIVACY POLICY

This is the website of Sole Images. Our postal address is: 10115 E. Bell Rd. 107, 620, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We can be contacted by support@soleimages.com or by telephone at (800) 282-1240.

For each visitor to our Web page, our Web server automatically recognizes no information regarding the domain or e-mail address. We collect no information on consumers who browse our Web page. The information we collect is not shared with other organizations for commercial purposes.If you do not want to receive email from us in the future, please let us know by writing to us at the above address and telling us that you do not want to receive email from our company.

From time to time, we make the email addresses of those who access our site available to other reputable organizations whose products or services we think you might find interesting. If you do not want us to share your email address with other companies or organizations, please let us know by writing to us at the above address. If you supply us with your postal address online, you may receive periodic mailings from us with information on new products and services or upcoming events. If you do not wish to receive such mailings, please let us know by writing to us at the above address . Please provide us with your exact name and address. We will be sure your name is removed from the list we share with other organizations. Persons who supply us with their telephone numbers online, may receive telephone contact from us with information regarding new products and services or upcoming events. If you do not wish to receive such phone calls, please let us know by writing to us at the above address. Please provide us with your correct phone number. We will be sure your name is removed from the list we share with other organizations.

This policy is posted as an attempt at self-regulation to protect consumer interests. We thank you for taking the time to read it and to recognize our awareness of the necessity to make the Internet a safer place for everyone.

SHIPPING

GENERAL

All shipments are made F.O.B. Scottsdale, AZ, point of manufacture. Freight will be designated as prepaid, invoiced or collect. Sole Images assumes no liability for delay, breakage or damage after making delivery to the carrier. Buyer assumes the risk of loss or damage upon delivery to the carrier.

SHIPPING METHODS

Due to the large size of some of our products and high quantity orders, shipping cannot be automatically calculated on our website. If you need a freight quote prior to shipping, please email us and we'll be happy to provide you with one. While Traffic & Parking Control Co., Inc. strives to keep shipping costs at a minimum by shopping around, actual charges are beyond our control. Please be aware that certain items, particularly those over 8 feet in length, cannot be shipped via UPS Ground and will go out Common Carrier. This can be an expensive method, so please watch for those items that are specifically noted as being oversized. Also, signs 48" ×48" and larger are considered "over-sized" and subject to a UPS surcharge.

We ship via the following methods: UPS, and freight shipments. We offer the following shipping options: Next Business Day, 2 Business Days, 3 Business Days, and 1-5 Business Days.

“RUSH” service is available based on current production schedule and difficulty of requested project. Additional handling fees will be incurred, generally starting at $50.00. We highly recommend calling for a quote to determine availability and cost.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES

Cancellation or refusal of an order or return of material (freight prepaid) shall only be allowable with Sole Images approval.

All return goods are subject to a minimum 20% restocking charge or the supplier’s return charge in effect at the time of return. There is no return or restocking for Buyer’s custom orders. Sole Images specifically maintains the right to keep any deposit or downpayment paid onto Sole Images by Buyer, and by doing so, Sole Images does not limit, forego or waive any claim or other remedies it may have for damages against Buyer.

Office Location

16581 N 108th St. Scottsdale , AZ 85255
Phone: (480) 471-2300

Sabrina Carpenters Coffee Shop Pop-Ups Have Experiential Marketing Takeaways fo

The “Espresso” singer teamed up with Cash App for three branded events in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

The best-case scenario for a brand is for their end-users to be thinking about them every night. Isn’t that sweet? I guess so.

For those who have lived under a rock since the summer, that’s a reference to Sabrina Carpenter’s enormous hit “Espresso.” And for everyone who knows the song, congratulations, it’s now stuck in your head, too.

Sabrina Carpenter performing on stage

The joke will make sense in a second. Walk with me here…

Carpenter, through a partnership with Cash App, is hosting three pop-up events in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, where her team is leaning into the theme of coffee and “Espresso” to create “Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Café,” borrowing the title of her hit 2024 album.

This idea of a pop-up shop, complete with branded merchandise, for a pop star isn’t new. Olivia Rodrigo, for example, just partnered with Spotify for a branded experience in New York to commemorate the release of her album GUTS. And it’s not just musical artists – TV shows and streaming services get their own pop-up treatments, too.

However, what sets Carpenter’s campaign apart is the savvy angle of tying in the coffee pun with the coffee shop idea, bringing in another trend in experiential marketing. When you think of your local coffee shop, what do you picture aside from baristas in cool clothes and a display of baked goods? You can probably picture the merchandise for sale and branded packaging – things like T-shirts, mugs, tote bags, thermoses and packaging for coffee beans or tea.

A coffee shop lends itself nicely to merchandise, which is why the likes of Ralph Lauren has used it as a marketing medium in luxury getaway locations across the world.

By tapping into the coffee universe, Carpenter and her corporate partners find themselves at an intersection of different marketing avenues and seem to have accomplished everything you’d hope a branded pop-up of this nature can do. Those include wins promo pros working on experiential marketing initiatives can try to engineer for their clients too, such as:

Build the Brand’s Reach

The main goal of any branded campaign is to spread brand awareness. Thinking just of the promotional products space, you can see that the Carpenter team did that through things like drinkware, T-shirts and various print products.

The merchandise table works very much in the same way it would at a concert, but this way the brand –Sabrina Carpenter – comes to the fans rather than forcing them to pay any price of admission.

Drive Online Engagement

In an age where everything is online, tactile promotional products and experiences should be designed to have an extended life through social media sharing. There needs to be something that drives people to leave their homes and potentially wait in long lines for something. The opportunity to post fun pictures on social media can be significant motivation.

When done well, every conceivable photo angle in a pop-up experience is a good one. There are printed displays to be backdrops and walls, and plenty of eye-catching branded items within view or to be used as props for photos. There are QR codes aplenty. There are dedicated hashtags.

For sure, there should not be any forgetting whose event you’re at.

Strengthen Partner Brands

This café pop-up is, ostensibly, for Sabrina Carpenter. Still, it’s also for Cash App, which harnessed Carpenter’s social capital at the moment to gain some hip points with would-be users.

And of course, let’s not forget the actual coffee shops that transformed into this branded vehicle temporarily. They put their normal brands on hold for a minute, but it was a smart move: Crowds of people, many of them potentially first-time patrons, have experienced sitting in the café and could come back again.

In New York, Carpenter and Cash App took over Partners Coffee. In Chicago, it was Happy Monday. This week, Angelinos can visit Verve Coffee in West Hollywood.

To add to the Cash App integration, customers who use a Cash App Visa card to buy stuff will receive a 30% discount on their purchase – up to $40, according to Sprudge.

The music marketing landscape has changed drastically as a result of streaming, social media and the COVID-19 pandemic. Artists are meeting their fans in new ways. And, after all, an artist is a brand at the end of the day, and fans are customers. It sounds crass to put it so transactionally, but it’s the truth.

Looking beyond the music world, any brand can take a piece of their identity or their brand story, expand on it, and create a memorable experience out of it. If they can meet their customers and potential customers where they live, shop and eat, that’s even better. Finally, sparing no detail through print products, promotional giveaways and catchy design can turn something that feels like a sales pitch into a fun day out with memories to last a lifetime – both in their hearts and on their social media feeds.

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End-Buyer Research: Ages 55

End-buyers ages 55+ say they spend a quarter of their marketing budget on promo.

ASI’s exclusive research reveals client buying habits in eight markets and across multiple demographics.

ASI Research is wrapping up our new series profiling the people distributors work with most closely: end-buyers. Each week we released a new data set that spotlights one of eight markets and looks at end-buyers through demographics such as age, gender, region and company size.

This week, our research focuses on promotional products end-buyers ages 55+, the last of several age demographics surveyed throughout the United States.

The percentage of older Americans, particularly those older than 65, who hold a job today has nearly quadrupled since the mid-1980s, a Pew Research Center analysis found – meaning that this demographic is becoming a more important segment to consider in the corporate gifting market. According to ASI’s 2023 Ad Impressions Study, some of the most influential promotional products for consumers ages 55+ include outerwear, umbrellas and performance wear.

ASI’s 2024 end-buyer research reports that end-buyers in this demographic value a distributor that offers comprehensive services, with half naming “doing all the work” as an important distributor benefit – more than any other end-buyer segment surveyed. Additionally, promotional products end-buyers ages 55+ are the most likely age demographic to give promo to prospects and to pay a premium for Made-in-the-USA products.

Infographic

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Sole Images ® is a Veteran Owned, Operated and Employing Company