Digital Printing Turns a Side Hustle into a Successful Business
EgraF-X | Wichita, Kansas
When your after-hours work starts bringing in more than your day job, it’s time to re-examine your priorities. Graphic designer Shawn Lawrence faced that dilemma in 2002 as revenues from freelancing business began to outpace his salary. “I made the leap and opened my own shop,” he said.
Vehicle Graphics Solutions
EgraF-X is based in Wichita, Kansas, and specializes in one-of-a-kind vehicle graphics as well as graphics production and installation. Lawrence and his staff rely on Roland DG technology, with two SOLJETs and a 64-inch GX-640 cutter.
“It’s a good business to be in, and I have the perfect equipment to do whatever I need to do”
“When I first started, I didn’t have a lot of space, and the Roland DG print/cut technology was really important,” said Lawrence. “I have used Roland DG equipment ever since – the print quality and reliability is unbeatable.”
In the early days of his business, Lawrence capitalized on the “Fast and Furious” franchise, producing sidecar graphics. He now provides graphics for fleets of cars and trucks, as well as for buses, campers, food trucks, aircraft, and trailers.
“Our Roland DGs are so versatile,” said Lawrence. “It’s been a wild ride and they’ve been with me every step.”
Today, EgraF-X’s clients include local businesses, national aviation manufacturers, city and municipal governments, and schools and universities. In addition to stunning vehicle graphics, EgraF-X provides window tinting, floor and wall graphics, banners and signage.
Growing with Roland DG Technology
EgraF-X now has 11 full time employees, including designers, window tint and vehicle wrap installers, and production staff.
EgraF-X does a lot of work for emergency departments at local municipalities. They wrap and maintain the City of Wichita’s fleet of 350 police cruisers. They also produce graphics for local middle schools, high schools and for Wichita State University.
“I wouldn’t even consider buying anything but Roland DG printers, and the only inks I’ll use with them are Roland DG inks,” said Lawrence.
“It’s a good business to be in, and I have the perfect equipment to do whatever I need to do.”