Action Sports Graphics: Helping Clients Build Momentum with Digital Printing

Jim Gray has been involved in action sports since its early days. He founded ACME Skateboards in 1991, screen printing his designs onto skateboard decks.  Eventually, he began printing marketing collateral for other action sports brands. 

 

In 2008, Gray and business partner Tom Lukasik founded Inkgenda in Costa Mesa, California.  Several years later, Inkgenda purchased a Roland DG VersaCAMM wide format color printer/cutter. “We needed to produce banners and high color decals,” said Gray.  “A skateboarder friend recommended Roland DG, and it has never let us down.”

 

Gray and Lucasik produce decals for more than 20 top brands in the action sports industry, including Volcom, Von Zipper, Roark Revival, and Etnies. Inkgenda serves clients throughout the United States and internationally. 

“Our clients really like the high quality feel of the thicker vinyl we can run on the VersaCAMM.”

 

Inkgenda uses its VersaCAMM for custom runs of anywhere from 1-1,000 decals on premium six-millimeter vinyl. “Our clients really like the high quality feel of the thicker vinyl we can run on the VersaCAMM,” said Gray. 

 

To maintain their high standards for print quality, Inkgenda uses only Roland DG Eco-Sol MAX inks.  “Roland DG inks are true to the core. They provide the color and durability our actions sports clients require,” said Gray.

 

In addition to decals, Inkgenda produces magnetic signs and vinyl banners, along with static clings, window displays, and heat transfers for t-shirts.

 

“Everyone in the industry uses decals. They are the best form of advertising: versatile, portable and low-cost,” said Gray. “Our Roland DG is running all the time.”

 

Inkgenda often produces as many as 10 six-foot banners at a time, using Roland DG’s take-up system. “You can walk away and let the machine print.  It’s like a Crock-Pot  - push the button, come back in two hours,” said Gray. 

 

“What we touch and see every day is stuff we like.  We love the art, the people and the lifestyle. Our Roland DG helps us stay fun, but always get the job done.”