Ardor printing
- Graphic DESIGNER & Operations Manager -
About Ardor Printing
Ardor Printing is located in Snohomish, WA. It is a full service graphics company focused on creating persistent growth for remarkable companies. Ardor Printing is one of the fastest growing graphics companies created to produce and deliver a large range of products affiliated with wide format printing. Services include wholesale printing, signs, banners, custom stickers, decals, fleet decals, vinyl wraps, car wraps and more!
In 2021 after my contract with John L. Scott was up I joined Ardor Printing in Snohomish. I was hired onto the small team as a graphic designer with many crossover roles assisting the installers and production team. This was a major learning curve with new tools, information and software that I enjoyed diving into. The company grew from four to twelve people over the next three years and I was promoted into a management role with a team to supervise as well as many additional responsibilities outside of design such as finance, accounting, customer service, HR and more. At Ardor I was able to work with a plethora of different industries both large and small ranging from start-ups to large corporations such as Amazon and Google. I enjoyed working with all of the different businesses, people and learning the ins and outs of the signage industry. Working within a print shop has given me a deeper understanding of the processes of setting up digital designs to transition correctly into print.
Logo Design
One of the things I enjoy the most about working at Ardor Printing is creating logos for clients – whether it is from scratch or a rebrand design. Creating a logo design from sketch to completion for a variety of companies involves a systematic yet creative process. It begins with a client consultation to understand the company’s values, target audience, industry, and overall goals. This ensures the logo aligns with the brand’s identity from the outset. Next, thorough research on competitors and industry trends is conducted, followed by brainstorming and sketching logo concepts that are both unique and relevant to the brand. The strongest ideas are then developed into digital drafts, where I experiment with typography, shapes, and color schemes, ensuring the logo is versatile and scalable across various platforms.
Once the initial designs are ready, they are presented to the client for feedback. Revisions are made based on this input, refining the design to match the client’s vision while maintaining a professional and impactful look. After the client approves the final design, the logo is prepared in various formats such as PNG, SVG, and EPS to ensure it works well across different mediums, including web and print. The process concludes with the delivery of a complete logo package, often accompanied by guidelines on proper usage to maintain consistency. This approach ensures the final logo is tailored to each company’s unique needs, while providing a strong and recognizable visual identity.
Vehicle Wraps
At Ardor Printing a major component of the business is wrapping vehicles in vinyl. What makes Ardor unique is the combination of both quality and quick turnaround on completing the wraps which benefits its customers with limited fleet downtime. The goal in designing these projects is to create a cohesive and visually striking vinyl wrap design for a fleet of company vehicles that effectively communicates the brand’s identity and values while maintaining versatility across different vehicle types. The designs vary depending on the preference of the company but out larger company clients prefer bold, modern, and attention-grabbing wraps that utilize the company’s color palette, logo, and key messaging in a way that is easily recognizable and consistent across sedans, vans, and larger trucks. These wraps also need to reflect the company’s core values—innovation, quality, and customer service—through clever use of graphics, typography, and imagery. Functionality is key, so the design must be clean and legible from a distance, while also being adaptable to various vehicle shapes and sizes without losing impact. Ultimately, the wrap should turn each vehicle into a mobile billboard, promoting brand awareness and leaving a lasting impression wherever they go.
Interior, Exterior & Tradeshow Signage
The objective of these projects are to design and produce a range of high-impact trade show materials that not only capture attention but also effectively communicate the client’s brand identity and offerings. The design should be consistent with the company's visual branding, incorporating its logo, color scheme, and key messaging in a way that stands out in a crowded environment. The materials Ardor produces for these events include banners, brochures, business cards, tents, flags and more. Each piece cohesively reflect the brand’s professionalism, innovation, and commitment to quality, while being both visually appealing and informative. Special attention is given to the clarity of messaging, ensuring that passersby can quickly understand what the company offers. The printing quality is high-end, with durable materials that hold up over the course of the event, contributing to a polished and professional presentation. Ultimately, the goal is to create a cohesive, memorable experience for attendees that leaves a lasting impression and encourages engagement.
During the design phase, each type of signage—whether it’s wall graphics, window decals, directional signs, or informational displays—should be tailored to its specific purpose. Wall signage should act as a statement piece, capturing attention and reinforcing the brand’s values. Window signage needs to be bold yet unobtrusive, maximizing visibility from both inside and outside. Interior signs should be clear, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, guiding visitors and enhancing the overall customer experience. The designs must be adaptable to various sizes and materials while ensuring that legibility, clarity, and visual impact are prioritized.
Decals & Stickers
The objective of these projects are to design and print a collection of visually appealing stickers and decals that effectively promote the brand while offering versatility for various uses. The process begins with research and brainstorming to understand the brand’s identity, target audience, and how these products will be used. Next, the design phase involves creating concepts that are both creative and aligned with the brand’s personality, incorporating logos, colors, and key graphics. Once initial concepts are developed, they undergo a review and revision process to ensure the design is engaging, functional, and on-brand.
After finalizing the design, the focus shifts to selecting high-quality materials and finishes that ensure the stickers and decals are durable, weather-resistant, and maintain vibrant colors and sharp details over time. This includes choosing the right adhesive for different surfaces, whether for laptops, water bottles, vehicles, or packaging. Following this, the designs are prepared for print, considering the appropriate sizing and layout to fit various formats.
Once printed, a quality check is performed to ensure that the final product meets all specifications in terms of color accuracy, clarity, and material durability. The process concludes with delivery and application guidance, ensuring that the stickers and decals are not only ready to enhance brand visibility but also serve as engaging, shareable items that people will want to display and use.
