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Great Big Signs gives the scoop on their winning ice-cream truck.
As published in ST’s December 2007 issue, Great Big Signs won the Best of Show award for its decoration of an ice-cream truck to promote the inaugural Austin Ice Cream Festival. Here, Lynn recounts how his shop produced the award-winning graphics.
Austin-based Lyon Advertising first contacted us last spring regarding the decoration of an ice-cream truck that would serve as the icon for the Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival. They were familiar with our work – Lyon had co-created the Freebird World Burrito van concept with us. College Station, TX-based Freebirds World Burrito is a Mexican-food, quick-service chain for which we fabricate signage and in-store graphics that revolve around “Libby,” a Statue of Liberty-inspired biker chick.
I’ve produced vehicle graphics throughout most of my signmaking career. I cut my teeth decorating contractors’ trucks and oilfield service fleets. Through the early ’80s, these represented my bread and butter. However, the eventual oil bust prompted my move to Austin to open a new shop.
In my early days, I airbrushed and pinstriped numerous Harley-Davidsons and racing vehicles. I won my first award when one of my projects was named an ST Truck of the Month in 1983. I was as excited as if I’d been awarded a cover shot!
As my business grew, I became more inclined to pursue fleet graphics, instead of racing cars or show vehicles. After vinyl’s introduction to the sign market, I continued to produce custom airbrushed and gilded graphics, among other mediums. At this juncture of my career, I’ve switched gears again and fabricated several unique, 3-D vehicle graphics.
Starting to churn
Doug Lyons wanted a brightly colored ice-cream truck that will be annually revised with vinyl copy changes to publicize added sponsors. We played with several designs before finally settling on one that met budget and timeframe needs.
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