When delving into the realm of vinyl graphics, it often becomes a meticulous task of assembling various components to form a cohesive whole. Enter ORA Design Group, a thriving enterprise nestled in Haysville, Kansas, specializing in crafting graphics for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across diverse industries such as marine, RV, and trailers, alongside catering to individual businesses and retail sectors.
Established five years ago by the dynamic duo of current owner Jason Laub and the now-retired Tony Stoddard, ORA Design was conceived with the mission of crafting distinctive and impactful designs for clients. When OEMs in the boat or RV sectors gear up to unveil a new line of vehicles, they turn to ORA Design to furnish them with the requisite graphic elements.
Benefiting from a cadre of seasoned designers boasting over seventy years of collective experience, ORA Design prides itself on its ability to discern what resonates and what visually captivates. “We provide OEM graphics for trailers and standardization letters for boats,” explains Laub. “Additionally, we offer prototypes mirroring production parts.”
The process unfolds with the client furnishing ORA designers with a profile of their vessel or vehicle, coupled with any stylistic directives, such as specific colors or patterns. “More often than not, revisions are necessary to arrive at a final graphic that satisfies all parties,” notes Laub, emphasizing the significance of iterative collaboration with clients. “But it’s imperative that our designers adeptly capture a company’s aesthetic.”
Utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, ORA Design meticulously crafts concept art. However, encountering instances where manufacturers cannot supply requisite vector or bitmap files, they resort to scanning brochures or photos provided by the client. Following a comprehensive conceptualization process spanning one to two weeks, the approved graphics undergo printing onto air-egress vinyls using a Mutoh printer and mild solvent-based inks.
Subsequently, a glossy or matte overlaminate is applied for enhanced graphic protection using a roller laminator. The patterns are then transferred to a Graphtec plotter/printer, where they undergo precise cutting. To mitigate issues like tunneling and channeling observed with conventional pre-masking, ORA Design turned to American Biltrite’s TransferRite AirMask, specifically tailored for partial wraps and cut graphics made with air-egress vinyls.
Upon completing the four-step process—printing, laminating, cutting, and masking—the graphics are rolled and shipped to the OEM client. For larger parts, they are rolled onto a core, while smaller parts are wound with the graphics facing outwards. Packaging varies, with sets typically arranged into port and starboard packages for boats, while logos might be bulk-packaged in a single bag.
Moreover, ORA Design extends its expertise to domed graphics prevalent in the RV and marine industries, employing high-definition printing to impart a three-dimensional appearance to flat decals. “It’s a tad more intricate due to the additional process involved,” admits Laub, “but the outcome is a visually striking 3-D effect.”
In essence, ORA Design Group exemplifies a harmonious amalgamation of artistry, technology, and craftsmanship, delivering bespoke graphics solutions that elevate the visual identity of its clients’ products.
