Talent is emerging all across the globe. Helsinki has expertise in mobile handset, Kraskow in FPGA electronic chips, Munich in automotive electronics, Bucharest in anti-virus software, Moscow in pattern recognition software, Beijing in speech recognition, Seoul in liquid crystal display, Tokyo in HD DVD, Singapore in disk drives, Tel Aviv in network security software, Johannesburg in wireless telemetry, Montreal in animations, Minneapolis in implantable medical devices, Seattle in streaming media, and Alexandria in digital print wallpaper.
Just think: 3% or $90 million worth of wallpaper was digitally printed just 4 years ago. Today, it is more than double that. More than 200 wallpaper manufacturers from around the world, nearly 30% are now using digital print technology for custom prints.
One example is showcased at the new headquarters of the International Sign Association (ISA). When ISA moved to their new home at 1001 North Fairfax Street in Alexandria, VA, they chose Hickok Cole Architects in Washington, DC to help them craft an environment that would make a statement on behalf of the entire sign industry.
"ISA comes from a creative industry, and we wanted to express that through the design," said Rhea Vaflor, project designer for Hickock Cole Architects. "We found the inspiration for 'flow' in neon signs."
This linear flow of varied shades of blue lines was the inspiration for a custom wallpaper design. Hickock worked with Helene Lohr, Director of New Media at Sign Biz, Inc. in California. Sign Biz heads up an international chain of digital sign and graphics companies, and represents a segment of the industry that is supported by ISA. "Our business owners run successful sign shops specializing in all signs manufactured with digital technologies. We are the leading non-franchise educators in digital technologies and an ideal consultant for Hickock's quest for the right print material," explains Teresa M. Young, Sign Biz President and CEO.
Once the ideal wallpaper material was selected, Young approached her chain of sign companies for their participation in the wallpaper printing project for ISA. "The response was wonderful, and indicative of the spirit these entrepreneurs exhibit, from main street USA and the Bahamas, to Mexico and around the globe," said Young.
The $6000 project was funded by contributions from Sign Biz member companies, with Platinum-level support from two entities: Fred Barbaria, owner of Santa Barbara Signs & Graphics, a Sign Biz member company who printed the 700 square feet of 54" wide embossed material; and Sign Biz, Inc., who provided major financial support for the project.