With the inaugural WrapFest event fast approaching, we speak to some of the wrappers taking part in the event and hear from organisers to find out what we can expect to see across the two days
What made FESPA decide to launch WrapFest?
A: Vehicle wrapping has always been one of the most colourful attractions at our FESPA exhibitions, where we have been hosting our annual World Wrap Masters Series competition for over ten years. With competitions on four continents, we’ve worked closely with suppliers and wrap professionals, in delivering bitesize tips and tricks alongside the competitions, but until now, there’s never been a focused event that has served the needs of this specific community.
With WrapFest, we wanted to provide a hub that plugs wrappers and detailers into the latest trends, enables them to see all the product innovations from multiple suppliers in one space, gives them access to workshops and demos to refresh their skills, and shows them the opportunities that could fuel their growth.
What features can we expect to see at the event?
A: The event is aimed at professionals in vehicle wrapping, livery and fleet graphics, car detailing, paint protection, window tinting services and racing teams. So, in addition to vehicle graphic installation, which has historically been FESPA’s interaction with this community, the event encompasses all areas of vinyl application such as colour change and PPF (paint protection film) wraps which can enhance the look, performance and use of vehicles. The event will also touch upon architectural interiors as this is a market that some wrap installers are exploring and branching into.
The wrapping community is typically very vibrant and creative, so we are hoping to replicate this onsite with a different event format which is focused on valuable content for wrap business owners, installers, and a fun environment where they can network and exchange ideas. The event will feature the Show and Shine Competition, an intimate and interactive speaker programme - Wrap Talks - and exclusive wrapping demos from some of the sector’s most recognisable brands. There will also be a fun festival forecourt with food trucks for visitors to relax throughout the day, and exhibition of materials, tools and printing technologies.
What do you want people to take away from the event?
A: Inspiration, Information and Connections: The event provides print service providers (PSPs) with the opportunity to explore this market, whether they are looking to enter into vehicle graphics, or if they are already a vehicle graphic installer but looking to grow the non-graphic side of their business. WrapFest provides them with the platform to research, look at and test a wide range of equipment, accessories and media from industry-leading suppliers in one location.
Find Wrap Capital’s work on socials with the hashtag #StyleThatSticks or @WrapCapital
How did you get into wrapping and how long have you been influential in the wrapping sphere?
A: I’m a qualified vehicle painter, studying vehicle refinishing for 2 years in college, and spent a number of years running my own body shop for repairs and custom paint. I noticed the vehicle customising market slowly transitioning away from paint, and vinyl technology improving to a standard where a correctly installed wrap was akin to the finish of paint. With wraps being a much more cost-effective option to customise a car, I decided to move away from paint and teach myself to wrap. For me, wrapping gives just as much satisfaction as laying fresh paint!
Things have certainly changed in the last couple of years or so after competing in HEXIS UK wrap battle, in which we finished 3rd in 2019, and then 2nd in 2022. We have also collaborated on a couple of projects with Teckwrap and Hexis in the last 3 years, pushing the boundaries of what can be done with current materials and producing wraps that are completely different.
But ultimately, we will always remain a popular, reputable shop tucked away in the south west, who mind our own business and concentrate on doing the best job we can every time.
What do you love the most about vehicle wrapping?
A: I love the challenge of trying to make a wrap indistinguishable from paint. We all know there are limitations to the product, so being tactical during the installation process, and critical of how the finished product will look, is what I believe to be an important, challenging and rewarding part of wrapping. Customer collection reactions are always immensely satisfying, as well as feedback from other clients and professionals within the industry.
What annoys you the most about vehicle wrapping?
A: Ironically, paint! There are constant battles and incidences of failing paint repairs, and you only ever come across them when wrapping a panel, which of course ruins the wrap and you have to start again. It’s a shame to see that a percentage of the paint industry have lost pride in their work and solely concentrate on rushing a vehicle repair out of the door!
What’s the coolest vehicle wrap you’ve ever seen?
A: As a team at Wrap Capital we all follow a large number of wrap designers and shops globally who are striving to create different wraps weekly. Reflective print door shut wraps look epic, but marble wraps are probably my favourite wraps currently. Having completed a custom one-off marble wrap ourselves, I understand the challenges of creating and installing a complex and extremely detailed marble wrap that flows through all panels and has no start or stop!
A close second are fade wraps. Our team are pushing the envelope in this specific style, and we have been fortunate enough to gain attention from this to the point that we have wrap shops in USA purchasing custom produced fade wraps from us to ship overseas!
What made you decide to take part in WrapFest?
A: Since first encountering the event I was excited to see what WrapFest was going to do for the wrap industry. Having been to Sema in Vegas before, I’ve experienced how the importance of a well set up expo within an industry can boost and bring together the community. I hope my small part of a big combined effort for WrapFest can help achieve this!
What are you looking forward to most about WrapFest?
A: Meeting others in the community will be great, but the biggest thing for me is being a Guest Judge for the World Wrap Masters. Having competed in wrap battles before, I know the intense pressure and challenge of competing against other wrap masters, so being a judge will be a whole new and exciting experience for me! I am confident I will encounter new methods and tips from other professionals to help further my own skills.
Anything to add?
A: I will be taking part in Wrap Talks, the show’s speaker programme, sharing my insights into the industry and my journey of starting and running a competitive and reputable wrap shop. I’m looking forward to answering many questions – no matter how challenging! I will also be bringing along my latest project to display, another example of Wrap Capital pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable with wrapping films. It is a big risk and challenge to produce something that excels, but there’s no reward without risk! I’m excited for you all to see it.
Find out more at www.liverymagic.com or at @livery_magic
How did you get into wrapping and how long have you been influential in the wrapping sphere?
A: Back in early 2020, I was working as a Marketing Assistant, still producing Liveries as a hobby. I was unfortunately made redundant, before the pandemic unexpectedly hit. I decided to turn my hobby into a career, and used that time to teach myself how to design a Livery as a professional.
In January 2022 my skills developed significantly and my work started to generate some serious attention. I was regularly approached online for advice, frequently hired for bespoke designs, and even had my designs replicated in video games from followers across the globe. I also spent a huge amount of time providing feedback on other artists’ work and helping other artists improve their skills. As a result, I have become a respected voice within the industry, despite only being a professional designer for a short period.
What do you love the most about vehicle wrapping?
A: That’s an easy one! It’s not the beginning or the end: it’s right in the middle. You’ve got the idea, the vehicle template is done, the sponsors are chosen, and all you have to do is make something beautiful. The middle of a livery design project is by far the most creative part of the process (experimenting with colour palettes and decal placements and more), which definitely makes it my favourite!
What annoys you the most about vehicle wrapping?
A: That’s an easy one too: formatting the source files! It’s the least creative part of the process, and occasionally the hardest. It usually involves hunting down vehicle dimensions, triple checking your scaling with the Windows 11 Calculator no one uses, and figuring out the absolute best way to print the lovingly-crafted wrap you’ve designed. It’s absolutely critical to get this stage right, but much less fun than turning a client’s car into a piece of art!
What’s the coolest vehicle wrap you’ve ever seen?
A: There are multiple candidates I could select for this one, but I’m going to go with the BMW Original Teile design (also known as “The Parts Car”). The Livery was essentially a giant blueprint, with components illustrated within the wrap itself. It was way ahead of its time, and it doesn’t get enough credit. Special consideration for the Marlboro design as well, the most versatile Livery on planet Earth.
What made you decide to take part in WrapFest?
A: As a self-taught designer, I haven’t had many opportunities to share experiences with other artists and experts in person. I’m not only excited to attend WrapFest as a speaker and influencer, but I’m excited to learn. Whether that’s new products, learning more about the wrapping process, or just chatting with others in the industry, I was eager to take part when the opportunity arose.
What are you looking forward to most about WrapFest?
A: Honestly, I’m just looking forward to meeting other people in this niche, wonderful world of vehicle wrapping. To learn, laugh, and grow… and talk about vinyl textures with a goofy smile on my face.
