[TonyB]

I scoured the web some time ago, and the best I found is attached. While this is what I seek, I'm looking for something about 2 to 3x larger though. I would appreciate any help! Thanks a bunch.

Oh, I'm looking to make this into a decal, or window cling, thus my posting here

[MiniG]

You probably don't want it in a .gif or .jpg then, you should look for it in an Illustrator or PDF format, so it will scale without losing any resolution. A vector-based format.

[TonyB]

I was not aware of that MiniG. I was going to use PhotoShop to complete this project. I guess I'll explain what I envision... I see this as being one component of what I want:

MINI winged logo (attached) + twisty road sign (as above) = some type of smiley face (not chosen yet).

So, should I not pursue this in a jpg or gif then? The jpg of the MINI winged logo is huge (the one attached is has been reduced much), so resolution is not an issue with that one...

Also, to keep things simple, I might not have the winged logo - just the twisty road sign, equals sign, then the smiley face... Hard to say until I see it. I just need the various components to start playing...

Thanks.

[MiniG]

Well, it would be much easier for you to combine the elements and scale them in Illustrator. Since Photoshop uses pixel based images (instead of vector based) you will have "jaggies" if you have to increase the size of one element, also when shrinking, there is an interpolation that happens which can also distort an image. In a vector program, the art is generated by math (dictating a path for a line) which can scale to virtually any size without any distortion. Wherever you have this printed (I suppose you could do it at home, on an ink jet printer, these days) should be able to tell you what formats they accept.
At the very least try to find the images as .gifs since this is a format of compression designed for line art and simple graphics. Jpeg was developed specifically for photographic images.
I love Photoshop, but is was devveloped for photgraphic images and excels at manipulating them. Illustrator (or Quark Express, et al) was developed for line graohics. I did a search and found a few places with these images for sale, but I'm sure with some dilligence you can find them in the public domain. The MINI logo would be the most troublesome...

[ScottyB]

Just did this up real quick for you.

Ive still got the original vector, so if you need it any bigger, PM me your email addy or something and Ill fire it through.

Cheers,
Scotty

[TonyB]

Hey, thanks for the knowledge! Graphics 101 I guess that is why this has only resided in my head at this point...

Yes, the plan was to print it on an ink jet printer. The window cling material, if I recall correctly, will not work with a laser printer (I think too much heat). I have a couple twisty road signs on the roads near my home (including one on my street ), so I suppose I could take some nice 3 megapixel photos and go from there. The sign has some bird crap on it, so I guess I'll need to take some Simple Green with me

[Cooperpup]

Looks like Scotty has fixed you right up!
Trying to keep his reputation as a "miracle worker" no doubt!

[TonyB]

Scotty, you are awesome! These forums never cease to amaze me. That size is perfect also, so need for a bigger one. So I guess I need the smiley face in a vector now... I will pass on the MINI logo. Wow. Thanks again Scotty! I just looked in your gallery, and I can see that you are into graphics alright. Very nice.

[ScottyB]

No probs mate. Anytime.

Thanks. Yeah, the graphics thing is a big hobby of mine. Just had a peek at my own gallery - didnt realise Ive done so many sigs

Cheers,
Scotty

[TonyB]

If that's your hobby, I'm sure you are exceptional at your profession then. While I have your attention, would you recommend that I use Photoshop to piece together these three elements into one image?

1. sign (courtesy of you!)
2. = (should be able to find one somewhere)
3. smiley face (still looking for the right type, size, quality...)

From what was shared earlier, Photoshop might not be the ideal tool for this. But, if the images don't need much modificaton in size, I'm guessing that it will do the job well. I really appreciate your input!

[ScottyB]

Thanks again. Well the graphics ties in a bit with my work, but unfortunately, no where near as much as I would like

Depends on your experience with graphic editing and the software in general. I wouldnt recommend photoshop for a new user - far too daunting and complicated for starters. I detested it when I first started graphic design, but learned to appreciate it as I gained experience in other software.

All my signatures for example, are created in Macromedia's Fireworks package. VERY powerful, and very simple. For vector drawings - like the twisty sign - I used again, Macromedias Flash. Same reasons.

What you feel comfortable with really.

What exactly is it you would like done? I could give you a hand if you like?

[beej]

Some UK signs! More at www.highwaycode.gov.uk

[TonyB]

My experience with Photoshop is like 2 hours, so I'm highly ignorant. What I learned in those 2 hours was amazing though...

I spent the last 30 minutes copying and pasting into the attached Excel doc to give you an idea as to what I'm after. The top one is probably just too much or too big, so the bottom one is the probably the one that I will find to be most desirable. The smiley face image is not the best, but I just grabbed it from the web to give you an idea...

Again, the plan is to print this on transparent material to stick on the inside of the rear window. That's why too big is not prudent for visibility reasons, so the top image might be too large. If you understand what it is that I'm after, and you really wouldn't mind helping, your assistance would be most appreciated! If it's easy, by all means, but please don't bother if this proves to be difficult...

I just zipped it as an Excel extension is not a valid upload... And even being zipped it is 12 kb to large to attach Heck, maybe I'll try to email it to you. It's 2:30 and I've got to work tomorrow...

Thank you.

[beej]

Sunroof decal anyone? Just knocked these up
I dare you!

[ScottyB]

Quote: Originally Posted by TonyB

I spent the last 30 minutes copying and pasting into the attached Excel doc to give you an idea as to what I'm after. The top one is probably just too much or too big, so the bottom one is the probably the one that I will find to be most desirable. The smiley face image is not the best, but I just grabbed it from the web to give you an idea...

Again, the plan is to print this on transparent material to stick on the inside of the rear window. That's why too big is not prudent for visibility reasons, so the top image might be too large. If you understand what it is that I'm after, and you really wouldn't mind helping, your assistance would be most appreciated! If it's easy, by all means, but please don't bother if this proves to be difficult...

Just did this up using a basic grin smiley as a test.





Just PM me tomorrow if you like and we'll work something out.

The thing to remember too, is the physical size of these stickers will be much smaller than you see then on your screen. Theyre printed at 300dpi (or so) and youre viewing them at 72dpi. So the image I posted above will print out roughly a third the size on paper/decal etc. (That is, without reducing the visible quality).

Scotty

[jwardell]

Curved sign--great idea for a roof banner! Maybe talk to cooperflags.

[rawk]

Nice work ScottyB...

[TonyB]

Boy, I found a creative bunch here! I should visit this Exterior Forum more often I tend to live in the Perfromance Forum... Hey, very nice work beej!

Scotty, you are right on track my friend. I'll drop you a PM later. Getting ready for work now, and really dragging due to lack of sleep. I wonder why

[TonyB]

Oh, where can I see an a nice variety of different types of "smiley" faces? Thanks!

[ScottyB]

Give http://www.clicksmilies.com/ a try