The process started with a brainstorm, which led me to the idea of a decal for my electric bass guitar, which I decided to use because I am too attached to my 6-string as it is. I then created the sketch and outline (ignore my incorrect spelling of the word bass).
From here I used Adobe illustrator to make the template for my vinyl project. I used a combination of clip art images from the internet and the tools on illustrator to create this image. The AC/DC logo was later resized.
After this, I put the file on a USB drive, saved as a CS6 file so that it can run on the laptop that is connected to the vinyl cutter. Once I got down to the vinyl cutter I set it up first with the black vinyl and ran my largest section, then we loaded white and I ran the other body piece, and then finally red to cut out the logo.
After this I weeded the red logo and covered it in transfer tape in order for it to travel safely and be ready to be attached when it could be.
Then from here, I placed the white vinyl onto transfer tape. Then I placed it onto my larger black vinyl piece in order to prepare it for the final placing. I know that I will have to cut these in half later and also cut out parts of it in order to make it fit around parts of the guitar and under its strings. Note- due to the transfer tape constantly trying to roll up on my there were many bubbles, and I had to peel back the vinyl and reaply it one half at a time.
At this point I have to bring home the vinyl to try and attach this to my bass guitar. This took a lot of cutting and adjusting, and I removed the strings instead of cutting it in half. I used a paper towel to trace the objects in the way and then transferred that over to the vinyl and cut it.
Note: as you can see in the third picture I had to make a last minute change in shape in order to fit it on the bass, and I also liked the way it looked better anyways.
Note: as you can see in the third picture I had to make a last minute change in shape in order to fit it on the bass, and I also liked the way it looked better anyways.
On this project I learned a lot of things. First of all I learned how to resize a duplicated image in Illustrator to make one fit in the other. It took a lot of experimenting, but I was able to do it. The next most important thing that I learned is that it is best to roll on the vinyl to avoid bubbles. I learned this the hard way... twice. I also learned ways to roll with the punches when your design isn't perfect on the first shot, and I am very happy with my outcome.