Luis Vivas, founder and CEO of VIVAS Inc. in San Francisco, California, has long been renowned for producing outstanding graphics using state-of-the-art printing equipment. He’s also a strong believer in the opportunities created by education, and together with Roland DGA, Lane Displays Inc., and Bay Area Community Resources, he recently participated in an exciting graphics project for the nearly 100-year-old Sherman Elementary School in San Francisco, called the “Stairwell of Imagination” project.
We talked with Luis about the reasons he undertook this project, what production tools he used, and how he and his team were able to print and install this massive set of graphics, all while working within a tight timeframe.
What initially attracted you to the Stairwell of Imagination project?
Luis Vivas: We saw this project as an opportunity to help transform the otherwise drab space, the three-story entry stairwell for the school, into something truly extraordinary. The idea of enhancing the school environment with vibrant graphics and fostering creativity and imagination among students was incredibly appealing to us.
You have an arsenal of printing equipment available in your shop. How did you choose which ink type to use?
For this project, when determining which production tool to use for printing the vibrant graphics, we opted for latex printing due to its versatility, eco-friendliness, and ability to produce high-quality prints with vivid colors. Additionally, latex printing offers durability and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for a high-traffic area like a school staircase.
Latex printing provides several advantages for both our production and for the school. For us, it offers faster production times, improved print quality, and enhanced color consistency. For the school, latex prints are eco-friendly, odorless, and resistant to fading, ensuring long-lasting visual appeal for the graphics.
What were the challenges with this type of project?
Some of the overall challenges for this project included logistical coordination, surface preparation, and ensuring precise alignment of the graphics on the stairwell walls. However, through careful planning, communication, and teamwork, we were able to overcome these challenges and deliver outstanding results.
How long did production take?
It took us approximately two weeks to complete production, from pre-press preparation to final output. We prioritized efficiency without compromising on quality to meet the project's deadlines. Altogether, we produced graphics for the walls of a three-story entry stairwell, covering a total area of 2,900 square feet.
Which media did you use?
For this project, we utilized high-quality vinyl media specifically designed for latex printing. This media offers excellent printability, durability, and vibrant color reproduction, ensuring the longevity and visual impact of the graphics.
How did the graphics turn out?
The prints turned out exceptionally well, with vibrant colors and precise details. Thanks to the advanced color management capabilities of our latex printing technology, we were able to accurately reproduce all the colors required for the graphics, achieving the desired visual impact.
How long did the installation take?
Our installation team worked diligently over seven days to ensure the graphics were flawlessly applied to the staircases. A dedicated team of professionals from our company was responsible for the installation. Their expertise and attention to detail were instrumental in ensuring a seamless and efficient installation process.
How was the project received?
Our sense of the finished project was one of immense satisfaction and pride. Seeing the transformation of the school's staircases into vibrant, engaging spaces filled us with joy, knowing that we had created an environment that would inspire and uplift students for years to come.
We are incredibly proud of the Stairwell of Imagination project and the positive impact it has had on the school community. It was a privilege to be part of this transformative endeavor, and we look forward to continuing to create meaningful experiences through our innovative printing solutions.
