Is this starter kit right for me?

[Libby]

Hi I run a charity aimed at getting young people off the streets and into positive pursuits.

We are running an experimental photography project this month and some of their work will be going on exhibition at a number of venues and outlets. Framed photos will be on sale at between £20 - £30 put I figured the mugs could prove a real winner for those looking to spend a lot less. We also have some retail space and could offer various mugs there too as well as online and via our website.

I've searched the net for a suitable starter kit and although I've put the Coral 4 mug press with Ricoh Sublimation Printer SG3110DN I into my basket three times I have suffered last minute nerves and have yet to proceed to checkout!

I would be responsible for setting the kit up and making the mugs. I worry about my ability - especially when it comes to putting the templates together and to the choice I've all but made re the kit. Has anyone else purchased the coralgraph starter kit and if so is this (in your opinion) the right choice for us? Alternatively, if anyone has any other suggestions I would love to hear them. The bottom line is we have no money and this would have pay for itself. I also think the kids would enjoy watch the process as their work transfers onto a mug. I love the whole concept but dare not waste our limited funds. Please help!

[Paul]

You cant go wrong with ricoh. An parently there is no need for an maintanace at all so this is what you really need i think.

[viccar]

I bought the coral graph 4 mug starter kit was up and running by the end of the day.
and it was free p&p. (bought in early november)
I did have a problem with the blanket, but they sent a new one out free of charge within 2 days, (cant say fairer than that)
and have pressed about 150 mugs and about a couple of hundred other items (flatbed)

The software was a BIG learning curve for me, as i wasnt used to graphics programs.
The only thing I personaly wish i had done differently is upgraded to a mug press that takes different size blankets for different size mugs.

Like i said ive only had this since November so early days, but im impressed and would consider it as a good starter package.

[Libby]

Thanks so much for your feedback. Using graphics software is my biggest worry! Are there any downloadable template we could access? Also could you tell me if the Coral 4 mug press is good for both 10 and 11 oz mugs? One last question - any idea where the cheapest mailing boxes are available - brown or white?

Thanks again I really do appreciate your help so much.

[Paul]

search for smash proof boxes and i am sure it will come up with some ideas
what graphic software you planing to use? if you decide to go for ricoh then your choice will be much wider

you can also download some ready made templates in size of your blanks. Some may differ a little in size tho... you can also find links to them on this forum.

[logobear]

your decision on software for design is the biggest issue, making mugs is easy, getting the design right ...... maybe you can get an old version of corel draw. If you get Powerdriver with the Richo then you could even use word/powerpoint, but not ideal....

[Libby]

Wow - this is site is good and so are its members - thanks again! The software is my biggest worry I don'y have a clue. I will order the coral 4 kit tomorrow with the printer. I really need the simplest design or template solution - one especially good for idiots would be perfect for me and my limited skills. I have endless hi res images so content won't be an issue, I'm just hopeless and getting images into correct sized areas and setting up the correct sized boxes etc. Any advice on where I can find links to ready made templates to begin with and would I need the same programme to open them and work with them?

[Paul]

as i said you can find them sticky on forum but here they are: http://www.dyesubforum.co.uk/vbforum/sh ... -photoshop

Also reference our software i would recommend to go for Adobe photoshop elements 10 or older as the can be found on offer. this will get ou going with templates and very easy to use for raster grphic.

[logobear]

while others may disagree, I don't think there is a need for templates as we treat each design on its own merits. You will probably need to crop and ajust your photos, and a means to add artistic text. Working space is approx 7.5cm high and 19cm wide, you can create a page this size and work on that, or mark that space out on a larger page and keep within that area.
Photoshop elements is a good suggestion

[viccar]

Yes the coral 4 prints 10 and 11oz mugs.

I bought photoshop elements for £10 and it does fine for my printing needs.
look on youtube for "lessons" and spend a few day watching videos. bookmark the good ones and try as you go along.

This forum and its members have been a great help to me and im sure they will be to you too.