In the Fast Lane

Since the beginning, Jim Conquest;s career has been on the fast track. After years of building race car engines and even taking a few victory laps himself, Conquest jumped head first into the vehicle graphics business, opening his shop, Imagine-It Graphics, in the mid 1990s.

What started as a small production studio for motorcycle helmet decals has since exploded into much more. Today, Conquest is one of the most sought-after vehicle graphics professionals in the country with a client roster that reads like an ESPN NASCAR power ranking.

In an average week, Imagine-It Graphics produces up to 50 yards of printed vinyl graphics for race cars, motorcycles, mountain bikes, trailers, watercraft and more. According to Conquest, the secret to his success is simple.

"If you love what you do, then you attract the business,” he said. “For me, it’s a blast to get up in the morning. I love this stuff.”

To create his masterpieces on wheels, Conquest employs three dedicated Roland printer/cutters, which he keeps running around the clock.

“The ability to print and cut unattended gives me a huge advantage,” he said. “I crank out vehicle graphics on my lunch breaks. Sometimes I even let the devices work after hours while I’m at home sleeping.”

"The ability to print and cut unattended gives me a huge advantage," he said. "I crank out vehicle graphics on my lunch breaks. Sometimes I even let the devices work after hours while I'm at home sleeping."

According to Conquest, Roland print/cut technology is critical to his business, allowing him to produce his intricate graphics in one seamless workflow. He also credits Roland’s complete solution including RIP software, inks, media and profiles for giving his graphics the edge.

In addition to running his business, Conquest serves as a Roland University instructor, passing his years of experience onto others in the industry. His advice for those getting started? Network, network, network.

“In my sessions, I encourage people to join the Roland User Forum,” he said. “There is information in there that you just won’t get anywhere else - everything from emergency workarounds to tips on supplies and equipment.”

He maintains, however, that there is no substitute for experience. “There’s a lot of trial and error involved in learning these skills,” he said. “I always tell my students not to be afraid to experiment with new techniques. And don’t worry about wasting some material along the way. There is no magic pill. You just have to get in there and go for it.”

Meet the Master. Click here for information on Roland University VersaCAMM, SOLJET and Vehicle Graphics workshops featuring Jim Conquest presentations.