That’s a Wrap: Commercial Art / Automotive Collision students collaborate with real-world client

 Mark Weinstein has deep roots in Westchester County. His company, Graphics by Color Group, has been operating in the region for more than 40 years. So, in 2019 when it came time to have his company vehicle wrapped with an eye-catching design, he knew exactly where to go: the Commercial Art Program at Southern Westchester BOCES’ Careers Campus in Valhalla.

“I had auto body work done on my van previously at BOCES, so I knew about the great things these students are capable of,” said Mr. Weinstein. “I immediately thought to reach out again to ask if students can create a unique wrap design for my van.”

Commercial Art Teacher Damian Powers gladly obliged, knowing the collaboration would provide real-world experience for his students, from learning how to meet a client’s vision to understanding how a professional design would appear on a commercial vehicle. He decided to have some fun with the idea by making it into a contest. With the company logo as a starting point, Mr. Powers’ students created various designs, narrowed them down, then submitted the top three to Mr. Weinstein for the final decision.  

“Although one design was selected, we took different elements from various student designs to create one final version,” said Mr. Powers. “With its bright colors and unique pattern, this one really met Mr. Weinstein’s vision.”

Once the final design was chosen, Mr. Powers and Mr. Weinstein connected with Paul Casagrande in the Automotive Collision Program to schedule the printing and installation. Unfortunately, COVID-19 halted production and the project was delayed, and the students who worked on the project have since graduated. But by June 2022, their creation came to fruition and the wrap was ready for installation.      

As the wrap was installed by a third-party company, Mr. Casagrande’s students watched closely, learning the intricacies of automotive vinyl wrapping.

“This is another example of how our students gain real-world experience,” said Mr. Casagrande. The project integrated two of our departments and provided the skills they need to work with outside clients.”   

And Mr. Weinstein couldn’t have been more pleased with the final product.

“From the body work to the design wrap, it feels like a brand-new vehicle, said Mr. Weinstein.” It looks fantastic.”