While there are no absolute “right” or “wrong” ways to make an itasha, there are always to make it better and to optimize the look of your car. At the end of the day though, you should be the one who is the most proud and happy with your itasha.
WHERE DO I BEGIN?
CAR CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle Color
Many people think that white is the easier color to work with for itasha. Silver or other light colors are also popular choices, but any good itasha can incorporate the car’s original paint color into the design. If the car has just recently been painted, be sure to wait long enough for it to have dried and cured completely or vinyl may ruin the paint when removing the vinyl. If you absolutely cannot work with your car’s factory paint color, a full wrap can be considered.​​
Vehicle Model
This is strictly a personal choice. As with anything, there are ends and you may notice Honda Civics, Toyota 86s are common platforms. You may want to consider that large vehicles will cost more in supplies and/or labor costs.
Year/Reliability
While we can’t always pick and choose the newest model car, you want to make sure your car is in good condition; you don’t want to spend time, effort and money into your itasha only for your engine to blow, parts to fall off, or be unsafe to drive.
Cost
Have a realistic budget you are willing to spend on your itasha. There are many things to consider that will affect the quality of the end product. It may be better to spend extra for quality vinyl than finding the least expensive option. Some people only spend a few hundreds of dollars whereas some people may spend thousands. It all depends how you envision your idea.
Storage
Where is your vehicle stored when you’re not driving it? The most ideal location is in a garage in a cool, dry place, but again that’s not always possible. Keep in mind: do you drive the car daily or just occasionally? Where do you park for work/school? At home? Do you have to park in crowded areas often where it may be prone to scratches or other damage? What is the weather like where you live? All of these can affect the longevity of the itasha vinyls and car itself.
DESIGNING THE LIVERY
Who will be designing the livery?
Do they need to be commissioned?
Do they have the skill or resources necessary for a vector or high resolution design? How soon do you need it?
PRINTING THE VINYL
You want to find a print shop or person who specializes in quality automobile vinyl printing. Make sure you know the quality of the vinyl and how long it will last (1 year? 5 years?). No printer? Some itasha are made with only cut vinyl! Make sure vinyl can withstand outdoor temperature and weather conditions.
CUTTING THE VINYL
Will it be cut with a machine or by hand? Does the print shop offer cutting services? If the print shop is not applying the vinyl, be sure to go with the preference of whoever is applying the vinyl.
​
APPLYING THE VINYL
Not all print shops will do automobile/vehicle vinyl application and not all car wrapping specialists will do the vinyl printing. You may need to find someone experienced in applying vinyl specifically to vehicles.
PRINTING THE VINYL
Keeping the vinyl in good condition along with keeping your car in the ideal conditions/environment is essential. Waterless car wash is a quick solution if you can’t fully or properly wash your car right away. You may want to do a spot test with any cleaners or products in an inconspicuous spot of your car in case it causes fading or damage to the vinyl. Do not use harsh chemical cleansers on vinyl.