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Source: https://www.todayonline.com/voices/no-degree-required-vinyl-car-wrap-woman-chauvinism-prejudice-manual-work-2333586 Singaporeans are increasingly seeking out meaningful, skilled labour, amid a growing push for better recognition and pay for such professions. TODAY’s Voices section is publishing first-hand accounts of young Singapore residents who have chosen careers in manual trades and are thriving. Here, Ms Tsuri Xie, 34, recounts her career transition from a marketing job to installing vinyl wraps on cars. Drawn to the creative process, she picked up skills and managed to win fans on social media by sharing videos of her work. Negative comments, as well as chauvinism from those who think women know little about cars, don’t discourage her from pursuing her craft, she writes. I graduated from Lasalle College of the Arts with a Communication Design degree in 2010. As a student, I envisioned myself entering the creative or media industry. I found myself in marketing instead, and after some years landed a senior role in an international company. Despite the attractive compensation, nothing quite satisfied the itch to create. Along the way, I began investing in startups. In 2016, I invested in a now defunct automotive company called Fox Motorworks. That was where I first encountered vinyl wrapping, and the process intrigued me. I began playing around with scrap vinyl material, but not very seriously because it was a lot harder than it looked. Amid the pandemic in 2020, I left my job to set up a digital marketing firm. The founders of my current workplace, Vos Automotive, approached me then to join them as a marketer. It was a bold move for me, but the opportunity was a breath of fresh air. Shortly after, I closed my venture and joined Vos as a founding member. Like many businesses, we found it hard to hire skilled labour. This was my chance to start learning vinyl wrapping more seriously. At the end of 2020, I spoke to Vos’ owners about becoming a vinyl wrap installer. They gave me their blessing. I began by watching online videos and referencing those techniques against what other seasoned installers were teaching me. I also joined online communities where professional installers share tips with one another. That same year, I started recording videos myself at work for my own review. A friend suggested uploading them onto TikTok. I didn’t think too much of it but did it anyway. Before long, they grew in popularity, garnering millions of views. This gave me the assurance to push myself further. There were also many negative comments, which would affect my mental state adversely, but I tried to take them constructively as much as possible. I enjoy seeing every car as a creative canvas. Initially, being able to even complete a job gave me an unparalleled sense of achievement. After wrapping professionally for three years — and completing over a hundred projects — a finished design is still extremely satisfying to me. Some of my more memorable designs include a graphic anime-styled wrap, a BMW 4 series wrapped in marble print and a Mercedes G-Wagon wrapped in faux leather vinyl. A typical day involves planning and measuring the materials used, cleaning, designing and installing. The schedule can be demanding, especially during peak Fortunately, I have a team to assist me. Many of my teammates are my teachers too. New methods are always being discovered. Making progress means being willing to learn — never become the old dog that can’t learn new tricks. Unfortunately, chauvinism is very real in the male-dominated automotive industry. I have encountered many people who assume that women know little about cars. I’ve found that I need to prove my worth in this industry, as some clients do not trust a woman to work on their vehicles. Creative work is challenging work. While we strive for perfection, anything handmade is hardly perfect. Sadly, not everyone appreciates this and can be overly demanding. Additionally, prejudice against blue-collared work exists in Singapore. I have experienced many white-collared professionals talking down to my team and I. In fact, some who acted like my close friends despised me for going into blue-collared work. There was much chatter about me when I entered this trade. This does not stop me from pursuing my passion. To me, every wrap is a work of art. Seeing a satisfied owner further assures me that my decision was worth it. I’m thankful for my friends and family who truly supported me. Today, these are the same people who are telling their friends now they know me personally. To those wanting to enter the trade, be prepared to work on your posture or end up getting endless backaches. Be warned, too, that it is not a financially rewarding trade — the business is hardly scalable and anyone looking to make a quick buck should turn away. Passion is the only thing that will keep your fire going.

I am looking to print my own car decals and vinyl stickers. Any good place to recommend?

Is it possible to spray the interior car cabin (plastic parts) from beige to black? The dashboard is black, but below is beige. Stock is two tone color. Want to convert to all black

Upon requests for SG50 decals, we have came up with our SG50 decals for sale. It's selling like hotcakes. Get one today for your ride to celebrate our memorable 50 years of independence. They are available in $5 and $10 sizes. Please call up 6341 6164 for more info.

when you are dealing with OPC, esp related to number plate, it is a pain, due to the security seal. was told to replace this during inspection. but to replace means i gotta spend $200 to get the seal broken at LTA, replace the plates then go back to LTA to reapply the seal. that is extremely expensive for plate replacement. are there cheaper alternative besides hand painting the numbers with white paint? i heard of stickers. but scared those will peel after awhile. and BTW, how much does those stickers cost? any idea? Any advise is welcomed.

FREE RED LKY tribute Decal / We Love SG50 car Decal Giveaway (20th August 2015) Thursday With many requests from public. We will distribute FREE SG50 and Red LKY tribute CAR decals again tomorrow at 12pm onwards till stock last. FREE of charge. 20 August 2015, Thursday 12pm till 4pm only It's a sticker so it can be applied on any surfaces. Make your trip down DM2 Kaki Bukit tomorrow Dynamics Mechanic 2 Call us at 63416164 (Synergy@KB. 25 kaki bukit rd 4. #01-36) For more updates, like us on Facebook :- Www.facebook.com/dynamicsmechanic

*****RED FREE LKY Tribute Decal ******* With requests from public again. We might distribute the FREE red tribute decals soon. Please comment if you support and we will need to see the demand response for it before we determine the campaign. Give us a page like if you have not, for lastest updates on the distribution dates :- Www.facebook.com/dynamicsmechanic Www.facebook.com/dmvinyl Like this post till 1000 likes and we will start the production. Please share this post out. We will need to see the response before we determine the free campaign again. Thanks.

Hi all, these are the places whereby you can get free LKY decals =) 1) Dynamics Mechanic Garage - Vinyl Dynamics Synergy @ KB25 Kaki Bukit Rd 4, #01-36 S417800 Tel: 6341 6164 2) Wrapstyle 8 Kaki Bukit Avenue 4 #05-01/02 Premier @ Kaki Bukit Singapore 415875 3) CarbonRevo - no more stocks Please add on if you know other places that give out free LKY decals

hi guys, I got a roll of headlamp film that I bought from sonic racing a while ago, went to Juzzwheelz at bukit merah as recommended by sonic to install on my headlamps. Juzzwheelz did for me 2 years ago for 20 or 30$ and was now quoted 50$ to do the same job. materials are provided by me. any other alternative that I can go to instead of this joint?

My car comes with OEM decals, or decals that were installed by the manufacturer. They are rather small decals placed. I like them a lot and I want to preserve them for as long as I can. Lately the decals are showing signs of peeling off. Any sort of thing I can do to protect these decals? Like a clear coat sticker to paste over them??

Hi Bros n Sis, Another to recommend for the above, got 2 x Liteace to do up. Cheers.

No need pics, let me just describe it...... Recently saw a few matt black cars with about 5-6 individual decals on the rear bumper.... nothing unusual except these decals have a light-coloured cross pasted over each of them.... and at nite, these crosses stand out as the light-color crosses in daylight turn into luminous RED crosses when the headlight of the cars behind shine on them!!! Are anyone using such decals+luminous crosses?? or seen them?

anyone noes where to do customised decals? wordings w/o designs de all ok..thanks!

Hi, any know of any place where I can buy car decals to decorate the windscreen ? Thanks.

Bros, Does anyone know where to get new Mediacorp Radio decals? I've tried google and the search function but it does not seemed to give me the answer. Thanks for sharing.

hey bros, anyone know where got sell bigger size decals (not sticker)

Hello all, I have some car decals left over from a community effort I participated in. The message is "Go Safe Online", how to make your cyber experience more secure. Go to http://gosafeoneline.sg to find out. Thing is, I got these free from the organizers, and so would like to return to the community. But rather than people coming to me individually, I'd prefer to distribute on a single day, single location... just like how the radio stations give out decals. Or anyone has any other ideas (free of course). Please reply this thread to signal your interest (sorry, one per member). Last count, I have 30 decals... I wished I had more.

Saw a Ist at pasir ris with manchester united decals..very nice..anyone noes where to get it?? its pasted at the rear windscreen..

Hi ppl, Any one have BRAND NEW MCF decals left? do let me know. The price is still at $3 right? Thanks!

Would anyone here have any idea where I can get nice Cartoon Stickers & Decals? Stickers like Loony Toons, Betty Boop, etc...

any1 know where 2 buy dem? wen 2 air force museum but the shop always close n the owner nvr bother 2 reply wen sms

Hi good morning. Just sold my ride and the buyer want the decal removed. Anyone can help? Will the removed sticker damage the paint work? Thanks

Hi guys Decals are available. Pricing cannot confirm now, have to depend on quantity (But should be around $6 - $7) Please state your interest + quantity needed. 1.

As above mentioned, i would like to get 1 to stick on my car... Anybody knows? Thanks...

Rode to work today as I was late. From a distance can see a few cars signalling left from extreme right lane. It's along aye towards ecp during peak hour about 9am. When I got closer a wish and stream was trying to filter left but to no avail due to traffic.. Then I realised what happen.....this Hyundai atos open up a cap of at least 20 car lenght This is driving those behind him nuts man!! Peak hour, 20 car lenght gap, highbeams.... it is impossible driver in his forties with specs didn't realise, with his left hand on the steering, right elbow rested on window edge and right cheek relaxing on right plam... Wah..........Really Hippi man! Hair a bit messy, relax and not bothered with the world.. Flowers decals all over car with one BIG one on bonnet.....Hip man...Should drive a VW van instead. I am not upset as i just rode pass and a sudden clear stretch of road for my tyres to chew. What I am trying to ask is....WHY THE FARK GOT PEOPLE LIKE THAT?? What is he thinking and doing? Why Why Why.....anyway alot of funny people in this world Were you behind this guy this morning? and ya...if i were to be driving today.....I AM IN JAIL NOW FOR TWISTING HIS HEAD OFF....