Fritzsche says most of the projects they work on are due in a day; however, the team enjoys the fast pace.
Serving the real world
Nearly 15 per cent of the shop’s business is, as Fritzsche calls, “real-world” work, such as signage for artists and musicians, banners for tattoo studios, boarding graphics for construction companies, and dimensional signage and vehicle graphics for local area retail and service businesses.
Fritzworks also provides labelling for several small craft breweries in the area, along with designing and building pop-up shops and displays. Sometimes, for these clients, Fritzsche admits with a smile, he accepts payment in beer.
In one way or another, a lot of the shop’s business is related to the arts. Fritzsche has long done work for Capilano University Art School in North Vancouver, producing many final projects for the IDEA School of Design students as well as signage and banners for their annual show. He enjoys working with young artists and often remains their ‘go-to’ printer as their careers continue.
Building community support
“I’ve always wanted the shop to be a part of the community—one that opens its doors to all,” says Fritzsche.
Whenever the movie industry experiences a lull, he hires the graphic designers who typically do film work. In addition, the shop helps with signage and sponsorships for local non-profit and community organizations.
“We sponsor as many local events as possible,” he says.
In addition to demanding high creativity, the film and TV requests Fritzworks receives from the production facilities in Vancouver are almost always rush jobs.
Lately, Fritzworks is doing a lot to support COVID-19-related needs. In addition to implementing its own social-distancing protocols, the company is producing signage for businesses that are transitioning into online order-only operations or those offering free delivery.
“Currently, we are also producing prints for our artist clients. Many are donating their sales proceeds to help first responders,” says Fritzsche.
“Normally this would have been an extremely busy time for us as all the TV pilots would have been filming,” he says. “Now, we are renovating our shop and taking on other projects in the community to help out.”
Ginny Mumm is a freelance consultant for digital inkjet printer/cutter provider Roland DGA. For more information, visit www.rolanddga.com.
