Okay folks, since just recently I had a bit of confusion over measurements, I'm going to give a rundown on that, as well as some technical details on what I can and cannot do!
Graphics:
I can of course do pretty much anything, I work in vectors, so unless there's bitmap pieces in there, you should not see a single pixel. I generally insert bitmaps only when time/money is a factor, and a very complex image (ex from a game flyer) is to be inserted. That being said even bitmaps are upsampled and adjusted for best results.
Printing:
I can print onto 5.5mil, (0,14mm) pvc decals. Can be applied wet or dry, I prefer dry myself. Laminating is a must. The laminate used I think is 2 or 3 mil, good for control panels aswell.
Marquees, monitor bezels:
I have a solution for these that is much more lasting then traditional methods, but that's for you to decide. You can see results on the above photos, they're pretty amazing.
The methods basically is to 'sandwitch' a decal between two, thinner planes of glass. Chances are that if you're refurbing or making your own cabinet, you will need to have the glass cut to size anyways... so have two pieces of half the thickness, apply the decal to one, then lay the other atop. This way the artwork is protected from dust, grime and dirt, and marquees look -much- sharper, and less washed out when backlit, while still letting through quite enough light.
I can NOT print onto cardboard or translite material, but I will still design them of course.
What I need to get started on your custom artwork:
-A general idea of the cabinet:
A few pictures will do, just so I know what style to stick to, so as to suit the shapes and base colours.
-A general concept of the required artwork:
Simpler often looks better. It's cheaper too. The more variables, the more time and money it takes to create. I need to know if you want it oriented around a single game, a multicade-style theme, or a certain game system/manufacturer. The latter usually look better with more simple, 'industrial' designs (see Neo Geo above) while the game oriented generally tend to require more details. If you have a general idea of what you'd like done that I can work with, describe it in as much detail as you can.
-Measuring(!!!):
If you want anything more then a simple square decal, you will need to take measurements, and even if so, any places that have bolts, cutouts, etc need to be marked as precisely as possible for optimum results. So to avoid any future confusions, below are guides for measuring different parts.
The main idea is to measure -everything- you intend to keep on the cab after the new artwork, and their distance from a fixed point, so that I can create a mockup to work over. A hand drawing and a photo is just as good as a computer drawing, it's the measurements that need to be accurate.
Examples:
Control panel:
Measure the CP area first. Then measure the diameter of -all- holes (D1,D2,D3). In case of joys, the actual hole diameter, in case of bolts and buttons, the diameter of the button/bolt head. Afterwards, measure the distance of the approximate center of said items both vertically and horizontally from the -same- corner of the cp. It can be any corner, just keep all measurements to the same corner(see D3 measured from the upper right corner on pic below).
Cocktail overlay:
Measure the actual size of the -overlay- you want (no need for the full table size if you only want something directly around the monitor or such) X1, X2 on drawing below. Then measure the monitor cutout size (X3,X4), and measure ONE corner of the cutout both vertically and horizontally from the SAME corner of the OVERLAY you want(X5 X6 on drawing).
Cabinet side:
This is the most complicated of all. First you will be measuring vertically, measure the distance of -every- corner of the cabinet side from the bottom edge, mark each point with a name (a,b,c etc), then do the same from the back edge (which is hopefully straight, perpendicular to the bottom edge) adding the measurements according to the previous markings. Make sure to keep your measuring tape as straight as possible, and as horizontal, or vertical as possible. The more accurate this is, the more accurate linings I can create along the edges of the cab side.
I'd generally prefer milimeters for measurements, but can work inches too if it's a must.