A few times this month, other parents have asked me a question. More mums/parents are looking at alternative or additional incomes, especially now with the cost of living and childcare costs increasing. It’s no surprise that this question is commonly asked of me.
In this article, I’ll delve into the intricacies of both methods, offering insights into their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
And no, we won’t be diving into the cosmic Koala conundrum.
What is Vinyl and Sublimation?
Vinyl involves cutting designs with a machine, peeling them off, and applying heat to adhere them to various surfaces. Sublimation, on the other hand, entails printing designs onto special paper and transferring them using heat.
What Can I Do?
There is a tonne of stuff that you can do with either.
Both techniques offer a myriad of creative opportunities. Sublimation excels in transferring hand drawings, digital artwork, or photographs onto surfaces like coasters, jigsaw puzzles, and bags. Conversely, vinyl is versatile, allowing intricate designs to be cut and applied to almost any surface.
What’s the Setup?
Starting either venture requires minimal equipment. For vinyl, a cutting machine and heat press suffice, while sublimation necessitates a printer, ink, paper, and a heat press. Initial costs for both range from £300 to £500, with sublimation setups typically costing slightly more.
Space Required for Equipment
This was one of my biggest worries. Where am I going to put it all?
Consider the space needed for equipment placement. Sublimation equipment, particularly clam presses, is heavy and requires stable placement. Vinyl equipment, while lighter, can still occupy considerable space but offers more mobility.
Do I Need to Learn Anything New?
Sublimation is relatively straightforward, involving printing, pressing, and minimal trial and error. Vinyl, however, demands proficiency in specialised software, precise cutting, and meticulous application, resulting in a steeper learning curve.
Can I Work it Around Childcare?
This is my main question. And probably is the question that lead you to read this blog post (and I thank you so much if you got this far)
And the answer is yes.
Both methods offer flexibility for parents to work around childcare schedules. Sublimation may be more time-efficient, as designs can be quickly printed and pressed. However, vinyl allows for more intricate designs, albeit with additional time and effort.
When my son was napping I was able to process orders, print off designs and start packing as he slept soundly. I would then do pressing in the evening or on days he was at nursery. Now the naps are gone I can still work around him, just be prepared to be interrupted (a lot) to open a banana.
Decision
Ultimately, the choice between sublimation and vinyl hinges on personal preferences and time constraints. While sublimation offers ease of use and durability, vinyl provides versatility in design. Consider your workflow, space limitations, and desired outcomes before making a decision.
I went with sublimation, simply because I didn’t have the time to individually cut out different colours of vinyl, put it all together and then place it on a suitable surface. It was quick and easy to set up and get going. Another attraction was that it allowed me to use photographs and hand drawings on products allowing me to offer more personal products to potential customers.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for sublimation or vinyl, embarking on a creative business venture can be rewarding. By weighing the advantages and drawbacks of each method, you can select the approach that aligns best with your skills, resources, and lifestyle
All hail the cosmic Koala!
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