Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Watson.
Hi Mark, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
VistaCraft started back in 1979 as a small screen-printing shop here in Columbus, Georgia. Like a lot of print businesses back then, we were focused on traditional methods and serving our local community. I don’t think anyone could have imagined how much the industry, or our company, would change over the next few decades.
As technology evolved, so did we. We began seeing opportunities in large-format and digital printing early on, and we made the decision to lean into that shift instead of fighting it. That mindset, being willing to adapt, has really defined our journey.
Today, VistaCraft works with businesses across many industries, producing everything from banners and vehicle wraps to trade show displays, decals, point of purchase displays, and custom graphics. While our capabilities have expanded, the heart of the business hasn’t changed. We’re still very much about quality, relationships, and doing things the right way.
“We started out small, doing traditional screen printing, but we quickly saw the opportunity in large-format printing,” I often tell people. “It’s been incredible to watch the industry evolve and to be part of that growth.”
For us, growth hasn’t just been about adding equipment, it’s been about learning, improving, and staying curious. Every major step forward came from asking, How can we do this better for our clients?
One of the biggest factors in our success has been investing in the right technology at the right time. Having advanced equipment allows us to move quickly, maintain quality, and take on projects that require a lot of precision.
Some of the systems that have really shaped our capabilities include:
• Summa Digital Cutting System, which helps us produce highly detailed, custom-cut graphics
• HP Latex 830W, using latex-based inks that are vibrant, durable, and more environmentally friendly
• Zund Swiss Cutting System, which gives us incredible flexibility with both rigid and flexible materials
• EFI VUTEk LX3 Pro, a hybrid printer that lets us print on large substrates with speed and consistency
• Digitech TruFire Flatbed Printer, which has been a game changer for large-scale signage and tight deadlines
• Graphtec FC9000, perfect for intricate jobs like decals
Logan Watson, our Production Coordinator, sees this impact every day. As he puts it, “Having access to technology like the EFI VUTEk and the TruFire allows us to take on complex projects with confidence. It gives us the flexibility to say yes—whether it’s a one-off custom piece or a high-volume job.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. Like most long-standing businesses, our journey has come with its share of challenges. The print industry has changed dramatically over the years, and staying relevant meant constantly adapting, sometimes before we felt fully ready.
One of the biggest struggles was navigating major shifts in technology. Moving from traditional screen printing to digital and large-format printing required significant investment, not just in equipment, but in training and mindset. There’s always risk involved when you commit to new technology, especially in an industry that evolves as fast as ours.
We’ve also faced economic ups and downs, tight deadlines, supply chain disruptions, and the pressure to deliver faster without sacrificing quality. Those moments really test your systems and your team.
That said, every challenge pushed us to improve. We learned how to work smarter, communicate better, and stay focused on what matters most, our clients and our team. Looking back, those tough periods are what shaped VistaCraft into the company it is today. They forced us to grow, and in many ways, they made us stronger.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
VistaCraft is a large-format printing company based in Columbus, Georgia, but what we really do goes beyond printing. We help brands show up in the world, whether that’s through banners, vehicle wraps, event and trade show displays, signage, decals, or fully customized graphic solutions.
We specialize in complex, large-scale projects that require precision, speed, and consistency. Over the years, we’ve become known for our ability to handle high-volume production while still giving every job the attention it deserves. That combination has allowed us to work with everyone from local businesses to large Fortune 500 organizations that depend on reliability and brand consistency across multiple locations.
What sets us apart is how we operate. We’ve invested heavily in advanced printing and finishing technology so we can control quality, meet tight deadlines, and adapt quickly when things change, which they often do at a national level. When you’re producing graphics for large organizations, there’s no room for error. Colors have to match, timelines have to be met, and execution has to be flawless. That’s something we take very seriously.
We’re also a family-owned business, and that influences everything we do. Even when we’re working with national brands and large corporate clients, we don’t lose the personal side of the relationship. Our customers aren’t just order numbers, they’re partners. We communicate clearly, problem-solve quickly, and take ownership of every project from start to finish.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is our reputation. We’re known as a company that delivers what we promise. Clients come to us because they trust us to handle complex projects, tight turnarounds, and high expectations, and to get it right the first time.
What I want readers to know is that VistaCraft is built for scale, but rooted in craftsmanship. Whether we’re producing a nationwide rollout for a Fortune 500 organization or a custom project for a regional client, our approach is the same: quality first, strong communication, and solutions that help our clients succeed.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If I had to narrow it down to one thing, it would be adaptability.
The print industry is constantly changing: technology, materials, customer expectations, and the companies that survive are the ones willing to evolve. From our early days in screen printing to where we are now in large-format and digital production, our success has come from being open to change and willing to invest in what’s next.
That adaptability also shows up in how we serve our clients. No two projects are the same, especially when you’re working with large organizations that have complex needs and tight timelines. Being flexible, responsive, and solutions-focused has allowed us to build long-term relationships based on trust.
At the same time, adaptability only works if it’s paired with consistency. We may evolve, but our commitment to quality, reliability, and personal service never changes. That balance is what has allowed VistaCraft to grow and remain relevant for more than four decades.
Pricing:
- Custom Designs – Pricing Varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vistacraftinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vistacraftinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VistacraftIncorporated
