The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the UK business landscape, sparking a surge in entrepreneurship. The number of UK start-ups grew by 22% during the pandemic, with four in five firms reporting no plans to wind down. According to a joint report by CBI Economics and NatWest Group, these businesses are also 20% more likely to embrace sustainability than their predecessors, potentially adding more than £20 billion to the UK economy in the years ahead.
Against this backdrop, Sticker Wizard emerged as one of the many success stories born in lockdown. Founded in Portsmouth by Chris Jamieson, a print professional with more than 20 years of print experience, over a decade of which was within the events industry, Sticker Wizard has evolved from a one-man bedroom operation into a trusted supplier for global brands including Nike, Adidas, TikTok and Marc Jacobs. At the core of this growth is a commitment to creativity, quality and quick turnaround, utilising cutting-edge Roland DG print technology.
Turning a hobby into professional printing with Roland DG
Chris’s journey with Roland DG began when he first used a Roland DG printer at a signage company. During lockdown, he launched Sticker Wizard as a side project, initially investing in the Roland DG VersaSTUDIO BN-20 desktop printer/cutter to produce small runs of stickers for friends and online marketplaces.
“I started making simple designs based on cultural moments, and they just took off,” Chris recalls. “The BN-20 was brilliant to start with, but I quickly realised I needed something bigger and faster. The VS-300i gave me that flexibility.”
As Sticker Wizard grew beyond small runs, Chris recognised the need for a machine that could handle higher volumes and faster production. His next investment was the Roland DG VersaCAMM VS-300i, a 30-inch printer/cutter that marked a turning point for the business.
“The VS-300i was a real step up,” Chris explains. “Suddenly I could take on more complex briefs and deliver them at the quality and speed clients expected. It was the machine that gave me the confidence to say yes to bigger projects.”
Roland DG VersaUV LEC2-330 expands UV printing capabilities
As Sticker Wizard’s client list grew to include design agencies and global brands, so too did the demand for unique materials and finishes. To meet this demand, Chris invested in the Roland DG VersaUV LEC2-330 UV printer/cutter.
“Anything quirky – chrome, fluorescent, specialty vinyl – goes straight through the UV printer,” Chris explains. “It gives me confidence that no matter how demanding the brief, I can reproduce colours and finishes exactly as clients expect.”
The LEC2’s UV technology also reflects a wider pandemic-born business trend toward sustainability and waste reduction. By allowing direct printing on diverse substrates and eliminating the need for additional processes, Chris minimises waste whilst expanding his creative offering.
Roland DG VersaWorks software streamlines print workflows
To handle larger orders and speed up production, Chris has recently added a Roland DG TrueVIS VG3 large-format printer/cutter.
Temporarily housed in a separate location to his main studio, pending a move to a new premises providing office and larger studio workspace combined, the VG3 delivered the speed, width, and unattended production capability needed to fulfil bulk orders.
For Chris, Roland DG’s printers are only half the story. The other half lies in the software and support ecosystem that keeps his production running smoothly.
“I’ve used VersaWorks from the very beginning, and it just works,” Chris says. “Even with multiple machines running unattended, I’ve always been comfortable in the knowledge that VersaWorks can handle long runs without a hitch. It’s intuitive, solid, and gives me full control over colour matching and job management.”
The latest VersaWorks 7 RIP software supports advanced features such as variable data printing, five print queues for efficient workflow, and direct access to Roland DG’s Color System and PANTONE libraries. These tools are essential for Sticker Wizard, whose clients demand precise reproduction of brand colours across every project.
Chris also points to Roland DG’s reliable hardware support and training resources as a key factor in his decision to stick with the brand: “I’ve left print runs going all day and overnight and never had to worry. The machines and software feel like part of a single system, backed by people who understand the challenges small businesses face.”
Together, this combination of robust hardware, powerful software, and responsive support has enabled Sticker Wizard to scale production without sacrificing quality – something many independent businesses struggle to achieve.
Looking Ahead
Chris is looking forward to the move into the larger commercial space, consolidating his growing Roland DG fleet into one professional hub. Future investment plans will include an up-specced Roland DG LG-540 UV twin-head printer, which will further accelerate UV production capacity.
The LG-540 represents the latest generation of Roland’s large-format solutions, combining high-resolution print quality up to 1,440 dpi with the creative power of EUV5 inks. With options for white, gloss, and vibrant spot colours, the LG-540 enables unlimited production of premium stickers with special effects such as textures, varnishes, and embossed finishes. Its advanced UV technology also supports direct printing on a wide variety of substrates, giving Sticker Wizard more scope to deliver standout designs for clients who demand something unique.
“The LG-540 will accelerate my UV production and give me even more flexibility,” Chris says. “In five years, I see Sticker Wizard as a small but highly professional team, offering not just printing but also complete marketing design collaboration, through to an installation service for larger material. Roland DG has been with me every step of the way, from my first BN-20 to large-format UV and TrueVIS solutions. They will continue powering my growth.”
Sticker Wizard’s journey reflects not just personal determination but also the resilience and innovation of the UK’s new wave of pandemic-born businesses – ventures that are expected to add billions to the economy while embracing more sustainable practices than ever before.
