Sticker Wizard elevates independent printing with Roland DG technology
Sticker Wizard | Portsmouth, UK
Founded during the COVID-19 lockdown in Portsmouth, Sticker Wizard is an independent print business built on creativity, speed and quality. Led by founder Chris Jamieson, the company has grown from a bedroom-based start-up into a trusted supplier for global brands including Nike, Adidas, TikTok and Marc Jacobs.
“The VS-300i was the machine that gave me the confidence to say yes to bigger projects.”
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.
Founded by Chris Jamieson, a print professional with more than 20 years’ experience, Sticker Wizard began as a side project during lockdown. Starting from a bedroom studio, the business has rapidly evolved into a respected print provider serving both independent designers and internationally recognised brands. At the heart of this growth is a carefully selected fleet of Roland DG print-and-cut solutions.
From hobbyist to professional print provider
Chris’s relationship with Roland DG began long before Sticker Wizard, when he first used a Roland printer while working at a signage company. That familiarity proved invaluable when launching his own business. His first investment was a Roland DG VersaSTUDIO BN-20 desktop printer/cutter, ideal for producing short-run 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.”
As demand increased, Chris upgraded to the Roland DG VersaCAMM VS-300i, a 30-inch printer/cutter that marked a major turning point. The VS-300i enabled higher volumes, more complex jobs and faster turnaround times, allowing Sticker Wizard to confidently take on larger and more demanding briefs.
Expanding capabilities with UV printing
As the client base expanded to include design agencies and global brands, demand grew for specialty materials and finishes. To meet these expectations, 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.”
UV technology has also supported a more sustainable workflow. By printing directly onto a wide range of substrates and reducing the need for additional finishing processes, Sticker Wizard minimises waste while maximising creative freedom.
Software and support that scales
To handle increasing order volumes and speed up production, Chris recently added a Roland DG TrueVIS VG3 large-format printer/cutter. Temporarily installed at a secondary location ahead of a move to larger premises, the VG3 delivers the width, speed and unattended production capabilities required for bulk orders.
For Chris, Roland DG’s ecosystem extends beyond hardware. VersaWorks RIP software has played a central role in keeping production efficient and reliable.
“I’ve used VersaWorks from the very beginning, and it just works,” he says. “Even with multiple machines running unattended, I know it can handle long runs without a hitch.”
The latest VersaWorks 7 software offers advanced features such as variable data printing, multiple print queues and access to Roland DG’s Color System and PANTONE® libraries – essential tools for ensuring consistent brand colour reproduction across every job.
The Roland DG difference
Reliability and support have been just as important as performance. Chris highlights Roland DG’s hardware stability, training resources and responsive service as key reasons for continuing to invest in the brand.
“I’ve left print runs going all day and overnight and never had to worry,” he explains. “The machines and software feel like part of a single system, backed by people who understand the challenges small businesses face.”
Looking ahead
Sticker Wizard is now preparing for its next phase of growth, with plans to consolidate its production into a larger commercial space. Future investment will include a Roland DG LG-540 UV twin-head printer, further expanding UV capacity and creative possibilities.
The LG-540 combines high-resolution print quality up to 1,440 dpi with EUV5 inks, offering white, gloss and vibrant spot colours. This will enable Sticker Wizard to produce premium stickers with textures, varnishes and embossed effects, while supporting direct printing on a wide variety of substrates.
“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 complete marketing design collaboration.”
Sticker Wizard’s journey reflects the resilience and innovation of the UK’s new generation of independent businesses – combining creativity, sustainability and technology to build something truly distinctive.
To discover the full range of Roland DG printing solutions, visit rolanddg.eu.