Some questions about applying artwork to an Arcade Cabinet

[ArcadeSeeker962]

I'm currently in the process of looking for ways I can apply artwork to my MAME cabinet that me and my father are working on. I did try contacting a graphic designer that my sister knows to see if the graphic designer could help at all, but so far no response about my request. I looked at the sticky threads, and I read that Photoshop is recommended for Arcade cabinet artwork design, so that might be my choice. The cabinet itself will be made out of wood, along with the shell of the control panel. Can a photo-shop designed concept be applied to a Cabinet made out of wood. If so, what's the best version for that and how much does it run for?

[GregD]

For me, the artwork was the most difficult part.  You don't need photoshop.  Gimp and Inkscape can be used and they are free.  You do need some know-how and it is easier to alter a template than create something new from scratch.  There are plenty of control panel overlays available at Gameongraphx.com.  They aren't cheap but they are high quality.

[ArcadeSeeker962]

Okay, thank you for helping me out. I'll check out those different forms of software.

[wol-nz]

Depending on what you are after - i have a few downloadable artworks scattered around here. These may give some inspiration or be a complete pain the ass 
Art work for me is always the hardest thing to get right and be happy with.

Just to clarify as i'm not sure you understand the art -> cabinet relationship

You can create art work with any software - hell, you can even do it in MS paint
The real trick is making sure the artwork is the right size - no use creating a master piece that is only A4 in size and doesn't cover your control panel.
I find photoshop great as i create the size from the get go and measure in the components. BUT GIMP is an awesome free alternative and it open photoshop files as well.
Then it is sending the artwork to a printery (quite a few to choose from these days) i use gameongraphix.com as my art comes back exactly at the correct size and colourings.
The printed artwork is printed to an adhesive backed vinyl (like a big old sticker) peal it and stick it on.

Just make sure you prepare the wood surface well - sealed with paint, free from bumps and dust and all that (there are tuts on this somewhere here)

I hope that helps some

[ArcadeSeeker962]

I find photoshop great as i create the size from the get go and measure in the components. BUT GIMP is an awesome free alternative and it open photoshop files as well.
Then it is sending the artwork to a printery (quite a few to choose from these days) i use gameongraphix.com as my art comes back exactly at the correct size and colourings.
The printed artwork is printed to an adhesive backed vinyl (like a big old sticker) peal it and stick it on.

Just make sure you prepare the wood surface well - sealed with paint, free from bumps and dust and all that (there are tuts on this somewhere here)

I hope that helps some

Thank you, that was a major help to me. I'll discuss this with my father. I'll also download Gimp.

[ArcadeSeeker962]

I received the approval from my father, and I found the printery that GregD and Wol-nz were referring to. Here's the link to their new website:
http://www.gameongrafix.com/index.php

They do get a little bit expensive(like what GregD said), but it looks like they're worth it. For the side of the cabinets, when they mean 18x20, are they referring to feet or inches? Because I noticed they didn't list specifically what measurements they're going by. Plus, I have a new shape for the cabinet me and my father are making(which is much better than the old design), so I was just wondering. Am I able to request a modification of the Multi-Arcade artwork on their website, so that I can change the name to match my cabinet?

EDIT: Never mind, I figured out the measurements.