Art on Patrol

Kids in Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood, the Denver Police Department, and Ink Monstr joined forces to create an artistic patrol car that puts a colorful spin on the standard white police vehicle.

Children from a youth center in the impoverished neighborhood gave input on the design created by Scorpio Steele, Ink Monstr graphic designer. The children suggested green and yellow as the primary colors for the graphics, which were incorporated in a sunflower design. The silhouette of a falcon on the patrol car’s hood is a nod to the ancient Egyptian symbol of the sun and the local elementary school’s mascot, Steele says. Ink Monstr imaged the graphics onto 3M Scotchlite 780mC-10R reflective film using a Mutoh ValueJet 1624. 

“Our goal was for the wrap to have a design that would positively reflect the unique character of the Sun Valley neighborhood, while stressing its diversity and highlighting its exciting, hopeful future and positive relationship with the Denver PD,” says Mark Novotny, Denver Police Department sergeant. 

Located in the Sun Valley neighborhood, Ink Monstr is a large-format printer that launched in 2004 and designs and produces wraps for vehicles, buildings, and other surfaces. The shop donated graphic design, labor, and, through a partnership with 3M, the materials used for the art patrol car, which is completely reflective for visibility at night. 

“We have a chance to work together and bring a unique, positive, and vibrant energy to this neighborhood. This police car is a symbol of that,” says Reed Silberman, owner and founder of Ink Monstr.