An illuminated component for motor vehicles and the like includes a light source that may comprise one or more LEDs. A sheet of light-transmitting material has a first side surface that is coated with ink or other opaque material. Some of the opaque material is removed to form areas that may be illuminated by the light source. The opaque material may be removed utilizing a laser-engraving/etching process according to a specific pattern or design provided by a customer from a remote location.