How would you go about recruiting NEW sign artist that have a "burning desire" to learn painting by qualified WINDOW SPLASH veterans? The Earn as you Learn easy method. The ones I call Phil Inn (between the lines) panel coating apprentices. For..Low Wages,Long Hours, Agressive Self Starter with Dependable Transportaion. For learning the MOST rewarding type of work EVER!
High School Art Classes? Art School Participants?
As I feel OJT is the best way to learn. Why not get "PAYED TO PRACTICE"
your thoughts would be helpful
Posted by BrianTheBrush (Member # 1298) on :
Pat, Until recently, we used to take in kids through our local B.O.C.E.S. classes, a "ttrade" division of the county schoold system.
In NY, they have what they call their "shadow program". I've hired kids for both the sign shop and the paint shop this way.
But I learned early on that your primary intent had better be teaching, and not producing. You spend a lot of time hand-holding and explaining...but it's really fullfilling when one of those kids carries through and ends up working in the trade.
I still go in a couple times per year, and spend a half day talking about and demonstrating airbrush and custom paint techniques, and striping. So many of these kids are eager to learn.
Posted by Jay Nichols (Member # 2842) on :
Pat, I've had good results with this method over the years. You get em young enough with no bad habits, and generally eager to work in a 'cool' environment, although reality generally dulls some of that shine in a hurry. Contact admins or guidance counselors at high schools in your area and ask them to put you in touch with the art teachers or pass the word to them about what you are looking for. As with all hiring, I believe the key is a good interview, even for Phil and his cousins. Heck, ya never know, you might find that diamond in the rough, and inspire the next Daddy Finegold! I hired a nervous student from the Art Institute of Atlanta once, as an assistant to an assistant, and she later went on to become a senior art director at Young & Rubicam. I liked to think I could see my typographical influences in her work, but that was probly just my overactive imagination...
Good luck with yer search.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Pat,
Contact the nearest vocational school. Many have work placement programs for recent graduates....including the commercial art students.
Got werk for me....a LOOOONNNNG time ago. Rapid
Posted by Leonard Sappington (Member # 4562) on :
Call the Art teacher at the local High School ?
Posted by Bill Biggs (Member # 18) on :
My dad always just had another kid. But I didn't want to have 5 kids. I use distributive education program. but they don't stay with you, I have 3 former students that have carried through, gone to art school and are in some art related profession now. One of them makes video games. And a lot more money than me LOL. I also have hired kinfolk. at one time there were five of us Husband, Wife, Son, Nephew, and Niece hired in that order. The niece got married and retired though so now we are just 4. Bill
Posted by Dave Hunt (Member # 4637) on :
Early this spring I had a young man show up to my place asking for a chance to do a summer internship as he is majoring in graphic arts. He'll be a junior in college this fall. I really didn't know what to think when first approached but welcomed him with open arms.
He's now been working with me 3 days a week for about 4 weeks now. It's working out great and he's been very helpful. He's fascinated with all aspects of this business and is most happy coming to work for free to learn all I can teach him. WIN-WIN situation.
So, my advise. Contact some local art colleges and see what they've got for kids who need this type of internship.
Hope this helps!
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
GOOD advise everyone.Of course not looking for anything long term.More like "Snappers-R-Us" gig. where the said journeyman/women would outline,fix ALL work. Kind of a "POOL" of these youngsters for referals to be used when needed State Wide. NOT spoon feed teaching,as much as..put this color in that area type of exposure to the scheme of things. If questions are ask,so be it.I can TALK and PAINT at the same time. This is how I would want to be taught. NO perfection,LEARNING the way the brush works,It is ONLY paint and can be fixed,TRUSTING the worker with the work.While completing a finished product that can be viewed,bragged on,and shown to friends as an accomplishment.
Any other Hints???
Posted by Barbara Murrell (Member # 3879) on :
Pat, I wish I lived in Florida!! I'd be at your door like a shot. I would love for someone to take me under their wing and give me on the job training. I'm not too worried about the money either. Maybe if I ever get back to the States after the Detroit meet I'll come to Florida and knock on your door. Good luck finding someone. Barbx
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
Come on down Barbara; We have a "special" Letterhead Guest Room that persons like Cheryl Lucas and Others can testify to as comfort/hospitality abounds
Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
Pat,
I'll be there, in a hop, skip & a jump!
Just say the word...
Cher.
Posted by Linda Silver Eagle (Member # 274) on :
PKing,
You would be the perfect person to teach a Letterhead newbie seminar and if you could do it on a semi-regular basis and put out some flyers for the occassion, it might draw some locals in too. I know you're prolly perty busy and wouldn't want to have to schedule work around these things but it might help you get a team up to work with in the future.
I wish you much success with this endeavor!
LSE
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
Kewl Cheryl,always knew I could count on YOU!
Good idea Linda,as usal work gets done when I decide it will be done.
Think 4 times a year would resonable? Winter,Spring,Summer,Fall geared around "other" MEET dates. Posted by Richard Girard (Member # 371) on :
Hey Pat It's me the lurker. Pat you might want to get ahold of the High School (NE High School) on Andrews and NE I think it 16th Street. They have a night class and some day classes teaching sign painting as well as the sticky stuff. By The By Donna says howdy and stop by sometime.
Posted by Penny Baugh (Member # 3275) on :
You might contact the local arts council. Meet with the director and discuss what you're looking for. They work with the local school systems and often have an artist's registry that includes high school and college students who would love an opportunity like this.
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Pat
It is no secret that I had a huge struggle when my artist left for other ventures late last year. I learned so much between January 1 and April 1 this year. I hired and let go four artists in that period of time.
Because my prior designer was so good, and stayed for so long. I was not very experienced at the whole hiring thing. When I started to interview, I was amazed at the "Graphic Artists" with bachelor's degrees who had absolutely no talent or common sense. I interviewed over 40 artists! It is very important that you "click" with them. A friend of mine once said "there's only one thing worse than not having a designer.....that's having the wrong one"
Today, I have a talented woman designer, who is a real contribution to the team we are building. I have found that hiring someone slightly older can be an advantage.
The four college grads I tried out wanted to know what is in it for me, My designer is asking "what do you need me to do" I hope this helps.
Regards,
[ July 04, 2004, 07:44 PM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
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