The latest issue of SignCraft features some folks that frequent this forum - you get to see some unique shots of Dan's new studio and a great article about that short Oakie (Mark Yearwood).
Also, Dan Antonelli's article offers some really neat advice.
Eye Candy abounds, especially the work of an old friend, Doug Bernhardt, whom I lovingly call "the old man".
And all the usual faces presenting more and more knowledge.
I guess there won't be a lot of work done this afternoon.
Edited to add: Ooops - Mark Fair's in there too. Great stuff.
[ May 04, 2005, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
Again Congratulations to those featured.. Shep'
Posted by Jack Keith (Member # 4499) on :
Hey Ray;
Your article was no slouch, either! I always appreciate your wisdom & knowledge. Thanks.
Jack
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Yes Ray,Mark and Dan are becoming real icons in signcraft. Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
I'm pretty sure that Mr. Bernhardt made some kind of deal with the devil........
Rick Sacks sent me a photo of a mural asking who the artist was. I sent him back this link, showcasing the best mural work I think I've ever seen: http://www.ericgrohemurals.com/
Well, that should kill the rest of the day.
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
I'm too young for icon status --- Ray on the other hand ----- Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
And let's not forget Doug Downey! Doug was just a kid, only 7 foot tall, when he showed up at our first Canadian Letterhead meet back in the 80's. He's come so far!
And Dan. Remember our phone calls just a few years back? This guy was actually afraid to leave his regular job and go fulltime. I think you made the right decision Dan.
I'm going to stick my neck out a bit here. Letterheads have taken some critism in the past for being too picky and out of touch with the real sign industry. Imagine what the sign mags would look like without the participation of Letterheads and PinHeads.
Excuse while I play "We Are The Champions" by Queen.
Posted by Alan Johnson (Member # 2513) on :
Hey Ray I have'nt had time to read what you wrote yet but whatever it was you hit a cord . I just finished talking with a young man that works at a sign shop and had a day off so he called and stopped by . He said he just needed to get inspired and fired up .We had a good time talking about the work we do and how to get into a sucessful groove . I gotta get back to work , wet paint is calling "outline me" "maintain" AJ
Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
Congrats Ray Dan and Mark...Doug, and the other Dan!!
Sawatzky I hate you because your shop is beautiful!!
[ May 06, 2005, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: Barry Branscum ]
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Today just had to be the day. The sun is shining brightly, the temperature is warm... its the perfect day!
As it turned out the new parade float (revamped golf cart) desperately needed a test drive and the mailbox is only a block or so down the road. The new 1200 WATT sound system was CRANKED for it too needed testing to see how it would perform under motion. As I careened by the house Janis was flapping her arms wildly in the window for I suspect she knew what I was up to. I smiled a huge smile and waved enthusiastically. It could have been that it was at this instand that Phoenix fell off the back in a cloud of dust onto the driveway...
But I was feeling fine and off to get the mail at full speed!
And wouldn't ya know it, my long awaited issue of SignCraft was waiting for me in the box!
Driving home was at a much more leasurely pace, but no less dangerous for my nose was buried in the magazine, steering with my knee as both hands were needed to page quickly through the latest issue, getting a glance at all the latest eye candy pictured there.
What a great issue! It features so many of the fine folks I know and admire!
I've flipped through it quickly twice now and look forward to sitting down this evening and reading everything in depth. There's lots ot learn and study in this issue!
But right now I have to get back to work for there's lots of deadlines pressing.
-grampa dan
[ May 06, 2005, 04:16 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
I dunno Steve - some days I miss my old day job!
Man that was a long time ago - probably around 96, or 97. At that point I was wondering what it took to call myself a Letterhead - and wondering if there was any work out there for wet-behind-ears guy like myself.
Funny how you start out in business with everything to prove - to yourself, to your clients, etc. Its nice to be in a place where I don't think like that anymore. The drive comes from within now - to just be a little better than the day before - and to constantly grow as an artist, businessman.
No matter how on top of your game you may think you are, there's always room for lots of improvement. But the minute you stop pushing the envelope, you head down a path of mediocrity.
I figure I got another 15 years, 14 days to figure out the rest. After that, you'll find me on my boat full time trying to figure out the mysterious ways of the striped bass species!
Posted by Alan Johnson (Member # 2513) on :
Hey Dan I think you should have some type of letterhead research sody on your boat . so we could help you with this study.
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
Alan - didnt know you we're into that - maybe I can finally get J on the boat too - who always blows off my invites for a day out in Sandy Hook bay....
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Hey Ray...... You're my hero I wanna grow up to be like you - well actually I don't want to grow up - but I sure hope someday I can make signs like yours. You create a lot of my favorite signs. Just thought I would mention that seeing as how you are being so humble Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Thanks to all who said such nice things about the article. I've just returned from the B.I.G. show in Fort Worth where I got to meet a lot of very nice folks. It was good to be with Tramp again, also Myra and Mark, Artie, Brian, and a bunch of "family". It was great to hear that some had read the recent article.
There were a lot of good discussions on Passion and what great jobs we all had. It was even fun to pull Myra's chain and talk politics a little.
One observation - this year's exhibit floor was covered with all types of printers. A few years ago it was flatbed routers. It was also interesting to hear some exhibitors say that this was their best show and others said it was their worst.
Posted by Linda Schmidt (Member # 2337) on :
Ray- I just wanted to add my sentiments on your article... what an inspiration. I read it on the way to Fort Worth and again on the way back.
Sorry I didn't get to meet you (especially after our phone conversation)- I kept my eye open for you though. Enjoyed the time spent with Brian and Tramp. It was a good show.
for a great article.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I enjoyed Ray's article immensely. To be included in it was a huge bonus. Thanks for the kind words Ray and especially for the inspiration!
-grampa dan
Posted by Artisan Signs (Member # 3146) on :
Hhmmmmmm, I still haven't seen the latest issue. (I always get it late)
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for a great article.