I've entered this post separate from Doug Allan's thread regarding workshops at his studio in Maui. Doug has been committed in his efforts to host our workshop and I wanted to give it the fullest exposure I can. My Apologies for not having the specific Hawaii and Australia workshop info up on our website, it's the same format as previous workshops just in different locations. Any questions or enquiries please contact Doug or myself. Doug and I have been getting questions regarding the benefits of attending our workshops. Simply put, the workshops are a rethink to the design process and selling premium signs to the everyday market place. This process opens the door to your true creativity. It's for people that have hit the wall and feel stuck but desire to move to the next stage. Whether the sign is elaborate or simple, made by hand or manufactured using a CNC. It's the design and it's ability to communicate and tell the story of the business it represents. It's this ability that will set you apart from everyone else. We started our business in a very conservative "bottom line" market, the norm being plywood and vinyl. We had customers approaching us as a sign shop and we turned them into discerning clients with healthy budgets. Just by using a different process. I can say all of our designs are unique and different from one another - I don't design from a formula or ego ("a conscious thinking subject" ) The source dictates the design criteria, I'm just the catalyst. This intuitive process is in all of us and is the true source for our creativity and originality.
I've enjoyed teaching this new process and seeing the lights go on in those attending. But I need to move along on my journey and see where it goes.
It would be great to make it to Hawaii and Australia this last time around and meet more of you while passing it on so to speak.
The cut off date is September 10 / 08 (including Australia)
Here is a part of a private entranceway I'm working on. It's a new direction using the same design and marketing approach as I use for signs.
Design Concept
Final design
second section partially carved
[ August 30, 2008, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: Shane Durnford ]
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I am very disappointed that this will be the end of your workshops. Your work is truly inspirational. Unfortunately a trip to Hawaii or Australia are simply out of the question at this time. I will be eagerly waiting for the day that you change your mind and decide to do a few more. Posted by Shane Durnford (Member # 8125) on :
Thanks Dave, I forgot to mention this post that I'll be offering one last one in my studio this spring - date to be set
Posted by Gregg Parkes (Member # 7710) on :
Sometimes, no matter the desire, an individual can not change a final outcome. It is with sadness that I feel intent is not as great as desire. I understand that the numbers have to be there, and no matter what the desire, I may miss the train. Put simply, high class unique signage seems to be something that scares Australians. We all know of the top work Danthonia does, and the last comments from them were they churn out 1000 square metres per month. I want to be part of the changing face of signage in Australia. I am happy to put my money where my mouth is. I want to be trained by the best in the world, wherever they may reside. Shame on you Aussies who have the intent but not the desire - that flame within that says "I want to be the best I can be". Money is not an object. Desire in this case is.
Shane, I admire your work, and your attitude and approach to your work. I know I can learn much from you and others like you. ONE DAY ... I will put my hand out, shake yours warmly and with ferver and say "Shane, Gregg - I am honoured to meet you".
Posted by Shane Durnford (Member # 8125) on :
Thanks Gregg
Your passion is palpable.
These planned workshops seemed far on the horizon and it's hard to believe the deadline is around the corner. When your busy time passes in an instant. quite a few events are sold out at the last minute. A lot could change in 10 days.
It would be great to visit Australia and meet everyone over there. If Dirk and Sonia Grothe were an example of your typical Aussies. It would be a good time with some great people.
Don't give up hope Gregg, I might yet get to meet you on your own ground.
Posted by Henry Barker (Member # 174) on :
I would love to travel to one of your workshops Shane, I think your craftmanship, and design, are absolutely mindblowing, beautiful work, I would love to be able to produce, and sell work like that. It must give enormous pleasure in the process.
I think an experience on your own turf would suit me best, Maui clashes with going back to Dan's place, and Australia is even further away.
Its alot to find the readies over and above everything else to make these trips, but its worth working it in, I think the benefits that other signfolk put into, helping each other in this way, far outweigh the costs. That said for my part we'll see how things are in the spring.
I would love to learn about how to sell up signage and market myself better, I feel somedays trapped in a part of the signbusiness, I'd rather not be in.
Its easy to feel that cultures differ and therefore , we're restricted in what we can make and sell, but as people show, that sell all over the world its not so much about where you, but more about what you do and how you reach people.
We'll see how things are in the new year, I hope the planned workshops in Maui and Australia go ahead as planned.
Posted by Shane Durnford (Member # 8125) on :
Thanks Henry It would be great to see you in Creemore. I couldn't agree more with your reference to reaching people on a common level.
Posted by Dirk Rampling (Member # 9233) on :
Well we're coming to the last calls for a great opportunity for any signmaker wishing to expand their knowledge in design, marketing & signmaking.
After attending Shanes workshop our approach to the sign industry & business has changed. We felt we had become a print & stick business with no physical or emotional connnection with the business we had once been so passionate about. Shane's workshop although very far away from South Pambula, it lit a light within us & we made the long journey. After getting there & doing the workshop we realised why we made the trip. Shane's work connects with people & he is able to reach in & draw a story from his clients. This storytelling through design is just one of the valuable parts we took from the course. Now we have the opportunity to think more about our clients needs & they also appreciate the time we spend listening to their story. I urge anyone just thinking about doing this workshop to get on board now, this is a great opportunity to rethink, refresh & take steps to continue learning in our feild of signmaking.
We would be glad to answer any queries.
farsouthdesign@bigpond.com
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Thanks Dirk, I know I'm up for this investment, even if it means an investment in travel expenses like every other sign event I've attended, but it's always good to hear another angle on how an individual has taken the benefits of expanding or altering one's outlook & seen it bring positive change to their business & their feelings about running their business.
I would also urge any folks considering either of these upcoming fall workshops Shane is offering to get on board.
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
I wish this type of seminar was available when I started my business 30+ years ago.....it would have been worth every penny x 30.
Shane and Doug, this ofering is a treasure that many folks could benifit from. It would be a shame to loose such a wonderful oppertunity.
Best of luck!!!
joe,
Makin Chips and Havin Fiun!
Posted by Dirk Rampling (Member # 9233) on :
We've just confirmed another attendant for the workshops, Craig from grub signs in Narrabri. We just need a few more & we'll be set to go.
Posted by Gregg Parkes (Member # 7710) on :
Woooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooo
Spoke with Steve from Graphic Art Mart today, he said he IS putting it in the newsletter, so that may help as well. About 4000 go out as emails.
At least at this stage Shane you can start dusting the suitcase. Wouldn't start packing, but at least a dustoff is a start.
Cheers - Gregg
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
great news from OZ... I might start dusting off my suitcase too...
...but still anticipating the last minute decisions to fill the Maui event as well!
Posted by Shane Durnford (Member # 8125) on :
We have been getting a bit of registration action on our Australian workshops in the last couple of days. I guess it's never over until the finish line.
Posted by Gregg Parkes (Member # 7710) on :
Today we got an email from one of our suppliers www.gamart.com.au which included a promotion for Shane's workshop.
Given that it is Friday afternoon here, some may not get it until Monday or even Tuesday. But at least it is something to promote the cause.
Here's hoping.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I tried to find the dates for the australian workshop this morning, on Shane's website, and blog, as well as the last 50 of his posts that come up when I click his post count...
...anyway, just in case I end up forced to conside that option, can someone tell me the dates, & the name of the closest airport?
![[Frown]](frown.gif)