I understand that people really enjoyed, and were inspired by the many well designed and executed signs shared by Mark Fair through his "Sign of the Month." I know that I have clicked the link to check it out every time he posted the newest winner, but....why?
For me, it was to check out a cool sign, and read about the thought process involved and the process of fabrication. I never saw any of the signs that were sent in that didn't get picked, though I would have loved to.
Why does it take a "contest", with no prizes, to get people to share these pictures and processes with us. Now, I'm still pretty new to the Letterhead group, but it seems to me that it is about sharing, not competing. I know that this is supposed to be just a nice friendly contest, but look at what a pain this nice contest has become already.
I guess what I'm wondering is: why not just set up a page with all of the "entries", with descriptions of why, how, etc. by the people who made them. Why concern ourselves with which is "the Best?"
The portfolio page is fun, but I think that many may not be posting because doing so puts them open to public critique (not everybody wants feedback). When I look at the portfolio page, I usually just look. I don't reply with my opinion, because my opinion is just that...mine.
I, like most of us, love to look at signs. I wear out every issue of every trade magazine that I can get, and you know which issues are my least favorite? The "contst issues". Why? Because when I see the winners, I usually don't agree with the judges. And if I don't agree, that makes me wish I had access to all of the entries that didn't make the final cut.
Why not just have a place set up for sharing. A place wher the signs don't disappear after a couple days without a reply. If there are people willing to dedicate enough of their time to handle a "Sign of the Month" contest, then it shouldn't be any more taxing (less probably) to simply post the submissions for everyone gawk at at their leisure. It would build up a very nice database to refer to any time you need to get a little inspiration, without leaving it up to someone else as to what will inspire you this month.
Just a thought.
P.S.: Isn't it a little sad that we have such great events happening here in Letterville, such as Katie's arrival in the States, and a couple of upcoming meets, and the threads discussing these events move farther and farther down the list as we dwell on a bunch of insignificant whining?
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
You make too much sense Joe. I agree.
Posted by goddinfla (Member # 1502) on :
Joe, I hope you're going to John Smith's shindig so I can shake your hand for this post. What a bunch of crap over nothing. The portfolio page should be for displaying. There should be a separate page called "Rip Me a New One" to ask for critiques.
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
Nobody has asked us, but I'm with you Joe. At this time I cannot see any reason for a sign contest here in Letterville.
Mark's SOTM was never really a contest. He'd find a great looking example of good design and showcase it. Letterheads has always been about learning. I'm aware that there is always an underlaying interest in who is the best at any certain time, but in our opinion, this has nothing to do with our vision of Letterville.
It's more important those coming to Letterville learn WHAT makes one design superior to another than who is the best. We're already seeing some great examples of signwork on the Portfolio Table along with some work with obvious design flaws from beginners and those that have never had an opportunity to study sign design and layout.
Over the past few weeks, we have been talking with Mike Stevens daughter Dawn and ST Publications about the possibility of doing mini Mike Stevens Workshops here in Letterville. I'm very pleased with the responce at this point and we really feel this will happen in the near future.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Joe, You are a wise man.
Steve, Cool!!!
Posted by Jerry Steward (Member # 2420) on :
I would have to disagree, politely ofcourse! I just feel it's human nature to compete with each other, & with some of the contests out there that you have to pay high entree fees, or the ones that choose weak winners, Letterville would be a good, no, the best place to have a contest like this. I believe a breakdown of each winning entree, by each judge, with explainations of all the right elements, & maybe a few suggestions for an improvement in any weak spots would be very beneficial. No prizes, no award. I know personally, it would give me something to aspire towards. Peace.
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
Point noted, but I have to disagree Jerry. We all like to look at great looking signs, but just looking, without some sort of explanation on WHY it looks good, isn't a good way to learn.
We have 3 types of signmakers here. Those at the top of the design ladder, those at some other point on the ladder, and those that are just discovering there is a ladder. I see Letterville as a place where we can help each other discover and climb that ladder.
Posted by david drane (Member # 507) on :
I'm the same age as you Steve and all I can say is that I am never too old to learn something!! Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :
Hey Joe - All I can say is "Dittos" - Hey We're a "Wannabee Florida Family" lookin' forward to being in Destin this spring..........Maybe even check out Port St. Joe.........Hey; don't Old Paint reside somewhere round 'bouts Pensacola? --Carl
Posted by Henry Barker (Member # 174) on :
Hi Joe and everybody,
I couldn't agree with you more....I really enjoy all the trade magazines I subscribe too, for the design fodder they yield.
I posted yesterday under the "7...." post about "showcasing" work in different categories. I feel we have a great medium here to do that and discuss and learn from it.
I'd much rather promote the common theme, that brought us here, than encourage the underlying theme that lives here.
This is what I wrote: ------------------------------------------------- I am honoured to be asked to take part, and continue in something I have enjoyed seeing here in Letterville over the years.
I think those of us chosen at present represent all types of different businesses with a common theme.
John your negative comments about elitism and bias, I believe are unfounded. I believe when Mark was revamping SOTM he discussed sending work out that was not signed so those involved would not be biased but judge on merits therein.
The Monthly Showcase could include a selection of work, for example an outright winner, and maybe some other categories too, to bring through newbies, sandblasted, handpainted, vinyl, design, vehicle livery etc.
We have the portfolio page, but I think some are worried about posting for fear of negativity, or perhaps are unaware of how too, through something like this we could showcase more work, encourage poeple at all levels.
Most importantly we can bring us all together in something that WE ALL feel very passionately about, learn from good design, develop together to make us better and stronger at what we do.
Waste less time on negativity towards each other. Despite the little icons down below stating "nov98" or whatever,(the date this "new" bb was born) some of us here have been frequenting this board daily since the mid nineties. Alot of good people have come and gone, alot of new great people have arrived, lets bond together, behind what we are all striving for....to produce top quality work.
I welcome the diverse group that has been nominated, I will enjoy adding a little international flavour, being a Brit living in Sweden. Lets decide a name and make a start... --------------------------------------------------
We don't perhaps need judges just a few volunteers to sort through and help put pics and info together.
One thing I miss sometimes here, is after a meet somebody posts pics of the event and the people and panels, but often without much info on who it is or nothing about how the panel evolved.
I would just like to see more signwork I guess..
Posted by Chris Elliott (Member # 1262) on :
Joe, Steve, & Henry, your ideas are like a breath of fresh air after a dust storm. Thanks for the reminder of what I think Letterheads is really all about!
[ March 07, 2002, 03:20 AM: Message edited by: Chris Elliott ]
Posted by Rob Clark (Member # 787) on :
Yep, Yep, Yep. well said everyone.
bottom line.................................... We are not here to COMPETE with each other, we are here to SUPPORT each other!!!
Where else do we get this kind of support?
Thanks for bringing it all back into focus.
RobC
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
I agree.. then I disagree. The SOTM, Was never intended as a contest, at least that is what I thought, but now it has become something bigger, but not in a good way. I agree totally on having a portfolio page where everyone could post their own work. So I agree with all of the above.. shees I'm sounding like Switzerland.
Posted by Mike Kelly (Member # 2037) on :
This is the "best feeling" post happening right now in Letterville. It embraces all that I believe the Letterhead movement was meant to be. Steve, thank you for even considering the idea about the Mike Stevens mini-workshops. If it does become a reality, what an awesome addition to this website it would be. I can't wait.....
Posted by Rob Larkham (Member # 2105) on :
I love the idea of a porfolio page to just post photos and a seperate page for critiques. That way you get what you ask for. Screw the sotm club.
Please let me Clarify: In saying screw the SOTM I in no way mean Mark Fairs SOTM. I'm saying lets drop this contest idea as it has surely caused some problems the last couple of days. So no matter what you call it or how you dress it...LET IT GO!!!
[ March 07, 2002, 02:12 PM: Message edited by: Rob Larkham ]
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Gotta agree with you guys here! Very good points Joe!
I don't much care for the competitive feel this place is taking on in general lately.
Don't think an ongoing "contest" type thing would add to the mix very well here.
Joe, where is Gulf Breeze in relationship to me? Please email me and let me know.
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Peace.
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