Hello, I recently was"downsized", as our jobs were lost to overseas, we are allowed to get new training under the TAA trade act. I have applied to Butera school of art for sign Painting and have came up short on funding. They (DET) said if I can find a scholarship I can attend. The funding was short on tution for 6k for the two years. I am not allowed to get a student loan only something (grant or scholarship) that I do not pay back. Classes have started and I can catch up.
Does anyone know of sign trade scholarships that can help me at this last minute! I made too much last year for a fulbright grant. Does any of the sign product vendors offer scholarships? Butera is a great school that still does hand lettering and pinstripping http://www.buteraschool.com/.
Barchey@comcast.net
Thanks much Lou
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Louis,
You may want to check with ISA and SGIA. They may have some programs or be able to direct you to some programs that can help.
Free is great...it also means at someone elses expense.
Since this is an investment in your own future why not talk to your banker... work out a loan over 3 to 5 years.
This would also give you time to research any grants or "scolarships" that might be available.
Also check your area for a Union such as the Brotherhood of Signpainters Pictorail Painters and Paperhangers of America (some still exist).
They may have a program or a school or a job with school.
In any event I'm sure you're going to find that in this business there is seldom a "free ride".
Good luck and let us know how it turns out...it may be benificial to others here.
[ September 06, 2003, 10:50 AM: Message edited by: Monte Jumper ]
Posted by Louis Barchey (Member # 4131) on :
Thanks so much for the replies.
I wish that I could fund the rest of the tuition with a loan or a student loan. The problem is that the Trade Act will not allow it, I whish I knew why not.
It would be a small price to pay for such a great education. Today so many courses do not have the hands on that is needed in the trades.
I have been woodcarving for the past twelve years and have done a few signs. I wanted to re-use these skills. I also know that even after any schooling there is a lot more to learn in the trade.
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
Lou if its hand lettering and pinstriping you wish to learn you do not need to go to school for that.
Do what I did. Buy a book by Ralph Gregory. "Sign painting techniques" or something like that. Buy some quills, 1-shot paint and practice your ass off. Thats what I did 30 years ago. I have never been to school or worked for any other sign shop. I was determined to learn hand lettering and I did.
If you want something bad enough you will get it. Sure its the hard way but you will earn it on your own and wont owe anybody a thing.
Hand lettering is really quite easy once it becomes your passion...So is the rest of this business. Good luck.
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
I was going to suggest ISA but Glenn beat me to it. I would also try USSC (United States Sign Council).
I have a question though, why is the schools sign gallery all custom painted cars???? Didn't see any signs.
Good luck.
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Louis I'm sorry I fail to see how the trade council can have any say in where or how you borrow money to pay for school.
If you have a home you can borrow against it...it's none of their business. Or borrow from family ...sell your car...or get a part time job and make payments...explore the opportunites a little more.
Go to a local Letterhead meet and get an education you couldn't pay for if you had money.
If you don't have the passion ...look for something else...you'll be disapointed doing any of this without he disire to do anything you can do to stay in it.
Good luck to you ...I've used up all my ideas.
Posted by Louis Barchey (Member # 4131) on :
The trade act (TAA) is set up by the US Department of Labor and is administrated by Mass (DET)Department Employment and Training. (government)
I have attended two Meets (Mass Mayhem) and agree about the amout of knowledge that is shared at a meet, I found out many of the things that I was doing wrong and learned so much from them.
You are all right in doing stuff on my own, because at the end it is up to me to produce.
It was suggested from a cabinetmaker friend that if I was to get any schooling, that I should get it in business, because that is where people starting up have the most trouble.
Thanks for all the input. Lou
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Louis, Not sure if it'll help, but you could talk to someone at the New Hampshire Sign Association and see if they have any info on scolarships.
