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We just arrived back at our room after a wonderful night of jamming with Bill Beckner, Steve and Dawn Lane and various others. A really fun time was had by all.
Kevin and his crew did a terrific job with this meet. Many people took advantage of the day pass and sunny weather to show up today. A group shot was taken in front of the new mural created by Bill Masters and his troop of WallDogs. Hope to have that and other photos available tomorrow.
There's losts more to tell you all about this year's International, but right now we're just flat worn out. Stay tuned!
Here's a group shot for you all courtesy of Jeff Lang at A Magazine About Letterheads.
[ August 23, 2004, 07:02 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
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... This one clarified several aspects of meet hosting that should be noted by ANYONE who is considering having one.
...DON'T EVER have a meet in a ghetto.
...DON'T EVER HAVE a meet in a haunted, creepy old Masonic lodge. (Even if your dad is a member and absolutely insists you have to.
...DON"T EVER have a meet that the lodging is NOT nearby (very important).
...DON"T EVER host an international until you have attended a few. (at least two)
...DON"T EVER think that the meet will get organized (somehow) after it starts!.
...and...DON'T EVER forget that the attendees will be going to alot of trouble (and expense) to be there, some even traveling from other countries. (It's an international right?) ...So, DON'T BORE THEM !!!
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You sure we were at the same meet Bill? I know I seen you at least one day.
You and I have attended a bunch of meets over the years. We're oldtimers. In this case I think your age is showing.
Letterhead meets are all about sharing information. If you were one of the numerous new Heads attending your first meet in Detroit, I'm certain you would be bouncing off the wall today.
It's true that things could have been better organized, but all the really important elements were there. People looking to share years of experience and others eager to learn. There was lots of paint, panels and everything else needed.
At the end of the day, These meets are only as good as the people in attendance. Ken Millar, Bob Behounek, Kent and Judi Smith, Bill Reidell, Al Grand, Dan Donati, Bill Betz, Gary Anderson and a host of my heros were all there along with a bunch of others we have not seen in years. We had a great time, painted a banner, meet a bunch of new friends and learned some new things. That used to be all that was important.
[ August 23, 2004, 07:13 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have never been bored at a Letterhead meet. One that I attended and paid A LOT of money to get to was REAllY disorganized and the food was crappy. But the Heads were great, the paint was wet, and I managed to enjoy myself. You have to bloom where you're planted Billy.
Planning/hosting a meet is beyond difficult. I doubt that anyone could ever understand all the complex levels of work that go into one. In the days before the Internet, we still managed to find out meet details thru trade magazines. Kevin Betz got a lot of flack for not promoting Detroit enough. But he became computer-savvy and managed to try to build things up. I for one give him a lot of credit. I was initially one of the complainers about the lack of promotion. In talking to Kevin over the last few months, I can see that his heart was 100% in the right place.
I feel that a meet need not be held in a palatial venue, with gourmet food. It seems that some of us are expecting Moses to appear at one and part the Red Sea, or have a troupe of minstrels and jugglers for entertainment. The host ends up having to jump through hoops and bend over backwards to please. And you can't please everyone. If the motels are close, they are too expensive. If the food is great, someone will complain that vegetarians were not accomodated.
As long as the place has plenty of paint, panels, light, and Letterheads a meet can be quite enjoyable. But each meet is the responsibility of the host, and is as individual as a fingerprint. What we as hosts intended a meet to be may not be what you the attendees invisioned.
As Mike Meyer once told me, a meet takes on a life and a personality all its own. You get out of it what you put into it. If you go there with a snotty attitude you are bound to leave with a sour taste in your mouth.
Yes I wish meets were cheaper and closer. But sometimes they just aren't. And if you find yourself not satisfied with the meet that you attended, try planning one of your own.
I have a lot of missing time episodes from Mars. At Boone's meet I was embarrassed because I told Bill Preston "Pleased to meet you" and he had been at Mars! I worked to please everyone, and I think most folks were satisfied. But I came away feeling bitter and empty and exhausted. It was a long time before I felt "good" about Letterheads again.
I'm sure that Kevin feels this way today. I would like to tell him Thank You for carrying on the yearly tradition of the International, and for the year of planning he put into his meet, and for all the hassle and stress he went through just to please his fellow Brothers and Sisters of the Brush.
It is easy to complain when we feel that we didn't get our money's worth. It is easy to point fingers and list reasons why we felt disappointed. But three of those fingers are pointing back at you. And to me, the fellowship of any meet is priceless.
Love....Jill PS I would like to see some pictures too!
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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I'm new to the letterheads and went to my first meet in Detroit last week.
I wanted to learn about layout and pinstriping; layout because I wanted to make some promotional material for my letterpress printing business, and pinstriping because I just like it.
I must say that the meet exceeded my expectations (and having expectations of learning something useful and artistic about layout and pinstriping to me are pretty high expectations).
As a participant, the experience was really great. I received personal attention as well as time to start to practice. I could watch in awe and also feel comfortable taking some baby steps. That's pretty amazing to me.
The committee that put this together and worked hard during the meet deserves a Lot of Credit.
For myself, I was really glad to come to Detroit and learn about its letter arts and pinstriping style and history.
I could go on and on about what the meet did for me personally, but I don't have all my thoughts about that sorted out right now and don't want to bore you all with the gushings of the newly initiated.
I did plenty of hooting and hollering at the meet, though. To me there is plenty to get excited about, as a Letterhead and a Pinhead, and I would echo the advice I followed when I went to Detroit: get to a meet and check it out!
-------------------- Earl Kallemeyn Kallemeyn Press 61 Greenpoint Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11222 718 349 8900 nyletterpress@earthlink.net Posts: 4 | From: New York | Registered: Jul 2004
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Jill, You always make me feel good when you post! ;-) I agree, whole heartedly. Having been there, done that, you get a whole new perspective on hosting meets! I think the letterhead spirit is to support and help each other out. Although we have ALL probably been to meets that were better (or worse) than other meets, the important thing is that you try to attend as many as you are capable of and enjoy what you CAN get out of it! Fellowship, learning and having fun is what it's all about. I like your quote, "Bloom where you are planted"! You GO, GIRL!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Speaking of hooting and hollering: The Dover book that has that fantastic letter "B" that Ken Millar used as an illustration in his talk on layout is available on Amazon. The book's title, etc.: "Calligraphy ". . . by Johann G. Schwander, originally published in Vienna in 1756, first reprinted by Dover in 1958.
-------------------- Earl Kallemeyn Kallemeyn Press 61 Greenpoint Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11222 718 349 8900 nyletterpress@earthlink.net Posts: 4 | From: New York | Registered: Jul 2004
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Well for my 2 cents worth planning a meet is a lot of work, as many of you already know, The disappointing thing about being a host of a meet or a member of the committee is all the chronic complaining… And every single meet has the chronic complainers. GAURENTEED I have not been involved with any letterhead meet That went off without someone being negative and a pain in the *#**##. Ask any host. It usually is the same people who complain and as far as I know those people have never hosted a meet, or will ever try to run one on their own . It is a big job. As far as the cost of the meets yes they all do very from meet to meet. On the subject of 1 day passes -- who the hell wants to run around and monitor that.. hey you were here yesterday now pay up for today,,,nope this aint a fun thing to do if you cant come to an international meet for the whole 3 days that is to bad I wish you could attend the whole thing but it aint the fault of the meet host or a committee member . I know this,,,,, that the host is making/ zero/ zip/ nada/$$$$..As far the cost that is being charged, again just ask someone who has hosted one of these lucrative/ financially beneficial events. So I will end with this, next time you know of a meet in your area and you are planning on going VOLUNTEER, to be on the committee , im sure the person running the meet will love to hear from you, oh and by the way plan on driving to those meets and paying your own gas money and spending several Saturdays or Sundays helping plan it… and yes it may take you A tank of gas and 3 or 4 hours drive time but hey it’s a great experience just ask someone who has been involved in hosting a meet, hope to see you on a committee real soon.
-------------------- Daniel Fleming Midwest sign & screen print supply 45 e maryland 55117 dfleming@midwestsignandscreen.com
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Yes, the meet was a lot of work but honestly I only had one person complain to me. The meet attendee were just like I thought...many new letterheads and many, many old timers seeing each other for the first time in 20-25 years. I was right next to Wild Bill when he turned around and saw one of his old cronnies...can't remember if it was Ken Millar, Dan Donati, or who but it was well worth seeing the look on Bill's face.
No one has mentioned much about the caterer and the food that Kevin did so well setting up. Everything was buffet so we got as much as we wanted. Thursday for lunch we had the best meatloaf (next to mine), real mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables. That night we had the largest meatballs swimming in gravy, two other main dishes, which I can't remember what, vegetables, yeast rolls that we to die for, all the bottled water, tea or pop that we wanted or could carry back upstairs. Friday breakfast, we had scrambled eggs swimming in cream,pancakes, french toast, bacon, sausage, and all the juice or water that we wanted. Can't remember the other meals except for Saturday night. We had breaded shrimp, beef tenderloin that melted in your mouth, rolls, vegetables. Desserts were lemon pie, cheesecake, and something other that I didn't try. One night we had Creme' brule cake (sp). One top of all this was a big bowl of bananas and the best apples.
The problem with eating like this is that all the first timers we be dissappointed, food-wise, at their next meet.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Laura is right, the food was very good and ample. Masonic Temple was worth part of the entry fee in itself. Meeting good and interesting people sure was worth the rest. Throw in tips, seminars and all the rest and no complaints. Thanks to all who organized and helped out on this event.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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Hey Laura, I thought Kevin was obsessed with the food. You seem to me taking over!!!!!!! Yes the food was good and I did mention it in my origianal post.I am sure I will be dissapointed at my next meet. The whole meet was fantastic as far as I'm concerned and I think you all did a great job. I look forward to keeping in touch with you all and seeing you all, a bit more relaxed, at someone elses meet! Love Barb
-------------------- Barbara Murrell 4 Elements (Global)Ltd Ware Herts England barbara@4elementsglobal.com Posts: 87 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
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I'll never forget hearing some excited noise from across the room and there is Earl literally jumping up and down with excitement about something new that he had learned.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Kevin's first international meet was in Kansas City in 1983. My granddaughter's first international meet was in Detroit 2004. I hope she grows up with the same dedication to the Letterhead spirit that he exhibits.
All Masonic temples are works of art. This particular building is a work of art among Masonic temples. After a 5-hour tour that would have done well in the art or history department of any college, that same 10-year-old granddaughter shared her new found knowledge with the tour guide at Henry Ford's boyhood home. That alone was worth the trip.
I have not yet posted because we are not yet home (Yes, Rick, we have plenty of pictures and we still have our camera.) -- but a few things need to be addressed NOW.
1. Every Letterhead meet, organized or not, takes on a life of its own. Letterehads are different from other conventions. I have been to unorganized meets and to over-organized meets which do not allow for spontineity.
2. This is not the first meet I have attended in the "ghetto" and it will not be the last. I want to be sure to thank Kevin and his committee for the fantastic security that made us all feel safe on the grounds.
3. It is the responsibility of every Letterhead to contribute to the sustanance of our society (meaning Letterheads) whether they host or teach or learn -- or, as most of us eventually do -- ALL of the above. Kent and I renewed Letterhead friendships inactive for years as well as making new ones. THIS is what Letterheads is all about.
-------------------- Judi Smith Smith Sign Studio (& Quikprice) PO Box 66, Greeley, CO 80632 judi@quikprice.com Posts: 3 | From: Greeley, CO | Registered: May 2004
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Judi, I do remember years back when your rental car was broken into and the cell phone was stolen while parked on the street a couple doors down from Daddy Fine Gold's shop.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hey, Steve and Barb had their van broke into and they weren't even in the ghetto. Yes, security was an issue but like I told many, don't leave the grounds of the Masonic unless you are in a vehicle. I did have to leave to run for supplies (didn't go alone. Susan Connors from Signs of the Times was with me) and found the people courtious and polite.
John Jordan didn't listen though. Last I saw of him, he was walking back to the Hotel (in the daytime) which was quite a ways away. I am sure that he made it as he looked like he fit in on the streets of Detroit. hehe Right John?
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Well put words Judi, The meet was great and as far as I could see there was absolutely no problem with the "ghetto" I think you could be in trouble if you wander alone at night in any big city.If I were to hold a meet in London, there could be the same problems. Having the meet in the Masonic was worth any fear of trouble. And because the food, company and Letterhead vibe was so good, there was no need to leave the Temple until it was time for bed. (some people didn't even do that, hey Kevin?)
The only thing I would change if we could have the meet again........................ NOTHING!
Barb
-------------------- Barbara Murrell 4 Elements (Global)Ltd Ware Herts England barbara@4elementsglobal.com Posts: 87 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
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Well, I was glad I found some guys hanging out on a stoop in the ghetto that were willing to sell me a sweatshirt for six bucks on Friday, 'cause I was freezing.
The gloves I got (and didn't have to use 'cause it got warm right after I got them) came from the only place in downtown Detroit that was open, a deli with plexiglas between me and the clerk. But I was glad they were there.
They're totally renovating the downtown area and the old public library is really nice. Worth checking out next time you're in the area.
Also, when I tried to brush this guy off who was asking me if I was registered to vote, by just ignoring him, I got reminded to mind my manners. When dealing with beggars and others on the street, I gotta respect them with a verbal yes or no.
All in all a pleasant, educational stroll outside the designated perimeter.
So now I'm sitting in my shop at 9:00 on Saturday night waiting for somebody to call me back on what could be a striping/lettering job.
I've been so wound up about the events in Detroit, especially Ken and Bob's application of the golden section to sign painting, that I lost my keys last Thursday.
It's starting to smell like turpentine around here and I'm holding you all responsible. ha ha ha
Earl
-------------------- Earl Kallemeyn Kallemeyn Press 61 Greenpoint Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11222 718 349 8900 nyletterpress@earthlink.net Posts: 4 | From: New York | Registered: Jul 2004
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Just wanted to let everyone know what a great time was had at the international. Like Earl, I'm writing to gush.
Jill, you hit it pretty close to truth. I found the Masonic to be palatial, the food to be near gourmet (better than cheeseburgers), I was juggling, and for a minute there, I coulda swore I saw Moses. I think his name was "Billy".
Someone said it was in the ghetto, but we were actually around the corner from the ghetto. Having spent my life in Detroit, I can assure you, that wasn't the ghetto. Besides, it gave a great view of some work by the budding Letterheads in Detroit. I propose that inner-city graffiti artists be the new educational drive for Letterheads. THEY would have appreciated the meet!
Everyone was great. Larry and Sharon Halbert from Argyle Sign worked themselves to death preparing for this thing, and helping us, and it seemed everyone, get their booths together. Kevin must bleed Letterheads. What a tremendous effort he put in. You can tell he really loved what he was doing. I have seldom seen more enthusiasm for a project. Mark and Wendy Casey are always good company. EVERYONE I met was awesome! Barbara from England, The Reidels, Earl (hope your using those brushes buddy!) the pirates (aaarrr), The Masters, the Smiths and their sweet granddaughter. The Shortreeds(great site BTW)And it was awesome to meet the "names"...Wild Bill, Donati, Gibb...Wow! Too many names to remember. Goood people all!
Anyway, many thanks to Larry and Sharon Halbert, The Betz's- Kevin, Bill and Eric, Mark and Wendy Casey, Laura Butler, the pirates, Neil from Wagner, Dan from Hartco, Jerry Newton from Specialty Media, Don from Gemini, and the ST Media gang, it was great to see how involved they get, paintin' going to all the seminars...! And a big thanks to Kevin! Good goin' buddy!
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