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Stephen, I started around 1982, and had a friend who's dad owned a junkyrad. His dad let me practice scripts and block lettering on the old body panels in the yard.
Like Bruce Bowers said, it does not happen overnight, it takes years of trial and error.
Then I was fortunate to meet Bob "Cos" Cosgrove, and he taught me much of what I still use to this day. And, he is still a good friend and teacher if I need him, 23 years later.
Because of him, and his generousity with his time, I'm willing to help anyone who wants to learn hand lettering, just like most letterheads are. Passing on the lessons we've learned from others.
As for the paint vs. vinyl issue. I guarantee my hand painted lettering for the lifetime of the vehicle or sign, I will only gaurantee vinyl for 5 years.
Mike
-------------------- Mike Clayton M C Grafix Custom Lettering New Jersey (again) Posts: 508 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Apr 1999
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You know, reading all of this made me realize how much I really NEED to go learn how to handle a brush properly. i've been painting with different mediums for over 16 years now. I do a few window splashes a week usually, but what I see come out of some of the people here I am amazed with. It won't be long until I pop up at a meet, God willing.
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Ladies and gents thanks for all the replies makes me want to paint more now, btw sat here waiting for the size to go off on some scooter side panels that I'm gonna do a bit of engine turned gold on, Mike I can't believe it! a signwriter that don't drink what about that old chestnut "he painted a lot better after a skinfull" and Scottish Tea?? come one that from a country that deep fries chocolate confectionary? Yorkshire Tea mate!! Dave K and Wayne I'll be there in august but it all depends on wether the wife can get that weekend off otherwise I will have to stay home and look after the little un.
-------------------- Steve Broughton Alpha Grafix Signs Lowfields Road Benington, Boston Lincolnshire, England Posts: 315 | From: Boston, Lincolnshire, England | Registered: Aug 2001
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This tread has been an interesting read. After reading it all Kristie used the word I was thinking. "Passion".
I grew up learning everything about plumbing from my Dad's plumbing business. I was the only child and Dad expected me one day to take over the business. He was very disappointed when at 18 I told him my heart wasn't made for me to be a plumber.
Since junior high I always had an interest in lettering. An opportunity came one day to letter a friend's race car. Using 10 cent brushes and Testor model paints I had a blast lettering the sponsor's names. Still an amateur during high school I made some good spending money for dates lettering vehicles and 4'x8' signs. When I returned from VietNam my passion to hand-letter signs grew to a point that I couldn't get enough. I ate, drank, dreamed constantly of hand painting signs. My mother-in-law's borrowed refrigerator got a rainbow of strips and letters from many hours of practice at my shop. (She almost had a cow when she stopped by one day).
Looking back it has been a wonderful journey. The times they have changed. I still like to hand letter but take it to a different level. Hand draw it when necessary, scan it, sell it, keep the economy going.
As to helping anyone who wants to learn how to hand letter? You bet, I'm always willing and happy to share from my experiences. But I would ask "Do you have what it takes to practice? Are you willing to make it your 'passion'?" For many of us, when we find that passion, that drive, that's where we find some of our happiest times.
Hand lettering will always be around. If the passion is there, you will learn it. Advice and tips from an experienced sign writer will help you get there a whole lot faster.
You said it, Monte. "VIVA Letterheads".
-------------------- Ray Skaines League City, Tx www.srsigns.com Posts: 130 | From: League City, Texas | Registered: Mar 2003
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Hi Steven, NOPE No Digial printer in my shop. I sub out some digital stuff but usually just talk then into airbrush coz thats what I like. Yep I still hand wite a lot of stuff, i just lik it that way.
cheers!
Rod
-------------------- Rod from, EAST COAST AIRBRUSHING "Airbrush Art & Graphics" Nambour; Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Australia E.mail: rod@rodticklesigns.com Web: www.rodticklesigns.com Posts: 635 | From: Nambour, Sunshine Coast, Queensland | Registered: Dec 1998
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I'm from the old school of hard knocks, trial and error, self taught thru passion for the craft. Probably why I don't use a mahl stick ... didn't know what one was! I was in seventh heaven when I "discovered" truck brushes!
But, I have had the greatest pleasure of passing this knowledge onto three apprentices in my time, one of whom (my daughter Vicki) has turned into a master of the trade herself, and is now teaching others.
Hand lettering and brush skills will never die as long as we continue to pass them on. There is still a very lucrative market for them and I can't honestly see this deminishing. My business is still 75% paint. Vinyl and prints don't stick to everything!
I do use a computer and vinyl as well. Outsource prints and routing were needed ... it's a blend that balances my signshop to produce a comfortable income. Tools of the trade! Horses for courses!
I still do windows, walls, billboards, banners and tents quicker, and a lot more profitable than computers, and I don't do it for peanuts either! In fact today I make more money swinging a brush in an hour today that I ever dreamed possible when I first started.
I'll be at the Moose Jaw Meet in July. I am more than willing to run a small workshop on quick "brush bashing" as I call it. Basic techniques are easy ... then it's just practice, practice, practice. AND IT'S FUN!
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