posted
In the past months checking this site everyday I have come to the conclusion that computers and vinyl and digital ink are taking over and have found there place and are going to stay. Any monkey or man can learn these programs and generate a couple bucks just as I did back when I started 8 years ago at fastsigns. I enjoy the work that I do but feel that my creative potential has not been exposed through the years. I am now 26 years old soaking up information like a sponge and learning more everyday, and saving for a cnc and printer and as I do I feel that I am doing the same as everyone else that has a small shop and a dream. So as of several months ago I said to myself what will set you apart and let the people around you know that you have the talent to earn there money and then how do you do that. Well this is what I have done, I bought some lettering books read them all called letterhead sign supply asked some questions bought some gold leaf and tools, got some brushes, books, and paint.I have been doing some carving also through the years and have not been real good at it by any means.Practice and practice, It's weird the things you finds to letter and broken pool cues are a favorite from the bar next door. But my thought is that not everyone around can use these tools or have the patience to learn them, I do, I can, and I will. To say the least I have been inspired by all of you creative people here. There are alot of meets out there that I wish I could attend but have not. I hope to the mike myers and Dan Sawatzky's out there that one day I can hold my own to you but, it will take years of trail and error to progress to that skill level. So, I had to tell somebody and you guys are always here so thanks for listing and if I ask a question just know I take any answer with thanks.
-------------------- Jonathan Harvey Harvey's Signs and Designs 214 N. Main Newton,KS 67114 316-283-2424 (no telemarketers) Posts: 63 | From: Newton, KS | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Welcome, Harvey! If you can locate a signwriter that you can talk to, without "getting in his/her way" ha ha, you'll learn some things faster, or that's not in books. The Mike Stevens book Mastering Layout is VITAL. if you're having fun while learning, that's the Best! btw, are you left handed??
John
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've determined through years of experience that its critical to dream very large dreams and then take small steps towards those dreams every day.
Build a reputation for doing outstanding and different work instead of what everyone else is doing. If you can be TODAY (in a small scale) what you want to be tomorrow you WILL accomplish your goals.
Living the dream in Yarrow and working towards tomorrow's goals...
-grampa dan
[ November 21, 2007, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8765 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
I am humbled by your comments, thank you. It sounds like you have the ambition to make something of yourself, and your business. This is a great thing you are about to set about to do. Yes, the sign game has changed, I don't think for the better, but hey, us older sign makers get to be cranky in the later years right? haha
There is just not enuf time and space here to help tell you tips and tricks for the journey, but that's just it, why would I take away the fabulous journey you will be heading for by having it all in one quick readable paragraph?
As Dan will tell you, it doesn't get any easier, you just learn to do things more efficient, and better. The business part has always been the challenge for me. I wanna be doing the cool, creative stuff, and don't like to bother with the paperwork and phone calls. But, ya gotta do them too. I have heard of some really good painters have there doors locked because they were not making payments.
I was in Halstead Kansas last month to get some parts for 1950 Studebaker, is that near you? I'd like to sit down and hand letter and shoot the breeze with you anyday Jonathon, you are always welcome here at my shop/home.
When someone asks you, "What's the best sign you have done?" Tell them,
"The next one."
Keep at it Jonathon, you'll be OK!
all the best to you!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
posted
That's a good letter, and some good ideas, Jonathan. Sounds like you have set some formidable goals for yourself.
As mentioned above, there have been a lot of changes in the sign industry, and you need to decide how many of these changes you really want to apply to your scenario.
Just don't go out and buy a CNC, large format printer, or a plasma cutter, etc. because others are doing it. Do you have the volume of work to justify it? Do you have the space? Can you handle the tremendous amount of overhead you will have after purchasing a product like this? Will your router sit around collecting dust, waiting for the next job, while the payments still keep coming?
Not trying to be a wet blanket; just realistic. I have always liked working with my hands, and love to cut out letters, shape boards, massage a piece of wood into a logo with various hand tools, and letter a sign or a vehicle with paint and a brush.
I guess I'm trying to say 'weigh your options'. There is still a demand for the crafty, hand-done sign work. If you can do the big, volume work that Dan does, buy the router. He does it very well. But, from what I've read, Mike still does a lot of hand lettering; and that also very well. If you are a one-man-show, like me, and don't want a lot of overhead, you can be very happy, and successful, without all the high-tech toys that, like you said, "any monkey can learn to operate". Personally, I've always gotten a lot more satisfaction out of doing a sign that I've made by hand, than one made by pushing a button and sticking on vinyl.
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic