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I have learned over the years that lettering glass doors becomes much more difficult if the average passer-by opens the door on you (which in this case, seems to happen every time I work at one specific location...)
About 3 years ago, we had a redeveloped building needing lettering on the doors. There was a bank of (4) double doors in a row, facing the street.
I work left to right on the inside of the glass doors (weird habit I know)...So I letter the first (2) doors, move to the next two doors and realize that all the foot traffic coming and going thru these doors is going AROUND where I am working. Until I get to set #(3)...
A worker from the offices upstairs comes from the street straight for set of doors #2, which I had just completed, grabs the handle, barely opens the door and shuts it. She then SHIFTS OVER 3' and opens the doors I am working on, all the while looking me straight in the eye!!! She wasn't being funny...she didn't apologize and pushed by me without a word.
Ticked doesn't even convey how I felt! I still don't know if she had some sort of OCD or what.
Whatever....one person in over 100 I guess isn't so bad.
Two weeks ago, same location, other entrance doors on different elevation of building. This time there are (3) sets of (2) doors.
Aha! Now being MUCH SMARTER now, I have made an A-frame sign that is 18" x 24" that reads "Sign Artist at work, please use other door(s). Thank you!" I place this in front of the double doors on the OUTSIDE and lock the deadbolt to prevent the doors opening on me when I push on the squeegee.
Apparently, I overestimate the habits of people. This woman (hmmm...I am seeing a trend here...) STEPS OVER THE SIGN (24" being the height, mind you...), grabs the doors...the LOCKED doors, and proceeds to yank the heck out of them to get them to open, which somehow she somewhat succeeds at until the locking mechanism gets stuck at about 10" open, then gives up. She then opens up the next bank of doors, looks at me and says, "I didn't even see YOU there."
REALLY? After the sign and the locked doors and the glaring sign person looking at you, you had NO CLUE that MAYBE you weren't supposed to open these doors?????
WOW...again.
Same company, different location, working on the inside set of doors in an airlock. Can you believe that another woman walks over my sign kit and myself to open the right hand door (door pushes into the building, vs pulls into the airlock)INTO my lettering stuff, as I was turned to the side cutting some decals apart. This time, I didn't have my Signmaker sign out, since TADAAA!! I was actually in front of the door. So instead of using the LEFT hand door, that was clear, but needed to be PULLED toward you, obviously causing too much exertion on her part, was too difficult to comprehend...
Or the 5 year old who kicked my sign down, in front of his mother. She asked him why he did it and her replied "It fell down on it's own." And SHE says..."I don't think it did.", but never bothered to apologize to me after there was a huge gouge put in it by her kid. Again, she just walked by.
Well, today I was back at the same bank of doors as Mrs. Yank. Let's try this again. Set up the sign on the outside...work from left to right, again, locking the doors... so far so good.
Until I get to the right bank of doors. O.K. People walk by for lunch, noticing that SOMETHING is going on, but still make the correct door choices. Good deal. I can get my work done in peace...until....(guess who?) Another woman comes along and fortunately opens the correct set of doors and asks me a question.
"What EXACTLY does THAT mean????" she asks in a defensive tone.
"Excuse, me?", I ask.
"What does SIGN ARTIST mean?"
Hmmm...well, this morning I had read some of the responses that Ray has posted in response to clients asking unreal requests and was hoping that SOMEDAY I would actually say that to someone...and the fact that the child inside of me has overtaken my body and is causing lots of pain, causing me to not be as cordial as I usually am...
So back to the "What does SIGN ARTIST mean?" comment...I replied with a smile and a direct look in the eye to this 50 something lady, "Exactly what is says."
She looked stunned and snorted, "Well, I am an ARTIST myself and what you are doing doesn't look like art to me. I am a student at the Kewaunee Art School." (Which is a neat place to learn how to paint and sketch etc in an artist's environment, but far from a "school" with accreditation etc.)
So, being in my MOOD, I reply, "Well, ACTUALLY, I have a bachelor's in fine art, an Asscoicates in graphic design and what I am doing HERE is PAYING THE BILLS with THIS WORK.!"
She backs off and closes the door. Mind you, I am wearing one of my company shirts; baseball style, so it has black sleeves and a grey body. The sleeves have white flames down the arms and my logo on the front and back is done in a tribal flame style with block letters. (everyone who sees these shirts really likes them).
So I suppose, you see some dark haired chick, obviously "overweight" with flames and "tattoo" style lettering and ASSUME they are ignorant, white trash who has no education or business sense and decide to make yourself feel better than her or portray yourself in some "superior" manner. Because there was nothing "friendly" or productive about this discussion.
So, it seems that calling yourself an "ARTIST" gets you no respect, and calling yourself a "SIGNMAKER" doesn't either.
Got laughed at by a farmer with his poopkickers the other week..."Artist!" He scoffed..."I don't think so..." I had no response to that...or when he returned, made some goofy gestures with his hands and said "Get it? Signs???" Still no response...just a questioning scowl to please go thru the doors and let me get back to work.
Heaven forbid trying to make a living without people constantly thinking they can PURPOSELY interrupt you for some kind of kick really gets me.
Of course, you'll always have the people who say "You can come and do mine when you're done," if you're wiping down a window...which I respond, "I don't even do MINE!." Always gets a chuckle.
I remember a post within the last month about comments by people, which if you work with truckers, you get used to all the comments, even the sexual ones. You have your canned responses etc...
But the ACTIONS of people really boggle me.
As Bill Engvall says "Here's your sign." and Ron White..."You can fix UGLY, but you CAN'T FIX STUPID!!"
-------------------- Nikki Goral Image Advantage Signs 4050 Champeau Road New Franken, WI 54229 920-465-4500 "Finish every day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day."-Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 928 | From: New Franken, WI (East Green Bay) | Registered: Jun 2007
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the last 11 years I spent in the "working world" has mostly taught me that the older "adults" get, the more childish they become. I've seen my 3 year old use better manners then most 40 -50 year olds! Just remember, you did your job and it's done right, making you the better person. Plus, at the end of the day, you got paid for it.
Hey, those shirts do sound cool, you should send me one.. hahaha.
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6736 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Artist has such convoluted meanings anymore with all the pretentious jerks taking it for their own. It seems to be used in less of a descriptive term and more as one of status. Use sign maker or whatever.
Try doing these jobs back when we hand painted door hours at the banks. Still, most nearly everyone was polite and afraid to mess me up which makes up for the few brain dead.
I like the way you handled the woman though.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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You can go two ways with people like that & rude doesn't usually work. What I would suggest is turn around give them a HUGE grin (you could even point to the sign) and say "Are you having a bad day!?" And then go back to work. Throw it right back into their face with their bad behavior. I like how you handled her though. Sort of makes you wonder, what happened to her earlier that day that got her panties in a twist.
[ February 26, 2009, 09:39 AM: Message edited by: Jane Diaz ]
-------------------- 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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-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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Oh, that broad who said that she's an artist, she really makes me mad. If I was there, oh, the good Christian side of me would have smiled and said nothing. But the Chola side might have popped up and said, "Hey student, I make something you might not ever make, Money! Go back to your school and draw some more apples" And to myself, in a quiet voice, I'd say "Estupida Cabrona" When I'm working on a door that I don't want anyone to open, I use duct tape. If someone asks, why is there duct tape on the door or handle I say it's being serviced. Nikki, I wished I lived closer to you. I'd be out there in a flash, in full Chola regalia,(Black eyeliner on lips & eyes, black bra, white tight tank top, big teased-up hair) No one would brother you.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3845 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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I was raised (thank God) working class with sign paint on my hands from an early age and have been able to pay the bills doing so, which is more than most art school pseudo intellectuals can say. I've also shown my original paintings in galleries all over the country and met more pretentious, phoney-baloney "artists" than I care to mention. Be proud of what you know, we are the people who make our communities come alive
My husband and I think about how much bolder we have gotten over the past few years with our comments and how we handle people.
He called shortly after this happened and I regaled him with my story.
Just when you think you have figured for the "lowest common denominator", you get proved wrong...over and over and over!
-------------------- Nikki Goral Image Advantage Signs 4050 Champeau Road New Franken, WI 54229 920-465-4500 "Finish every day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day."-Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 928 | From: New Franken, WI (East Green Bay) | Registered: Jun 2007
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You just need a roll of "Crime Scene" tape and a chalk outline of a body on the floor- when somebody inquires to what happened, just say "that was the last idiot who bothered me while I was working..."
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Si, if only these were push open doors ( I work on the in-side, so all doors pull out...) Can you imagine if I lettered on the OUTSIDE??? They would come right up and pick the lettering off the minute I was gone!
Apparently locking them does not good either!
-------------------- Nikki Goral Image Advantage Signs 4050 Champeau Road New Franken, WI 54229 920-465-4500 "Finish every day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day."-Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 928 | From: New Franken, WI (East Green Bay) | Registered: Jun 2007
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I love messin' with people and have developed a unique party skill that was passed down from my dad and his dad- the ability to makeup (lie thru my teeth) the most outlandish stuff, all with a straight face, just to see the reaction on their face as they try to process the information. Most people wouldn't even dare call you out on it, thinking it might offend you if they don't believe you- that you wouldn't just make stuff up for no reason!
For example- when the lady threw the name of the art school out, I would have said something like: "Oh really! wow, it is such a small world!, that is my school... I'm the Executive Dean over Advanced Emerging Talent... well, at least I used to be, I don't get to spend much time over there anymore since people discovered my skills in this field... do you know that once word got out, my phone just wouldn't stop ringing! And the insane amount of money!... well, I don't have to tell you, you being a fellow artist and all. I just had to quit something, so I haven't been back...."
then just turn around and continue to work, like the conversation is over. Usually, the look on the face is priceless!
Sometimes they will call you out- "Are you serious?" then just reply "Naw, I'm just joking! Except for the money and talent part, that was real!" - again, turn around and continue to work, like nothing ever happened.
that really screws with their mind! Then just casually change the subject while they scratch their heads and wonder what just happened!
My wife and son love to watch me do that to some unsuspecting irritating person - we laugh for weeks!
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Stupidity is not exclusive to those outside our industry. I can't count the number of sign folks who have visited my studio and when told that the panel on the sawhorses was wet, they will reach out and touch it.
And I've done the same thing myself.
A long time ago I found the secret of accepting people the way they are and I've slept a lot better ever since.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Well, I enjoyed reading the rant. Nobody can rant like a pregnant lady! I would have been far less patient. And I would love to see Alicia go cholistic on someone! Love.....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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It's kind of the same working on firetrucks/vehicles while many others are working on the same one. Only once have I had a long 20' stripe sitting unburnished and wet against a 4 door cab side and a door was opened on me.
After that, I littered the handles with masking tape in a BIG X fashion. Sometimes with paper notes in bold letters attached if I'm not staying put for some reason.
After hearing screeching from me, I have most trained at this point. They don't dare touch the handle let alone yank a door open without asking first.
For opening glass doors and such, I generally place a BIG apparatus in front of the door and behind me (such as a free standing ladder) so they HAVE to walk around. Or I simply prop the door to stay open and not move. Generally that's even better at a busy door.
[ February 28, 2009, 11:46 AM: Message edited by: Donna in BC ]
posted
A nice big dollop of fire red paint mixed with Vaseline on the appropriate door handle would stop this stupid bimbo in her tracks. Just think of her standing there staring at what looks a wad of bloody snot in her hand. Priceless.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Nikki...if the door opens outwardly...just open it all the way and then add the lettering...it will be wide open to let the idiots go in and out without bothering you...except for asking stupid questions!
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Unless it is 10 degrees with a 20 mph wind....then not so easy!
-------------------- Nikki Goral Image Advantage Signs 4050 Champeau Road New Franken, WI 54229 920-465-4500 "Finish every day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day."-Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 928 | From: New Franken, WI (East Green Bay) | Registered: Jun 2007
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
(you could even point to the sign) and say "Are you having a bad day!?" And then go back to work. Throw it right back into their face with their bad behavior. ![[Bash]](graemlins/bash.gif)
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
Just think of her standing there staring at what looks a wad of bloody snot in her hand. Priceless. ![[I Don t Know]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
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