posted
Seen the new SignCraft cover? Am I just cynical...but is that an excellent example of terrible choices? The color scheme doesn't work for me at all. The Title (B&B) is almost unreadable. There is no negative space and all the letter holes are so balanced that you just look past the letters to Heating & Cooling. And last but not least...what is with the background shape? Overlapping swirls, I guess.
I think this is an excellent example of that is easy to do on the computer and pushed (sold?) to our brain by our eyes and the florescent screen. The design just looks great on-screen...but in the real world things are different.
I'm sure that the trucks catch the eye but The whole thing is hard to read and decipher. Any comments?
-------------------- Gerald Barlow Artworx Turlock, CA
95380 artworx@bigvalley.net Posts: 198 | From: Turlock, CA 95380, USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
I don't see as much wrong with it as you do. The massive white space below the descriptive line is a bit much, so I would have lowered that and the "Big enough" line down to give a little more breathing room above and below B&B, but other than that it doesn't bother me much.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
with the onslaught of "garbage" signage being produced today by so many without any artistic ability or training, i have been think of changing my tag line to: SIGNS, none of which will include helvetica, brush hand or script or comic san serif. if you would like a distinctive sign.....we can do that.
[ March 07, 2013, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
When I got a computer, I decided that it would be a tool to speed up what I can do without it. Here is a situation where folks are doing things with the computer that they don't have the skill level to do without one. The guy on the Sign Craft cover in his article says he just designs them and someone else does the print and wrap. I think that belongs more in Sign Business magazine and Sign Craft should promote the CRAFT.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6717 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
But isn' "design" part of the craft? Do we really want to say that guys like Dan Antonelli shouldn't be in SC because he doesn't hand-letter or actually produce signage in-house anymore?
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
My thoughts.... It is very easy to become stagnant, too often we offer only what we have done before or even worse what is convenient; In the way of in stock vinyl left-overs and our same old, over used fonts and what our design program can do. So often we feel bored with our work but we are really bored with ourselves. Pick up a brush, layout something by hand, vector your own work once in a while even if it costs you some money. Never stop investing in your craft. Perhaps this sermon may get an Amen!
-------------------- Bob Sauls Sauls Signs & Designs Tallahassee, Fl
"Today I'll meet nice people and draw for them!" Posts: 765 | From: Tallahassee, Fl | Registered: Jun 2009
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6717 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I used to just use the computer to design something, and maybe make the pounce pattern.....adding something "extra" maybe, along the way.....and then hand-paint it.
As lousy as most of our paints are today, I've been forced to use more vinyl. I've even had a couple of red signs, that I clear coated, still died out.
And you don't have to drive 50 feet in any direction, to find some digital printed "something", that's less than a year old, all bleached out.
At least, I can usually count on the vinyl lasting for a few years.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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[ March 12, 2013, 02:55 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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quote:Originally posted by Rick Sacks: When I got a computer, I decided that it would be a tool to speed up what I can do without it. Here is a situation where folks are doing things with the computer that they don't have the skill level to do without one. The guy on the Sign Craft cover in his article says he just designs them and someone else does the print and wrap. I think that belongs more in Sign Business magazine and Sign Craft should promote the CRAFT.
I only do design and my clients hire a sign company to do the install. Guess I don't belong in SignCraft either then.
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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Nobody is perfect......But, for what is worth, you are one of the very few graphic designers that really cares about designing well prioritized and readable copy on your so effective designs, for those wraps and signs that you put on the road.....So, I don't care about what "they" say about you....I love your work and, also, I forgive you for not being a sign painter....We all have our own faults, Dan.......Like I said: "Nobody is perfect".
posted
Dan, I in no way wanted to put you down or personally attack anyone. I miss the "craft" part of our industry. I'm guilty of over utilizing the technology also. I'm guilty of not doing as much of what I spent the early part of my career learning and loving as I should. I would like to see the Sign Craft magazine providing the inner charge many of us need to get back on course. When I see Rob Cooper's work I get charged!
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6717 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
From when I was 15 to about 23, I hand lettered constantly. I got to the point where I was OK with a script and casual, but still kind of sucked on an egyptian O or S. Man, I hated S's. But we did a ton of vans and trucks at the shop I worked on as a teenager, and throughout my college years. I lettered a ton of signs for the university I got my degree from. They paid me $30 a sign for each student event. I had a few 4 x 8, that would get repainted every week, and then I was free to letter them as I wished. So I cut my teeth that way, and I think have a deeper appreciation for the roots and foundations of the craft than most.
I do miss hand lettering enormously. I recently bought a 22" Wacom Cintiq display so I could re-introduce more hand lettering to our work. Now, that's not hand lettering either, but it's digital hand lettering, which is close enough, and cleaner in an office, at least.
I can say it helped recharge me a bit as well.
I appreciate the note Rick. It touches a nerve, no doubt, because I often wonder if what I'm trying to preach about layout, and branding is reaching an audience or not. Judging by the plethora of really poor work out there, I tend to think I'm not reaching anyone, sadly.
While I lament the plight of many hand letterers, I also know many doing very well who have been able to carve out a niche for their specialty. I know technology can be a bad thing, but I refuse to blame it on my success or lack thereof. That responsibility lays within me, not what has changed within the field.
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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Hey Dan, I get a big boost from your articles. They have taught me much about the business of designing and logos. They have given me the backbone to ask for payment for these designs and given me the spine to tell clients that the design is mine until the rights have been purchased. Its wonderful to get paid twice for the designs that I used to give away thinking that it was all part of the sign. I have found that fewer than I would have guessed ever comment on the articles. Thank you for all of them they are appreciated here.
-------------------- Bob Sauls Sauls Signs & Designs Tallahassee, Fl
"Today I'll meet nice people and draw for them!" Posts: 765 | From: Tallahassee, Fl | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Glen i just took a good look at your website. It is first class. The work is so clean and the layouts are interesting to look at without being distracted by the sizzle.
-------------------- Bob Sauls Sauls Signs & Designs Tallahassee, Fl
"Today I'll meet nice people and draw for them!" Posts: 765 | From: Tallahassee, Fl | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Wow! Thanks Bob! I can sincerely say that what little I know, what little talent I may have, is mediocre at best compared to folks like you, Dan, Ray, Joe Diaz, David Showalter, Todd Gill and so many others too numerous to mention. You all are what I strive to emulate. I owe you guys far more than I could ever hope to repay.
(Now if I can just finish the darn website. It's only about 20% complete.)
posted
if everyone elses business is like mine, those "examples of excellent design" and "painstaking meticulous craftsmanship"............are not as common as those run of the mill helvetica everyday signs we crank out so we can get those once in a while "signs of portfolio quality." hehehehehehe here is an example of pita sign, lot of time, in laying it out, but nothing to brag about. i tried to buy these already printed.NOT AVAILABLE!!!! so it may not look like much design work, but all i had to go by was an old faded one. had to build it word for word. sam at skidmore signs printed them for me. if you need to use it i will give you the vector file as you may have to change some things to comply with osha in your area.
[ March 15, 2013, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
OP, Isn't it amazing what the adept sign-maker can do? You never know when you wake up what the day will bring. Just about the time it seems mundane....a new challenge.
Are you coming up to Skidmore next weekend?
-------------------- Bob Sauls Sauls Signs & Designs Tallahassee, Fl
"Today I'll meet nice people and draw for them!" Posts: 765 | From: Tallahassee, Fl | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
i would like to, but i have a heart surgery being scheduled. the defib they put in 2 years ago went off on me 3 days after boone passed away. now the device doctor want to go in there and move one of the 2 leads to another location.........he says its in a bad location.... so it wont go off and stop my heart..........so i cant plan any trips right now.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
stop in on the way home.... tryin to get the garden planted right now.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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That gasoline sign's better than what I'm having to deal with today. A customer is requiring their new logo to be lettered on an awning. They have "Designer" in their name and the logo is done in Brush Script. At least it's not all caps and on an arc. Brush Script and Park Avenue are among the typefaces I refuse to have loaded on my computer. I have to install the font, suppress the gag reflex and do the work. After it is converted to curves, as a matter of principle, I'll uninstall the font.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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