posted
I don't want to start a lettering class war between Mike Meyers and Pierre Tardif, but I was wondering today of those who have taken eitherof their classes, what you thought of them. Also, if anyone has taken both of their classes what the differences are. I've talked to 2 other painters in the past 2 weeks and this was part of our discussion. None of us have ever taken either class. If you don't feel comfortable posting on this thread then send me an email, 1signdesigns@backroads.net
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I'd be interested in knowing too. I was actually just considering signing up for one of the classes. I would love some feedback if anyone is willing
phillip@signamigo.com
-------------------- Phillip Newell Newell Graphics 1346 Garnet St. Burlington, IA 52601 319-754-5113 Posts: 187 | From: Henderson, IL | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
It seems like everyone and their dog is putting workshops now. In reality, they're just an introduction to hand lettering, as it takes far more than a two or three day class to master. Then you also have to find a market to use your new found skills. Otherwise it's just a hobby, but a fun one at that. I believe the only school left that has an actual sign painting course is the LA Trade School. It seems to be more about people putting on workshops to make money from the new found interest in sign painting. Just my opinion of course.
posted
I've never attended a workshop on hand lettering although I have seen demonstrations by both Mike Meyer and Pierre Tardiff. I also host and present workshops of my own on dimensional sign making.
There are many ways to learn and lots of knowledge which is shared out there, especially on the web these days. There are books on most any topic as well. For those who are determined to gather this knowledge it is there for the taking.
Some will simply work their buns off to feed their passion being truly self taught when it is done.
But that being said I believe the workshops are a great way to get a leg up, to acquire a lot of knowledge in a hurry, and in many cases learn from some of the best in the industry. In our workshops I do my very best to share in three long days what took me forty years to gather. We answer every question asked as best you can and hopefully give good value in the process.
Almost without exception we hear how valuable the hands-on portion of our workshops is. There is nothing quite like getting a demonstration and then trying your hand at the same task with a master of the craft standing nearby to offer hints and suggestions to help make you better.
I would suggest you contact those hosting the classes you are considering and ask for some names of those who have attended previously. It's my bet they will happily pass on a name or two where you will get a first hand account and opinion of the material offered.
-grampa dan
-------------------- 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: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Anything you can learn about anything you didn't already know seems like a good idea - and it doesn't get any better than Granpa Dan, Mike Meyer, Pierre Tardif and David Smith......
there's also a big Letterhead meet coming up in September at the American Sign Museum where a whole bunch of knowledge will be floating around.
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I know that I learn best by being hands on. I have all of my life no matter what I'm trying to learn. The reason for the post is that I've had several guys that aren't far from my shop that were interested in a lettering class and I didn't know if Mike or Pierre would be interested in hosting a class here at my shop. I've got plenty of room and our weather is usually warmer than Minnesota or Canada.
posted
I think if the classes are reasonably priced, say a couple of hundred dollars or so, then they are well worth it..... Knowing the basics like Pierre teaches is Valuable...I believe the old sign meets were all about sharing info, fees to them were just to cover costs... But what do I know.. I have never been lucky enough to attend one.lol
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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I hand lettered 186,000 windshields and feel I now have the knack down a bit....but hey, I retired! I still am so impressed with Pierre's videos and always learn something from them. What a gem. Would love to take one of the classes, but I am now just painting landscapes. In all the years I painted signs by hand, I probably learned the most from all of you Letterheads. Which tricks...which brushes...which way to hold my mouth. This has been a fabulous place to see and trade the real info. ..back to my easel where it is warm, sunny and wonderful, here in Santa Fe. www.McCallFineArt.com to see some of the recent stuff and pics of the expanded gallery.
-------------------- Preston McCall 112 Rim Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 text: 5056607370 Posts: 1552 | From: Santa Fe, New Mexico | Registered: Nov 1998
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