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Two weeks ago I got off the plane to return home. While in the city I went to a sign shop I've heard about for a long time and enjoyed a delightful visit. This is advertised as a non computer shop witch intrigued me.My happiest days were before those thing were invented.
I found they execute all jobs doing hand work and use a computer to make patterns sometimes. So they produce some work that has the human imperfections and the mechanical look on manipulated text.
I found them gilding Gemini letters rather than letters they drew and cut themselves.
I hope someday to be able to walk into the past for a while and enjoy a sign shop as I did in my youth.
It was really fun to meet some of the future though. I might be able to pass along some info, skills, tools, photos, etc. to influence them.
I hope so.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 7006 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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As they say, if you're ever in my neck of the woods, come on by.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 4104 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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We are slinging paint daily, cutting, shaping, grinding, bending, welding and gold leafing stuff all the time.
It's great to talk shop with fellow Signmakers.
I really want to get a Letterhead Meet going.
I've been mentoring a couple high school students lately at the shop. Teaching the one student some building techniques, and teaching the other student some on site mural painting.
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The only sign shops around are my competitors. Changing the relationship seems to never quite work. We're friendly and respectful towards each other, but don't just sit and jabber about what we've learned or are currently wrestling with like I can with someone in a shop in the next state. I do miss that comradery.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 7006 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I remember the days when we used to cut vinyl by hand! & use the old paint striper brush. Still my favorite.
I was always friendly with the shops around me in Pa. I said if you need paint or a piece of vinyl on a Sunday night I am here. LOL!! I started in 1996. By 2014 it was extremely competitive. 2008 and digital graphic printers changed our world. & the internet of course. I was very sad when our dentist had gotten to big for his britches and after carving him a beautiful sign along with many other projects he went to the competition over a few hundred $. We were with him from the beginning. The times had changed. Sadly, He got divorced. Money got the best of him.
I still believe Design is the difference!
Now, we've been in SWFla - Venice, FL for almost 10 years. Hand-carved signs are so rare. So I have started to attend Art Shows and am registered and awaiting my application status for our Venice Farmer's Market. The demographic down here has changed and we do have some newer people that are familiar with this art. It's been quite an adventure here. I purchased my own large sandblaster. It's really fun! Still carving with the same original set of chisels.
We hope to retire in Costa Rica. Open an environmental education and art studio/spa. Teach sustainable living into our Golden Years. Have some land with a few cabannas. Working with all the locals. I love networking. You are all welcome! haha!
In 2017 I acquired my real estate license (like every other florida resident hahah!!) & got into property management. I really enjoy commercial. I haven't sold much but I love behind the scenes. Marketing, managing, etc... I would love selling paper clips if I am with the right people. haha!
A meet up would be great. Name the place and time! You are welcome here in Venice, Fl, just south of Sarasota.
Glad to see we are all still here! I am on Facebook - Diane Royer-Malesky
-------------------- Summit Signs 231 Victoria Rd Venice, Fla 34293 sales@summitsign.com http://www.summitsign.com Design Is The Difference. Posts: 272 | From: Venice, Fla | Registered: Mar 1999
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I am on Facebook - Diane Royer-Malesky
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