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So, in the recent peering I have allowed myself at this "Bullboard" and as well talking with my sign friends from the painters opinions and also my friends from the computer opinions (which we all seem to be involved in these days). I find that there is a lot of discusion about who has the upper hand. My personal thoughts are that it just dont' matter. If you are makin' the bucks and your product appears neat and well done, then get it on. Because signs are simply just a reminder for the public to use as a way to find someone or to make the suggestion of stopping somewhere that was not planned and make a purchase. Thats' my take on it all and to those who give a **** about treating the customer right and not being in it just to make a quick buck.
Reminder,,,,,,,,CrazyJack Do a good job & Happy Holidays
-------------------- Wilson Ardmore Sun Signs 164 Team Track Rd. Auburn, Ca hatfield@vfr.net Posts: 100 | From: Bowman,Ca | Registered: Aug 2002
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I'm accustomed to taking pictures of signs that impress me when I travel. This year our family vacation is to a paradise location that I'll try to return to many times. I did not take one sign photo though. I have my camera, but did not find a single sign I considered photoworthy. This ia a place with more money circulating than you could imagine, with visitors from all over the world spending, relaxing, dining, diving, fishing, touring, etc. Many strong designers use computers, this place made it clear that the lack of design becomes the first issue. Today, we depart from this island and fly back to winter storms. Going back without having someone here that challenged me and provoked me, but wanting to lift my standards because they need it.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6817 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I would have to belive,that is ALL in DESIGN!! That BTW starts in the "Grey Matter" located between the ears!
I once heard "you can take the BEST signpainter,letter a POORLY layed out DESIGN. IT then (looks terrible) "But let an unskilled painter,letter a WELL layout design,and it will (look great)
As Timi Barrows would say:"Back to Basics" (They write Books On this Subject)
If you can take the time to READ manuals on "How your Computer operates" How much more time could be involved........?
Hope this helps
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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A friend of mine best said it one day..."the advent of the computer gives us the ability to make ugly signs perfectly"...
What we need now is for some one to set up a Design site with all the how toos and why doos...but it needs to be of the quality seen in the MIke Stevens "Layouts".
Nothing short of that would be worthy!
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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It really isnt all that complicated. All anyone has to do is read Mike's book if they want to improve their design skills. I owe a great deal to Mike Stevens because he was the one that taught me what I know about sign design.
The real problem as I see it is a lack of pride. I have never been able to settle for anything less than the best that I was capable of doing. Even after finishing a sign I would stand there and critique my own work and try to find ways of making it better. I was never satisfied. Even after nearly thirty years in the business, I am still a design fanatic. In fact I cant see myself ever thinking I've done the best I can do and settling at that.
Maybe its because I have an artist eye and see things that perhaps many among us can't. I guess if you dont care then nothing is wrong so why waste, spend, invest, sacrifice, time to fix it or improve yourself?
I think its more an issue of character. I know other sign professionals like myself and one thing we all have in common is passion. You can see it in their eyes. Unfortunately many others in our business see signs as nothing more than a commodity to be sold for the sum of its materials and slightly better than minimum wage.
Enough of my insane ranting. I've been beating this dead horse for so many years it makes me tired. To those of you who understand me (you know who you are) keep on doing what you do best. I get great pleasure from seeing what you do and inspiration as well.
Hope everyone is doing well.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
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In days past..As we were being shown by the journeymen of that time, we were always reminded that a sign should have "POP". The primary copy has to speak volumes within a matter of seconds to create a positive perception to the viewer. Most sign artists had their own trademark style that stood out and became handily appreciated among their peers. when sign people met upon occasion (back before the day of letterheads), it was customary to acknowledge each others latest efforts. That was the network. If their was some unskilled signwork around, we would network about that as well and see if we could help a new guy or gal add some punch to their stuff and share some tips too. That was important to all of us because it kept a watch on the playing field which was our livelyhood. We had a basic understanding about who ever had the best sales pitch on a givin day was awarded the project at that time when were bidding against each other. It wasnt' about price...It was about DESIGN, DELIVERY, and SERVICE. A form of competitivness that kept us on our toes. At times the guy with the highest price may have had the best proposal and deserved to win by adding a few gimmee's to the deal. I am extremly glad to have this computer ability to make my way through a new world of operating and couldnt' live without it now. It's a kick to learn new programs and apps., that have allowed me to enhance my fine art career as I phase out more and more from the sign life. My personal wih would be to see a more comprehensive learning curve for those who buy their way in to the sign game on a design level. Their will always be crap to fill the ugly sign pages but seeing stuff that should just simply be added to the dumpster only insults the integrity of those who pay money for it. Any way, Happy Holidays to you folks who work hard and bless this beautiful country.
Yes I am, CrazyJack
-------------------- Wilson Ardmore Sun Signs 164 Team Track Rd. Auburn, Ca hatfield@vfr.net Posts: 100 | From: Bowman,Ca | Registered: Aug 2002
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