posted
Has anybody seen the ad from Sharpline Converting with the two vans.? The gist of it being to make youself stand out . This one is priceless. For those that haven't seen it there are two vans in the ad. One is done in a simple font that resembles Impact, in black with a bar code underneath it. The other ( their idea of better ) is done in a dog ugly letterstyle and has some tear graphics on it in a multi colored vinyl. Even with the stupid bar code on it the plain one looks sooooooo much better. Oh yea, the tag line on the truck says "fine signs fast" Somebody , please tell me this one was done tounge in cheek.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted
I am simply amazed! This thread raised a whopping 2 responses.
Simply amazing folks......unbelievable even...you people are amazing! Sorry there was no shaking my head in disgust icon.
-------------------- Rob McCauley
Production Manager Archway Graphic Designs a Division of Sign Express, Inc. www.signexpress.tv Little Rock, Ar 501.224.0227 --- The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down. ;-) Posts: 53 | From: Little Rock, Ar | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Rob, I fail to see what you find so amazing. I can't comment on the subject because I don't have that magazine to check it out. I'm sure that is the reason for a lot of people. Could you explain what is so freaking amazing about this.
-------------------- Dennis Goddard
Gibsonton Fl Posts: 1050 | From: Tampa Fl USA | Registered: Apr 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
What's even more amazing to me is people actually care what they see in rags.
Come on George, you mean to tell me with all the CRAP getting features in auto magazines these days, a little ol' van that no one but signies is gonna see bugs ya?
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Jeez Louise, I guess I'll have to spell things out a little more clearly. My whole point here is we have had some recent posts talking about manufacturers and suppliers that somehow seem out of touch with the market. This ad is as good an example of that as I've ever seen. The intent of the ad was to impress. It misses so badly I was wondering if it was a joke. I didn't get upset about it, I'm just wondering who in the hell is gonna be impressed by the example they have put out there. Have things gone downhill that far??????
I'm also assuming that nobody else has seen it since no one has commented.
[ August 12, 2003, 08:39 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted
Guess our Mail Mule must be sick as my copy hasn't made it here yet! As you are known to be quite right with your insightes on these matters I WOULD TAKE YOU FOR YOUR WORD ON THIS
NOT like Rob's web site full of boastng over the price of a machine that will only print a translecent ink that may or may not last 3 to 5 years! All the time making ignorant statements that paint doesn't stick to the drum head surface. HUH? wonder why it sticks to glass amongst a lot of other smooth surfaces? Reckon my 3 drum head customers I have done will be wanting thier money back NOW!! I also wish they had a (in disgust)head shaker
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey Dennis, watch closely as all is revealed
...it starts with Mr. King personally attacking me because he knows what it is that amazes me.
-------------------- Rob McCauley
Production Manager Archway Graphic Designs a Division of Sign Express, Inc. www.signexpress.tv Little Rock, Ar 501.224.0227 --- The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down. ;-) Posts: 53 | From: Little Rock, Ar | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yo. Rob. Do you do anything besides vinyl film? You've got quite a mouth on you considering the company and with 36 posts under your belt, bud.
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
See what I mean, this is amazing. I said NOTHING! And I've been personally attacked for what!?!?!?!?! Hell I didn't even initiate the post! How quickly it turned into a attack-Rob-fest I can't make a comment on this board, is that what you guys are saying? Start from the beginning and read my posts again. What exactly did I say? Oh wait I know, it's the fact that I said ANYTHING?
I'm all like "Wow, you guys sure let this post slip by without comment" and then it's like "Rob's signs suck A$$" and "He's a dumb $hit" OK so I'm paraphrasing WTF!
A completely ambiguous statement about being amazed at a limited number of responses to a post and I'm personally attacked and slandered.
Like I said...amazing...Thanks for illustrating my point for me though fellas. I knew you'd come through Hope that clears it up for ya Dennis and Raymond.
-------------------- Rob McCauley
Production Manager Archway Graphic Designs a Division of Sign Express, Inc. www.signexpress.tv Little Rock, Ar 501.224.0227 --- The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down. ;-) Posts: 53 | From: Little Rock, Ar | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
This is another example of how easy it is to misread something. The first time I read Rob's response, I assumed he was saying this was a useless post and that George was somehow acting aloof and petty by pointing out bad design.
When I went bad and reread it just now, I got a whole different message. This time I feel Rob is saying he agrees and is amazed more of us arn't expressing our dismay at this particular ad.
Just my opinion, but I wonder how much bearing our photos have on the way we read posts. I think we need a smile on Rob's face. It's just too easy to read these posts too fast and jump to the wrong conclusions.
That's how I see it, but even if something outrageous is posted, nobody has the duty or right to attack anyone personal on this BB. There are ways to debate without resorting to namecalling or ridicule. It's also the Law Of Letterville.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
Thanks for posting the pic Steve, maybe this post can get back on track. I took a crap a little while ago, it took longer for that to go down the toilet than it did this post.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted
I like #2 version because my name is Robert. If you make the lettering hard to read people will look at it longer and try to figure out the message. That to me is brilliant adverstising.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
posted
I still don't see why you're so amazed. You tried to stir something up and succeeded. You should add "Happy as Hell" to amazed. If you wear a shirt with concentric red and white rings, don't be surprised when somebody takes a shot at you.
-------------------- Dennis Goddard
Gibsonton Fl Posts: 1050 | From: Tampa Fl USA | Registered: Apr 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
"A Signs Sole and Only function is to "COMMUNICATE".... anything more is just bells and whistles !!" rg
In todays fast paced world, that truck is useless.........where the same thing may work ok on a web site, or some other place where it's not moving 50 miles an hour.
If it ain't read......It ain't comunicatin"......therefore "useless"
Did I mention....BOTH signs suck, Bigtime !!
..........cj
PS....Dennis, VERY Well said, I agree !
[ August 12, 2003, 09:33 PM: Message edited by: CJ Allan ]
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted
yeah i have to agree with steve on that glamour shot of rob...no offensive dude...maybe it's the hilter mustache but it's a definite..."yeah, i think i'd like to poke him in the eye sometimes." provoking shot...a smile could change everything...and again no offensive dude.
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Went and checked page 15 ... That version of the picture (ad) doesn't do the ad in the magazine justice. The design may be lacking but that mutli-fade metalic vinyl with the lightning looks like a cool product ... bet they sell tons haha
If you sell cool vinyl why wouldn't you use it for your ad rather than super impose (not very well) an image (not a very good one) on a van.
-------------------- Compulsive, Neurotic, Anti-social and Paranoid ... but basically Happy Posts: 2677 | From: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks for calming things down a bit Steve. I know my pic doesn't look friendly but that's how I look 90% of the time the other 10% of the time I look pi$$ed Smile's didn't keep Mr. King from being the first to lay into me anyhow. He looks almost too happy in that pic
What I illustrated in my post was in partly intentional although I was really hoping it wouldn't actually turn out this way.
Here's the deal:
I made a similar (not the same grant you, but similar)post sometime back on what I thought were some poorly installed, let alone designed, trailer graphics. I thought it was funny how prominently it was displayed on this guy's web page. Kind of like the pic in question in this post. I'm sure George was just pointing out how much more effective the barcode example was as a design. It was funny. Sort of a sign guy comical double take when you see what they thought was the better design, which in my opinion was harder to read.
I ran across my pics quite by accident as I'm sure George did as he was thumbing through his magazine. But what happened from that point on in my post was a rush of people coming out against me personally with "...running other people's work down" and "don't you have better things to do..." posts. As is the case yet again. The only problem is that I didn't make this original post, George did. Nothing against George at all!
My point This post was destined for obscurity until I jummped in. People had either not seen the ad or didn't care. I was pretty certain that George would never get treatment like I did. So in pointed that out...ambiguously... naming nothing and no one, and the same people (and you know who you are) turned this whole thread back on to me.
I guess it's just me
One last thing. CJ, Charlie Daniels called...said something about wanting his "look" back?
Come on now people ! That's not a personal attack, that's just funny!!!!!!!
Text sucks! You guys would like me if you could hear the tone of my voice
-------------------- Rob McCauley
Production Manager Archway Graphic Designs a Division of Sign Express, Inc. www.signexpress.tv Little Rock, Ar 501.224.0227 --- The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down. ;-) Posts: 53 | From: Little Rock, Ar | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Please send in a better scan Mark. I'll swap photos.
Seriously folks. This is nothing new. With all the cool materials and technology available today, it has never been easier to create perfect ugly signs, as well as ads, both print and tv.
Who can forget the ads from the early 90's promising the reader that... "Thanks to this new machine, you can make signs like this!"
To the seasoned pro these ads looked awful. Inappropriate letterstyles, messages too small to be read, colour schemes like hot pink and lime green that would make your head spin. Who would ever want to make signs that looked like that? I wanted to make signs similar to Jay Cookes, Mike Jackson, Gary Anderson, Mike Stevens, Bob Behounek, Keith Kneitch and all the others I discovered in the pages of ST and SignCraft Magazine. It's amazing that people that offer products to signmakers, don't get input from these outstanding Letterheads first.
It's not fair to attact the designers. They just lack knowledge of basic lettering design skills. I don't think many of today's designers get any training on design. It's just pick the font from your list of 5,000 and go to it.
Look at the kerning in many of today's print and tv ads. Barb will tell you how embaressing it is to see a movie with me. All I ever see is the crummy kerning in the credits. Are Letterheads the only people that notice you can drive a truck thru that LA? And look at that RA! It's ok to join those letters ya know! It's like we have magic eyes or something! Truth is, design mistakes that drive us up the wall, are invisible to much of the public.
Here's an example. My Mom says she loves me. Why is it she picks the ugliest sign in town and compliments me on it. "I just love the Old English style letters on that Convenience Store Son! The red letters on black are really pretty. That grass green outline and shadow thing remind me of Christmas. I think that is my favorite of all your signs." Arrrrgggghhhhh! Why don't she just beat me with a coat hanger like other Moms?
To be fair, I have to wonder what a FurnitureHead would think of my cabinets and furniture. They would probally recoil in horror, pull out crosses to drive out the ugly joints and other demonic design/construction elements in my cheap furniture. Simple fact is I know very little about fine furniture, ballet or wines. It's just not my thing. If I need to know about these subjects, I'm wise enough to seek out someone who is considered an expert in these areas by his peers.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
I see your point Rob. I remember the topic in question. Without a doubt, people cut more slack to those they are more familiar with. As far as pictures are concerned, some people put a lot of stock into the one photo they see of people here. I remember a comment on one of my earlier resident photos. My expression looks like someone just took my parking spot. (Bruce is laughing now).
Laugh and the world laughs with you, frown and you get flamed! Now with CJ, ...I dunno.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks Dave. I'm glad someone else can see my point here
-------------------- Rob McCauley
Production Manager Archway Graphic Designs a Division of Sign Express, Inc. www.signexpress.tv Little Rock, Ar 501.224.0227 --- The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down. ;-) Posts: 53 | From: Little Rock, Ar | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Damn Ryan, didn't know you were like that.....Not that there's anything wrong with it. (Did Donald know when you guys spent the night in the truck at Sandcastle?) Explains why you and OP kept disappearing.
Rob, with the explanation, I remember that thread and the following posts. Makes more sense now. I see your point somewhat.
As for your pic, make sure OP posts in your threads. His pic makes yours look like Brad Pitt.
-------------------- Dennis Goddard
Gibsonton Fl Posts: 1050 | From: Tampa Fl USA | Registered: Apr 2000
| IP: Logged |
Sorry I took the long way around this but I think it was necessary in getting my point across.
-------------------- Rob McCauley
Production Manager Archway Graphic Designs a Division of Sign Express, Inc. www.signexpress.tv Little Rock, Ar 501.224.0227 --- The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down. ;-) Posts: 53 | From: Little Rock, Ar | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Gosh.... Steve makes quite a deep point at the end of his dissertation.
I too wonder what a real Cabinet-maker would think of my efforts to build some of my furniture over the years with less than appropriate tools and techniques? What would a real Autobody-man think of my efforts in restoring my cars with simple hand tools? What would a real Musician think of my amateur efforts in that arena?
Oh man.... have I set myself up for judgement by professionals in too many areas in my life!!!!
Maybe there's a difference that these endeavours were hobbies and not my bread and butter! Still, was it fair that I took undertook these projects and denied the real professionals their livelihood?
I guess there is bound to be hobbyists among us career signcrafters. There is more than enough work to go around if you really look for it and spend some time communicating to and educating potential clients as to effective advertising. A secure professional should be able to do that without slagging others efforts. The cream always rises to the top.
-------------------- Happy Signing...... Marty
M.F. (Marty) Happy Signmaker Since 1974 Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada S4N 5K4 306-789-9567 happyad@sasktel.net www.happyad.ca
Get Happy & Get Noticed! Posts: 773 | From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Now that everyone has kissed and made up with Rob, let's get back to the topic at hand---George's post about this ad!
Say what you want about it, but I think there's a deeper look required here.
I am quite bothered, as is George, by many manufacturers' attempts to show off their product in ways that aren't that show-offable. I now rep many manufacturers, but for years beforehand worked production----I know the products, I have an 'intimate' knowledge of them, and have a good idea what works and what doesn't.
My main bread and butter is the sales of Digital printing equipment. What irks me are the ads in Trade Magazines that we all get from 'leading manufacturers' of digital printing equipment that are obviously FAKED. C'mon----if you're going to PhotoShop a mural onto a truck and say that your machine produced this, then at least do a GOOD JOB PhotoShop'ping it onto the truck....
Is this just me, or does anyone else see through these ads as well? It's like they're treating us as infants, trying to wow us with a pretty picture instead of getting down to the nuts-and-bolts of what works.
Oh yeah, I like layout number 1----Impact and clarity baby! Yes, I'd funk it up a bit....
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Sorry there was no shaking my head in disgust icon.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic