posted
Ok, so I already stuck my foot in my mouth & offered to do the next panel swap.
Now that we have 2 under our belts, we have a feel for things that do and don't work. I have a few ideas or thoughts that I'd like to see everyone's input on while I think this through. Please feel free to add your thoughts here as well.
1. Theme Use. I'm thinking we could have a theme for those that want to use it, but no one is required to use it. Like this idea or not?
2. Theme Ideas. Ok, anyone got any? I had one the other day, but didn't write it down & now it's gone forever.
3. Do you prefer a direct swap (A's panel goes to B, B's goes to A) or a round-robin type thing (A send to B who sends to C...)?
4. Time Frame. I think having a definate deadline is a good idea. If I remember correctly, we had 2 months to do the last one. Was that a good timeframe, too long, too short? I intentionally waited til the last minute so I wouldn't redo it 6 times.
5. When? I was thinking we should take a little break before we start the next swap, but it's not too long til Christmas. Should we wait til the January to start this?
posted
as for themes... I think personalizing a panel for a specific individual is kinda cool... of course the flake factor makes that a logistical nightmare. 2 months was good. round robin sounds good (except for the term... where's the gag-me smiley ) new years is good
One excuse for not doing so in the last two was the cost of air-mailing it to USA! Got that figured out now. Have an idea for a lightweight "panel" with a distinctly "OZ" theme
There's an idea. How about a Country, State or even home town theme. Maybe you can encourage more worldwide imput. A "Surf Board" from Hawaii would look cool in my studio Doug!
Actually, I kind of like knowing who I'm making the panel for, but I guess we could all rally around a theme. "Keepers of the craft" never seems to get old. I have more time to work on a panel in the winter, so maybe have them come due late Jan or mid Feb? also, not to contradict my first statement, but the idea of putting names in the hat of all those who have completed their panels, and sent in a pix, seems to be the surest way of guaranteeing everyone gets a panel. Just have a random drawing at the end.....not necessarily a one on one like the last one.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
I really enjoyed this last swap, it feels like you get abit closer even if geographically you're not!
Its a great idea although perhaps not too often...more risk of people getting let down etc.
I would be up for another one about the begining of next year.
Since first logging on here in 96, I feel like I have "met" so many great people, but only one from here in real life, it would be great one day to meet up at a meet or two. In the meantime swapping panels is another way to enjoy this site.
posted
I will deffently get in on this one. Now that Im just tying up loose ends on the shop. I'm just sooo exicted to be finaly able to participate in something Letterhead.. "Weeeeeeeee"
posted
Kissy, just an idea here.. could make for an interesting one..
How about a "Letterville Holiday Swap"
Since we have so many Holidays coming up, that could be the theme, 'cept let anyone pick any Holiday they wish to highlight, which could include holidays from all ethnic backgrounds. Halloween, Day of the Dead, Ramadan, Kwanza, Thanksgiving, Hannuka, Boxing Day, New Year's, etc... Hell even Valentine's Day or St Patrick's Day.. just any holiday anyone chooses.
Time frames? It's your deal.. you pick the date!
-------------------- "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
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I like the round robin idea. I think it would add to the mystery of who you do it for and where you get a panel from.
Theme? I liked Bruce's theme and there were certainly lots of other businesses that were left out of it from his original list. (That could work again if needed.) How about "greetings from...where ever the panel creator lives"? That could be kinda fun.
Just a few thoughts.... Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
Hey Woman... Here is my take on the swap...what if we all had to design panels with exactly the same title...ex:"The Annual Letterhead Panel Swap" or some clever alternative. I think it would be fascinating to see just how many variations on the theme we could get. Just my two cents... After the holidays in my "down time" would be great for me. Good luck kid...better you than me! Love-JILL
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Jon, I don't care what Monte or anyone else says, a box of tim tams is NOT a panel.
Jeff, I like the idea of doing a personalized panel too, but I feel bad some people did panels & didn't receive. "Keepers of the Craft" is cool.
Henry, that's why I'm thinking after 1st of year... holidays are pretty well over, way to get rid of winter blahs, have a few months in between swaps.
Mike & Kathy, the holiday theme could be cool, I'm already envisioning a panel for Green Beer Day, er St. Pat's Day. But, we have many various religions represented here and each has different beliefs about the holidays. I think it's best to let that alone.
Ray & Jill, good ideas as well. But Jill, I'm surprised you didn't want to incorporate IOAFS.
Let's keep this going. If anyone has any thoughts, fears, ideas either post it or email me chris@wildfiresigns.com I'm thinking we'll get this under way in January. I have no problem organizing and dealing with the next swap, but really want input from participants.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
I still believe that the mystery factor adds to the fun. Bruce decided to pair people up with this one. But if you do that next time, then everyone will know who's making theirs. It worked once, but couldn't again.
Bruces worked flawlessly. Submit picture of completed panel, ship to the name you are given. It's perfect. There will always be those that don't live up to their promises. The one thing I learned is that you just can't trust people to keep their promises. Unfortunately, there were many people that made a panel but never got one in return for the first panel swap. I still have a hard time with that and feel really bad.
As far as theme goes, one of my original suggestions was making something that represents the area you live. I still like that one.
Good luck, Kissy. Another thing I learned is that you just can't please everyone. You've claimed it as your show, run with it!
posted
Dang, the paints hardly dry and were talking about the next swap
I like Terrys idea of something from the local area where you are from. All I'd have to do is get a Doug fir tree branch and splash some water on it - LOL
After the holidays in January sounds like a good time to start something up as we'll need to get pumped up for the new sign season.
I still need to figure out what the scoop is on that red thong theme (how did that come about???) in the last swap.
-------------------- Brian Diver PDQ Signs Everett, Wa
posted
all right brian... & just when I was about to dump the sand outta my shoe & into the trash... it's got your name on it now
I only see one problem with the emailing pics to the host & then letting them have control of who gets whoose panel... not that the panels aren't all awesome... but some are SOOO Awesome, we'd have to be nice to Kissy... for months! (I told ya we needed a "gag-me" graemlin)
posted
I realize ANY panel will look cool in the shop, but what about some of the "useful" ideas that have been poppng up on this BB lately: "Everybody brings joy to this place, some when they arrive, some when they leave".
Or,
"I have no problem with my competitor's prices, he knows what his work is worth". That kind of stuff, just a thought.
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
Easy solution to who gets what and nobody ends up with nothing ...
Kissy forwards all the names of participants and photos of their FINISHED panels to Steve by a due date and he does a Letterville draw outa his barrel on Head TV!
posted
One thing about the last swap...I saw my panel before I got it, so the element of surprise got lost a little in the shuffle. I guess others had the same experience. Would't it be better to just swap names, with the pictures being put on the BB after the panel is recieved? Everyone wanted to see the pictures, but everyone did not get their panel yet....see what I mean ?
just thinkin' out loud......and looking for ways to make it better.....
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
Jons head TV idea sounds good. Too bad head TV NEVER works for me
I agree with Jeff that nobody should jump the gun, nor should peer pressure cause the legitimate posting of panels to occur before the swapping is complete. Once a few of us commented on reciept of panels, everyone (who was paying attention) knew what panel they were about to get. Mine came before I knew, but after the pics were posted, so as soon as I saw the address, I knew what the panel inside looked like. It was still like christmas! (just more like those ones when my parents hadn't learned to hide stuff good enough yet)
posted
Here's a theme, "The Letterville Snipe Hunt Panel Swap" Anyone ever been on a Snipe hunt?
There have been several good suggestions made here. I don't think there has been one that I couldn't live with. Whatever the rules are arranged to be, I feel it may be good to decide on a theme (if there is going to be one,) and an exchange method soon, allowing those that would like to get on to the fun the latitude to do so. Whatever the due date, the sooner one starts, the more time one can spend with their project.
-------------------- Dave Parr Sign Painter USA Posts: 709 | From: USA | Registered: May 2003
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posted
Perhaps one way to avoid dissapointment is to do what we just did i.e send in pictorial proof that a panel exists, and then the person running the swap has a, 20, 30 or whatever pictures of panels and can swap with all that have participated, i.e completed a panel, and not those that are "nearly finished or not quite started!" as long as there are even numbers, that way those that have made can always swap with each other, and I am sure between us if there was an uneven number someone or other could fix that too at a push. That way there could only ever be one that was "left out" rather than several.
posted
What if we draw a name and make a panel of the recipient's business - I have yet to make a sign with the name of my company and it would be interesting to see what someone else would come up with. Sort of a multi-use advertising/art sign. To combat the flake factor, they wouldn't be mailed until the photo-finish. If the other person doesn't come through, you just keep your (their) panel.
A somewhat longer time frame might allow for those little extras and space out the frequency - I'd suggest 4 months, that would make time for sandblasting, gold leaf, carved, etc. A January start would be good, with an end of April deadline. Also, if you wanted to make a panel for someone in particular, that could be arranged without sacrificing secrecy. Just brainstorming here.
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Although I did get a peek at 2 panels prior to the pictures being posted, neither was one I was going to get and the anxiousness was a good part of the fun. Henry was kind enough to email me that it was on it's way, but I still had no clue as to what it looked like or what the Letterville business was (bakery). I did see a pic when the panels were revealed, but had not yet gotten it. Believe me, the panel is much nicer than the picture shows, as is usually the case with a lot of the pictures we take. (I think Chris mentioned the difficulty in taking pictures of her mirror panel elsewhere.)
Terry, I think the real key was when Bruce set the terms on this swap..
quote: be cajoled, have dispersions cast upon, hunted down, their characters questioned, ridiculed, ball busted, flamed, roasted, made fun of, and generally looked down upon.
I know I sure didn't want to be on the recieving end of that, but it was a cool way to say "make a commitment!". Not only were the panels completed, but no one got hung out to dry. The terms were reasonable, well intentioned and effective.
By the way, when does the cajoling begin? I was looking forward to that part. Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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quote:be cajoled, have dispersions cast upon, hunted down, their characters questioned, ridiculed, ball busted, flamed, roasted, made fun of, and generally looked down upon.
there were still a small bunch that didn't complete one after signing up! But, it proves the system still works. Nobody got left out despite.
I know there are a few that goff at the long time frame, but I'd appreciate a bit longer. I work for someone else and have to make these on my spare time.
quote: be cajoled, have dispersions cast upon, hunted down, their characters questioned, ridiculed, ball busted, flamed, roasted, made fun of, and generally looked down upon.
Unfortunatly I was one who signed up and due to some family & medical problems I was unable to complete my panel.
I do not use this as an excuse, I should have had it finished long before the problems arose. It is completly my fault and procrastnation(sp?) and hopefully I will be allowed into the next swap.
Now let the cajoling, ridiculing and general looking down the noses begin!!!!!
posted
I could consider this swap. I would like to swap with Dave Parr, if possible in that he was a student, from the past and a good listener. Dave is proof that by paying attention, you can become a great designer.
CrazyJack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
I still have not received my panel. I listen for the UPS man to stop by everyday. I like two different ideas that have been mentioned. The rest of the Letterville businesses or Sonny's idea of each others businesses. I like Sonny have no permanent sign for my business. How terrible. I have beenin this building for three years and have a single sided 6'x8' corrugated sign out front. It looks really nice, but I can't decide what I want to do. I know I need to make a decision and get something else up though.
posted
I'm with you Don. I don't have a sign up at all in front of my place. I work at home and am not supposed to so I typically park my truck out front all lettered up. It would be nice to have a small sign by the door as opposed to my fading business card stuck by the door bell...
I just got a dremel/roto-zip type tool to make some stencils for a company so I might try making a sign using that.
-------------------- Brian Diver PDQ Signs Everett, Wa
posted
If we do each other's business names, what do we do about logos...maybe just disregard them entirely ? Then we would be free to go where ever the designs take us. Or would you want to send logos for some creative makeovers? I kinda like the business name idea.....
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
Hi Kissy...There are a lot of pinstripers and air brushers that would participate if the only criteria was to produce a panel. After all the pinheads are the ones that coined the phrase "panel jam" by having one person start a panel then pass it on to others to add to it thus "jamming" their way thru a meet and turning out some fabulous multi colored panels each signed by the participants.
Another thought I had would be to contact other boards like the one in the UK and the one in OZ and arrange an International Exchange.
The work done in the last exchange was fantastic to say the least and Bruce did a fine job of bringing it in under the wire time wise. But for me it was to restrictive with all its rules and eliminated a lot of people that might have otherwise participated.
No matter what I know you'll do a great job putting the next exchange together.
Looking forward to it!
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
posted
How about "Letterville Takes Flight" - I want one of those wingie things for my wall Or what if you had a few themes to pick from and then swapped amongst each theme? Just trying to make life more difficult for you.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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posted
Monte's got a good point about the pinstripers joining in. I'm an old sign guy who also pinstripes. I've passed on the past swaps but would jump in to do a pinstriped panel...mainly cause it's easier to stripe one...and...well, quite frankly...I'm lazy
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
The panel I got from Mark Yearwood was a very nice pinstriped panel.
That panel was from the first one run by Terry.
I havent thrown my name into the next ones yet because I still havent completed a panel satisfactory enough for me to send to my recipient, however they will get one from me anyway EVENTUALLY.
I have contacted them a few times telling them its on its way, but the doves I sent it with are VERY SLOW.
I still wont sign up for another swap until I complete my original one, though I have considered adding my name to the next one, I dont think it would be right to do that.
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
Monte & George, I already thought about the pinstripers and anyone else who doesn't do signs, or like rules or whatever other excuse they can come up with. That was the reasoning behind:
1. Theme Use. I'm thinking we could have a theme for those that want to use it, but no one is required to use it. Like this idea or not?
My theory with a theme was to have it as a starting point, for those that wish to use it. Mostly to spark ideas, but not required or regulated.
I personally have no problem with it being posted on the international boards, how does everyone else feel about this?
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Kissymatina: Jon, I don't care what Monte or anyone else says, a box of tim tams is NOT a panel.
I will gladly accept (and have accepted) Cherry Ripes and Tim Tams in return for a cool panel.
Theme: I like the idea of each participant making a panel in the means they are familiar with, whether it be pinstriping, lettering, pictoral, etc etc. I also like the idea of each person doing a panel that reflects THEM or their local area, not their recipient's cause that's not really sharing culture/life with anyone.
Rules: As mentioned before, no recipients should be determined until the panels are complete. All swapping should be done between people that have contributed to the swap, much like the "Secret Santa" game is played (ie: if you want to be included in the game, you bring a gift. If you don't bring a gift you can not play.)
As far as I'm concerned the rule above and the due date should be the only "hard and fast" rules to ensure everyone gets a panel and they're done in a timely manner.. Rules on themes only stifle creativity and no matter how much time you allow for panels to be made, there will be some who still cannot make it in time.. so I say set your date for whenever you feel it's prudent.. if that's means it's after the holidays, that means people now have at least 2-3 months to do it which is PLENTY of time considering no one would take 3 months (at least I'd hope not) to produce an 18x24 sign for a customer.
-------------------- "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
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posted
Jack, I would be honored to swap a panel with you Mr. Wills. Chris has posted a few of the guidelines she is considering. Perhaps she can be cajoled, have dispersions cast upon her, hunted down, her character questioned, ridiculed, ball busted, flamed, roasted, made fun of, and generally looked down upon until she agrees to incorporate a way to include one on one swaps. (I’d put a smiley face here so all would know I’m kidding, but I’m really tired of emoticons)
We’ll do the swap regardless if it’s incorporated in the “Third Time’s a Charm” swap or not.
Yet again, you've placed the bar a bit higher for me. These new shoes feel quite loose though, I can only aspire to grow in to them.
I’ve got a few ideas in mind for your panel. (having trouble not using an emoticon here) Dave
-------------------- Dave Parr Sign Painter USA Posts: 709 | From: USA | Registered: May 2003
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I had one the other day, but didn't write it down & now it's gone forever.![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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