I have learned numerous tips and tricks that have repaid my Letterville taxes 'many-fold' but I would say the most valuable thing has been learning of the existance of Letterheads Meets where I have met and watched so many wonderful sign artists that inspired me to progress beyond ordinary signs. What single memorable thing have you learned or gotten from this BB?
Happy Signing......Marty
------------------ Marty Happy Signmaker Since 1974 Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada S4N 5K4
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Marty, I've learned that I'm not alone in the art world. There are other cantankerous old super-conservatives that swing a brush or mallet. I've also seen the shallow and the deep ends of our craft. Even in the shallow end there's a place for someone with the right amount of heart to go for it. Cool place, the Letterheads.
------------------ St.Marie Graphics & Makin' Tracks Sound Studio Kalispell, Montana stmariegraphics@centurytel.net http://www.stmariegraphics.com 800 735-8026 We're chiseling every day of the week! :^)
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I've learned, to my amazement and utter disbelief, that there's people out there... that are better than I am.. Now I ask you, Can you believe that.. well can you? Huh! Seriously though, There is just so much good from this board that it's hard to name just one thing,, impossible to name one thing. But "Inspiration" come to mind First and Foremost... in many ways. Neil
------------------ "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF
Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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I have learned that I am not as weird as I thought I was! Most of my family and friends always thought I sang my own tune...... and danced my own dance. But I have found many of you are singing the same song! Isn't it great?!
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Hiya Marty, The most important thing I learned in the last 7 days was that Krylon has changed it's formula and I better not expect it to stick to vinyl anymore. That alone could be priceless.
Going back over 3+ years, there are too many to remember.
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Don't yap off at someone ya might end up meeting at a meet!
------------------ Dave Grundy AKA "applicator" on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada 1-519-225-2634 dave.grundy@quadro.net www.quadro.net/~shirley
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learned that I should keep my fingers of this damn keyboard, and into something more productive......... Been doin pretty good the last few months too........
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I don't know if I have learned it here, or discerned it , but sign people are a pretty interesting lot. Even in private conversations, I have discovered people that have various interests and ideas, unlike a lot of people I know in general. I was just talking to my daughter about careers and doing something that you love for a living, and she asked me about mine. I answered, how many people do you know work all day at a job and go home and log onto the internet to talk and share what they did all day. Furthermore, to take trips to meet others and do more of the same.
------------------ Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Since 1978 www.wrightsigns.bigstep.com All change isn't progress, and all progress isn't forward.
Posts: 2787 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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I've learned that despite all the fighting, biting, yelling, kicking, scratching, insult, and screaming, when you finally meet fellow letterheads....they ain't so bad after all! Got to meet a whole bunch at meets over the years...enjoyed them all!
------------------ Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA (714) 521-4810 ICQ # 330407 "SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Brushasaurus on Chat
Gladly supporting this BB !
Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I found that living in this integrated neighborhood is socially comfortable. There was a time in my life when I would have considered someone that makes signs with computers and vinyl as illigitimate children to the industry. I'm finding that there are many that want to make beautiful signs and place design as important regardless of materials. That not all vinyl shops produce those horrid black and white helvetica monsters.
I don't want to labor this point to offend anyone, but I was predjudiced! and now feel differently.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posts: 6806 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I agree, Rick. It was my daughter who made me see the light. My original take was, "Any no-talent can buy a computer and a plotter and, PrestO! Instant "sign shop"." But she brought to my attention the fact that some of them can be very creative people who fill a definte void in the industry. I get too huffy and protective at times. I see some of these websites that advertise "carving", when in fact its primarily sandblasting or router schtuff. As my little darling says, "Dad!! Get real!! Who cares what they call it? It's all sign work!" and...................she's right. I need to get real. Either that or younger. (sigh)
------------------ St.Marie Graphics & Makin' Tracks Sound Studio Kalispell, Montana stmariegraphics@centurytel.net http://www.stmariegraphics.com 800 735-8026 We're chiseling every day of the week! :^)
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I've 'met' some folks on the BB and then met them at meets - perhaps I can claim to have made a few extra friends this way. Maybe I've been able to get to a few more meets than otherwise, by being able to communicate through this media. Among the people I've met, most are way nicer than I would have thought and some are much weirder than they and their friends even think. I won't mention any names, but her initials are Cheryl Nordby. *Whew*
(just joshin' with ya, Moje)
------------------ "If it isn't fun, why do it?" Signmike@aol.com Mike Languein Doctor of Letters BS, MS, PhD ___________________
You know what BS is, MS is More of the Same, and it's Piled Higher and Deeper here
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Yeah, me too, Stephen. I used to win 'em all..............till I came here. I keep running into these damned people who know what they're talkin' about!
------------------ St.Marie Graphics & Makin' Tracks Sound Studio Kalispell, Montana stmariegraphics@centurytel.net http://www.stmariegraphics.com 800 735-8026 We're chiseling every day of the week! :^)
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Stephen!! Are you being repeatedly redundant again?
:^)
------------------ St.Marie Graphics & Makin' Tracks Sound Studio Kalispell, Montana stmariegraphics@centurytel.net http://www.stmariegraphics.com 800 735-8026 We're chiseling every day of the week! :^)
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I knew how to laugh,love and learn, but now It's just better!
This board has become a palette of many personalities! Like a horse of (many) a different color! Have to admit, I learned to spatter paint and actually make it look good!
[ September 29, 2001: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Like many others here I have learned I'm not alone. Some may do vinyl, some paint. Some carve. Some do gold leaf. Some concentrate on designing. I do concrete and steel stuff.
The common element for most of us is the love of our craft.
It is nice to talk the same language with folks who understand the same pressures of making a living and at the same time keeping our creative side happy.
Isn't it great to have a site like this!!
Thanks to Steve & Barb!!
-dan
------------------ Dan Sawatzky Sawatzky's Imagination Corporation Cultus Lake , British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.ca
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I think Dan touched on the key element that glues us together. Loving what we do. This seperates us from those that do it for a living. Some of us labor to pretend we're doing this firstly to make a buck, but I think we're here 'cause we want to keep the romance alive. Letterhead meets do that also. Kinda like bringing flowers to my lover.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posts: 6806 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have learned that you can make friends, and good ones at that, without meeting someone face to face. I have learned that you can have different views on subjects and still remain friends, uh, most of the time. I have learned that this is THE place to come if you want valid, professional information to help you in the sign profession. And I have learned that this board has some of the most talented people on the planet, from both genders! Thank goodness for LETTERVILLE!
------------------ John Deaton III Deaton Design 109 N. Cumberland Ave.,Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-573-9101
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One day before I even officially opened shop I was surfing the web looking at signs. I found some great work on the Shirley's Sign Shop site and sent them a complement. Within minutes I got a reply from Mr. Dave Grundy himself urging me to check out the letterhead site. I did and need I say more? I have learned so much here that it is difficult to choose the most important. This community has been toooooooo good to me and many more newbies like myself. I hope someday that I can pass along advice and knowledge as you folks have. Love ya all!
------------------ Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454 PH. (504)386-3313 casey@i-55.com
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist.
Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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My father-in-law is a (semi-retired) welder / pipe fitter. I asked him if welders and pipe fitters have a web site where they can all share tips and tricks or hold welding meets where they can bring projects and meet those will like interests.
Of course, you know there is no other profession that seems to be interested in each others accomplishments like Letterheads.
Long story short...my father in law, like so many others in variours trades or professions, just don't understand the Letterhead movement. -------------
The biggest thing I learned here was how to to get back on track and do professional work again.
After I left the "big" sign shop and started my own biz, I was on my way to becoming the skilled craftsman my mentors molded me to become. But, I soon lost my way. Making money was more important than doing the job right, or taking the time to do those little extra things that make a job complete. Soon my layouts suffered and my knowledge of new developments in the sign trade was lagging far behind, which in turn was costing me the loss of good customers, the good money jobs, and reduced me to making "parking signs" and realty "for sale" signs.
I'm back on track, the good jobs are back, and now I get to write about what I know. This complete turn around took 5 years...in other words, I became an apprentice again and had to learn all over from the begining. The Letterhead movement became my mentor and this web site was my means to learn, or re-learn my craft.
I just paid my "taxes" to stay in Letterville as a resident. I handed the money over in person to Barb at a Letterhead meet in Evansville Indiana. So far, over the last few years I have invested a grand total of $150 bucks in "taxes." Small in comparison to the return in money from doing jobs I would never have been able to do with out the knowledge I have learned right here in Letterville.
See you around town!
------------------ Draper The Signmaker Bloomington Illinois USA My Next Article In The April Issue of Sign Builder Illustrated covers step by steps on "digital airbrushing" YOU CAN DO! 309-828-7110 drapersigns@hotmail.com Draper_Dave on mIRC chat
Posts: 2883 | From: Bloomington Illinois USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have learned that friendship is truly priceless. The support and constructive advice from all of you have helped me become a better artist and sign person. Friendship is the most important element here. Thank you Steve and Barb for bringing us all together!
------------------ Preston McCall 2516 W 63rd St. Mission Hills, Kansas 66208 913-262-3443 office 816-289-7112 cell
Posts: 1562 | From: Overland Park, KS | Registered: Nov 1998
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i myself have learned that there are a lotta folks out there that share my passion for this craft. also i have met some wonderful folks here that will remain lifelong friends.(to many to mention)
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