posted
Why is it non-participants just assume Letterheads is not for them? I spoke to a fellow, local sign shop owner today - telling him about the upcoming Mass Mayhem meet in Peabody. He brushed it off as something that didn't pertain to him. "Oh that stuff's not for me, I don't paint and I'm no great designer". I was able to explain a few things to him and he's now thinking about it, but it struck me how much he's missing by not even giving Letterheads a look. I know others too who who completely shrug it away. Is it perceived as something scary and out of their league? (probably, that AMAL would scare the stuff outta anybody). Or that it's only about paint and chisels or about being some kind of design maverick? Do they think we would stand them up and ridicule them? We might have homework to do in this department.
posted
Joe, I really don't know how to correctly answer your question, but will give you an opinion...... I didn't know where I was headed to begin with (still don't), I am proud of what I have accomplished (much more than most expected), but most of all, I am very exited about what I am about to accomplish (with a little guidance). The letterhead movement has dedicated itself to that. It is sad that some turn from that. It amazes me that people feel the way you discribe. It is either complacency or fear, I don't know which. Some people are just satisfied with mediocracy or afraid to pass it up. I'm not sure I have made good sense here as James Beam is helping my typppppe. bronzeo
posted
I've also invited people who've never been to a Letterheads meet to attend upcoming ones. The reactions that I got were everything from "nothing but a bunch of elitists". "A mutual admiration society". and even "hey, I don't WANT to be CREATIVE. I just want to be able to crank out the work I have".
I happen to think of Letterhead Meets as an exercise in Professional Development. There's always something new or inspirational that I can pick up, along with the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and forge new friendships too.I think that those who choose to attend a meet are individuals intent upon taking that EXTRA step toward bettering themselves professionally and personally. Others, feel they don't have that need, or are content with the level they're at.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.
Some days you get to be the dog....other days, you get to be the fire hydrant.
posted
These are Lone satelites just out there revolving around the out skirts of life in general,never mind personal involvement in ANYTHING! They usally are the lowballers,never progressing talent wise,nor do they wish to.They are the same as some of our customers whom view signs as merely words on a piece of wood.This non-involvement action is a mental defence for not getting hurt.Even IF we as letterheads reach out to them on the common ground of being in the same business.They still will retreat into themselves being satisfied that at least they are making a living.These are also the kind of people our prayers should be for. Hope this helps
------------------ PKing is Pat King of King Sign Design in McCalla,Alabama The Professor of SIGNOLOGY
Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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"Why is it non-participants just assume Letterheads is not for them?"
I once was a non-participant. When I was outside (the website) looking in this is how I felt.
1998 Wow. they are SHARING information!!! I have a million questions, but what could I possibly offer in return? I'm only a graphic designer... Ok, here it goes, I'm gonna post something- NO wait! I'm gonna sound like an idiot and they are ALL gonna KNOW I'm not a signmaker. Making 7 or 8 signs does not qualify me as a Letterhead.
I read the BB for several months before I ever posted anything. Then when I finally did- I asked one of *those* questions... "How much would you charge for this..." then another... "What's MDO?" and another... "Vinyl or Paint?" and another and another... EVERYtime I hit submit I would instantly want to hit the Back button, but it was too late- it POSTED. (cringe)
Why? I was afraid.
My posts were answered and everyone was basically really nice. I only got my butt chewed once when I asked for a font or a piece of art... then I learned the hard way about copyrights. (I still think it would have been easier to have been drug through months of court appearances over a copyright issue to learn the whole theory than to have someone here say something blunt and "just mean", but I survived the judgement of my sign gods & pinstripe wizards.)
"Is it perceived as something scary and out of their league?"
To me it was. I was *just a graphic designer* that got to do a few handpainted signs (with craft brushes!) once in a great while... but I loved painting them. I STILL didn't think I was *worthy*.
"Or that it's only about paint and chisels or about being some kind of design maverick?"
See above.
"Do they think we would stand them up and ridicule them?"
I was terrified of being burnt at the stake. I come from a very judgemental family (read that alcoholics everywhere!) and the thought of someone telling me I was wrong or worse just plain stupid for asking "How much would you charge?" (when at the time I didn't know there was a *book*) would have crumbled me to dust.
Now that I've head butted my way in over the years posting here and have been welcome with open arms at the live meets I feel like a part of the crowd (or the movement) but I can see how some may shy away.
Think of it this way... if you don't go to church and someone tells you "You NEED to go to this service. It's GREAT!!!! It will change your life." are you gonna jump up and go?
Or how about this... if you drink *now and then* and someone tells you "You NEED to go to this AA meeting. You will find the meaning of life and you will FEEL so GREAT!!!" are you gonna jump in the car and go to the next meeting at the local community center?
To me, the Letterhead movement is a belief system, a way of communicating with a jargon of it's own (albeit it some of it pretty colorful now and then- ) Just like an AA meeting or a church service or a therapy session with the local shrink- you have to WANT to go YOURSELF- no one can tell you to go and no one can make you *change your life*
The you can lead a horse to water side of the Moon
------------------ The Moon aka: Stefenie Harris Moonlight Designs Pollock Pines, CA learnin' somethin' new every day!
Posts: 550 | From: Pollock Pines, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Well said ..Moon. After discovering the 4edgetalk.com forum based on need due to my recent edge purchase, I followed a link over here and have been very motivated to stay tuned on regularly. I work too much to have a social life right now, and to hear correspondance among people with so many similar experiences is great. I ve heard of Letterheads for over a decade, been to a small regional here on Maui 6 years ago and never really felt "outside" just less inside yet...by choice. Pking, if I were to feel alienated it would be at how easily you sum up the inferiority of those on the fringe. If you didn't intend that impression take another look at you words from an outsiders point of view. Thanks anyways for the prayers
------------------ Doug Allan Island Sign Maui, Hawaii
posted
I think signmakers of any caliber are an odd bunch anyway. Lets face it...sometimes you have to be a little nuts to be in this business.
That said, I've heard a lot of similar comments from other people. The "elitist" comment was the most common. When I pushed for a more detailed answer, most said that it had to do with two things....
1) Letterheads think too highly of themselves (i.e. - talent). This surprised me. Long story short, there is this perception that Letterheads are a cliquish group who know how to use a brush and look down on those who use vinyl.
2) Letterheads don't share. "Share what?", I would ask. "You know, fonts and clip art and stuff", was the general response. I would explain that Letterheads (for the most part) belive in treating other the way we would want to be treated. I certainly wouldn't want someone taking something that belonged to me and giving it to someone else.
I've asked if they ever visited Letterville or been to a Letterhead meet. Most said "no" to Letterville and all said "no" to having ever attended a meet.
For the most part, it all boiled down to how they "felt", not what they knew. I think some were intimidated, thinking that their ability wasn't up to par. They never considered the purpose behind Letterheads - LEARNING. Most just thought of Letterheads as a bunch of people patting each other on the back and telling each other how good they are.
posted
It's kind of a "lead a horse to water" syndrome, isn't it? The most amazing comment I read here was "letterheads don't share". They don't?????????????? News to me! Then its made clear,its not "sharing" they are talking about, it's a mutual "somthing for nothing" exchange. I think Moon's comments about a belief system are bang on target. We as a group are very enthusiastic about the movement and attending meets, and sometimes that enthusiasm is, in itself, intimidating - not unlike being proselytized. And no, it's not just hacks and lowballers that don't get involved. I know several very talented and creative and successful sign artists in this area who, as far as I know, choose not to participate. It's a personal choice, and I respect that. All in all, I'd rather look forward to a meet, and celebrate the friendship and sharing and fun it entails, than be too concerned with those who don't get it. After all, Letterheads has been around for over a quarter-century, and people come and go all the time. That's life.
------------------ "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. - Raoul Duke (Hunter S. Thompson)
Cam Finest Kind Signs 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988"
Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
As an apprentice I noticed that some of the guys would notice and comment about most every sign we drove past. Colors, panels, layout, type mixes, letter spacing, placement andsize on building, etc. We ate and dreamed signs. That was our world, whether walking down the isle in the market or browsing a magazine. There were others that viewed it as just a job. Those without the love have no need to attend the meetings, for them it would be just a convention filled with overtly agressive and enthusiastic fanatics. Leave 'em alone, they're just doing their job.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posts: 6806 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Being 100% sold on Letterheads, I am always trying to introduce people to the best thing that has ever happened to the sign business. What can you say to those who respond by saying that they know all they need to know? I feel sorry for them, and it seems they will never really know the joy of what we all love.
------------------ Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. Little Ferry, NJ billsr@riedelsignco.com
Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I think it has to do with passion. Like Rick said....everywhere I go....I see signs. I love beautiful signs, old signs, and new signs. I think too many signmakers just think of signs as 'signs' and don't have sign passion. But I am sure there are many who are just too busy to attend meets or check out Letterville... I know a couple who don't join in because they think they don't have writing skill or they are afraid of meeting face to face with those more talented. Little do they realize how helpful and fun it can be.
------------------ surf or MoJo on mirc Cheryl J Nordby Signs by Cheryl Seattle WA.....! signsbycheryl@hotmail.com
I also agree with Jackie's comments. And in addition I would add this: Signmakers in a given community have been back stabbed by one another in lowbaling prices to take a customer away, or working for a sign shop to learn enough to move out and start their own business.
Then we come along as say "You ought to go to a Letterhead meet" and all they can think of is a bunch of "back stabbers" getting together.
So somehow the Letterheads get associated with local sign people types you don't want to have dealings with. I find that very strange because these same people will go to the big sign shows and attend seminars...so what is the big difference?
My article about the Milwaukee Meet coming in a future Sign Builder Illustrated issue will focus on how a new person attending went through the entire learing process of making an HDU sign from scratch to finish. I followed our Letterville friends Felix Marcano and his wife around and described his experience in a large part of the article....hope most of it gets past the editing room.
To make a long story short, I'm trying to break down these barriers between the Letterheads and other signmakers. Expect it to take a few more years.
------------------ Draper The Signmaker Bloomington Illinois USA
Get To A Letterhead Meet This Summer! See you there! DUCK SOUP SPLATTER JAM Sept. 14,15,16 Somewhere in Alabama -------------------- 309-828-7110 drapersigns@hotmail.com Draper_Dave on mIRC chat
[This message has been edited by Dave Draper (edited September 06, 2001).]
Posts: 2883 | From: Bloomington Illinois USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
When I started out lettering signs (trying to learn) the two "Sign Painters" in our small mountain town of North Wilkesboro NC would quit lettering when I walked in. In fact they would hide their brushes under the lettering cart or easel. They would not let me see how they lettered. Or what kind of brushes they used. If I stayed an hour they still would not resume their lettering. (They ruined a lot of good quills this way) he he My point being...I am glad I found Letterville and the great Letterheads here. I have been in the Sign and Art related field for over 46 years, so therefore I should be "Qualified"....However I have learned a great deal in the past few months from some great Letterheads who were willing to share. In turn I am willing to do the same!!! Shep'
------------------ Arvil Shep' Shepherd Art by Shep Oak Island, NC shep@ec.rr.com http://artbyshep.homestead.com/index.html " As long as they say your name, you will live forever"
posted
problem with these people..is they think we is one of them thar "CULTS" like yung son moonie....and that we will make em drink minerial spirits...and cover ther bodies with one shot and sacrife em to the french squirel god!!!!!!!! to these type people we need to tell em we only do this with the "old ones".....hehehehehehehehehehehhe
------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND
Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Hey Joe, Both me and my son/partner would've loved to come to Mass but we already had plans for the 15th (about ten or so musician friends at my house)..Haven't been to a meet yet but our time is coming..
Dave
------------------ Dave Ginley Ace of Signs Selinsgrove, Pa. www.aceofsigns.com
posted
JOE!!!!! Now you gone and done it!!! Now EVERYONE will know what we really do at these meets!!!! DANG IT BOY!!!!!! Into the corner with you!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I knew about the meets in Sacramento for years, Paul Martin and Mike Cline would try to encourage me to go, but I felt I would be out of place there, I was just a lowly window painter, not a real sign painter...I never went, but oh, how I loved to watch those guys work....I would continue to read my Signcrafts and dream. Then one day, I went to the Library and surfed the web for anything to do with window painting, signs, etc....I found Letterheads.com...... I started emailing with Mr. Rick Sacks who also encouraged me to go to a meet....I was very nervous the first time, and the second time......funny when I think back on it now.
Some of the responces I get from other sign ppl are, "I'm too busy" or "I don't want to go spend the day working for free". And I get a lot of critisism from those ppl who think I spend too much time and money going to those meets You know what? If that is what I want to do, it's nobodies business WHAT I do with my time or money! They can kiss my grits! A
------------------ Adrienne Morgan Splash Signs "Wherever you go...there you are!" www.splashsigns.com "Rainkatt'on chat
posted
I found out about Letterheads through the pages of ST Magazine. Even back then, I was obsessed with signs and lettering. I had approached a few established sign shops, but found the reception cold.
When we attended our first meet in Kansas City back in the Summer of '83, I was amazed to find we were one of only 3 Canadians there. Were we the only 3 that subscribed to ST Magazine in Canada? With so much knowledge avalable for so little, there should have been at least dozens of people there from Toronto alone.
As I sit here 20 years later, I still don't understand why so few in our industry don't share our passion for Letterheads. It's not the computer. This situation existed long before the computer existed. After 2 decades of Letterheads, I have come to some conclusions.
We are the minority. Most signmakers do not have a passion for what they do. To most it is only another way to make a buck. I'm only guessing, but I believe the number of Letterheads out there to be 5% or less. To the majority of those in the sign business, we are the weirdos.
I like being a weirdo. Despite our small numbers, we sure do dominate the sign magazines and sign design contests. The Sign Association Of Canada has a new catagory in their annual sign competition called "Artistic Signs." Is this an indication of how the mainstream "sign industry" view those of us who design attractive signs. What is an artistic sign anyway?
Letterheads are like diamonds. You have to move a pile of dirt to discover a gem. I'm still shoveling and I know you are too.
posted
just like what was said above about just selling a product. some sign shop owners do not have the "letterhead" spirit. they might as well be selling umbrellas... "What color do you want that umbrella in? we have red, green, blue. yellow and black."
i remember my first letterhead's meet, now let's see that was back, er, uh last century! Mike Sheehan's shop, Classic Sign and Mirror, Pensacola, Florida 1989. i was totally intimidated by the work that was going on there. I spent 2 days walking around with my tongue hanging out!LOL
i was quiet for a while(if you guys can believe that)but soon i was asking questions and everyone was eager to share their knowledge with me.
i came back to my shop(at the time Fair & Jordan Signs)
I was depressed but at the same time i was excited by all the possibilities i had been exposed to!
before i could get back into the swing of things i did my own panel for the meet...
posted
well, i'm one of those "lone satelites" (but def. not a "lowballer"!) i've never been to a letterhead meet and i was very excited to hear about the peabody, ma meet (i was actually one of the posts for something instructional in new england). annnnnd just got the courage up to move to letterville recently!
i'm going to peabody! but i have to tell you and i think i can speak for anyone in my situation, i'm nervious as all heck!.
this will be the first time i have ever actually been shown how to do something or watch someone else work.
i have been making signs and truck lettering for 7 years, and have had to learn everything by myself with the exception of drawing/design/typeo. classes when i first started. but definetely not a sign school- type classes.
i've learned all that i can alone without wasting any more time, and now painting/carving is something i really want to learn and get better at. it takes skill and practice to do quality work. but you need some instruction and encouragement too, letterheads seems to be the answer.
there may not be hope for me at this stage in the game but who cares! looking forward to seeing the "grand wizards" at the peabody meet!
------------------ kas Kim Silvia KS Lettering & Signs Dighton, MA kassigns@aol.com
Posts: 52 | From: Dighton, MA, USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
Joe, good post!! I agree with you that we do need to do some homework in this area.
I've found that the Letterheads have a caring, sharing attitude and have always responded to my posts that way. The two meets I have gone to was just the same.
I want to extend my hand of welcome to 'those' who may be just too shy, but would like to learn. The 'others' who don't have a good attitude about Letterheads 'are' the losers for not trying to see what it really is about.
I have to add one more thing after seeing Steve's post.
He mentioned something I really liked. Quote: "We(Letterheads) are like diamonds, you have to move a lot of dirt to find one."
Those of you that lurk here and may feel a bit shy about going to a meet are probably like "diamonds in the rough." You can shine if you just let the Letterheads work their magic on you like a gem cutter does on a precious jewel. Let us cut through the misconceptions and polish you skills so you can shine like a diamond also!
The majority of Letterheads are friendly and willing to show you their uniqueness and little secrets that make them successfull at sign design, layouts & building.
Now, as for some more insight as to why some sign guys will never come to a Letterhead meet, here is a real life example of my wife's brother.
He (my brother-in-law) worked for me years ago and I helped him learn to paint a long with other skilled sign writers. He worked at a couple shops where they did some neat displays for big corporations and also sandblasted redwood signs. He even use to make his own "projects" ( like beer signs and little sandblasted Winchester Rifle signs)and these were much the same type of "projects" that one would take to a letterhead meet.
But He went to work for a HUGE sign shop that is so focused on making money the fastest way they can, doing high rise electrical signs and service, they just won't let him spend ANY time being creative, and he is their only layout design guy. Instead, they keep him out on the crane work much of the time. When an artsy fartsy project comes in, it gets farmed out to one of those low baller shops that only make one type of sign. So while he has the talent to do the work, they simply don't let him take the time to do it.
After a few years of working for a company like that, a person turns into a sign ZOMBIE!
They go to work with no expression on their face, no happy smile, its just another day working to survive, and no hope of changing jobs to anything better. Every day is a fight with what the boss wants and what the union will allow their workers to do.
I have tried to get my brother-in law to a meet, to bring him back from being a ZOMBIE, but he just looks at me with no life in his eyes and says, "Whats the point? I could never use what I might learn at a meet. And as far as getting excited and hyped up about sign work, it wont make me any more valuable to my boss. He could care less who works for him, so why should I do anything extra that will put money in his pocket? When I leave the shop on Friday, the last place I want to be is around anybody in the sign business."
What an attitude! Wow, it just blows me away. But that's what happens to people when situations in life or their employeers suck all the enthusiasim of being creative out of them. They become a sign zombie.
Customers that don't want to pay for creative sign work, or wont pay at all, plus the day-to-day fight of running a business turns small sign shop business owners into ZOMBIES also. Why should they want to learn to do better, neater signwork when their customers don't and won't ever appreciated it.
So, when Steve stops into visit with these shops, (he does that a lot while he is traveling) they react very cold to him. They have become ZOMBIES, they are lost to the mundane everyday boring world of sign making. They don't have any deisre of getting excited about making creative signs. It will not add anything to thier bottom line. They don't have customers who want it, or appreciate it, and they have become sign zombies.
Somehow, those that become Letterheads have been nurtured in praise for their creative efforts and strive to find those type of praising customers, which are rare. As a result, most run their business on the brink of bankruptcy. The creative job is more important to produce, even if it means losing some time and money to get it done.
That's why many very skilled sign people will never become involved in the Lettehead movement. They have simply become SIGN ZOMBIES!
Also, Sign Zombies and Letterhead subcribe to sign magazines for different reasons:
Letterheads are feeding on the eyecandy and trying to get their work displayed.
Sign Zombies are using the adds in the back of the magazines to get the lowest prices on channel letters, neon, sandblasted signs, and to interact with other sign zombiles who build signs, ship them off to other states and let other sign zombies do the install.
Letterheads would do well to recognize the need to supply Sign Zombies with signage they need, but don't know how to make, and could care less about making. They want it fast,cheap and no hassels.
------------------ Draper The Signmaker Bloomington Illinois USA
Get To A Letterhead Meet This Summer! See you there! DUCK SOUP SPLATTER JAM Sept. 14,15,16 Somewhere in Alabama -------------------- 309-828-7110 drapersigns@hotmail.com Draper_Dave on mIRC chat
[This message has been edited by Dave Draper (edited September 07, 2001).]
Posts: 2883 | From: Bloomington Illinois USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Dave has some very good points. It is very easy to loose the "spirit" when working for someone whose only concern is the bottom line. I've been there.
In 1983 when I hosted the Lone Star Letterheads, we had folks from as far away as Delaware, but none of the local signmen. Two guys from South Texas drove all night to get to the meet the opening day and then didn't sleep much the whole weekend. In comparison, one of the owners of the shop that I was working for at the time didn't even come, except to enjoy the barbeque.
Several years ago when Gary Anderson hosted Letterheads on Main Street there was a sign shop across the street from the convention center and they didn't attend.
I think Steve is right - we are considered the weirdos of this industry. It is difficult for most sign people to understand why we would pay to travel thousands of miles and then spend the weekend working. Maybe we will never come to an understanding of why some in our craft participate and some don't. Did you ever try to explain to an outsider what the Letterheads is all about and what a Letterheads gathering does? Convention...no. Seminars...no. Workshops....well, kind of, but different.
Maybe we are just weird.
------------------ Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas rchapman@vvm.com
[This message has been edited by Raymond Chapman (edited September 07, 2001).]
Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Maybe understanding has to go two ways. A lot of talk about mercenary sign people, sign zombies, and lowballers. It could just be they don't share the interest a lot have to go to seminars and meets. I know a few excellent sign artists in my area that never would even visit this website, let alone a meet, yet take great pride in their craft.
Every group or association has problems getting others to join and participate, which usually devolves into knocking those that don't. The local business association here is the same way.
If letterhead meets and online chat are what make your work more enjoyable and worthwhile, that's all that matters. If others are not into it, don't denigrate them because for one thing you would be dead wrong.
I've worked in the auto production plants and believe me I have seen zombies. That's why I struck out on my own to do something I enjoy.
No need to pray for them Pat.
------------------ Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Since 1978 www.wrightsigns.outputto.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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posted
With any luck, I'll get to Duckie's meet. I really need the help. Here, I find it interesting, that if I stop to watch someone letter or even hang some vinyl on a job. They seem to go out of their way to make the job look difficult to the point that they will actually waste time. They may have mastered their craft and now feel that anyone watching will steal a shortcut or technique. I know that some slowdown when the gather spectators.
posted
Well, quite a turnout and quite a lot of insight. Good job everyone. I'm keying in on a couple aspects of this topic that worry me;
1.) The oh so fragile balance of perception. I know in all our minds we see Letterheads as sort of a mission to protect, preserve and share the craft. Yet on the turn of just a couple words, our enthusiasm can be taken for snobbiness, elitism, cliquiness or fanaticism. (Or just plain weird).
2.) The notion that Letterheads are all about showing off (posing?) to get in magazines even if it means giving work away and trashing the pricing infrastructure of the industry. I had a private email that relayed that as a common view outside our ranks. Now, before anyone gets all defensive we have to admit that may happen occasionally to some degree or another. We could all also offer the counterpoint where Letterheads has taught proper pricing and brought greater demand for creative work from the public. My point is we're seen that way regardless of whether it's true or not. That's what I wish I knew how to correct.
The diversity of how we're viewed right within our own industry is amazing.
I used to spend my weekends at my shop trying to learn the things that I saw in the magazines. I was in seventh heaven!...cool music, cool beer and in "the zone".
I don't feel that way anymore. Am I a zombie or do I just have to get out to a meet?
Mark
------------------ Mark Fuller Fuller Signs Keswick, Ontario CANADA
posted
I think it's the picture's Steve has posted of you all. Have you took a good look? Hell some of them are down right scary. Lucky for me the pics were not there when I first visited or I would have shut my PC off & prayed you all didn't get my ISP #. LOL LOL. Just a thought.
posted
One thing that does happen here I have never liked is the tendency to "tag" people.
I truly hope we can all learn from this post and try harder not to do it.
Not everyone is going to have the same reaction to any given circumstances...cling to those who share your enthusiasm and go on.
Along the way invite others...if they see your sincere and feel the comraderie you share with others...eventually they will come around and if not..."so be it".
The best times I have ever had at a meet have been when I've been able to share knowledge and feel in my heart it was accepted and will someday be passed on again.Oh I know it won't always be passed on the way I would do something ...but still it came from me and interpretation can sometimes be more creative than replication.
So if your lurkin and want to know what all the fuss is about ...come on I'll show you and we'll have a good ole time doin it.
Whether it's at a meet or at my shop...as far as I'm concerned "You're welcome anytime".
------------------ Monte Jumper SIGNLanguage/Norman.Okla.
posted
This is one area I have always been curious about. It is in "My" nature to participate, learn, share, etc., etc. In many others it is not, unfortunatly. When I worked at Jacks shop he had a small meet every year. I once asked him how come none of the other sign shops attended, he told me the first several years he sent out invites to all the other shops. Only one would attend and he and Jack had been friends forever.
When I had my meet this past April I sent invites to all the shops in the area. One paid and was coming but had a family emergency I found out later. Jack Lindenberger and Nick Wolf both had other comiments that weekend. I had 2 vinyl only shops and one paint/vinyl shop call me prior to the meet to see what it was all about. I spent at least a half hour on the phone with each one explaining what a letterhead meet is all about. I guess I didn't "sell" it well enough because none of them came, this could have been my fault.
I think, and this is just my opinion, but many shops do not see themselves as "professionals", just as stated above they see this a just a "Job" and do only what they have to in order to make a living.
Many other professions Have to attend seminars or classes to keep doing what they do. I did when I was a paramedic, my father did when he was practicing law before he retired and on that note it really surprises me looking back now that Dad always approached a seminar or workgroup just as we do for letterhead meets, even though he was required to have so many hours per year, I think he would have attended even if it wasn't required, and for the most part that is unlike my father, but he had a "passion" for he chosen profession. Just as many of us do.
When I attended my first meet (Bloomington 98) I was so nervous. Prior to the meet I told Jack and Nick that I was just going to watch, but as it apporached they convinced me to participate. I even made the comment one day " I am going to put a sign above my spot at the easals that read, "Newbie-Please Help" Nick just gave me one of those looks over his glasses and said " You won't need the sign", we laughed most of the day about that
I did decide to do a panel for the meet and when I got there I left it in the van and went in to "check" things out. I went into the panel room and seen all this "eyecandy" that was just awesome. I wasn't about to bring my panel in at that point, afraid I would be ridiculed and such, but Jack and Nick talked me into bringing it in. I set it in the room and later came back just to look around some more and was actually shocked to over hear sevaral people making comments about my project some were good, a few were respectable critisizim(sp?) That I learned from, like "I should have did this or that" or "this would have been a nice touch" Before the weekend was over I was pleasntly surprised to find another letterhead tracked me down and wanted "MY" panel, and trade me his. It was a gorgous glass peice that I still hang proudly wherever my shop is and I have his business card stuck in the corner so all can see who actually made it.
I have been to one other meet and hosted a meet myself this year and I will be at Pat's meet next week!!!!!!
------------------ Troy Haas "Metal_Leg" on mIRC
SAM Signs "At old Hose House No. 8" 931 W. Columbia street Evansville,Indiana 47710 812-437-5367 Home of the: "Brush Fire at the Hose House" Letterhead Meet April 27-29th,2001
"Chaos, panic, disorder - my work here is done."
Posts: 1100 | From: Evansville,Indiana, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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When I first logged on to this site, I had no clue what a letterhead was. I only knew that this was a place where I could ask questions and get answers. When I told my business partner about Letterheads, his response was "do you know who letterheads are?" My reply was "yep, nice people who will help." And, I then explained to him what this site is really all about..........people sharing their love of something. It's awesome and it's FUN!
So, thanks to everybody and at this late time in my life, I'm enjoying my new endeavor and am planning on learning how to carve (if I can keep my fingers out of the way). Enjoy!
------------------ Sharon Bigler A Good Sign Chambersburg, PA
Posts: 202 | From: Chambersburg, PA USA | Registered: Jul 2001
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) Just like an AA meeting or a church service or a therapy session with the local shrink- you have to WANT to go YOURSELF- no one can tell you to go and no one can make you *change your life*
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