The introduction of computers into the sign making industry has also brought with it a lot of people with no previous background in the design, manufacture, or installation of signs. In some instances, this has been good, and in those cases, the new people have striven to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to be in this business. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. People who's only interest is turning a fast buck have also gotten into this field of endeavour, and those people have hurt the industry badly. They have devalued work to the point where things we once produced for a healthy profit are no longer so. These people often have absolutely NO interest in self improvement in the areas of design, business management, or skills.

We have to collectively set ourselves APART from such people.

What if, a Letterheads Craft Guild were to be established, with the entry criteria being a committment by members to strive to improve their creative efforts and finished products . That committment might involve attending at least 1 live meet or workshop per year. At such meets, a membership decal could be awarded those having attended, with the year up-dated and an indication of the workshop attended. If you have ever had a prescription filled, you may have noticed that the pharmacists have their Certificate of Qualification on the wall, with similar type stickers in place. I know that a lot of Letterheads already do this, but there are those in this industry (non Letterheads) who have no interest whatsoever in such involvement. Those who have hosted a Meet , Workshop, or Seminar, could also be recognized as being "Master Letterheads", Master Craftsman" or some such designation. Publicly identifying your shop as being a supporter and active member of The Letterheads Craft Guild, could ultimately be beneficial both to yourself, and also to potential clients as well. It could also be significantly beneficial in marketing your work, and your business too, as other businesses become more aware of what to expect from members of such a guild.

Except, instead of 'Letterhead' which the general public would not understand what that means,or 'crafts' which might mean arts and crafts... purhaps 'Sign Writer's' Guild?

Just a thought.

Those that want to learn have so many recourses available to them now that their lack of motivation might be the wall between them and them doing their best. Many of us save to buy tickets to far away places to attend workshops. There are design workshops and gilding classes and carving classes that go on regularly, both in letterhead meetings and in studios across the continant. There are design classes in community colleges, all kinds of business classes, and classes teaching how to write a business plan. There are some great books too. Several years back there were groups that agreed with the Mike Stevens approach and got together periodically to help each other see that way. There are local graphic designer groups.

Beginners need mentors to look up to and aspire to, those in the guild need to be accessable, ready to take a newby on board, guiding them to the standard set by the guild.

Food for thought at least.

I also believe that Steve & Barb have already taken the bigest step in creating this web site, in which folks new to the business can get answers to most of thier questions.

I think this needs to be taken care of at the local level as it has in pockets across the country as Rick and Jackson have mentioned.

Now if this is to grow, it'll probally have to grow from withen these groups, and then to be united using the Internet and a web site like Letterhead, structured with representitives of regional groups choosing to participate in monthly meeting via the net.

It'd sure be nice to enjoy the 20%+or- on materials and medical costs that the francises benefit through unity.

In principle I think your idea is fine. The next thing would be how to set it up, and how to include everyone who should participate.

The winner has something that he can be proud of, but which addresses only the single sign, and not the business as a whole.

This creates motivation for all to get serious about displaying their work here.

Winners can only be "Sign of the Week" only once. Then maybe you have a sign of the quarter and sign of the year for them.

You would recognize 52 signwriters a year. Not enough, but at least a start.

I think your intent is admirable! ( I have to say that because Ken knows where I live )

As far as Rob's idea about excluding computer stuff...GREAT idea!!!!! Let's get rid of computers! and especially ROB'S COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT WAY HE CAN'T COMPLAIN ABOUT COMPUTERS WHILE USING ONE TO COMPLAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are ya gettin the message Rob?

Sorry...I HAD to vent.

Now I feel better.

Computer generated graphics are just as good as hand generated graphics... and vinyl graphics/lettering CAN look as good and definitly last longer than the crappy one shot paint that is available these days!

At least burgandy 2 mil vinyl lasts longer than 2 years before it fades away to the point that it is illegible!!!!!!!

AND!!!!!!! a decent design looks good no matter what medium is used!!

Geeeeezzzz I must be riled up!

and I am!!!!!!

Of course we are all artisans regardless of the tools used, my preference happens to be the brush, I make no apologies for that.

After all we can only speak from our own unique perspectives, It doesn't make any of us better than another, just different, thats what keeps it interesting.