posted
Lately I have read several threads that have prompted this post. First I wanna say that giving Katie the opportunity to come to the US and participate in a couple of meets is AWESOME. I see that as a twist on the spirit of "Pay It Forward". These types of actions make this profession the best.
The other topic is that I am reading posts that question the ability, creativity and heart of sign folks that can not tell the difference between a quill and a flat. I think that those who don't own a plotter and make their living using one shot and a projector, have DIFFERENT skills, not necessarily better. I don't think negative about anyone who can't do a rattail stroke with an airbrushand I dont think negative about myself just cant I don't use a striping dagger. Different tools, Different skills.
Design skills and creativity can be learned by those who own computers just as easy, and mistakes on the computer screen are easier to fix. What we should be doing is helping them learn layout skills and color theory, use of graphics, etc
Personally I am lucky enough to have a plotter, airbrush, and brushes. But more important than the tools themselves are the wonderful caring sign people who have helped me so far.
In my opinion, this board is the best tool we have against crappy, no skilled, infringing, sloppy, low-balling, bad breath having, evil looking monsters that won't help us make the kinda money we want to make. If we continue to do things, such as Mike's idea to pass on marketing tips in a forum where we can share with each other, and help and educate each other, we will make sure we keep the art of signmaking alive.
Would it be a good idea to invite more sign people to this board and to drag em to the next letterhead meet you attend? You bet!
-------------------- Bill Piper Bill's Signs & Graphics PO Box 14526 Ft Worth TX 76117 rbpiper1@earthlink.net
A PROUD supporter of this Great site.
Posts: 85 | From: Ft Worth, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Amen Bill! Well said. I am strictly into vinyl...have never freehand painted anything...but that doesn't mean I'm a hack. I have a degree in graphic design from a private design school, and have been designing graphics for over 17 years professionally.
If I took the time to learn the in's and out's of hand lettering...I know I could do it well. All the other skills are there...design, color, creativity....I just am not interested in that facet of sign graphics.
I am mightily impressed by those that can do that and my hat is off to them. I am personally, in my hobby/sidejob, satisfied in vinyl creations. It's fun, rewarding, and yes.....I charge a competitive fee....and don't give away anything...(except to family and friends.)
Thanks for your supportive comments.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI
Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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I am one in this industry who doesn't have the practiced hand at many of the traditional skills of the sign industry. Like the vinyl folks or the pinstiping folks or guilding folks, I am at some other specialized edge of the business from the guy who paints signs the 'old fashioned way'.
It matters not how we do our creative projects. It can be with a striping sword, a plotter, a fitch, an airbrush, or me with my concrete stuff.
But we all are brothers and sisters in this thing we call Letterheads.
As such we should strive to learn our craft well and pass these skills we have on to others who are just beginning or seeking to get better.
Every branch of this trade has many things in common. Mostly it goes back to the basics. Layout, color, balance, negative space, fonts and a host of other things are common throughout out trade no matter what the final tool we use to pull off the final project.
We all can benefit greatly from the knowlege shared here on a daily basis and also at Letterhead meets.
I am proud to share what I can here and at the meets. I also am learning a great deal in these same places.
Thanks.
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!!
There ain't enough hours right now to learn all of the painting and lettering techiques. We use what we have to create a product that works for our customer and we are great at it. Just ask my customers. If it requires vinyl, paint or shinola we use what is required. One more thing, it is this web site that advises us on right and wrong procedures. From sandblasting to airbrushing to getting that paint a drying. Thank you everyone.
-------------------- Kevin Landry KnL Signs Halifax NS
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