Signblanks 2 : The Return Of Signblanks
A few years back, when I first began attempting to write letters in paint, I started a blog which served as a record of progress, a catalogue of inspiration, and a place to channel general musings about stuff vaguely related to what I do.
It ran very well for a few years and I prided myself on regular posts but, as we approached the time when I took over the business and started working as a self-employed signwriter, things understandably slipped and my concentration was focussed on more pressing concerns like running a business and earning a living (while still working on getting my skills up to scratch!!).
But I enjoyed the process of blogging, and it’s always been in the back of my mind to get things moving again. So here we have Signblanks 2, which is where I’ll be sharing any thoughts on the sign business, info on any new developments at my shop and plans I’m implementing, posts on work that I’ve found particularly fun, challenging or noteworthy, thoughts on the techniques and processes of painting signs, forays into sign and lettering history, records of lettering inspirations and influences… All the fun stuff!
Most signwriters will tell you that, with this trade, learning never really stops. You never get to a point where you think you’ve taken on board all there is to know. You get to a confident level with your handling of the brush, but then you have to work on your speed and efficiency so you’re not working at a loss. Once you’ve got a better handle on that and you think you’ve reached your A-game, someone comes in and asks you to reverse gild a glass fascia and you suddenly feel very small and lost, like you’ve just landed on a snake and are sliding all the way back to the beginning of the game! But you still say yes to the job because it’s exciting and scary and that’s where the learning is, right!.
I’m busy with handpainted sign work these days, and I feel like I’m getting somewhere with it, but I still feel very much like a student. I’m sticking to the earn while you learn principal. I hope to share some of the highs and lows of this learning process through this blog.
Until next time.
Lee