astro8
New Member
It's quite simple really, as with everything in life...if you want it enough you will make it happen.
As others have said, design school will give you the basics, layout skills, how to choose typestyles and colour theory, but you can learn this from books & the internet...if you read enough.
Signcraft is a great starting point, get as many back issues as you can. There is a wealth of information in them. The Mike Stevens book is good and I like Chester Cunningham's book, if you can get hold of one. Study good design and as fitch says break it down and ask yourself why a particular design or sign works.
Every good sign or design has a sound foundation that can stand on it's own, don't get caught up in effects or 'gingerbread' as old timers say. You can add them (effects) as you gain more experience but know why you're using them. Steer clear of photoshop, use a vector design programme
Many moons ago I went through a 4 year signwriting apprenticeship and 3 years of technical college. It gave me a good foundation but in hindsight I've learned the most from observing, reading, studying good design, experimenting and practicing but most importantly I feel was having the desire to do so.
Like SignManiac says, we never stop learning. The more I learn, the more I realise how little I know.
Set yourself a sign design task and don't quit until you are happy with it, then post it here so we can tear you a new one. You'll be critiqued buy some of the best in the business. You will start to see your mistakes and learn from them and improve.
As others have said, design school will give you the basics, layout skills, how to choose typestyles and colour theory, but you can learn this from books & the internet...if you read enough.
Signcraft is a great starting point, get as many back issues as you can. There is a wealth of information in them. The Mike Stevens book is good and I like Chester Cunningham's book, if you can get hold of one. Study good design and as fitch says break it down and ask yourself why a particular design or sign works.
Every good sign or design has a sound foundation that can stand on it's own, don't get caught up in effects or 'gingerbread' as old timers say. You can add them (effects) as you gain more experience but know why you're using them. Steer clear of photoshop, use a vector design programme
Many moons ago I went through a 4 year signwriting apprenticeship and 3 years of technical college. It gave me a good foundation but in hindsight I've learned the most from observing, reading, studying good design, experimenting and practicing but most importantly I feel was having the desire to do so.
Like SignManiac says, we never stop learning. The more I learn, the more I realise how little I know.
Set yourself a sign design task and don't quit until you are happy with it, then post it here so we can tear you a new one. You'll be critiqued buy some of the best in the business. You will start to see your mistakes and learn from them and improve.