I get a little frustrated sometimes at this section... lol. I actually DO want to know about you. People FASCINATE me.
Me? I was a Bank Manager. So many corporate people (above me) heading towards the almighty profits and away from client service, ingenuiety, caring, flexibility and accountabilty and responsibilty. Everyone wanted to pass the buck and not take responsibilty for their own actions or (lack of) growth. So I said bye bye.
It was the beginning of summer 1995, my neighbour and I were sitting out back with the guitars and a bottle of Jim Beam. Needless to say by the finish of the bottle, we were pretty down on those we were working for. Working our a$$es of for 60-70 hrs a week while they made the money.
Fast forward to the end of summer. Same deal only this time I said "well let's stop talking about it and do something about it". We contemplated what we could do working for ourselves, and don't ask me how but "signs" came up as an option. Already got a computer, all we need is some software and a plotter.
We were "signwriters".
I worked part time 4 nights a week to establish the business and after 6 months bought him out. He could have told me he was colour blind and scared of heights BEFORE we started don't you think?
After a while it got back to me that I was a "vinyl jock" by the local signwriting fraternity. That hurt. All I was trying to do was put my business skills to use with something that was fun. I was prepared to put in 60-70 hours for someone else, might as well do it for myself.
The learning curve was steep. I knew absolutely NOTHING about the signwriting game, but I did not want to be a "jock". So I taught myself about vinyls. Got pretty good at it too. But in order to make more money I had to fill the void in the skills that I lacked and potential clients were going to the other signshops for.
So I got paint (everywhere) and slapped it on banners, timber, concrete - anything that people would pay me for. Airbrushing, projecting onto walls, pouncing etc etc etc developed the skills but more importantly bought in more money, paid the bills, bought equipment, paid off the house, and gave a chance to "relax" a little.
Man those were fun days.
I say "were" because the market changed and the slice of the pie was getting smaller and smaller. Time for a new challenge.
Dimensional or 3d signs are absolutely beautiful to me so that's where I'm headed - into to realm where the pie slice is much much bigger. I am so so at it. But challenge myself each time to get better, and as such command more money. Yes it is about the money. But a balance between what pleases me, my client and the hoards of people that seem to want to have their hand in my pocket these days.
This is not about what I've learnt and others choose not to. It's just my story.
I hope that some day there are many others that can share the fun, the joy, the financial rewards that the sign (or any other industry you choose) game has to offer because as they say - if you are going to have to work, you might as well enjoy it.
Cheers
PS YES it is a rainy day and I got through all my work yesterday / last night...hehehehehehehe.
As soon as it stops - off to a digital print install.
Me? I was a Bank Manager. So many corporate people (above me) heading towards the almighty profits and away from client service, ingenuiety, caring, flexibility and accountabilty and responsibilty. Everyone wanted to pass the buck and not take responsibilty for their own actions or (lack of) growth. So I said bye bye.
It was the beginning of summer 1995, my neighbour and I were sitting out back with the guitars and a bottle of Jim Beam. Needless to say by the finish of the bottle, we were pretty down on those we were working for. Working our a$$es of for 60-70 hrs a week while they made the money.
Fast forward to the end of summer. Same deal only this time I said "well let's stop talking about it and do something about it". We contemplated what we could do working for ourselves, and don't ask me how but "signs" came up as an option. Already got a computer, all we need is some software and a plotter.
We were "signwriters".
I worked part time 4 nights a week to establish the business and after 6 months bought him out. He could have told me he was colour blind and scared of heights BEFORE we started don't you think?
After a while it got back to me that I was a "vinyl jock" by the local signwriting fraternity. That hurt. All I was trying to do was put my business skills to use with something that was fun. I was prepared to put in 60-70 hours for someone else, might as well do it for myself.
The learning curve was steep. I knew absolutely NOTHING about the signwriting game, but I did not want to be a "jock". So I taught myself about vinyls. Got pretty good at it too. But in order to make more money I had to fill the void in the skills that I lacked and potential clients were going to the other signshops for.
So I got paint (everywhere) and slapped it on banners, timber, concrete - anything that people would pay me for. Airbrushing, projecting onto walls, pouncing etc etc etc developed the skills but more importantly bought in more money, paid the bills, bought equipment, paid off the house, and gave a chance to "relax" a little.
Man those were fun days.
I say "were" because the market changed and the slice of the pie was getting smaller and smaller. Time for a new challenge.
Dimensional or 3d signs are absolutely beautiful to me so that's where I'm headed - into to realm where the pie slice is much much bigger. I am so so at it. But challenge myself each time to get better, and as such command more money. Yes it is about the money. But a balance between what pleases me, my client and the hoards of people that seem to want to have their hand in my pocket these days.
This is not about what I've learnt and others choose not to. It's just my story.
I hope that some day there are many others that can share the fun, the joy, the financial rewards that the sign (or any other industry you choose) game has to offer because as they say - if you are going to have to work, you might as well enjoy it.
Cheers
PS YES it is a rainy day and I got through all my work yesterday / last night...hehehehehehehe.
As soon as it stops - off to a digital print install.
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