Hi Signs 101:
Like several other "newbies" I have also been a lurker on this site for a while.
So what to tell you all? Well I am certainley a "newbie" and an amatuer. My start in "sign making" happened quite by accident. By profession I am a Systems Engineer.
I am an avid waterman and live on the NJ Coast. One of my many endeavours is rebuilding wooded boats ( believe there is no money in that it is absolutely a passion).
So how I got started, well several years ago I was instructed to take some courses toward my MBA from my employer....frankly I was burnt out..so while standing in line for registration I signed up instead for Drawing and Typography courses...my boss was none to pleased...too bad. As I mentioned I was feeling "burnt out" and needed a "creative spark". I absolutely loved the courses. Anyway I began making hand carved and routed quarter boards etc for some of the boats I had restored and then the calls sort of rolled in.
Most of my work has been designed on a drafting table ( yes I know old school...whatever) and a pounce wheel. I have been using Adobe Illustrator as well.
I have no illusions of making $$$$zillions and there are plenty of sign shops in this area ....some excellent and some horrible.
I will likely start up very slowly, plan , choose markets/customers carefully and purchase capital equipment only when I absolutely must as there are plenty of contract CNC and Sandblast companies around (yes my interests are in carved signs).
From a more personal view: 4 children, 1 wife, 1 cat, 1 dog, too many boats and surfboards.
So I look forward to your advice ( and some of the flames...pretty funny)
Chris ( cr6)
Like several other "newbies" I have also been a lurker on this site for a while.
So what to tell you all? Well I am certainley a "newbie" and an amatuer. My start in "sign making" happened quite by accident. By profession I am a Systems Engineer.
I am an avid waterman and live on the NJ Coast. One of my many endeavours is rebuilding wooded boats ( believe there is no money in that it is absolutely a passion).
So how I got started, well several years ago I was instructed to take some courses toward my MBA from my employer....frankly I was burnt out..so while standing in line for registration I signed up instead for Drawing and Typography courses...my boss was none to pleased...too bad. As I mentioned I was feeling "burnt out" and needed a "creative spark". I absolutely loved the courses. Anyway I began making hand carved and routed quarter boards etc for some of the boats I had restored and then the calls sort of rolled in.
Most of my work has been designed on a drafting table ( yes I know old school...whatever) and a pounce wheel. I have been using Adobe Illustrator as well.
I have no illusions of making $$$$zillions and there are plenty of sign shops in this area ....some excellent and some horrible.
I will likely start up very slowly, plan , choose markets/customers carefully and purchase capital equipment only when I absolutely must as there are plenty of contract CNC and Sandblast companies around (yes my interests are in carved signs).
From a more personal view: 4 children, 1 wife, 1 cat, 1 dog, too many boats and surfboards.
So I look forward to your advice ( and some of the flames...pretty funny)
Chris ( cr6)
