Sign Shop Whore

[SignManiac]

Pat it's there only you can't see it. I can see it fine. I think you're in the twilight zone.

 

[Pat Whatley]

Not my first one...the second one about the bucket truck.

 

[SignosaurusRex]

In almost 39 years of working in the biz, I've worked as an employee for 13 different sign shops in Washington, Oregon and Texas.......working with some of the finest signwriters and craftsmen in the industry. The vast amount of experience I was exposed to and gained is priceless. Other jobs I've held in related fields were just as valuable. The key for me was to always glean as much knowledge as possible and then practice and apply what I learned. As we all know, we never quit learning and growing, especially in an industry that is constantly growing and changing. At times, I really miss the experiences of working in various shops with a wide variety of skilled craftsmen and artisans.

 

[Cross Signs]

I was an Owner Operator at 21. Drove long haul semi's for several years. fell into sign lettering by luck. Been self employed at it for more that 20 years. Was taught by a second generation sign writer from England.

 

[Arlo Kalon 2.0]

At times, I really miss the experiences of working in various shops with a wide variety of skilled craftsmen and artisans.

Oh for those good old days... when skill was the only thing that could carry you!

 

[Gino]

Oh for those good old days... when skill was the only thing that could carry you!

Right On !!
​

 

[weaselboogie]

Self taught. I worked at a shirt shop where I was the sign department. Guessed my way through a lot things.

The thing that I always thought was funny when on your own is coming up with ways to do things, systems or shortcuts, inventions, or tricks.... then finding out that most of your 'secret creations' are industry standard.

 

[Jillbeans]

I have only ever worked for myself.
But I especially knew nothing about doing vynull until Stevo lived here.
I was masking with 6½" tape until he showed me the right way.
He also showed me how to do dry app.
I have subbed for two painters very early on, and been told I didn't do that right either.
The only time I ever actually work with someone is when I do wall jobs, then my dear walldog friend Bill comes and helps.
Love....Jill

 

[redline graphics]

9 years in a sign/tint/auto access shop, then 8 years ago went on my own. No training at all, most of what ive learned has been from this site, suppliers and magazines ie: signcraft. Wish I had more experience from others though, its been a long learning curve!!

 

[dlndesign]

So glad to know that I am not alone in all of this. Thanks for all the great posts!

 

[ashleighfiddler]

I've worked for 3 sign shops in 4 years, and been the longest-standing designer at 2 of them, by 6 months in 2 cases.... Designer turnover seems to be quite high for some reason...

 

[Custom Bob]

Started my business while I was a still in High School. 35 years later I'm still at it. I don't make mistakes, only happy accidents.
And I break the erasers off of all my pencils.

 

[d fleming]

One screenprint company as a teenager, one sign shop when computers came out so I could learn the new technology. Other than that I have either been a shop owner or vocational educator for the last thirty years.