Each "tool" that you invest in should pay it's own way. Whether that be in profit, time saving, ease of completion, or work flow.
One would not expect someone to invest in a cnc to cut a perfect square when a hand saw and some sandpaper will do the same job in a little more time. But if you need 100 then maybe a cnc farmed out might be more economical in time and effort.
But when you need 100 circles (disks) the whole scenario changes.
The amount $$$ wise or self education that is invested into a "tool" should reap the most advantage where time versus input v output v profit is all taken into consideration.
There are jobs that I sub out digitally. There are jobs that I cut on the plotter, some on the cnc.
As a further example of the "paint" issue, I have become quite dedicated to programming and outputting in 3D. NOT 2D cut out Dibond, but true 3D where there is varying (x), (y) and (z). So a 2 foot true replica of a bunch of grapes - no problem. "But Sir, I have invested a lot of time, education and money into this aspect of signmaking that others have not. THAT'S why I charge so much - because limited people can do it"
Time moves on and purely the progression of time and technology says that things become easier and no longer a "craft" as in the case of hand painting.
But I still am comitted to the original post that hand painting is yet another "tool" where it's use can be utilised to increase not only profits - but also your company image and reputation. Take an example where a split sign has a concrete support between the two panels. Solution - install the panels to the left and right of the concrete support and hand paint the missing piece. Those (your competitors) that CAN'T or choose NOT to paint will limit the clients' options to either left or right of the concrete support. This may be limiting your client's potential exposure.
One thing that does "bug" me is when those that consider themselves in the "sign industry" start offshoot posts deeming one manner superior, inferior, faster, longer lasting, more graphic, more profitable etc etc etc...
Each aspect whether it be paint, vinyl, digital has it's own place. None is necessarily better than the other. Certainly the final product is dependant of the person whose hand the "tool" is in.
The limitations that many place upon themselves is detrimental to the sign industry and often their business. Too often I see a banner installed on a wall between sail track, in 365 day sun. Looks great for 6 months before it starts to fade. Vinyl would most certainly been a better choice, or in the least a mix of digital / vinyl, whereby if an image fades, only the image needs replacing. That's a smart operator doing the right thing by their client.
The sign game is a fickle industry when not always the profits come at the same time as the insurance renewal. As an industry, we need to be experienced - not necessarily proficient at all the tools available to us to undertake all aspects.
Being limited to paint, vinyl, or digital alone does not do this, otherwise you are a "paint, vinyl, or digital specialist".
As Astro8 superbly said "If you're 'one out' you can probably (and some do, of course) make a living by just signwriting but I wouldn't want to be on that train in this day and age. Why limit yourself? The world's gone digital. Signwriters have gone the way of ticketwriters. Try getting a job as a ticketwriter! Half the population wouldn't even know what one was."
Diversification = ability = profit = longevity = job satisfaction.
Who wants a job that is satisfying but doesn't pay the bills?
No one. Any advantage in this game is an advantage. Simple as that - no matter the "tool".
Cheers - G
