slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 14, 2012 Here's the new sign for my studio, replaces the previous one that was torn asunder by Frankenstorm. 4' x 5' diBond (MaxMetal) -- green on one side, blue on the other. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted December 15, 2012 Looks good there were a lot of signs in our area tore up by the storm just finished one with 15 panels in a lighted sign . Dan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piscespokerbrat 80 Posted December 15, 2012 What do you pay for your shop? I know that different areas afford different prices and all that jazz.. but, I's is just curious Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 15, 2012 $500. rent ($600 including utilities). In Baltimore County. My shop is a little way out beyond the main "commercial" area, but because it's located all by itself, it is highly visible and there's a ton of flowing traffic going by that sees me. My neighbors are these guys --- 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted December 15, 2012 Lucky you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piscespokerbrat 80 Posted December 15, 2012 MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO's!!! That is awesome.. I wish I could find a deal like that. How big is your shop sq ft wise? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 16, 2012 The store is fairly small, only around 500 sq.ft. My main 4x8 worktable is utilized for dropping vinyl onto substrates, and I have a side-area that's 4x7 (for weeding & taping) and if need be, I can place these two tables end to end, creating a full 15' long surface. You can never have enough space when doing banners and signs! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piscespokerbrat 80 Posted December 16, 2012 Wow, thanks for sharing pics of your space! 500 sq ft is a good size for your shop. I am hung on the fact that I need to have at least a 10' long by 4' wide table for whenever i find myself a space. There is a 1200 sq ft shop with a 8x10 roll up door without utilities for $600 here, but that is kinda scary to take that on as a beginner!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted December 17, 2012 For applying vinyl on the substrate and banners I have 2x6s against one wall on about a 30 degree angle with 1.25 holes that I can insert dowels into I have the holes spaced at 1 foot increments vertical and can adjust to the best working height and spread them along the wall for different lenths of signs/banners . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 17, 2012 For applying vinyl on the substrate and banners I have 2x6s against one wall on about a 30 degree angle with 1.25 holes that I can insert dowels into I have the holes spaced at 1 foot increments vertical and can adjust to the best working height and spread them along the wall for different lenths of signs/banners . Can you post a picture of this setup? I'm not sure I understand the configuration. WWBSOL --- "There is a 1200 sq ft shop with a 8x10 roll up door without utilities for $600 here, but that is kinda scary to take that on as a beginner!!" Just remember, new clients are not aware you are a beginner! They'll come in, asking for their work to be completed, and most of the time, you will have the capability and the knowledge to do it, even as a novice. Trust me, that's been my experience, and I have a loooooong client list over the past 16 months, all of whom appreciated dealing with me in this little shop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piscespokerbrat 80 Posted December 17, 2012 I agree Slice, I just dont want to look foolish is all if I do something wrong from the get, ya know? I dont mind taking someones logo and cutting it for their vehicle, but its a whole new ball game making a store front sign. Dan for example makes sign making look way too easy.. lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted December 17, 2012 I agree Slice, I just dont want to look foolish is all if I do something wrong from the get, ya know? I dont mind taking someones logo and cutting it for their vehicle, but its a whole new ball game making a store front sign. Dan for example makes sign making look way too easy.. lol I live in a very small town of about 5000 people. I only do online orders and stay busy all the time. So, if you make a screw up, you do it in the privacy of my own room. LOL No matter what you do, it is best to have a niche'. Something nobody else is doing, That drives business. Don't do what everybody else is doing.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piscespokerbrat 80 Posted December 17, 2012 I agree Skeeter, I am working on my niche now ;-) I also live in a small town. My town is 15k with the college kids and about 10k without. There are 2, maybe 3 local sign shops here with more down the road. I am continually amazed that sign shops stay in business because to me, it seems you can only make one sign that lasts for years before needing to be replaced, ya know? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piscespokerbrat 80 Posted December 17, 2012 Here's the new sign for my studio, replaces the previous one that was torn asunder by Frankenstorm. 4' x 5' diBond (MaxMetal) -- green on one side, blue on the other. Dumb question I suppose, but why is there a 4x4 post on one side, and a 2x4 on the other? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 18, 2012 On one side is actually a 6x6 that was already there when I took over the property. I had a scrap two-by-four laying around, so I used that for the other side ---- it's just me being lazy. Maybe one day when I feel ambitious, I'll go out and buy a 6x6x10' and replace that skinny post! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted December 18, 2012 I noticed that also , but thought it may have been part of the " custom " options offered ..... 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 18, 2012 Sheesh, I was hoping to avoid having to take a trip to 84 LUMBER, but it looks like I'll have to do so now, just for satisfying the pedantics among you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piscespokerbrat 80 Posted December 18, 2012 Sheesh, I was hoping to avoid having to take a trip to 84 LUMBER, but it looks like I'll have to do so now, just for satisfying the pedantics among you! hahahahahaha - sorry! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted December 18, 2012 As much as that jumps out ( Ronnie Milsap called me & told me about it !!! ) , noticing it does not qualify as being pedantic at all . Especially thinking of your demeanor in other threads asking if newbies had extensive graphic teachings etc ( or something to that effect ) . I surely thought you had done that purposfully as advertisement for " custom " work . I never " look down my nose " at anybody ... there are plenty of others doing that already . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 18, 2012 Don't know who Ronnie is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted December 18, 2012 That is hilarious & I figured many would not know who Ronnie is . Old sayings ... " Even Ray Charles can see that " etc . Ronnie Milsap is a blind singer as was Ray Charles . With Ray passing , I don't use deceased names in jest . My opinion about things on signs like the 2x4.... anything that makes a person look twice makes the sign effective . Signs are " artwork ' to the makers , but a tool for the people using them . Anything that catches the eye that does not look bad results in a positive outcome . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted December 18, 2012 Anything that catches the eye that does not look bad results in a positive outcome . Not if if keeps you from seeing the message that was intended. I have seen many commercials that I will never forget but can't tell you what the product was. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 18, 2012 Ah-Ha! You got me there! Now you guys have me scratching my head & I don't know what is the best course of action -- leave it as an anomaly, or go with the 6x6. I will say this, the cost of a pressure-treated 6x6 will set me back around twenty-five bucks, and I'll have to let it dry out a month or so before painting. Of course, in a month from now, the ground will be frozen and I'll be unable to dig the hole. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted December 18, 2012 I honestly don't think most people will even notice. Hopefully too busy reading the sign instead. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted December 18, 2012 @ Jay ... At least you remembered something , which is better than nothing IMO . @ Slice , If it bothers you , I would add wood on the side to make it geometric . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites