Learning the cutting business

[Ursula 0]

Hi all,

I haven't put much time into learning this field yet. I tried to 'design' some words last week and took notes as to the steps to follow to make things happen....unsucessfully. I learned I have to do one word at a time, move it over and go on to the next word and so on and then manipulate. I'm not great with numbers/measurements so I'm a bit discouraged. I thought I could just do artsy stuff. I felt pretty incompetent with my instructor as he is fast and takes over and explains things fast and gets impatient if I don't pick up as quickly. So, I put it to bed, for now. Instead I did some weeding and did a for sale sign, did the water and squeegie, tape (transfer) and peel and put it on the board. I didn't line the tape up evenly from the top. One corner was lined up but as I continued to lay out the transfer it didn't line up with the other end! It came out ok tho. The second (backside) try I still didn't line it up well and then sprayed the wrong side before I placed it on the board which made it a little more difficult to transfer but all in all the sign was good. Glad I didn't do an important sign that was going to be sold cuz it wouldn't have passed the test!

[Benr98 40]

Ursula, well the important thing is not to give up if this is something you really want to do.  You continuing to try is great!!  There definitely is a learning curve to different parts of this field, heck I'm still learning as well.  Hang in there and I know you'll do great.

Jenny

[juniorranger 0]

Ursula,

Do you have any work you could post pictures of so we could possibly see what your actually doing wong? What exactly is it that you are not understanding about vinyl work? Is it the software, etc.. What software are you using? You will find everyone on here is usually more than helpful. What type of "artsy" stuff did you have in mind doing or can you elaborate on that a bit more? What type of cutter do you have?

[Guest gracewriter]

I had the same problems when I first tried to do words.  It was very confusing.  But if you keep practicing it will become second nature.

Your greatest obstacles to learning this stuff is the fears between your ears.  Just keep reminding yourself this is not rocket science, if it were there would be about two people doing it.

There are a lot of "born teachers" in here with a lot more patience than your instructor.  Glad you are here.

Cheers!

[swaneejuggalo 0]

Give it time most of the problems i had were software related but after using sb for a month before getting my cutter i was ready to go but i still have alot to learn.

[Ursula 0]

Hi again all you wonderful people! Jenny 'Benr98' thank you for your vote of confidence!

juniorrange - No pics, I can try to take a cell phone shot and find out how to send it I just weeded the "For Sale" letters and applied it to that special board...can't remember it's technical name.  The cutter is a Creation P-cut 24. I haven't done anything to tell and send it to the cutter. My first attempt was a bust, so I weeded. By Artsy I thought I could 'draw' like a picture on the computers 'Paint' program or scan a photo and tell the cutter to cut the picture and then I just weed, tape and stick it on the board. Silly me. Not going to be that easy!!

Thank you gracewriter....I'll remember that.

Hi Swaneejug - No, it's not the software....just me! I'll stick with it.  Thanks again for your replies. It's much appreciated.