Hi all, I haven't been here for a while but needed a boost so I've popped in for a while. I really fed up as I have had to apply for some normal jobs this week. I just can't keep waiting for those sign writing jobs to come in. My bank balance can't stand it any longer.
At first I thought it would be nice to do sensible hours and get paid every week or month. But when I really think about it I will really miss being at home and getting my brushes out.
Does anyone know how I can get some kind soul to take me under their wing and teach me properly? I don't need a lot of pay, just enough to pay the bills and eat.
Well ho hum, probably new year blues too.
Thanks for being there guys, I don't feel quite so alone. Love Barb
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Barbara, it'll get better!
When I first started in biz, I managed to do pretty well. Still, I decided to work one night a week at a local pub/eatery, specializing in cuban/caribean food as a waitress/bar keep. I took the job because, thru a friend, I heard they were looking for help just for Saturday nights at this place.I figured I'd make a few extra bucks and I'd get to add alittle social activity to my life, ... without spending money. hahahaa
Lo and behold, it wound up being a pretty saavy business move too. While there, I would tell folks what my "REAL" job was, and often brought in my portfolio, or talk about my latest job. I also painted a mural on the restaurant beer fridge, which got some attention, and served to start the conversation towards my business.
Maybe a part time job as such could get you some exposure and boost some sales for you?
Just a thought. In the meantime, Cheer up ... it's never as bad as it seems and there may be solutions to consider, which could serve both your creative and financial needs.
Best of luck to you , and Happy New Year! Nettie
Posted by Greg McRoberts (Member # 3501) on :
Nettie, that's what's cool about you. You always seem to turn a downstoke into an upstroke.
Barbara, I wish I had something to add, but Nettie's right on the money. Just try not to get too far off course and by all means, hang around here to help keep you motivated.
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
...Nets right, things will change.
...In the meantime, why not go around looking for signs that need repainting? There are bound to be a few out there, and some may "blossom" into other sign work.
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Barbara, the kind soul you need is someone to help you in business skills. You have demonstrated you will take care of the craft side on your own, but money problems get solved by understanding how to market, promote and run your enterprise like a good business should.
I wouldn't settle for just getting by or paying bills, at least not long term. Find your niche, your market and make sure it is enough to sustain you for a career.
Maybe handpainting isn't enough and you will need to do some vinyl signs and use subcontractors to augment your sales.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
do a "trump loi" on your front door/office wall/at a business that you are freinds with. try to pick your clients.....with this kinda work. go to HOME DEPOT when they are having there painting instruction classes,if you can take a couple pieces there to show your work...gar-on-tee you will get some work. HOME DECORATING IS BIG MONEY....and with paint....people want home decorating on an individual basis...do some vines & flowers around your door way in your house...use this as selling tools...AND CHARGE LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!!!!
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Barbara.... You live on a boat, right? Could you see if others around you need their boat names repainted? It might not be the best time of year. And I'm sure that you live in an area full of vynull signs. It's hard to be a painter in a plastic world. I think Nettie has some great advice. So did David. And OP has a good idea even if he can't spell it right! Be careful about advetising yourself when you do get a proper job tho, I almost got fired from McDonald's once when someone asked me about painting their truck! I am VERY seriously thinking of getting a lunchtime hostess job at a new restaurant across the street. They as yet have no sign. I did a cold call there just before Christmas, but they never called back. I dread the thoughts of going out into the real workd, but I guess we are both going to need to before we starve! Chin Up. Love.....Jill
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Hey Barb, sounds like you just need to get out and socialize with people that might need your services, ie: promote!
Here in the US, restaurants and bars (pubs) that have all sorts of memorabelia and artwork on display are pretty popular. You could make up some small signs for your own business and see if the owners will hang them up on the wall. Murals like Nettie's are great. We have a new Chili's restaurant in town (popular franchise in the US) and they put some of my photography on display along with all the other photos they have. They also have some really neat chalkboard artwork on display that depicts the local pasttime - boating.
Trade out some inexpensive work in return for publicity!
Get out and pound the pavement, they cannot come to you if they don't know you're there.
I know how hard it is to get out there, I'm no social creature by any means. I just do what I gotta do to earn the living I want.
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
Welcome to the world of signs! Start with "small business" courses. Chip Carter from right here in Letterville.Has one you can "down load" that is full of information geared towards the SIGN BUSINESS!!
Do a "search" here and you are likely to come about to it.
The actual "writing" part is not that hard to do!
Most of (us) are small business owners. Try to find the LARGER(more employees)sign company in your area,and yes get a REAL job to pay the bills!
Posted by Barbara Murrell (Member # 3879) on :
Thank you all for your kind words, it's really cheered me up. David, I think you are right, it's the business skills I need to brush up on. With my decorating business the work just came to me and I guess I was spoiled. I'll have to be brave and pound that pavement.
Thanks guys Barb xx
Posted by Dan Streicher (Member # 4515) on :
while you are pounding the pavement looking for a real job "YUCK" pound on just as many or even more doors with your portfolio and some biz cards and drum up some sign work, profits are better than wages any day
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Is your vehicle lettered? It realy works for me. Ya need to yell it out to the world. But don't feel to bad if you need to get a job in the meantime. How about getting a job in an area that needs a lot of signs? We're all pulling for you.
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
OP, Barb didn't tell you but she has been doing interior decorating for years and came to Detroit this summer to learn to letter. She did a marvelous job under the tutelage of Bill Ridell.
Barb, Where have you been painting at? Can't be much room on a boat that is less than 6' wide. I know that you were starting to hate decorating but are you still doing it at all?
[ January 05, 2005, 10:09 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
When I read this post I had to wonder what makes my job "improper"?
It has fed, clothed and housed me for 35 years...sure it has been slow from time to time but if you truly love this trade you gut it out and find a way to make it work...even the majority of people that go looking for a "proper" job make a wild swing back into the unique craziness of the "best job in the world".
You can't and shouldn't be sitting waiting for the work to come to you...go out and get the work and shove the "blues" in the trash where it belongs.
"Whoa is me" never fed anyone.
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
This time of year it is especially easy to get the blues. But Monte is right, they won't do you much good if you entertain them for long. Hopefully we can (and have) served to encourage you. I would also venture to say that most of us find the marketing side of business difficult. I'm stuggleing with that issue too. But take another famous Brit's advice..."Never, never, never, never, never, never, NEVER GIVE UP!"
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Thereyago...now you got it! Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I love selling. I wish that I had more time to do it.
Posted by Wayne Osborne (Member # 4569) on :
Hi Barbara, Sorry to hear things are not so hot,, Signwriting's always gonna be a tough way ,But it beats working for a living. Hang on in there,keep pushing the good stuff and you'll get yourself noticed. I've struggled along for 11 years against a tide of vinyl shops -all competing for the same jobs-and still pushing my traditional stuff ( so far its worked out) If I can be of any help or advice to you ,please give us shout
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