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I am just curious how most of you originally found your way here to Letterville?
I have been looking at the 'Resident Numbers'lately. The lowest one I can find is Bob Rochon at #30, and the newest that I see is Mike Simpson at #20,303. That is incredible!
There are several members here with resident numbers less than one hundred:IE: Dan Sawatzky, Brian Stoddard, Checkers to name just three, meaning they have been here a long time, and still contribute and share their knowledge. Many thanks for continuing to share.
Several others are numbered in the hundreds, Sonny Franks, Glen Taylor, Deri Russell, Jane Diaz, Old Paint, Judy Pate, Bill Riedel, Old Paint, Preston McCall, Rick Sacks, Bruce Bowers, Dave Draper and so many more. I enjoy that you and others are still here.
In the thousands.... Sam Staffan, Craig Sjoquist, Len Mort, Steve Luck, Sandy Baird,, W.R. Pickett, William DeBekker, Catherine Kennedy, Kelly Thorson....etc.
Now in the tens of thousands....Bob Sauls, Cal Trauter, Doug Haffner, and Mike Simpson are just a few names.
For me, every single one of you are a big part of my daily life as I read your posts and learn from you and about you. Just as much is learned from a newbie's post as from the seasoned veterans here.
For me (the short version)...it was shortly after I opened my quicky sticky sign shop that a 'friendly competitor' explained to me about Letterheads and told me that "If you ever get a chance to go to a Letterhead meet....GO!"
With much reservation I took his advice attending my first 'Letterhead' meet in 1998 in Banff, Alberta. I was hooked at 'Hello' and have never looked back! I lurked in the shadows, I watched with much admiration, I drooled at the talent before me, I took pages of notes, I soaked up every detail I could. Since that first meet, I have travelled to at least a dozen meets/classes, to many parts of Canada and the USA and have met many of you in person and learned soooooo much.
Although vinyl is my money maker, I love to dabble and learn the old handpainting ways and techniques. Am I good? Hell No...but I love to muck in the paint anyway. Thanks to each and every one of you for posting. I will continue to practice, practice, practice and be happy doing it.
Thanks Steve and Barb for keeping us all together and growing at 'Letterville'. (Watch for my long overdue voluntary membership dues)
Let's hear your stories....bring them on!
-------------------- Susan Banasky Source Signs Nanaimo, British Columbia sourcesigns@shaw.ca
When in need....go directly to the "Source"!
Proud Supporter of this "Knowledge Network"! Posts: 1323 | From: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada | Registered: Oct 1999
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I came here to find spellcheck for my quills and I am still waiting for someone to tell me where I can get it....or was it the scintillating nature of some of the beautiful women here who know the difference between Helvetica and Caslon....or could it have been the great pictures by the artists here who share their vision of what a good sign should look like? We dare and we share!
-------------------- Preston McCall 112 Rim Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 text: 5056607370 Posts: 1552 | From: Santa Fe, New Mexico | Registered: Nov 1998
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I bought my very first computer (not counting my Gerber Sprint, which did not connect to the internet) from a company in Ft. Wayne - I had never held a mouse or seen this new thing called the world wide web, but during the one day training class, they showed me the original Letterhead site. It was very slow to load, but I was hooked the instant I laid eyes on it. That was the early nineties as I recall, and I've been here ever since. I don't think my life would have been nearly as good without my Letterville neighbors - thank you all.....
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Susan, I think the early residents here had a revamp or a reset of their numbers-that might be pre-900 or something.
Signcraft magazine led to me be keen to attend a letterheads meeting in Australia. I'd seen a website about Letterville, but we didn't have the internet here then, and some time after attending our first L'heads meet here, (and with a bit of encoouragement from Gail & Devo Beattie!), I joined Letterville-as newbie resident #3500.
It was two or three years later we got the internet connected at home-in the early 2000s, and I could participate here a bit more often.
Thank you VERY much, Steve & Barb!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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I was sitting on the Can and reading a Sign Craft... well maybe I wasn't sitting on the can, lol but I believe SignCraft had something to do with it for sure...It's been a great Ride!
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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Meeting Steve at a meet many years ago, he said I should get aboard because he thought I could be of help to some people. I have told many that the Letterheads mean more to me than the olympics, superbowl and world series. It is the best thing to happen to the sign business. The quality of signs became much higher because of the Letterheads. Bill
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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An ad in SignCraft led me Letterville. So glad I came here, my life is so much fuller for being here. All the Letterheads I have met over the years have greatly enriched my life. Thanks Steve & Barb!
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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An ad in Signcraft led me to Paul White who had just gotten back from teaching at Boise. Excellent adventure that has certainly changed my life!
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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Having been a long time admirer of the art of handlettering and classic signage an old time sign painter and I made an attempt to enter (for him, re-enter)the field in the early 90's. Unfortunately vinyl and computers were coming into their own at that time and both of us moved on to other things. Since that time I have lurked here and there and this summer I decided to get back to it. First the Letterhead website and then Letterville. Very glad to be a part of it. Just finished a workshop with Noel Weber and John Studden so now I am committed. I have long worked with gold on my picture frames but now I'm addicted to gold on glass. We'll see where it goes from here. I'd like to thank all those who post what they are up to. It is always very informative and appreciated.
-------------------- Mike Simpson Simpson Studios 324 E. Main St., montrose, CO 81401 970-249-1098 www.mikesimpsonart.com Posts: 30 | From: Montrose, Colorado | Registered: Aug 2011
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I was randomly surfing the web one day...was searching sign related material...nothing specific...I easily could have passed over the Letterville link...but with one serendipitious click of the mouse I found this very interesting, informative, helpful, and talented group of signmakers.
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I've heard the statement made to me from people saying...Bill you are the best and do some beautiful freehand script.I'm greatful for comments like this.As long as we admit that we're not the best,we can be a part of this information highway called Letterville to move closer to reality.I look forward to reading posts every day and anticipate learning new skills and the best way to tackle problems.Thanks to Tim Barrow for introducing me to Letterville...Heisthebest in these parts!
-------------------- Bill Wood Bill Wood, Sign Artist 3628 Ogburn Ave., NE Winston-Salem, NC 27105-3752 336-682-5820 Posts: 397 | From: Winston-Salem, NC | Registered: May 2006
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It must be a long time ago, 'cause I don't remember. I know it was before Banff, because I hooked up in Banff with a bunch of my Letterhead Chat Pals... Si, Signmaker, Covey, Spyke, Samason, Lazy Edna, Judster, Nettie, Barb, Steve and others. I remember Steve saying the site had been re-formatted at one time and all the original registration info was messed up. I still faithfully drop in everyday to see what my pals are up to, even though I don't have much time to post. Good post Sue.
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I think it was Signcraft too, but I do believe it was the mid to late 90's. I remember all the sign "gods" from signcraft being here, and some are still here. I can't imagine my career without it.
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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I've either slept or not slept since I first found Letterville and have no clue how I got here in the first place. It was very early in the history of this site, long before Banff. I think my original member number was in the 80s but got bumped to 108 in the reset.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I can't actually remember how I originally found my way here. I do remember in the early days we only had a dial up internet connection. Thought it was amazing to be able to chat with fellow sign people on the other side of the world.
-------------------- Kevin Gaffney Artistik Signs Kinnegad County Westmeath Ireland 044-75187 kevingaffney@eircom.net Posts: 628 | From: Ireland | Registered: Oct 2003
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I don't remember the exact year, maybe 1995, but it was before there was an actual forum. All it was, was a list of people from here and there with contact info. THAT soon changed though.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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What led me here was a internet search for Letterhead Mag, I was looking for sign related sites since I was now able to get on the net. Letterville popped up which took my eye.
Yes Letterville has been great inspiring, learning, challenging, resourceful, encouraging and everything else thank you
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Ernie was on line and did a search for sign makers or sign information. He found the site, a few months later Bruce Bowers had his second letterhead meet. It was our first meet. Tramp lent me his mahl, to replace the "piece of firewood" (a 1" dowel) and taught me some hand lettering. I have been to 7 meets. The best for me was Jills Mars meet.
Diane
-------------------- Balch Signs 1045 Raymond Rd Malta, NY 12020 518 885-9899 signs@balchsigns.com http://www.balchsigns.com Posts: 1695 | From: MaltaNY | Registered: Jan 2000
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I found letterville through SignCraft way back in 1998 just after I got my first computer.
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I found letterville through SignCraft way back in 1998 just after I got my first computer.
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I think I had just discovered Signcraft and the term "Letterhead". Then I wondered if there was a www.letterhead.com and sure enough, here it was.
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 910 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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My first meet was Jill's Mars meet, after being told about it from an old sign painter/friend of mine. That is where I found out about Letterville. I have been to several meets, & learned so many things. My health has not been real good the past few years, but I am not giving up the fight. I plug along & do what I can.
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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I was introduced to Dennis & Pat Raap through my sales rep from Advantage Sign Supply. He told me that they had a router, and I needed a router guy to help me with my first 3D sign.
They were unlike anyone else I compete with in my area. They have a refreshing approach to business, not necessarily viewing all competitors as enemies. I like that! I had been in the sign business longer than them, but have learned from them. It's a nice exchange
It's all their fault that you all have to put up with me here.
I have been to two meets, where I met some very nice people with the heart of a teacher.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3485 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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Dennis and I can't really remember how we got connected. We are both thinking that it was through Signcraft. We got familiar with the meets when our neighbors were invited to Mike Meyers Meet in Mazeppa, to have their Monster Truck trailer done. From there we were hooked! I was kind of lost there, not quite sure where I fit in...then Peach got us working on his wall...taking time to teach us. We have made many great friends on this site over the last few years! Thanks Steve and Barb for creating such an awesome community! And thanks Rick for your kind words!
PS....Great post too!
-------------------- Patricia A. Raap Raap Signs 2615 Arthur Coopersville, MI 49404 616-677-0158 pat@raapsigns.com Posts: 576 | From: Coopersville, MI 49404 | Registered: Nov 2003
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Ah, let's see. Oh yeah I remember. With my signkit in hand, I was hitch-hiking along the web, Hopped a train and jumped off at Letterville.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3814 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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A guy named Neil Woodgate told me about it when I was in the San Diego area. He moved to England and I haven't heard from him since. I still check in but have not had much to say lately but still get a lot out of it.
-------------------- Chuck Peterson Designs San Diego, CA Posts: 1050 | From: San Diego, CA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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i was looking for tips, advice, technical expertise, etc ...... and I found it!!!!!!!
plus Steve was a gracious host, I don't care what anybody says about him.
-------------------- Michael Gene Adkins The Fontry 1576 S Hwy 59 Watts OK 74964 Posts: 845 | From: Watts, OK USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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I remember causing so much trouble with Dave Grundy (good trouble) that when Steve Shortreed got out of the hospital he called me try to figure out who I was and why I posted so much crazy stuff.
I accepted the heartfelt counsel, went on to use this site to make some sense of the changing times affecting sign painters who were struggling with the new vinyl machines and the idiots who were ruining the craft. Then it changed again to wide format printers.
Then that Grampa Dan guy came along and blew us all out of the water with that Giggle Ridge project.
I'm trying to retire these days. Its not so easy to retire in these times.
But the things I learned here took me from working out of the house to developing a huge business, that crashed in the recession that didn't happen in 2009, and sent me back to the house, wiping out the retirement plan.
Remember Don Adams from "Get Smart" who would hold up his thumb and index finger and say: " Would you believe I missed it by this much?"
I missed it by that much alright....hhahahah oh well!
Any "trouble" we had was all in good fun. I think I might still have that "winking" animated GIF of your self-portrait cartoon.
You were very helpful to me in Indiana and I still remember your generosity.
I am sincerely sorry to hear that your retirement plans got sidetracked. Keep at it Dave and it will happen.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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I can't imagine my career without it.
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