Hello Everyone!Newbie here!
I've been lurking around reading posts for about 18 months or so. Somehow, I couldn't get registered but, thanks to Mike Jackson...here I am now. 
I am, by training, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the field for 19 years. I call it my 'real' job. It provides the neccessary benefits and pays the bills while I continue to build my business. My husband and I have a small construction business and a small trucking division. He is looking forward to installing my first sign...that hasn't been designed yet!
I one of those sand blasters that is enamoured with the vintage/classic designs of Dave Smith, Roderick and others here on this forum. I have been blasting for 3 years now and have just completed my first deepcarving, multistage projects. My knees go weak and my heart start missing beats when I look at the art work and craftsmanship that I have seen here. I have decided to persue these arts and 'expand my skill set' as one of my tech savvy friends put it. I don't know of anyone here in Arkansas that creates such pieces..if I did, I would go and sit at their knee to learn a bit first hand.
I have signed up for the beginning hand lettering class by Jeff Cahill in April. I am really looking forward to it and hope that I don't embaress myself with my lack of knowledge and/or techniques. As I have said, I have lurked around here for about 18 months, reading and practicing, and reading and practicing, and reading some more.
Thanks for all the great information and step by steps that you have put online. These are of great help and I for one really appreciate them.
Kerri Brownlee
Glorious Graphics and Gifts
Mayflower, Arkansas
It will take a lot of time and practice to post a project worthy of this board. I will hang out and read and practice some more. It just feels good to be able to ask questions if I want.
Denver Chapter of the Letterheads