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Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Hand Lettering topics: Sign Making, Design, Fabrication, Letterheads, Sign Books.

Moderators: Ron Percell, Mike Jackson, Danny Baronian

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Bill Wahlgren
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:27 pm

Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Bill Wahlgren »

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a good hand-lettering instruction video/DVD for beginners? Ideally, it would include information on materials and tools (enamels, brushes, etc.).

Many thanks,
Bill Wahlgren
David Slade
Posts: 104
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 7:01 am
Location: Osaka, Japan
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by David Slade »

Some of you fellas set up a dvd recorder and make some extra$$$!

Let's hope they do it, Bill.
Doug Bernhardt
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Location: Ottawa Canada
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Doug Bernhardt »

Try you-tube.....have seen a couple of things there from time to time. Some are a "purchase the feature length" trailer
Bill Wahlgren
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:27 pm

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Bill Wahlgren »

Great. Thanks, everyone! I'd be interested in knowing what folks think is the best book for beginners, too. I just thought a video might give me a better sense of the actual physical movement and approach, etc., of hand lettering.
Kent Smith
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Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2004 6:41 pm
Location: Estes Park, CO
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Kent Smith »

Mike Stevens had a good hand lettering video out but I have not seen it in many years.
Jerry Berg
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Joined: Wed May 02, 2007 3:17 pm
Location: pacific northwest

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Jerry Berg »

Mike had this posted not too long ago. This would be your best.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mike-Stevens-BRUSH- ... 500wt_1107

Don't know if it is still available but worth a try!
Bill Wahlgren
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:27 pm

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Bill Wahlgren »

Many thanks.
Bill
David Slade
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Location: Osaka, Japan
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by David Slade »

I like E. C. Matthews's books cause they are simply written and he makes you feel like you can do it.

This might be a no-no but I found these free downloadable books:

How to Paint Signs and Sho Cards E. C. Matthews
http://www.archive.org/details/howtopaintsignss00matt

The Master Painter (1907)
http://www.archive.org/details/masterpainter00unkngoog

David's Practical Letterer (Mike Jackson's fav ??)
http://www.archive.org/details/davidspracticall00hack

Good Luck!
Bill Wahlgren
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:27 pm

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Bill Wahlgren »

Great. Thanks much!
Danny Baronian
Site Admin
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Danny Baronian »

Hi Bill..... and any others new to the forum looking for information.

At the top of under Topics is a list of list of sign related books. Anyone wishing to add to the list can do so there. There are no videos, but contain good information.

Listed below are also links to the American Sign Museum. I haven't been to the site for a while, but it appears to have been expanded and would be worth a look.
On their site they also have a list of the top 25 recommended books.

Lastly, the tab at the top of the Hand Lettering forum marked The Letterheads Site contains history, tips and techniques and supplies.

https://handletteringforum.com/forum ... f=2&t=1372
http://www.signmuseum.net/library/topbooks.asp
http://www.signmuseum.net/home.asp
http://www.theletterheads.com/glawson/glawsonmain.html
Danny Baronian
Baronian Mfg.
CNC Routing & Fabrication
http://www.baronian.com
Bill Wahlgren
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:27 pm

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Bill Wahlgren »

Much obliged.
erik winkler
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Location: Amsterdam Netherlands
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by erik winkler »

Jerry Berg wrote:Mike had this posted not too long ago. This would be your best.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mike-Stevens-BRUSH- ... 500wt_1107

Don't know if it is still available but worth a try!

I am the new owner of the video....
Since there is something like a copywrite I can not digitize it and put it on you tube....
Realizing we are in the 2nd renaissance of the arts.
Learn, copy and trying to improve...
Still in the learning phase ;-)
Amsterdam Netherlands
www.ferrywinkler.nl
www.schitterend.eu
www.facebook.com/Schitterend.eu
Dale Johnson
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Nov 16, 2012 9:51 pm
Location: Ormond Beach, Florida

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Dale Johnson »

Can anyone comment on the "Society of Gilders" instructional meet in Chicago June1st thru June 6th. I am just getting into the more complicated aspects of gilding and am curious if this is way over my head or maybe just wonderful. I do gilding on small signs and have used real gold and affordable gold (not real gold) for several years.

Thanks for any advice you might have.

You can check it out at society of guilders.com . It appears to be real worthwhile.

Thanks, Dale Johnson
bart boonen
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 2:24 pm

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by bart boonen »

I recently bought the pierre tardif DVD "the ABC of Sign Painting".
It's a little bit pricy (i thought) but gives a good view for a newby as myself.

Anyone here seen it?
Any thoughts on the DVD, of is that a whole new subject?
Kent Smith
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Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2004 6:41 pm
Location: Estes Park, CO
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Kent Smith »

The price of education is never small and the value is only related to what you will get out of it and the expectation of what you will do with what you learn. Consider the fact that the current average for College Tuition is over $9000. Trade school tuition hovers at just over $5000 for two years. I have seen small parts of Pierre's video and it is well done. Mike Stevens approach to lettering is classic. I have videos on gold leaf techniques (now being remastered) as does Bill Betz and Sarah King has one on angel gilding. There are many more relevant videos out there on many topics.

Better yet, plan to attend the Letterheads 40 meet in Cincinnati Sept. 24-27 where there will be Letterheads University including many beginner workshops. The intent of these classes/workshops is to pass on the techniques that are the foundation of our craft.

go to www.letterheads40.com for information where there will be updates weekly until registration goes live April 1.
bart boonen
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 2:24 pm

Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by bart boonen »

Hi Kent,

So true what you say about the price of education (as i'm a teahcer myself, i totally agree!). And yes the Tardiff DVD gives good insight, for sure. I can't open the Mike Stevens video posted in this thread... Is is something that's for sale/ searchable on the internet?

And this Letterheads University sounds like a dream, but it's a bit long drive from the Netherlands :) (and i just missed the Mike Meyers workshop in Amsterdam... I'll be these next time)
Kent Smith
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Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2004 6:41 pm
Location: Estes Park, CO
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Re: Basic Instruction Video(DVD)

Post by Kent Smith »

Agreed it is a long "drive". I am sure Mike will be back near you again. You should also get in touch with Erik Winkler since he is closer to you. Mike Stevens died a number of years ago so his video is out of production and was only on VHS originally. No video is a good as working with someone so watch for opportunities as they arise. Good Luck.
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