SignCraft magazine is letting me down

[signguy 55]

Got my Jan / Feb issue of SignCraft yesterday. Of course all work came to a halt as I looked at it.

It gets me that the first half of the issue, really any issue of the magazine deals with sign guys (Behounek / Antonelli, etc) that write great articles about color, layout, readability, not overdoing designs such as on wraps, keeping it simple, etc.

Then you get to some of the other articles and pictures that leave a lot to be desired. Wrong colors, not enough contrast, poor layout and pictures of shop trucks that are literally unreadable. This issue was a classic example of this. I won't specify what in particular, you can decide that on your own.

Still a great magazine but it seems like the editors would notice this. Just had to vent a little.

 

[SignManiac]

I have to agree with your assessment.

 

[Gino]

Yeah, it's pretty much been that way for the last 10 years or so.

It's also a great book if you're in the market to buy a printer.
​

 

[The Giraffe]

I'm sure the guy highlighted in Australia is paying for the rights to use art from DC Comics, Marvel, MGM, Dreamworks, etc......

 

[signguy 55]

I'm sure the guy highlighted in Australia is paying for the rights to use art from DC Comics, Marvel, MGM, Dreamworks, etc......

Ha, I hadn't even thought about that!!

 

[James Burke]

I am letting my subscription expire. Out of respect, I'll keep my reasons unpublished but I would gladly respond should they happen to issue a readership survery.


JB

 

[SignManiac]

The "Craft" has now been perceived as mostly digital these days to cater more to the equipment owners.

 

[Rick]

I think it's not Signcraft's fault at all...

Try getting shops to find articles to write for. You have to find a worthy shop,
then get them to participate. I'm even guilty of turning down a spotlight on
my business because it was not a good time for me.

The other thing, average sign shop work is acceptable at best, then there is
the "sign" look thats been done to death. Signcraft still has to cater to some
of that type of work even though a lot of us are over it.

Still think its the best magazine for the mom and pop sign shop and always
look forward to cracking it open then it gets here.

 

[Billct2]

I agree, but it's still the best of the bunch. I think that the problem also may be that most of these magazines use freelancers to research and write articles and they may not have a clue about the sign business.
I also like Rick Williams columns in Sign Business, I can relate to a lot of what he has to say.

 

[tattoo.dan]

I was actually just talking to my wife and 5 year old daughter about this same issue this weekend!

 

[threeputt]

I'm sure the guy highlighted in Australia is paying for the rights to use art from DC Comics, Marvel, MGM, Dreamworks, etc......

Yeah, seems to be stepping all over some copyrights.

 

[Billct2]

Actually I thought the same thing when I saw a wrap contest winner (from the US) a few years ago, but I figured they would have checked to make sure they were licensed before they were published. When they do a story featuring that type of stuff it would be a good idea to include a little sidebar on copyright permissions.

 

[Gino]

Ya know, I agreed earlier.... and while I still do, I must admit, it's still a great place to get ideas, color combinations and some new blood for creative juices.

Just because some of the stuff is not up to someone's particular level, things can still be used and fine tuned to your own standards. Tweaking new ideas brings both new energy and enthusiasm... and Sign Craft is still the number one magazine that delivers that.

 

[Rick]

So looking through it again... I really enjoyed the Jan/Feb issue.
Not all of it was my cup of tea, I still respect the talent of all the
hand work involved...

Don't change a thing! (well maybe add some architectural signage)

 

[Techman]

Try getting shops to find articles to write for. You have to find a worthy shop,
then get them to participate

Right on the money.
There are plenty of down home shops doing some really good stuff. But I would guess most of them do not have the time or desire to write an article with photos. And then have to listen to some one pick it apart because the kerning was just off 1/4 of an inch or the color did not suit someone to perfection.