First signwriting – transit van. Design, and application.

[David-Foster-]

Well done Anthony, great first job. I am sure it can be nitpicked, but nothing glaring. I too started life as an architectural technician, so you should have an idea what looks right. Your first shop front will be good.

Did you ever have the text book Draughtsmanship by Frazer Reekie by any chance? It was my bible when starting out in architectural drawing. You may now get Mike Stevens book, Mastering Layout which is the same bible for this game. 😉

[Anthony Woodsford]

thanks David

yeh, there are a few bubbles here and there, which got popped, and because the cutter was a cheap one, there are a couple of rough edges.

Ive not had any books in honesty for draughting as i started out on CAD12 when i was 16. we’re now using CAD2011 and Revit11 which is amazing, so yes, i think doing that job definatly helped with the design, and layout.

[Glenn Sharp]

Ant,

the first thing that jumps out to me is that you would have been better using the same layout that you’ve used on the back, on the side.

The text on the side panel is a bit disjointed and unbalanced imo

I like the colour scheme though 😀

[Anthony Woodsford]

i know what you mean glenn, but the customer has asked for another logo to be put on in the near future on the side panels, so it will set out similar to the rear.

cheers for the comments though! its a learning curve for me!

i do like the back most though, i think it looks the most balanced part of the van

[Karl Williams]

Could pick fault mate but won’t. For your first job ever well done for jumping in and doing your best. I can remember my first job in 1989…….I was Shittting myself but all went well. 😉

[Shane Drew]

Anthony, you have done well for your first attempt.

I agree with glenn in the comment about the text. My personal preference would have been to use a different font, and perhaps you should consider a bit more negative space.

That aside, if the client was happy, that’s really all that matters. But, its a continual learning curve. Keep at it buddy. Thanks for sharing

[Anthony Woodsford]

Cheers guys

In all honesty, i would love to hear criticism, so i can learn!

just making a cutfiles to finish the freesat logo, as i don’t have a printer.

I definatley understand what your saying about the gaps in between text now, looking at how I’ve sorted the back panel, vs the sides.

[Jill Marie Welsh]

If you weren’t such a cutie I’d rip it to shreds.
😉
My advice is to keep learning, technically it looks great (no bubs or crinkles)
Fonts seem a bit weak, name elements could be tighter together.
Side panel needs more breathing room around the edges.
Do get the Mike Stevens book, it’s a huge help.
Love…..Jill

[Anthony Woodsford]

thanks jill 😀 😳

i’ll take that on board for the next one 😀

[Neil Davey]

If I didn’t think you were such a cutie too I’d rip it too shreds 😉

Seriously though, looks good for your first van.
Learn off it and strive for improved well balanced layouts. Not always easy with the pressures thrown at us sometimes.
Mike Steven’s book is a great place to start.

Also Signcraft magazine is a fabulous inspirational tool.

[Harry Cleary]

Good first job.

Pick your fonts with the same care as you would choose your sides at a slap up meal! They should be inviting, sweet, tasty and warm but never cheap! 😀

[Gavin Conway]

Hi Ant – from one newbie to another – good to see your work on the forum. I also put mine up and take note of the crits… really a great help all the guys n dolls on the forum.. Mike Stevens book – "Mastering Layout" was also suggested to me and Father Xmas brought it to me… it has helped understand the layouts a great deal. Search Google and you will find it..

just go for it… if the customer is happy then its ok..

[Mo Gillis-Coates]

mate absolute hero worship from me for even posting your first job…… you are a very very brave man….. well done by the way for having a go. I remember the first full colour panel I did on a van had bubbles all over it…lol odd thing is though, that van parks outside my unit everyday and the have all now disappeared with the heat of the sun… great eh? It’s nice to know that the big man upstairs knows how finish a job properly for us!

[Phill Fenton]

Forget the hero worship – truth is, it could be made better (as has already been stated).

"If the customer is happy then it’s OK" is not the way to make progress in this business.

I’m sure as you gain experience you will continue to improve and produce better work.

I’m one to talk though – my first efforts were rubbish – but I have made a determined effort to try and improve on what I do 😕

[Martin Pearson]

Don’t see the problem with posting your first job myself Mo, if you want to get on in this business and improve on the work you are doing then this is the ideal place to post stuff you have done.
Yes you leave yourself wide open to criticism but on the forum it is constructive not just slagging someone because their work isn’t very good so if you take note of what has been said then you can quickly start to improve on the work you are doing. If I was starting out then I would want to know straight away how I could improve on what I was doing not wait until I had done a lot of work which could have been done better to start with.