Here’s another one of my favorite books from my library…
"Computers and vinyl technologies have completely transformed the sign painting industry and as a consequence hand lettering and sign painting has become a lost art.
Early in my career I found it very useful to be as versatile as possible and to learn as many painting techniques as I could, to help get me through the lean-times. These skills have come in quite handy in many of my commercial and fine-art projects from billboards, signs and menu-boards to set-painting, super-graphics, logos and mascots.
I have always specialized in custom, hand-painted one-of-a-kind projects, so advanced printing and computerized technologies are not a threat… but rather an opportunity to apply my craft in new and exciting ways – and in doing so
to better serve a diverse clientele.
Mike Stevens’ ‘Mastering Layout' was a vital resource in building my skills with a brush and improving my layouts and designs." -Roberto Quintana
"Computers and vinyl technologies have completely transformed the sign painting industry and as a consequence hand lettering and sign painting has become a lost art.
Early in my career I found it very useful to be as versatile as possible and to learn as many painting techniques as I could, to help get me through the lean-times. These skills have come in quite handy in many of my commercial and fine-art projects from billboards, signs and menu-boards to set-painting, super-graphics, logos and mascots.
I have always specialized in custom, hand-painted one-of-a-kind projects, so advanced printing and computerized technologies are not a threat… but rather an opportunity to apply my craft in new and exciting ways – and in doing so
to better serve a diverse clientele.
Mike Stevens’ ‘Mastering Layout' was a vital resource in building my skills with a brush and improving my layouts and designs." -Roberto Quintana
This best-selling book by sign industry legend, Mike Stevens, covers the fundamental principles of layout for signs. It teaches how to see, organize and manipulate graphic elements for unified, legible and visually appealing results. More than 80 illustrations demonstrate before-and-after results of applying the principles. Includes a troubleshooting checklist for isolating, analyzing and correcting layout weaknesses in your own designs.
Long established as a must-have for all sign writers,
this best-selling book covers the fundamental
principles of layout for signs.
Includes 13 handwritten alphabets for reference
this best-selling book covers the fundamental
principles of layout for signs.
Includes 13 handwritten alphabets for reference
and 80+ illustrations with before and after results,
and all the universal rules in font layout.
This technical book is just as appreciated by old hands
in lettering as it is by newcomers.
A real classic.
Mike Stevens provides a detailed, comprehensive
and relatively easy-to-understand overview of
the analytical skills that can be applied to a
Sign Painting or Writer's job.
The fundamental principles in the layout of fonts and characters are conveyed in detail and how several graphic elements are organized into a perfect overall picture.
invaluable sign painting knowledge on 127 pages.
and all the universal rules in font layout.
This technical book is just as appreciated by old hands
in lettering as it is by newcomers.
A real classic.
Mike Stevens provides a detailed, comprehensive
and relatively easy-to-understand overview of
the analytical skills that can be applied to a
Sign Painting or Writer's job.
The fundamental principles in the layout of fonts and characters are conveyed in detail and how several graphic elements are organized into a perfect overall picture.
invaluable sign painting knowledge on 127 pages.
Contents
1) Natural Layout
2) Format: A Design Element
3) Copy Interpretation & appropriate Images
4) Negative Space
5) Line Value
6) Rhythm
7) Selecting Alphabets
8) Color
9) Super Graphics
10) Informal Layout
11) Troubleshooting Your Layout
1) Natural Layout
2) Format: A Design Element
3) Copy Interpretation & appropriate Images
4) Negative Space
5) Line Value
6) Rhythm
7) Selecting Alphabets
8) Color
9) Super Graphics
10) Informal Layout
11) Troubleshooting Your Layout
Michael R. Stevens
Died: April 20, 1989
From Signcraft magazine.
July/August 1989
Few sign artists in recent times have had as much influence on sign layout as sign artist/author Mike Stevens.
Mike Stevens died suddenly on April 20, 1989.
Mike was the author of
Mastering Layout: The Art of Eye Appeal
and
Ninety-Nine Showcards: A Photo Album,
and produced two audiotapes and a video tape.
He recently contributed a series of articles on layout to SignCraft.
Since his death, SignCraft has heard from scores of sign artists — some long-time friends and others
who knew Mike only through his books, tapes and articles.
All mentioned his impact on their work, their business,
and in many cases, their lives.
Died: April 20, 1989
From Signcraft magazine.
July/August 1989
Few sign artists in recent times have had as much influence on sign layout as sign artist/author Mike Stevens.
Mike Stevens died suddenly on April 20, 1989.
Mike was the author of
Mastering Layout: The Art of Eye Appeal
and
Ninety-Nine Showcards: A Photo Album,
and produced two audiotapes and a video tape.
He recently contributed a series of articles on layout to SignCraft.
Since his death, SignCraft has heard from scores of sign artists — some long-time friends and others
who knew Mike only through his books, tapes and articles.
All mentioned his impact on their work, their business,
and in many cases, their lives.
Related:
Signs, Totems & Super-Graphics
http://www.artandsoulproductions.com/signs-totems--super-graphics.html
SignCraft
http://web.archive.org/web/20230323231908/https://www.signcraft.com/
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In 1980, we published the first issue of SignCraft Magazine from our commercial sign shop, laying out the pages on the same drawing table we used for sign sketches and proposals. Our plan was to create a way to share ideas and information that would make signmaking easier, more creative and more profitable. Computers were not yet involved in sign making, so the focus was on hand painted, sandblasted, carved and cutout signs and lettering.
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