When Good Signs Go Bad, Or The Joys Of Being An Amateur

Behold a painted, valuable, antique sign.

It drives me batty.

The final E in the first SHOE is too large.

Let’s zoom in. Lines added for emphasis. An artistic case could be made for drawing a larger initial letter. That was not the situation here. Clearly, the sign painter was aiming for balanced letters. They missed.

I find it painful to look at.

I had a long conversation about this sign with a family member (waves hi!). The underlying arcs are smooth but not even. There is serif and sans serif on the same sign. The O on the bottom line is different than the O higher up. Although, the painter may not have had a choice in this due to spacing requirements.

Family member (waves hi again!) is not a person I see often (sad face). I could imagine them wondering, if I am so adamant about lettering, why don’t I do it for money?

Good question. I’ve thought about it. The answer is, I don’t have the eye.

Years ago, I had to design in-house ads at a newspaper. I drew up a lovely specimen. Flawless. I are such genius. Showed it to the art department.

Art Dude: Can I make a few adjustments?

Me, imagining minor tweaks: Sure.

Art Dude, hits a few keys, completely restructures the ad: How about this?

Me: Um. Yup. That’s what it should look like.

I can kibitz. I can have opinions. I cannot create. I lack the artistic sense for balance, simplicity, clarity, musicality. Call it what you will, I don’t have it. Nothing in my demonstrated abilities since then has changed my mind.

That’s okay.

One doesn’t always have to make $$ on a thing.

One doesn’t have to be pro level to enjoy a thing.

I will remain a happy amateur, ranting about lettering.

Wiki: Boot and Shoe Workers’ Union

Previous post in a similar vein, note the continuation of the discussion by the artist & others in the comments. [Just Because You Enjoy An Activity Doesn’t Mean You Want To Be Paid To Do It With Strangers]

Onwards!
Katherine