FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR MAKING A CUSTOM SIGN OR A LARGER PROJECT?
STEP 1: DISCUSS
You might not know if a hand-carved, resin-filled or sunken relief style is best for your sign, so the first step is for us to review your needs to find which style — or combination of styles — will work best for your project.This is a crucial step in the overall process.
STEP 2: DESIGN
Once a style is determined, using either original artwork you provide (logo, emblems, etc.) or artwork that is designed in-house, the sign or project is created digitally for your review. Once design is set, I draft a cost estimate and then it’s on to the carve.
STEP 3: CARVE
The carve process can be quick or it can be lengthy, depending on size, complexity of the design, and steps involved. But rest assured, once the project arrives on the workbench, it is the sole project I work on until it is completed.
I DON’T HAVE ANY ARTWORK FOR YOU. IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE DESIGN STEP OF THE PROCESS?
Don’t worry. I have a huge catalog of artwork to pull from as well as too-many fonts to work with. The design process can take as little 3-4 hours or a couple days to come up with two design options … and that is FREE of charge.
However, if there is a lot of back and forth, then lots of changes, and then several different variations of the design, followed by completely new designs, then new directions to go, then more changes … I’ll have to charge for design work then as it is keeping me from working on other projects. But if you can give me a good idea of what you want to start with, then I can begin working on design choices for you. And that is free.
WHY AREN’T THE PRICES SET? WHY ISN’T THERE A PRICE SHEET TO KNOW IF I CAN AFFORD IT?
There are so many variables involved in the carve process that it is impossible to have even a starting point for some of the processes. Granted some items, such as games and goods, have a set price or a rough starting price, most projects are so unique that all the variables have to be calculated individually so as to know what the total cost on the project will be once completed.
These variable include the type of carve process, the size of the project (both physically and time to complete), the types of wood, the amount of time the carve process will take, and even how much resin on a resin-carved sign and the cure time!
If you have a budget, first and foremost share that information so that the project can be shaped around that budget. And if you would like a rough estimate (non-binding but an approximation of the costs), just ask and after we discuss your needs I can create a rough estimate. Only after the design phase can a firm quote be created, but the numbers usually very close.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO START THE DESIGN NOW?
Even though the queue time might be long for current projects, it is important to start the creative and design as soon as possible.
All projects first require a determination of what method of carving works best. Each project is unique and the needs and look typically dictate the method and type of craftsmanship.
Even if it is an already completed logo, the work in transforming that logo into one that can be carved can take some time. Everything from fonts to colors to art elements all are part of the larger creative process that needs to be completed — and approved — before the project can be moved in to the carve queue. So starting the design process as soon as possible is imperative, regardless of how long the current carve queue is at this moment.
WHY IS THE QUEUE SO LONG?
I would say that 99.99% of the work I create requires a singular focus on just that project. All of my projects require some aspect of hands-on craftsmanship … and some more than others. Some signs have a machine carve but the outline cut, the painting, the sanding and the finishing, is all done by hand and takes time.
You see, I can only realistically work on one project at a time. At times, I can work on two projects simultaneously, such as when waiting for paint or finish to dry on one project as I begin work on another, but I can’t exactly do two hand-carves at the same time!
Once the creative and design of a project is approved, it goes in to the carving queue. And when its time comes up, the tool goes to the wood and the craftsmanship begins.
I SAW ON SOCIAL MEDIA A SIGN YOU MADE. CAN YOU MAKE THE SAME SIGN FOR ME?
With the exception of games, humorous signs and most goods, all carvings are commissioned. Meaning that it was designed and created specifically for a client and cannot be reproduced. It is part of the one-of-a-kind nature in these carvings. I was told they are more like pieces of art and not woodworking, and that is probably the best way to look at the answer for this question. I will not mass-produce something that was made special for one person, as it dilutes the value of the piece for that person.
Some goods do have unique characteristics that will not be replicated, such as with the Balance Boards. The board itself can be reproduced, of course, but the designs one each board are custom and that design can not be replicated.
But if you see something you like, mention it and we can use it as a base design or style for a new creation just for you.