Getting back into brush work, need advice

[Sean Starr]

Hello,
I have been doing graphics in one form or another for over 20 years. I started doing custom paint work (hand lettering, airbrush, spray fades etc.) on vehicles in south Texas with my father's company Starr Custom Paint. I made the choice of getting into cut vinyl and digital graphics a few years later and eventually went into web and print design.
I really miss doing hand work, so about a year ago I got myself some quills and One Shot and have been working to get my skills back (its amazing how much comes back to you), just for the love of doing it. Now that the economic downturn has crept into the Bay Area, web based design work has screeched to a halt, and I am wanting to return to my roots and get back into hand painting again.
I would like input from anyone willing to share on where to get started to get the ball rolling. I am assuming I just need to beat the streets, handing out cards, etc. I am also considering contacting vinyl shops to get some work installing to help things get started, but am not sure what kind of reaction that would get.

[joe cieslowski]

Hi Sean and welcome.

I'm not a striper but I know quite a few. Shakin the bushes is a little different for all of us but the idea is the same.....Who is my customer and how do I get my work in front of him? Personally, i'd be looking for car shows and meets, custom paint shops, dealers and car clubs for a start. I'd also be lurking at several striper web sites and forums..(not much striper talk here).

Good luck with your quest.

Joe,

[Sean Starr]

Hi Joe,
Thanks for the input, maybe I wasn't clear enough.
I'm doing hand lettering and signs, not pinstriping. My first inclination is to go after storefronts, there is a ton of signage on glass storefronts here in San Francisco, and most of it wouldn't require a ladder etc. I can do most of the layout at my house and show up with a paper pattern etc. There is a ton of gilding work here in the city, but I have very limited experience with it (just some gold leaf work on raised dimensional letters).

Sean

[Doug Bernhardt]

Sean....sounds like you're on the right track and getting your in front of the right person is huge. Websites etc help alot but they do require time to start working for you.