Frequently Asked Questions
I have recently begun taking less commissioned sign projects as I shift my focus more toward monument signs and special-interest projects (if it looks special, it has my interest!).
A monument sign is a one-off large carving of a location or landscape scene that is a personal project of my own design, versus a commissioned sign for a home or business. Upon completion, the monument sign artwork is available for purchase.
As to what type of carvings I do, carved bears are out as I don’t carve with chainsaws. The majority of my work is signs that would be hung on a wall or placed on a mantle, using gouges to hand-carve the wood.
WHAT TYPE OF CARVINGS DO YOU DO?
CARVED BEARS? ADDRESS SIGNS?
AND WHAT IS A MONUMENT SIGN?
I WANT TO HAVE SOMETHING HAND-CARVED.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
The first step is for us to review your needs to find out if hand-carved sign will work best for your need. This is a crucial step in the overall process, as not all ideas can be turned into a hand-carved sign. There are some limitations that can appear and best to make sure the hand-carved method is can be done.
Once that is determined, it’s time to start the design process.
There is a $250 non-refundable artwork design fee. This includes reviewing in depth your needs, wishes, ideas, and/or inspirations, along with discussing the space for your sign, and then working with these factors to create 2-3 separate design proofs for your review.
Don’t worry about artwork. I have a huge catalog of artwork to pull from as well as too-many fonts to work with. In most situations, I can also use artwork or a logo you provide. If outside artwork is required, the acquisition costs will be charged for the selected artwork.
Typical small design changes to the selected proof is included in the design fee, with considerations given to time and depth and/or number of changes. Additional time for significant changes or changes that require re-designing is billable.
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE DESIGN STEP OF THE PROCESS?
There are many variables involved in the carve process that makes it impossible to have set prices.
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, the type of depth of finishing work, and the level of varnish needed for the sign’s exposure.
If you have a budget, first and foremost share that information so we can determine if the sign can be shaped around your budget. If you would like a rough ballpark number, after we discuss your needs I can come up with a rough estimate (non-binding but a general approximation).
WHY AREN’T PRICES SET OR LISTED?
IS THERE A PRICE SHEET TO KNOW HOW MUCH THEY COST?
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO START THE DESIGN NOW?
Even though the queue time might be long until projects make it to the carving table, it is important to start the creative and design process as soon as possible.
Even if the design has an already completed logo or artwork, 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.
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. From the outline cut, to the carving, the painting, the sanding, the finishing … is all done by hand and takes time.
I can only carve 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!
I SAW ON SOCIAL MEDIA A SIGN YOU MADE.
CAN YOU MAKE THE SAME SIGN FOR ME?
In short, no, as all carvings are commissioned. Meaning that it was designed and created specifically for a client. It is part of the one-of-a-kind nature in these carvings. I have been told they are more pieces of artwork and not justwoodworking, 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.
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.