Mattson's Hardware gets a New Sign!

Must be I'm not the only one who is noticing the tired look of many signs in my area, because just two weeks ago the owner of my local hardware store asked if I could give their sign a face lift. Using an economical, but super durable substrate called Alumacor I refaced their existing sign and applied a digitally printed vinyl overlay with satin laminate. This sign should outlast the treated lumber holding the structure up. This sign was 8 ft. x 8ft. and we went with our local school colors of gold and black to show support. I hope this will get a few other businesses inspired to give me a phone call. Together we can freshen up wonderful small town I live in. Thanks Mattson's Hardware for keeping it local!

BEFORE

AFTER

GCF Produce Cart

One of my most memorable projects was when I was called on to make a produce cart for Groton Center Farms in Massachusetts. This project took several months to complete, but I enjoyed every minute of it. As I look back through my portfolio I am amazed at how blessed I have been with really amazing projects over the years!
This one started out in a tractor graveyard and was given a new life as a really cool display.

Wagemaker Boats - Vintage Sign

The Wagemaker Company began building Wolverine boats in 1931. Those early cedar strip boats were first nationally advertised in 1933 and gained instant popularity.  In 1947, Wolverine introduced their first molded plywood boat using the new technology gained from the war years,  and by 1955, Wagemaker was heavily invested in the molded plywood market. By then, they were producing cedar strip, sheet plywood, molded plywood, and even aluminum boats to capture every segment of the outboard boat market.  
     After Wagemaker Company, Inc. was sold in 1960, Wolverine held on to their segment of the market for a couple of years, but had made the transition to fiberglass too late.  The double blow of hard economic times coupled with a saturated market was too much for a company that had pinned its success to the wooden boat market.
For years I've planned to make a vintage style sign using the Wagemaker logo, so I finally got around to it. This sign measures 6 feet long and is currently available for $275 (not including shipping or delivery).

A few "fishing" antique style, hand lettered signs

For many years I had the great privelege of making antique style signs for Max and Erma's Restaurants. In fact, for almost 10 years they alone kept me so busy that I always had at least 6 months worth of work ahead of me. Here are just a few of the pieces I created for them. Very little of my work for M&E was fishing related, but the fishing signs were nearly always my favorite ones to create.

A FRESH LOOK

In a tough economy, people and businesses tend to be more frightful of spending money... understandably. Without as much money coming in, you do need to be more cautious of spending. As I drive around my home town however, I notice a lack of luster. You see, as a long time signmaker I tend to look at signs more than anything else, and I've really noticed over the last few years that many of the signs in my town are deteriorating and are in much need of a fresh look.
Your sign is the first impression into your business. If you look at your sign as a potential customer, what do you see? What is your first impression? Does it look like your business is failing or on the verge of going out of business? Or does it look like you're still passionate about what you do and seeking new clients?
I realize it's been tough the last few years, I've felt the pain like everyone else, but don't lose hope. Let's keep the passion for our small businesses alive! Be the change that this economy needs!
If you would like a fresh look for your sign, I would love to help you. I have been a signmaker for nearly 20 years with numerous design awards. I offer logo design, signs of all kinds (plain or fancy), banners, advertising and web graphics, vehicle/fleet lettering and custom die cut decals. Please give me a call 231.206.7660 or send an email to matt@mattzudweg.com if you would like to discuss a fresh approach to your image!