Deuces Wild: The Story of the Blue Deuce

The first few things that a professional craftsman, artist or painter needs to discuss with their customer before deciding to undertake any type of sign or custom paint work are the colors, the design, the time frame for completion and an approximate cost. However, all of these items are quite difficult to estimate and decide upon since there are so many variables involved. After all, what we do for a living is "custom" work - almost nothing is pre-fabricated or comes in a box off the shelf. When we want or need something specialized, such as a tool or a jig, we must design it and attempt our best to make it. It is a labor-intensive business with a small percentage of materials being used, at times.

Some customers have a fair idea, drawing or photo of what they want, while others allow me, as the artist, to design the paint scheme and choose the colors. As in any service oriented business, the customer and business owner must be able to work together comfortably to reach a series of understandings so there is no misconception about each other's ideas before turning them into reality. In short, those working in this profession are fulfilling people's wants, dreams and desires - especially when it comes to a person's motorcycle, vehicle, business sign, collectable or personal belonging.

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This "Low Ride" ain't no "Slow Ride"

The Ground-Pounding Sunflower Yellow Flamed Classic 1984 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ™ pictured in this month's AutoArt "How-to" feature was painted for customer, Rick Huber - owner of Huber Door Company, with combined efforts from several of our business colleagues.

When I first met Rick Huber, I soon found out that we knew his grandparents, David and Beryl Huber, as they were once neighbors of ours when we moved here to build and establish our fourth and current in-home business location 12 years ago. We are very fortunate to be nestled within the rolling hills of Pequea, PA in rural Southern Lancaster County, which is abundant with Amish folk, or "plain People." We are surrounded by lush, green farmland, creeks and rivers, winding roads, horse and buggies, windmill generators and many motorcycle enthusiasts.

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The Unique Tale of the Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast Signs

It seems that every project has a unique and interesting story behind it. This particular sign project has quite a few interesting tales to tell…

When retired schoolteachers, Bob and Vivian Abel hired me to create their local Bed & Breakfast business sign back in 2002, I didn't know what I would be in for!

After restoring and transforming their circa 1809 Pennsylvania barn into a beautiful four-bedroom Bed & Breakfast establishment and reception hall, I was hired to provide sinage for the beautiful, spacious structure, nestled within the scenic farmlands of Amish Country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They are located about a mile from our custom paint and sign shop, which sits atop the rolling hills and looks down upon a winding creek in a small town called Pequea (Peck-Way), named after the Pequea Indians.

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