carved sign with an image

[jim shula]

I've been asked to do this a few times. Someone wants a sign but wants an image in the center...a pastoral scene or in this case a schooner. I can easily cut the shape of the sign and carve the text around the outer profile, but what is the best source for the image in the center of the sign? Is there a better option other than printed vinyl or handpainting by an artist?

Here is a sample they sent me of what they have in mind:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Dy5zs7znkuQ/U4OZ_VwXJII/AAAAAAAAL1g/BjXsGLLlmjQ/w334-h201-no/Schooner+Sign.jpeg

[scottp55]

Jim, Like a two-masted Maine schooner? Like the Windjammer cruises? Toughy! Laser easier if you can get access. Problem is the lines and the sails. Sometimes using a 60 degree vbit and profiling on the line gives an ok result especially if you hand pick the bigger lines and make the cut fractionally deeper. We need a decent vector artist to make a pleasing cut from the existing schooners if that's what you're looking for. I'll search my best generic files. Haven't had much luck Googling and tracing. High contrast and/or silhouettes give best results.

[jim shula]

Scott, here was my first rendition before they came back to me with the schooner image. This is just an image preview from aspire but you get the idea. I have the schooner vector drawing in my VectorArt collection and carved it with a 60 deg bit on the vectors. Apparently they like their image better than my carved rendition.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vznRak65z2g/U31kJ8E7eWI/AAAAAAAAL1I/n6Pd7abfZ6o/w917-h538-no/schooner+ridge.jpg

[scottp55]

Jim, not seeing it but have had browser problems. Vector Art? One of these?http://www.vectorart.com/store/index.cfm?q=schooner
Do they have art, and you're just trying to make make it carve right and look good? Just finished a project but can't move Desktop alone so I quit. Be glad to take a look at it if you e-mail. Almost got this one to work right, maybe you're better than me--Specific Boat they want?

[scottp55]

OK saw it on my e-mail notification, What was the problem? Looked classic. Do you have a 3D iso pic?

[jim shula]

The problem is they would like an image that includes not only the schooner but also the sky, clouds, waves, water etc. In other words, an image of real boat on the water as opposed to just a carving of the outline of the boat. Just wondering what the best source is for such an image...a vinyl print shop? I've done a few signs that way and they always looked cheap with a glossy vinyl print in the middle of my carved border.

[gc3]

http://www.4m3d.com/

Todd does excellent work...

[signsbyjay]

Find a local sign shop that has canvas to run through their digital printer. It will look like a portrait on canvas.

[jim shula]

good idea Jay. I never thought of that.

[gc3]

sure it will cost a little more, but to step up your signs a couple notches...may pay off well down the road

[sneakers]

When I make a sign like that, I cut out the shape I need in metal (prepared for sublimation) and sublimate the image onto the metal plate. Then I make a recess in the main sign to receive the metal plate.
Hope this helps

Gary

[joe]

Jim,

This could be a golden opportunity to expand your work.

Having illustrations on signs make for another level of work. Perhaps you could find an artist or student artists give you a hand. If you could develop a relationship with one of these folks you'll broaden your offerings.

One place to look is painting classes offered at VoTech schools or community outlets. Then again you could post a note in the local paper.

A way to get this going is to view Clipart Photography on the internet. From there you could choose some interesting images to show the artists.

[scottp55]

Jim, Sounds interesting! Please post pics--some things just don't carve right(Like Maine lighthouses:) )

[jim shula]

I gave the customer three options: I could carve the image, I could get a vinyl image printed and paste it into a bordered area in the center of the sign, or I could get a local artist to paint the image. Of course, the contact person has to take the options back to the board at the next homeowners' association meeting for discussion.

I have done a few signs with central vinyl images in the past, and the juxtaposition of the glossy vinyl image and the carved border and text didn't sit well with me (although the customers liked them). Jay's idea to have the image printed on canvas has merit as long as I can figure out how to glue the canvas to the sign.

One of my old customers is a landscape artist who specializes is seascapes. She'd be perfect for this sign if I can lead them down this path.

[keith_outten]

I dye-sublimate Dupont Corian when I need to add a photograph in a sign. The attached picture was made to insert into the center section of a sign.

The process isn't difficult or terribly expensive. You need a printer with dye-sub ink and a heat press. Another option is to sub the job to someone who does this kind of work like Conde.com as they have a 44" wide printer that can print jobs of just about any length.

Note that the ink, when dye-sublimating Corian is not just on the surface, it is about 2 to 3 thousandths of an inch deep in the Corian.
.

[mikeacg]

Keith,

I didn't know Conde did sub work! I'll have to check it out!

Mike

[keith_outten]

Michael,

Conde provided the dye-sub prints for this sign I did for the Navy. I ordered the prints and did the sublimation in my shop. The sign was 48" by 60". The flag was to large for my printer but I own a 24" by 34" heat press.

[keith_outten]

The picture below has the sample logo I dye-sublimated on 1/4" thick Corian for the Navy sign and the color photo was dye-sublimated on aluminum.