Dimension Wood Signs...How To Make 'Em and Sell 'Em Part II

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Dimensional wood creations can serve as interior decorations as well as signs. I did this mosaic design for a local bank

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

As I mentioned in the first half of this two part article, I believe that handsome, well designed, carefully crafted wooden signs are an asset to any landscape or city scene at least compared to the plastic and neon obscenities which now line most thoroughfares. I was pleased then in MOTHER NO. 36 to have the opportunity to share what I know about carving, routing, and otherwise constructing dimensional wood signs. The faster I can turn others on to my trade, the faster we'll have beautiful signs decorating our commercial environment.

Of course, I'm sure that the above view of my self employment enterprise is somewhat colored by the fact that I personally like the wooden sign business because it furnishes me with an outlet for my creative nature and it gives me an opportunity to work with beautiful woods.

You, however, may not be quite so aesthetically inclined. If not, so be it. I can still make a pretty good dollars and sense argument in favor of my wooden sign enterprise.

By working at just a reasonable pace, you see, you should be able to make $10,000 a year constructing dimensional wooden signs. You'll be your own boss in the process. And, if you maintain careful records, you'll be able to keep most of that $200 a week. Because you'll be able to deduct from your income tax the cost of all business supplies, at least part of the rent or mortgage you pay for your workshop, office, or studio, and the major expenses you incur from the operation of the automobile you now drive to work (if you do).

Owning your own sign business, in other words, can pay big dividends in personal creative satisfaction. It can also supply you with a respectable income, offer you far more independence than that enjoyed by those who work "for wages" and give you the kind of tax advantages that are only available to people in business for themselves. And if you prefer to work just when you feel like it for part time dollars and spend the rest of your hours out on the Ole Homestead with the chickens and the goats and the organic garden, that's OK too. You're the boss. All of which adds up to both dollars and sense to me.

KNOW YOUR MARKET

Almost every business, sooner or later, needs a sign. Show its owner or owners that that sign will really attract attention (money) and he, she, or they will be ready and willing to plunk down anywhere from $200 to $2,000 for the logo, nameplate, or whatever.

Now a moderately sized (approximately 50 square feet of copy area), illuminated plastic sign will today set a business man or woman back by $2,000. And still look just like plastic. Once you've mastered my trade, however, you can both construct and install a highly noticeable dimensional wooden sign of the same size for $1,300. It will be at least as eye catching as the plastic one arid a lot more in harmony with the environment.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print