Race car lettering

[Toddwell]

Curious...I'm an old school signpainter, thinking about getting back into hand lettering.
How many racers on here would go with paint instead of vinyl lettering if it were available?
Just putting it out there to get an idea whether I should get my brushes out of mothballs.

Todd

[racerhead]

Hello Todd,
My name is Bruce Deveau and I'm speaking as someone who is getting out of hand lettering race cars...mostly because I don't have time anymore, but also because I broke my wrist and can't letter any more. But I can shed some light on the situation.

Over the years more racers have gone with vinyl mostly for cost and convenience. There is also a trend in recent years of wild paint jobs that have little or no lettering, particularly on dragsters. But there remains a portion that will always prefer paint. These will be the high end customers who will tend to spend more. You will need high end skills regarding design and techniques, such as gold leaf and airbrushing.

it will also help to be close with those who are painting the cars. Many painters are dying for a good letterer/striper to finish their work. You will be expected to work crazy hours and work under pressure because the lettering is usually the last thing to get done before going to the track. The chassis guy will take years; the engine guy will have all the time in the world; the paint and body will go on forever; but the letterer gets the pressure. Most of your work will be in conjuction with designers (if you are not designing yourself) and painters. There is also a market for window numbers.

You will also benefit from spending time at the track. Most racers will want to know you are trustworthy before giving you their pride and joy.

Hope that helps. you can send me a PM if you have more questions.

Bruce

[John Kelley]

Location ?

[Mark Callanan]

Originally Posted by racerhead

Hello Todd,
My name is Bruce Deveau and I'm speaking as someone who is getting out of hand lettering race cars...mostly because I don't have time anymore, but also because I broke my wrist and can't letter any more. But I can shed some light on the situation.

Over the years more racers have gone with vinyl mostly for cost and convenience. There is also a trend in recent years of wild paint jobs that have little or no lettering, particularly on dragsters. But there remains a portion that will always prefer paint. These will be the high end customers who will tend to spend more. You will need high end skills regarding design and techniques, such as gold leaf and airbrushing.

it will also help to be close with those who are painting the cars. Many painters are dying for a good letterer/striper to finish their work. You will be expected to work crazy hours and work under pressure because the lettering is usually the last thing to get done before going to the track. The chassis guy will take years; the engine guy will have all the time in the world; the paint and body will go on forever; but the letterer gets the pressure. Most of your work will be in conjuction with designers (if you are not designing yourself) and painters. There is also a market for window numbers.

You will also benefit from spending time at the track. Most racers will want to know you are trustworthy before giving you their pride and joy.

Hope that helps. you can send me a PM if you have more questions.

Bruce

Bruce
Is my car done yet?

lol

[Rob Petrie E395]

Originally Posted by John Kelley

Location ?

X2 I have already put letters on my new car. But I would peel them off in a heartbeat if I could find someone around here who could do them with a brush.

[Ed Wright]

Don't care who does it, shelf paper just doesn't look like paint.

[Signman]

There will always be a need for a man who can hold a brush.
Get yourself out there, expand your skill and talent.
Computers and graphics programs are your friend.

[Andys dad]

Originally Posted by Rob Petrie E395

X2 I have already put letters on my new car. But I would peel them off in a heartbeat if I could find someone around here who could do them with a brush.

I would like to replace the vinyl - Gary with "Smokey" the SS/NA Comet out here in in division 7 use to do it but he does not go racing as much as he use to.

I would love to get mine painted on - all except for changing class by moving around with weight or the dreaded AHFS - LOL

I would still do it if I had a phone # number and could schedule it to be done at a race

Ron

[Toddwell]

Originally Posted by John Kelley

Location ?

I live in a small town (really small) in western Wisconsin...about 50 miles from St. Paul.

[Allan Dame]

Originally Posted by racerhead

Hello Todd,
My name is Bruce Deveau and I'm speaking as someone who is getting out of hand lettering race cars...mostly because I don't have time anymore, but also because I broke my wrist and can't letter any more. But I can shed some light on the situation.

Over the years more racers have gone with vinyl mostly for cost and convenience. There is also a trend in recent years of wild paint jobs that have little or no lettering, particularly on dragsters. But there remains a portion that will always prefer paint. These will be the high end customers who will tend to spend more. You will need high end skills regarding design and techniques, such as gold leaf and airbrushing.

it will also help to be close with those who are painting the cars. Many painters are dying for a good letterer/striper to finish their work. You will be expected to work crazy hours and work under pressure because the lettering is usually the last thing to get done before going to the track. The chassis guy will take years; the engine guy will have all the time in the world; the paint and body will go on forever; but the letterer gets the pressure. Most of your work will be in conjuction with designers (if you are not designing yourself) and painters. There is also a market for window numbers.

You will also benefit from spending time at the track. Most racers will want to know you are trustworthy before giving you their pride and joy.

Hope that helps. you can send me a PM if you have more questions.

Bruce

I agree That we need good old fashion Craftsmen Like Bruce to keep the tradition going...Harder and Harder to find someone willing to do it..This is an artform and Bruce is one of the best in the business !!! Hands down ... As I am a painter and have worked with Bruce from design to the finished product on countless cars I only wish that I had even one tenth of Bruces ability... So A BIG YES from me on getting the brushes out...LESS Sticker CRAP MORE Art work
Allan