| Jim
Gardner, born in 1951, got my degree in art from the University of Wisconsin
at Madison, in 1973, but didn't do much with it until I got tired of playing
music in the bars sometime around 1985. At that time I started working in ad
agencies and print shops, doing layout and illustration work. I started painting
signs on the side for extra money, and it didn't take long to realize it was
a lot more fun being self employed and working directly with the customer, than
it was "taking orders from the boss". I began to build a successful signpainting
and illustration business out of my home in Mesa, Arizona, where I still live
and work from. While painting signs, I began airbrushing for special effects,
but since illustration and cars were my real interest, I soon began airbrushing
T-shirts at car shows on weekends. That led to pinstriping and custom painted
murals on vehicles which is still the largest part of my regular business today.
I love variety!!! I could never do the same thing for very long without losing
my mind...or at least my interest in the work. Pinstriping and vehicle graphics
gives me an opportunity to do the best of everything I enjoy! It demands quality
skills, yet remains playful and it's always something new. I love it!My advice
for anyone who wants to get started would be to get a copy of John Hannukaine's
book, Pinstriping and Vehicle Graphics, and then have fun doing whatever satisfies
your curiosity. |
