Art & Life with Joe Beck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Beck.

Joe, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up going to classic car shows almost every weekend in the summer with my Dad in Washington state and that’s where I was first exposed to hand lettering, pinstriping, and other hand painted graphics. I would see a guy laying pinstripe on the hood of an old car or hand lettering the side of a drag car and I was mesmerized. I couldn’t believe someone was doing this with a can of paint, a brush, and their steady hand! I would watch until they were finished, which could be hours later. I thought to myself I, “I could never do that”! Finally, I worked up enough courage to ask what kind of brushes and paint to get. Someone told me so I saved my lawn mowing money and started painting on anything that I found around the house. It wasn’t easy to figure out and at that time no one really wanted to share any tips or secrets so I’m mostly self-taught. With 100’s of books, hours of frustration, and years later I’m still at it!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make hand painted signs for all types of businesses- from window lettering, gold leaf glass gilding, painted lettering on brick and stucco, to plywood or metal signs. All of my signs start out as a rough sketch. I then work with my clients until they are completely satisfied with all design elements.

To me, a hand painted sign has more character, charm, and personality than a computer-generated sign. Vinyl signs sort of took over the sign industry for a while but, thanks to social media, hand painted signs are making a resurgence. I’d like to be a part of that and keep this craft alive!

In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I think now is one of the best times for creative people to get their work out there and be seen! The internet makes for such a wide range of people to find what you do. You can see what so many others are doing all over the world and let them influence your creativeness.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
With social media catering to the entire world, I use it to my advantage. You can find me on Instagram at @sloppyjoessigns

Contact Info:

• Email: sloppyjoe86@live.com
• Instagram: @sloppyjoessigns
• Facebook: Sloppy Joe’s Signs

Image Credit:
Joe Beck

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