Our Latest Accomplishments • What's New:
EARLY 2013—
As the economy strenghthens, I've been designing and making really creative office wall displays. Mainly, I use acrylic panels surfaced with many different metals and finishes. I use extremely permanent materials, computer precision fabrication, and my artist's eye for the complete feel of each display.
FALL 2012—
Big News!! NEW LOCATION!! Not where you might expect to find a sign shop— after months of looking, we chose the Hilton Center for the Arts in Rensselaer, NY, only 5 miles from our overcrowded old place as the ideal work studio. We now have over 1,300 square feet and 7 work tables instead of 1. The new location is more convenient for most folks because it's about 2 minutes south of I-90's exit 7. It's been a busy adventure moving and setting up everything while still crafting all those signs you folks want so much.
The Hilton Center is a quarter of a million square feet of former factory space that is being converted to artists' studios among other things. Drive on in to the Hilton Center (20 Forbes Ave., Rensselaer, NY) and drive about halfway along the right side of the complex. I'm in Building 5.
20 Forbes Avenue, Building 5A, Rensselaer, NY
It's a great place for work and for after work... a most creative environment.
When I work late, I can hear area bands practice downstairs, too!
July 2012—
Finally! My signs (some anyway) are welcomed into an art gallery as fine art. The Albany Barn at 46-48 North Swan Street is presenting 3 local artists who share the love of public grphics in this show:
The Writing's on the Wall:
"Letter Head" Exhibition opening party July 6
Join us on Friday, July 6, 2012, at Stage 1, for the '1st Friday' opening reception of "Letter Head." Our July exhibition features the work of Straight Crooked, a collaboration between artists MC3 and Rico Pendejo that evolved from the artists’ mutual love of street art culture, drips and sprays, noise, freight trains, post authentic Americana and sign painting. For “Letter Head,” Straight Crooked is joined by Frank Smith, a local elder statesman of artisanal sign painting. Turntables by DJ O.F.I. Admission is free. Click here to learn more about the show.
October 2011—
If anyone wonders where I was the first week in October, I went to NYC for the first time in maybe 25 years and I loved it! Mainly, I was summoned by the creative team promoting SAUCE Restaurant on the corner of Allen & Rivington to hand paint their modern version of an old-fashined hyper-busy storefront sign that lists everything offered on the premises. The inspiration was the kind of signage the neighborhood's earlier immigrants painted 150 years ago.
It was worth the 150 mile commute because of the quality and quantity of accurately hand-painted lettering involved. Hand-lettering is a rare art, not a "dying art" or any such nonsense. It's actually appreciated increasingly because of the scarcity of capable painters who are well grounded in the basics and are flexible and creative too. I'm doing my fair share to keep the art alive and fresh.
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Fall 2011- CAMP SIGNS really take off!
The wretched recession hurt my camp signs business, but this spring sure made up for the decrease. I've never had so much demand for camp signs as this year! They are among my mostest favoritest kinds of creative projects! You can see more camp signs here.
23 July 2010-
Front page:
Hey!—I made that sign! There—that one! The hand carved sign on CBS Sports' home page today!
(Clark Judge, senior sports writer raves about Graney's Bar & Grill.) Yay Graney's!
March 2010-
Albany County D.A. Outreach Project:
The opening of a Community Outreach Office at 125 Clinton Ave. prompted this work, including designing a new seal for the Outreach Office that is less generic and portrays our cityscape. Just helping the good guys to look good.
New!- Starting November 2009-
CUSTOM HAND PAINTED
RETRO DÉCOR
SIGNS
Hand-painted signs painted with real sign paint (lead-free) make very trendy home and rec-room décor, especially if personalized. Click here to learn more and for order form.
October 2009 and on permanent display –
Art Masks at Maurice's and Soho Wraps, 11 South Pearl St.
September 2009
Last month's art show taught me a thing or two:
Good news.. I'm welcome back at the Hamel Gallery in May 2010. This time I'll probably show some Albany scenes and not just the same old pretty pictures of City Hall and the State Capitol that too many other artists already do. My sketches will be a bit more interesting and gritty, but still something that'll be welcome on many walls. Also, because my sketches go for one, two, three hundred dollars or more, I've learned to offer PRINTS so more people can afford my work.
August 2009
ART SHOW:
Winter 2008
BUY MY FONT:
"Eccentric French" is the name of a classic old sign makers' font from the 1907 edition of Atkinson Sign Painting. For years, I have hand painted this font. Finally, professional font designer Mike Adkins and I have teamed up and revived this wonderful old font for computer use.
More details here on my own site and at My Fonts where it is for sale for for $25 for the professional version. For personal use only, you can find the free version at DaFont.
Fall 2008
LOGOS:
I've been designing more logos lately, more and more. To see more logos, click here.
Summer 2008
This is a great example of a design challenge where I worked closely with the client to get just the right look. This bus promotes the co-op's educational outreaches. It also promotes the use of intelligent energy, as it runs on recycled cooking grease.
Frank Smith (518) 449-8945 • 9am-5pm EST
or Email me .
