Shane Durnford Design :BLOG

A backlit sign design for the bank cafe. Sporting a retro look that fits he image of an established business in a charming old Ontario town.

Both folder covers are attractive, which is more engaging? which one is more of an effective marketing tool.

After a some technical consulting from the metal smiths, this bracket design was sent out for fabrication.
The backlit printed lexan panels are contracted out and the tooth brush is roughed out of HDU, ready for lamination over the metal frame.

When I started the application process to join the OPP I was advised to start running.
I could never picture myself as a runner. However after some qualified instruction and a few months under my belt I love it.
I have run in frigid winter and hot summer weather, snow storms, wind, and rain, the stormier the better, creating resistance and more challenge. When I'm overwhelmed by my sudden life change and direction and my unknown future, I run, a simple natural way to process and alighn the items bouncing around in my head.
At times I seem to glide effortlessly along my route and other times it feels like I have lead in my feet. When the run is especially challenging I have to focus and push harder running more efficiently, it's really a battle of will as much as a physical struggle. When I reach my goal it's more a sense of accomplishment. A bad run makes me a better runner.
I guess the same could be said about life.

This sketch is a view of the horizon I run towards outside Creemore, it was one of those cool rainy misty late spring days.

As usual, the workshop seemed like it was over as quick as it began.
We had 8 participants from around the continent including Texas, Florida, Maine, Quebec and Ontario. It was a comfort to see familiar faces and a pleasure to meet first time participants.
I emptied as much information as I could and as usual left pleasantly exhausted
Thanks to everyone that made the journey. And thanks to the Bank Cafe for their warm hospitality.

Completing my final workshop gave me pause to reflect on the last 29 years in the design/ sign business. I realize I have been emptying the vessel without replenishing, creating an imbalance. Like starving a tree of nutrients until the last leaf drops.
I look forward to the new adventure and its challenges. I'm not sure where it will take me, I do know that forward is my only option.

Some comments and photos from the workshop.

Shane,
Thanks for a great weekend and taking the extra time on Monday to hang with Cody and I. We felt extra special to have that one on one time with you. Cody has already begun carving her nephews birthday gift. Like I said before, I went into the weekend with a clear open mind and truly feel that I've already begun shedding my old skin and eager to grow into the new. I'm really looking forward to working the process and revealing what's looming in the shadows of my mind.. Thanks again for a great experience in Creemore! I'm already missing that Creemore Lager! Looking forward to sharing some of my new work.

Chris Bourgeois
Yarmouth Signs

Hello Shane
I just wanted to write and thank you for inviting me into 'your head space' one more time. It is a wonderfully poetic, romantic and sensitive place to rest. I feel renewed and filled with brilliant dreams. You challenge me to go deeper and wider than I push myself most days.
Noella
Sign It signs and designs


left to right David Harding, Rene Giroux and myself discussing the Mad and noisy gallery sign.


Photos by Noella Cotnam, Sign it signs and designs

Most of this week is spent preparing in anticipation of my last workshop this weekend. It'll be an intense look at design and it's application to a variety of mediums in a common market. I'm looking forward to seeing familiar friends and meeting new ones.

As a member of the Commissioner's own Pipes and Drums of the OPP I'l be participating in the royal family's tartan presentation to our band on Friday morning.

Here is the next and possibly the last sign that will be produced from my studio.
It's a make over of an existing back lit sign into an effective marketing piece, to dovetail with the existing image and sign we created previously for this client.






In Studio Photo
- Hand carved/shaped HDU, Hand painted. 12 feet in length