learning and experience

[capt. mysterio]

i haven't seen this question in previous posts, but i could be mistaken. anyhow...

in reading these forums for the past two days, it's plainly obvious that there is a ridiculous amount of knowledge and experience surfing this forum. i wanted to ask you all that have been in the game for a long time, how did you acquire your experience and knowledge? did you work in a shop for a while, lots of reading, experimentation, a mentor, trade school?

i've tried shooting things like guitars and junkyard fenders, gaining knowledge mainly by readings and trial and error. i'm sure there are others that could use some guidance as to where to go or paths to take for more real world information (beyond the internet). thanks!

 

[rex]

Welcome aboard.Don't take any of this post as gospel because it's just my observation of it.The schools will teach you enough to be dangerous,it has to be backed up by on the job training by someone that knows what they are doing and willing to teach you.That's getting hard to find in this area.The reading and the classes like the paint schools and I-Car for body are great and needed,but the problem with this buisness is that it's 90 common sense and mechanical ability (probably less) but you have to know the technical stuff first.Usually it gets learned in the opposite way.If you can find a good mentor and are willing to give up some time for free you'll learn tons,just watch out for the self touted 'best' because they're usually the glorry boys.if his peers don't say good there's horror stories behind it.

In short

practice makes perfect.

 

[nooshie]

I agree with rex about learning from those have been working at it for a while. I'm learning more and more that every step of the process is as important and the rest, and the better chance for consistanly making a good job. I've found that most people with good skills are willing to share their knowlege, so when you see a nice job, don't be afraid to ask who did the work. They will very likely have more to show you. This board is very helpful. It is one of the few exceptions when knowlege is free for the asking.

Good luck
Nooshie

 

[aircooled]

Hey, everyone. I'me one of those self taught people. Not by choice, but because there aren't anny airbrush guys here in my neck of the woods.When I first started, I couldn't even buy a book on the topic,but over time as more info became available, I came to realise that I don't know what I'm doing,from a technical point of view.But I always seem to pull off a winning design.In a small provence with no competition it's easy.I have more bad habbits than I would like.So my sugestion to anyone who wants to learn. get some help, and learn the little things they will save you big time where it counts.I have since found a hero in the airbrush world, and that's Craig Fraiser. That guy knows his **** ,but even he is becomeing harder to find in the magazines.I would love to meet that guy and sit in on a job.I've been at this for ten years now, and it aint gettin any easier and I blame it on a lack of info from people like the guys and girls here on this board. Oh if only I were just starting out again with the info thats available now, how things would be different. But thats just wishin, so I guess I'll get up tomorrow and get back to that job that needs finishing and do the best job I can and be happy in knowing that at least I'me trying my best.Sorry bout the long rant, and to anyone who wants to learn, man all I can say is go do it

 

[Duleyman]

Read your material info, follow directions, ask questions, read, always be looking to learn. dont be afaid of anything, it can always be redone, just make sure your charging enough so you can do a good job. Get on these forums, go to shows, pick everyones brain that is willing to help. Then start all over again. As the good ole coach used to say
Practice, practice, practice, or was it practice makes perfect.

 

[rex]

Duleyman,I like the practice,practice.There's always someone out there that can teach you something so you really can't get to perfect.All you can do is learn more to be better.Thanx for helping me catch that arrogant statement.

 

[Duleyman]

Rex, thank you for your comments, I read this forum everyday, I try to find something new to learn every time I click on this website. I am constently trying to improve. I have picked up quite a few hints, tips etc from this forum. Thanks to all that write in.
I own a paint shop in Elkhart, we do custom painting for motorcoaches, and we repair damaged ones, and have quite the deal with the largest dealer in Indiana to be his exclusive body shop we do 100% of all his new motor homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers etc, also all the service customers that need any repair on their units, or custom trailers, cars, trucks, or trailers to match.They come from all the states. I started painting only 3.5 years ago, I am factory trained, and personally perfected! Thats what my card says anyway, but I am still learning and will always be looking to learn.

 

[rex]

Sounds like you have a great buisness going there.Need help?,the collision industry has turned into a complete circus

You'll never stop learning,I still do after 20+ years.

 

[TWISTED]

I was raised around paint. My dad aprayed cars in our back yard for friends. I started hanging out at a local bike shop when i was 13 and learned a lot more about the airbrush. After that it was a lot of reading, watching, and trial and error.
No matter how much you know(or think you know) you can still learn something new.

 

[capt. mysterio]

thanks to those who have posted their pointers thus far.

seems the general concensus is to practice and pick people's brains when i can. i'll keep chippin' away at it. thanks all!