The Art of Sign Painting with Javier Matias | BESE Meets

Hand painting signs is an art form as old as Los Angeles itself.
Subscribe to BESE: bit.ly/2ruSGBg
Meet Javier Matias of Mid City Signs, as he traces his roots in graffiti culture to the the last remaining sign graphics class in the world at LA Trade-Tech College-taught by his mentor, the legendary Ralph "Doc" Guthrie.
-
Follow us on
Facebook: bit.ly/2wtXfkb
Instagram: bit.ly/2jMqSDS
Twitter: bit.ly/2jMjQiv
New on BESE.com
Fencing to The Top with Natalie Vie | Breaking Glass bit.ly/BGNatali...
How To Fix Your Landlord: Folkslore bit.ly/FXLRLand...
Jonny Negron's Art: A Depiction of Puerto Rico and The Human Condition bit.ly/BMJonnyN...
-
Founded by Zoe Saldana, BESE's mission is to broaden and reshape the cultural narrative by shining light on the untold stories that reflect today’s America. We respect all identities and admire the people who have the courage to say, “this is who I am.”
We are BESE.

[@MissDarlaDeville]

I just heard about Doc and the this class from Smart Alex. Seems like he inspired a lot of people. RIP ❤

[@mortenhansen3455]

If i may?... One can say it shortly. It's the art of it all... One day when all electricty dies and every printer fails, we can still make a b.e.a. piece of true art. People can call it what they want but this a TRUE true artform. And to all of you whom have never tried it. Try it out ;) It's much much harder than you think! 10 thumbs up Mr. Javier! Keep you passion and love alive!

[@cindybeckwith1533]

Javier, I am so happy to see someone following their interest, and making a living at it. We are all here for a reason. You're a great example to others on how to tap into your talents (what ever they may be) and make a life for yourself that you love. Good story, thanks for sharing!

[@certola]

Hell yeah Javier! I miss those days of tool checks and letter charts with you and all the other characters in that class, under the watchful eyes of Doc and Carlos. Awesome to see you doing big things! Keep it up brush brother! -charlie boy

[@Jayro440]

Happy for you sir, and I’m also happy that LA trade tech still has this program going. Doc Guthrie, thank you sir.

[@gc1097]

I live for these. Keep it going!

[@bese]

Thank you G C!

[@alfredoalfredo8796]

Went to class with this 😎 dude.....good 👍 to hear your still painting 🎨

[@oldgeezerfitnessr.perales7344]

Beautiful documentary on art....dedication and old school work ethics............this is what the youth should be thinking like......forget entitlement...social media....being a rapper or faux gangster......these people are listening to wisdom from a real " OG". !

[@angelicasalazar4289]

Omg..I love this! I so much want to learn this!

[@chrismedina5174]

Amazing 👏

[@joelamore-streetartmuralsi1229]

Super cool, the teacher is funny. good vibes!

[@kageeanim1985]

Quel type de graveur est utilisé pour perforer le papier? Merci.

[@sharonsargent8788]

Glad to see your keeping this dieing art going!

[@kageeanim1985]

What machine is used to engrave the flickering paper stencil? Thank you for your help.

[@tirsobabera8983]

I'm also sign painting in my country Philippines

[@tulw2728]

What type of machine is the one that shoots sparks in this video? Thank you.

[@diegovisoso4587]

Teach me your ways🙏

[@figures718]

much respect to this dude. does he have ig?

[@allencampbell1058]

1:25 Does anyone know the name of that tool used to trace your own artwork

[@TheRedrum74]

Electro pounce

[@FhernandoP]

. ..Great video! Thanks for sharing - How do you transfer the large sign using the Paper and that Electrical tool? I normally use a projector at home, but sometimes the light is too bright and covering the extra sketch lines(Pencil Guides) can be difficult to cover-up when using acrylic paints light colour paints! Thanks again! :)

[@benrivenbark]

The electrical tool burns little holes in the paper on the lines, spaced a small distance apart. Perforations but not for tearing. Then he taped the paper on the building wall and used a little cloth sac filled with chalk and patted it over the holes so that the chalk was on the wall. It's a transfer stencil basically.

[@justindriggs6082]

What’s the electric sparking pen thing?

[@rayskaines6819]

That sparking machine is a valuable tool we use in the sign painting trade. It’s called an Electro Pounce machine. Under your paper pattern is a metal table that is grounded to the Electro pounce machine. From the machine is a cord that you hold to draw on the line of your pattern to make small burned holes. When you finish you then place the paper pattern on the surface of the wall or sign you want to paint. Next, you take a sock filled with charcoal powder or line chalk powder to pounce or rub on the pattern. Doing that creates lines you can use as a guide on the surface your hand painting. I’m a sign painter and have been painting signs for almost 50 years. I hope this helps to answer your question.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

@@rayskaines6819 Good question, great answer...thanks

[@chloewebb94]

Wish I had a class like this. I’ve been learning on my own.. but it’s taken years of practicing

[@oldgeezerfitnessr.perales7344]

Anything worthwhile requires a lifetime dedication!! It's a journey....

[@lenhowl]

Well done man. What’s the electric thing you are using? Some kind cutter?

[@rayskaines6819]

See reply above.

[@36xCHAMBER]

Any classes near los Angeles

[@slideshowjim6729]

Doc guthries class is in downtown l.a at l.a trade tech colledge✌

[@jacoblimon4448]

Nice wigwag pendant

[@therespectedlex9794]

His teacher has no sense of irony, that those who can't teach.

[@samuelcardenas8472]

what if u risk ur live for doing what u know its impossible to ignore if u have a dead guy following your every move ......