Mike Meyer: Man with a Brush

Filmmakers Joe Wheatley and Adam Jones delve into the resurgent art of painting signs and lettering for buildings and billboards, with one of America's foremost sign painters, Mike Meyer, in Mazeppa, Minnesota. Read the feature on NOWNESS -
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[@TheJhaley12]

I had my own shop for nearly 20 years and that was the first time in my life that I actually looked forward to going to work, and work it was. I did billboards by myself then hired guys to help me hang them, I've painted off stages before which I loved. There was nothing like the smell of the paint, thinner, etc. as I opened my door each morning to come into work. I would sometimes work from 7 to 11 or later, it didn't matter if I had promised something it was finished on time. I still have great admiration for the "old school" guys. Vinyl just has no personality in it, no life. Each signer as we called ourselves always could tell who had done what sign. Nothing like it in the world, keep it up guys it's a time honored tradition and I'd hate to see it disappear.

[@DaveCurtis-b3u]

Just got back from a Mike Meyer lettering workshop it was life changing.

[@doubleback2u]

I always appreciated Mike's work . Yes, I come from a long line of Trade tech students. I did the same thing. Run the other way while the masses ran toward technology. Three thumbs up !

[@tommyholiday9880]

A truly legendary man with one of the greatest attitudes EVER!

[@ScotCampbellwindowpainter]

That was really nice. I admire sign painters. I am a splash artist and have developed a few fonts that I use on splashes but I marvel at the work of signwriters that do precise work. My work is more spontaneous and often times takes unexpected twists and turns. My work is about speed most of the time but making sure it communicates to someone driving by at 35 plus miles an hour. Got to make it eye-catching in my case.

[@scottharper7280]

I have spent most of my life being a sign artist, learned lettering and stripping early in my career and spent the rest of it doing all the other aspects of the industry ( master sign electrician, crane operator, welder, fabricator, etc.) And am just getting back to the roots of it at 47. Thank you for helping to spur that.

[@cjohnson4220]

mike gave me my first lettering brush at Skidmore signs....changed my life, havent put the brush down yet.thanks mike

[@thesolpurpose3109]

man i knew there was something special about you that inspired me, but then you said you from Minnesota.. Me too! love this feature. keeping the art alive

[@lydiarowe491]

A creative skill that is not encouraged...is been given back by Mike who is connected to it thru his passion to keep it alive..⭐

[@londonsignwriter]

Good solid stuff, love it! I got a fella apprenticing with me right now who is shit scared when he heads out to a job... have all but run out of magic words to say to him. Comes a point where you just have to say to yourself - well if Mike can do it or Mickie or anyone on this planet can then I CAN. If I can then for sure you can... so get started.

[@woopy93]

This is what i was looking for

[@1-shotslinger108]

Not all inspirational videos are 'How to " . Some are just nice like this one. I was always fascinated by this trade. Never knew I could do it until I got some sign painting books.

[@jeremiahgalvan5290]

Thanks, I am inspired

[@toddelliott3239]

That was beautiful.

[@808SHIRTS]

2:16 the best advice for anyone. 3:00 YES!!! 3:40 That ARTISTIC POWER!! Respectz to this man.

[@richardh2967]

Cool Mike, keep going!

[@ryanchastain6133]

Awesome

[@ericpatterson4248]

With a "crack of the whip"!?

[@quasimoto6]

Stuttgarter Hofbräu

[@GERONIMORE]

BUTERA I REMEMBER

[@stevekafka]

Mike Lavallee went to Buster , he was my friend.

[@jontavares1656]

I saw someone guild milk duds he told me you are what you eat

[@TJ-vl2zl]

Man ive messed up bad i think. I used to live in LA and I love painting I can't believe I never heard of this school and now I live in Oklahoma this is a lost trade an old school trade..i want to learn so bad...ive been a painter now 23 yrs wow im getting old.lol

[@Userplane]

I love his honesty

[@808SHIRTS]

BRAVO!!!!

[@ecsigns3622]

I went to “The Institute of Letter and Design” in Chicago-1976-1978. Still doing it and loving it in the Chicago suburbs. “Fast Eddie “ Covarrubias.

[@duerocovena946]

thats awesome.. and inspiring

[@joelamore-streetartmuralsi1229]

So great!

[@ParDiss-e4i]

❤

[@whitneyreinecker1797]

You are awesome. I hope to one day be able to say the same

[@stevechartrand4362]

My favorite shop to hang out in! Always had a total blast there Mike!!!

[@brianclark7523]

Boy do I wish I lived closer, because I’d love to learn! 50 years old now and just catching the bug- would love to learn how to letter and stripe! I’ve got KZbin, a can of one shot and a brush a friend gave me, I’ll have to figure it out as I go!

[@1-shotslinger108]

This is not a talent you are born with .It is a skill that you learn by practicing hundreds of brush strokes.

[@Yehamarin]

Gosh, I love Nowness

[@daoecadapessoacomoseusenti6856]

Linda história desse gênial artista que admiro muito, sinto por demais a tecnologia sem alma intimidar essa profissão tão sublime.

[@bruceknecht5895]

Mike Meyer & Noel Weber: Your stories mirror so closely that of my brother, Keith Knecht. You guys are a continuing inspiration to your fellow man. As Keith was fond of saying - Keep the faith!

[@K4TAKAN]

Keith Knecht really was your brother?! Damn, I'm so fond of his and other sign painters' works! I admire Keith works, and I am really sure you should be proud of your brother. He said fairly wise and inspiring things in the movie called 'Sign Painters' both with Mike Meyer and other guys from all over America. I'm glad I've met the brother of famous Keith Knecht on the Internet. Keep the faith!

[@bruceknecht5895]

Thanks for the kind words, Yakov. Keith was every bit as good a brother as he was a sign painter.

[@twistedthrottle8513]

i am doing it and just got his book , lets do this screw the computer cut junk that only last 5 years in harsh sun

[@bigf00t38]

I love this story! It gives me hope. Thank you