Full Version: Living Vicariously through Awards
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
10 Jul 2005
To: ALL
While I never hit the Big Time, I did succeed in reaching semi-pro status, by playing lead/rhythm guitar for a number of Los Angeles area bands, during the 70' and 80's.
With that in mind, you can imagine my excitement, in the early 90's, when given an opportunity by Guitar Center Corporation (GC), to design a presentation plaque, to be awarded to their Hollywood's Rock Walk inductees.
www.rockwalk.com
Since 1985, GC had been awarding a nice, but kind of off the rack plaque. They were seeking an award to truly embody the nature and excitement of their induction ceremonies.
It was through my involvement with Gift of Fame Enterprises, creators of Hollywood's Walk of Fame presentation plaque, the door was kicked open.
Well, the door was certainly kicked open, but it rapidly became clear, the door could just as easily be kicked shut again, if I failed to come up with something unique.
Through a few concepts and several trips to the GC advertising department, over the course of a couple weeks, I had finally met their approval.
Here's the blueprint:
The award is contained by a 12" x 15" brite gold, anodized 1" round-top aluminum frame.
The plaque's background, is (genuine) black velvet, adhered to 1/4" thick masonite. Over the velvet, is a piece of Rowmark midnight/grey granite material (discontinued) on which the gold handprints are silkscreened.
Over the Rowmark granite, the logo and text are reverse-screened to a 9" x 12" piece of clear acrylic and attached with domed upholstery nails. Although the picture doesn't adequately depict, the two silkscreened images, on separate levels, create a nice 3-D effect.
You really have to see this one in person. The screened images are much more crisp than they appear here, but I think you'll get the idea.
So, hey! I may not have been onstage during the recent "Live 8" concerts, but occasionally being able to rub elbows with some of my Rock 'n Roll heroes, is the next best thing!
Oh, and by the way. If you see Steve Miller, don't let him know about this post. He doesn't get to see this award until Monday :-)
EDITED: 10 Jul 2005 by DGL
From: bobkat [#2]
10 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 10 Jul 2005
<Oh, and by the way. If you see Steve Miller, don't let him know about this post. He doesn't get to see this award until Monday>
Oh great! Noowwww you tell me!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
10 Jul 2005
To: bobkat [#2] 10 Jul 2005
From: JHayes55 [#4]
11 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3] 11 Jul 2005
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5]
11 Jul 2005
To: JHayes55 [#4] 12 Jul 2005
The early versions of the plaque were actually reverse-rotary engraved and color-filled. Looked great, but what a hassle. The gold handprints were always silkscreened.
I outsource the silkscreening. I suppose I could set up a small silkscreen operation for the plaques, but the awards aren't presented regularly (a handful per year) and I'm plenty busy with engraving and sublimation.
I have enough of the Rowmark granite material to last for the forseeable future, but when I run out, I'll switch to the Rowmark Charcoal/Gold granite material. It's not quite as dark as what I'm using now, but it will make a nice substitute.
The gold bevel will tie in with the frame and handprints and the fact, the granite material is more a dark gray, will provide some contrast against the black velvet, instead of blending in. It may actually be an improvement.
From: Dixie2 [#6]
11 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5] 11 Jul 2005
David,
Very nice award!! It's always nice to know when a celebrity rock n' roller is in the house!!!
Dixie
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
11 Jul 2005
To: Dixie2 [#6] 11 Jul 2005
Actually, I'm glad I decided to become an Engraver/Husband/Dad/Part-time musician.
Some of the "Celebrities" treat their craft as a business and continue to be successful. Steve Miller is one of that group.
Others have led pretty harsh lives and it shows.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
11 Jul 2005
To: ALL
The news spot included a couple of nice closeups of the plaque.
I've done quite a few of these awards, but I still get a kick out of seeing them pop up on the small screen from time to time :-)
From: Dixie2 [#9]
12 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8] 12 Jul 2005
David,
Nothing better than seeing your work on tv or in the newspaper..
I sold some Bloodhound puppies over the weekend, and one of the "customers" was a policeman that will use MY puppy as a search and rescue dog. He told me "You may see him in the paper or on the news one of these days"
Made me feel like such a proud parent!! :-)
Dixie
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
12 Jul 2005
To: Dixie2 [#9] 12 Jul 2005
I love that story! Such a worthy cause. You have every right to be proud of your baby. :-)
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#11]
17 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 17 Jul 2005
David... excellent work! I love it when someone thinks way 'out of the box' and produces an excellent piece of workmanship... no wonder 'you 'da man!'
Thanks for sharing your picture and the materials used.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12]
17 Jul 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#11] 19 Jul 2005
I've always maintained, the best way for people to set themselves apart from the crowd, is by paying attention to what others are doing, and either improve on their concepts, or head in an entirely different direction.