Growing up in the 50's and 60's, like many kids, I dreamnt of becoming a "Rock Star."
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 :-) David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA |
