Frank Report post Posted February 8, 2014 (edited) A couple of months ago I was contacted via Facebook by a Veteran that does metal, wood, plastic engraving. He asked if I'd be interested in trading work for work. He wanted a custom belt made and since I have been trying to figure out what I wanted for a business sign, I jumped at the opportunity. The belt is what I made him per his request. and the other photo is him holding my sign that he made. I gave him a couple of photos and what I wanted written on the sign and just gave him full rein. I'm happy with this trade. If any of you need signs, pictures, or anything like that done, PM me and I'll give you his contact info. Frank Edited February 8, 2014 by Frank Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReneeCanady Report post Posted February 8, 2014 Good deal! I think you both made out on this. Love the sign and LOVE the belt lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benlilly1 Report post Posted February 8, 2014 Love the work on the belt! And cool sign! I pose a question: Do you ever have trouble with having to work on a project with obscene gestures or cuss words?? I've never been asked but I hesitate... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Report post Posted February 8, 2014 Thanks for the compliments. As far as your question, this is the first item I have ever made that has something considered obscene on it. Given that this customer ordered it, the people he deals with/hangs around with probably find the same type of belt pretty cool. As a matter of fact, 3 of his friends contacted me about making them a belt. This is not something that I'd personally put on my website as an example of my work but will post on my business Facebook page along with a link to his business. I wouldn't worry about it too much. If a person loves a bunch of items that you made but are offended by one item custom ordered by someone else, they need to re-think what custom truly means. I'm sure there are atheists out there that get offended by custom bible cover work. You can't please them all but just make sure you please the person that is placing the order, not the person who would have if you didn't make this or that! I don't think the obscene part really comes back on a business name, just the quality of the work involved. That's just my opinion on the subject. Frank Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted February 9, 2014 Love the work on the belt! And cool sign! I pose a question: Do you ever have trouble with having to work on a project with obscene gestures or cuss words?? I've never been asked but I hesitate... Always remember that if it offends you, you do not have to make it. Sometimes its best to turn away business for personal reasons. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FlHobbyist Report post Posted February 9, 2014 lol, I like the belt and the message made me laugh. There's no way I'd wear it now, but 30 years ago I would have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Report post Posted February 9, 2014 Thanks much. It's not something I would wear either but he says that he's worn it every day since receiving it. benlilly; I forgot to mention it since I was only looking at the customer aspect of it but if you aren't comfortable with doing a certain job, then by all means, don't do it. I have turned down quite a bit of "adult" leather work. Not because it offends me in the least, I just wasn't comfortable with having random people in the shop being fitted for the stuff. Thankfully I have a local leather worker friend that I can refer the people to. Frank Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReneeCanady Report post Posted February 9, 2014 The message made me giggle as well. It wasn't what I was expecting. I wouldn't wear it, but I know a ton that would. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Report post Posted February 11, 2014 Glad I could add a little humor to everday life. I guess by the title, you could take it to mean quite a few different things. I doubt I'd ever get paid for that. More than likely they'd want a "refund" on the trade!! LOL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrampaJoel Report post Posted February 11, 2014 Frank, ya know what I like about the belt? I like that you traded your skills, for his. This is true business in my book! Joel Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Report post Posted February 13, 2014 I feel the same way about that. This is only the second time I attempted to trade work for work. The first time I got burned pretty bad. I was leery this time but I was happy with it in the end. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Josh Ashman Report post Posted February 13, 2014 Good stuff all around Frank, I like the belt, the sign and the trade! Best regards, Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio-N Report post Posted February 13, 2014 I love the belt. And I've always liked the barter system. And for Benlilly1 - speaking for myself words and nudity don't bother me. I sell a lot of engraved girly wallets and bad MF stuff. Certain iconology does bother me though. The only work I've had to turn down so far was someone wanting me to do some Nazi SS stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Report post Posted February 20, 2014 Thanks again everyone. Well, the weather finally warmed up here enough for me to build a frame for the sign. I found some old carr siding in the rafters of the garage and aged it with vinegroon. I aged a piece of canvas as a backer to make the sign stand out, then drilled the holes for the rope hanger. Not bad for a couple hours worth of work. Frank Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benlilly1 Report post Posted February 20, 2014 Looks great Frank! The finishing touches completed it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Thanks benlilly. I always like these fun finishing projects. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spartan Report post Posted June 24, 2014 Love the CIB in the background! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hi Im Joe Report post Posted June 24, 2014 That's one motherer of a belt! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Report post Posted June 25, 2014 Thanks everyone. The CIB was another project the sign maker was working on for someone else. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
