As I wait to get BLAG 04 in my hands, I'm feeling gratitude that the magazine has reached this point, and thankful to everyone that has helped along the way

When I set out on this journey, I was determined to make the publication free of advertising. Partly this was selfish—not wanting to be an advertising salesman—but I also wanted to provide some respite from our daily commercial bombardment; just try watching a YouTube video these days!

Spreads from (the advertising-free) BLAG 03.

This decision means that advertising doesn't subsidise the publication's costs, which are all covered by paying members, sponsors, and patrons. The result is a website that's free of pop-ups, banners, and other intrusive technology. And a printed magazine with a particular aesthetic that comes from all 64 pages* being given over to our adventures in sign painting.

*80 pages from Issue 04!

This support from paying members also ensures that the vast majority of the online content is free for everyone, whether or not they can afford to pay. If you want to join those that make this happen, then sign up for one of the paid plans, or leave a tip if you'd prefer to contribute in a one-off capacity.

Join BLAG Here

I now want to give a personal shout-out to our sponsors, and to share some of their news, including new products from A.S. Handover and Ronan Paints, 2024 workshops with Mike Meyer, and tools from The Design Trust to help you plan for and achieve your goals for next year...

A.S. Handover

A.S. Handover's new Series K flats, and the vegan starter kit, suitable for international shipping.

From the very beginning, A.S. Handover have supported everything I've done in the world of sign painting, including co-hosting the 2018 Letterheads meet in London.

Following Michael Venus' retirement, the business is now an Employee Owned Trust, and they continue to innovate across their product lines. This includes offering vegan alternatives for the majority of their tools and materials, including their revamped starter kits, and the extension of their Series K brushes to include flats and rounds.

Visit A.S. Handover

The Design Trust

Get 10% off all the 2024 planning tools from The Design Trust with discount code BLAG, until 1 December.

The Design Trust supports independent businesses to reach their creative and financial objectives, and I've been benefiting from their guidance. Having supported thousands of creatives, business adviser, trainer and coach Patricia van den Akker has also created a beautiful diary planner that helps turn ideas into practical and achievable plans.

The diary comes with access to six hours of online business training covering time management, goal setting, financial and marketing planning. Use the discount code BLAG to get 10% off The Design Trust 2024 diaries, journals and wall planners until 1 December.

Visit The Design Trust

Mike Meyer Sign Painter

I met Mike Meyer almost years ago yesterday, and wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now without his influence and guidance. After our run of nearly 200 workshops came to a halt in 2020, it's great to see him back on the road and doing what he does best: teaching the world to paint signs.

Mike's 2024 schedule is kicking off with a series of classes in America, including: Los Angeles; Phoenix; Las Cruces, New Mexico (including gilding); Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Oakland Park, Florida.

Visit Mike Meyer

Ronan Paints

I'm proud to have welcomed Ronan Paints as a BLAG sponsor this year. They're a company with over 130 years in the paint business, and have a strong focus on all things sign painting. Their ranges include: One Stroke Lettering Enamels; Bulletin Enamels; Aquacote; Japan Colors; and Ron-Glo.

Recently Ronan has added Gold Metallic (L109) to the One Stroke Lettering Enamels range, making it 38 colours in total. Grab a tin and give it a whirl on your next sign painting or pinstriping project.

Visit Ronan Paints

Patron Power

In addition to our sponsors, BLAG is powered by these patrons.

Blackout Signs & Metalworks

Based out of 8 Acres, Texas, Blackout Signs & Metalworks produce a a diverse range of custom signage, event and site enhancements. Check out their work, and recent projects on their Instagram.

Chicago Sign Systems

Phil Schultz's Chicago Sign Systems offers a full range of sign and design services, with 20 years' experience in the business to show for it. If you're in the city, drop by and say hello, and follow Phil on Instagram.

Colossal Media

Colossal Media are leaders in eye-catching, photo-real, hand-painted outdoor advertising. They continue to nurture new talent through their apprentice program, and welcome collaborations. Get behind the scenes via their Instagram.

Dragging the Line

Dragging the Line in Hamilton, Ontario, is the place in Canada to get stocked up on paints, brushes, gold leaf, and more. Visit their online shop, and follow them here on Instagram.

John Moran

John Moran is an art director and producer working in the film and TV industry. His IMDB listing shows some of the productions he's been involved with.

Right Way Signs

Right Way Signs have been on board with BLAG since Issue 01. In addition to their outstanding commercial sign work, the firm has recently opened an online shop with a range of showcard-style posters. Also check out their Instagram.

Romana Schrift

Romana Schrift is the Basel (Switzerland) sign and lettering studio of Romana Moser. In addition to her lettering work, Romana also teaches workshops, with forthcoming dates listed here. Follow her on Instagram.

Sepp Leaf Products

New York's Sepp Leaf offer everything you need for gilding work, from quality leaf to tools, materials, and more. Visit their showroom, buy online, and follow them on Instagram.

Skiltmaler Gundersen

Established in 2015, Kristian Gundersen is based in Tromsø, Norway, and specialises in the delivery of hand-painted and gilded sign work across Norway and further afield. Check out some projects, and visit his Instagram here.

W&B Gold Leaf

With nearly 120 years in the gold and silver leaf business, W&B Gold Leaf (@wbgoldleaf) is still very much a family affair, offering a wide range of gilding tools and materials, in addition to their renowned gold leaf. Look out for news of their new showroom and online shop in the near future.

Dream Team

And, last but not least, I'd like to thank the team that helps me turn out each issue of the magazine, and get it to members in over 30 countries worldwide.

Thank You

Thank you for reading. Please go and show some appreciation to our sponsors and patrons, and look out for news of BLAG 04 dropping in the next couple of weeks...

All good things, Sam

bl.ag | @betterletters | typo.social/@blag