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Heidi Tillmanns

A Sign Mentor’s Journey

From mentee to mentor, the learning never ends.

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IN THE SIGN INDUSTRY, as in many fields, success often begins with a mentor — someone who takes the time to guide, challenge and inspire. Over my 30 years in this business, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of mentorship, both as a mentee and as a mentor. These relationships not only shape individual careers but also contribute to the vibrancy and sustainability of our industry.

The Early Years: Learning from Masters

When I first entered the sign industry, I was fortunate to work under experienced professionals who were generous with their knowledge. They taught me everything from the technical aspects of design and materials to the nuances of client relationships. I remember one mentor who patiently walked me through the intricacies of lighting techniques, showing me how the right illumination could make a sign come alive. Their passion and dedication inspired me to push myself beyond my comfort zone and to strive for excellence in every project.

Of course, not all lessons were glamorous. One of my earliest tasks was learning how to properly add weights to the Gerber 4B plotter. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite as humbling as realizing your lettering hadn’t cut perfectly because one little weight was forgotten. And then there was the “five-line rule,” which seemed like a cryptic mantra until someone explained it: never cram more than five lines of text onto a sign unless you want to create an unintentional eye exam. Oh, and let’s not forget the infamous blues-and-greens debate: put them together, and your message might as well be invisible. These quirky lessons taught me to laugh at my mistakes while learning from them.

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The Transition: Becoming a Mentor

As my career progressed, I found myself in the position to mentor others. At first, this was an intimidating prospect. How could I possibly match the wisdom and patience of my own mentors? However, I quickly realized that mentorship is not about having all the answers; it’s about sharing experiences, listening and providing guidance tailored to each individual’s needs.

One of my most rewarding experiences as a mentor came when I worked with a young designer who was struggling to find their footing in the industry. Through regular discussions and hands-on projects, I helped them refine their skills and build confidence in their abilities. Today, they are a successful professional, and seeing their achievements is one of the greatest rewards of my career.

Mentorship as a Two-Way Street

What many people don’t realize is that mentorship is not a one-way relationship. While I have shared my knowledge and insights with mentees, I have also learned a great deal from them. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas have challenged me to think differently and adapt to new trends and technologies. This exchange of ideas keeps the industry dynamic and forward-thinking.

Building a Legacy

Mentorship is about more than individual success; it’s about building a legacy. Every mentor leaves an imprint on their mentees, who in turn pass on those lessons to the next generation. In this way, mentorship ensures that the knowledge, values and traditions of our industry endure.

For those just starting their careers, I encourage you to seek out mentors who inspire you and challenge you to grow. For seasoned professionals, I urge you to share your wisdom and experience with others. The time and effort you invest in mentorship will not only shape the future of our industry but will also leave you with a profound sense of fulfillment.

In the sign industry, as in life, no one succeeds alone. Through mentorship we light the path for others, ensuring that the craft we hold dear continues to thrive for generations to come.

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