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Mike R. Stevens 1942 - 1989
from Signcraft magazine. July/August 1989, pp. 86-92.
Few sign artists in recent times have had as much influence on sign layout as sign artist/author Mike Stevens.
Mike Stevens died suddenly on April 20, 1989. Mike was the author
of Mastering Layout: The Art of Eye Appeal and Ninety-Nine Showcards:
A Photo Album, and produced two audiotapes and a video tape. He recently
contributed a series of articles on layout to SignCraft.
Since his death, SignCraft has heard from scores of sign artists - some
long-time friends and others who knew Mike only through his books, tapes
and articles. All mentioned his impact on their work, their business,
and in many cases, their lives. The limits of space make it impossible
to share all of their comments. We felt these words and photos from the
sign artists and friends who knew and worked with Mike during his years
in San Jose, CA, were a fitting tribute to this outstanding sign artist.
- Editors
Personal tributes from friends and admirers
Many have heard the song Blue Monday, but April 24 was my worst
Monday ever. My wife and I had been away for the weekend and before I
even reached my shop, local sign artist Ann Meske called with tragic news.
Michael Robert Stevens had died of a heart attack the previous Thursday.
He was 46 years young.
When Mike and I met 20 years ago, we formed an instant alliance. His creativity,
dexterity, speed and grace were the combination of special talent, enthusiasm,
and lots of practice. I was fortunate to meet Mike at that time, for his
practice would also involve lessons. At that time, Mike wasn't interested
in glass gilding, wood carving, or screen printing. He always wanted to
concentrate on layout and brush lettering, and he worked on projects that
he had the most ability to control.
At the time, Mike had a sign/showcard studio on the second floor of the
largest PayLess Drug Store in San Jose. This store contained the most
spectacular collection of display sign work I had ever seen. Most small
cards were "knocked-out" in Mike's casual or script styles, but they all
had great rhythm and design format. These signs changed frequently, and
he often produced several hundred cards in a day. There were always new
banners hanging in the store. Every time I visited, it was a learning
experience. Each department area had its own impressive displays, and
the department managers always wanted Mike to make their area the most
effective. When he finished an area, people were overwhelmed. Even oil
paintings of people or products were often incorporated into these exhibits.
Mike was his own boss, and if he tried out something that he didn't like,
he would learn from it and rework the project. The store was a great place
for experimenting and as friends we would critique his projects as well
as mine, and he would talk about the book he intended to write. This was
20 years ago, and I knew he would accomplish that goal. I have never seen
anyone so committed to learning. His ideas about spatial relationships
were so powerful that he not only made black and white paper banners colorful,
he made them true works of art.
Mike worked at brush control so that every stoke would be executed correctly
the first time. He knew that a good sign artist must complete a project
in a reasonable amount of time for the job to be economically profitable.
His approach was to spend more time in the beginning on his ideas (doing
a thumb- nail sketch), then use his speed to execute the project on time.
Since he learned from every job, if he wanted to spend more time than
was normally allowed, he considered it an investment in his future. This
is how he developed his personal ideological framework. Working as hard
as he did, it is no wonder that Mike accomplished so much in his short
career.
He had a very positive attitude about capitalism and though money was
important to him, the development and analysis of ideas was his main,
long-term goal. It was the basis for his integrity. Mike loved to read
and study good books. In 1971, Mike insisted that I read The Fountainhead
by Ayn Rand. I started my own business the week after I finished reading
that book. Mike was always very proud of his daughter, Dawn Marie, who,
at age 22, is an assistant editor for a magazine in New York City. It
should be noted that he dedicated his major book Mastering Layout -
Mike Stevens on the Art of Eye Appeal to Dawn, and now she is a writer.
Many of us in San Jose knew Mike personally, so I reserved a private room
at his favorite Mexican restaurant, El Burro, for all of us to get together.
On Wednesday, April 26 (the same day as his funeral in Lexington, KY),
28 friends gathered for a wake in his honor. Many of his friends shared
stories and experiences of their times with Mike, and I am sure that he
would have been proud.
The local sign artists attending were Terry and Susun Wells, Ted Maddock,
Johnny Britto, Ed Rose, Joe Curtis, Rob Gaines, Terry Hubbs, Ann Meske,
Paul Rice, Darin Price, Dave Wilde, Ed Patronski, Art Gardner, Dave Meredith,
Ralph Morocco, Greg Lake, Rick Lokke, Micheal Muscato, and Terrie Ward.
Bill Paris drove for 21/2 hours from Santa Rosa and Lane Walker came from
Reno, NV, a 41/2-hour drive each way. Betty and Kay Trout, Product Sign
Supply, also attended.
It is recognized by all that Mike's willingness to expand and benefit
our profession will certainly be remembered by future artists forever.
From his perspective, intellectual honesty and a long-term point of view
is most important, and that which is right remains.
Harrison Todd
San Jose, CA
I'm honored to have known Mike Stevens. I'd like to share something he
told me when I first met him: "Once you can talk intelligently to your
clients, they'll never argue with you." After taking one of Mike's early
workshops, then studying his journals and book, this short statement changed
my life dramatically.
And that was only the beginning. Mike not only mastered lettering and
layout and started a renaissance on the West Coast, he also started a
new career within his existing one by writing, teaching and encouraging
an infinite number of people. His ideas and concepts rapidly spread across
the country. The number of wonderful and talented friends I have met through
Mike keeps growing. The profound truths he left for us have produced an
incredible array of talent that will change the sign industry forever.
Mike's ability to analyze and interpret were tremendous. If he had been
an astrophysicist, we would probably be visiting neighboring galaxies
this year. Mike taught us that through an acquired talent (a lot of hard
work) and by applying his vocabulary (in his book), you can execute your
work with excellence.
His untimely death is a great loss to us all, and I know that every time
I pick up a brush I will think of him. Thank you, Mike, and may your light
always shine.
Joe Curtis
Campbell, CA
I first met Mike Stevens in March of 1972, as I was just getting started
in the sign trade at a PayLess drugstore here in San Jose. I had never
even held a lettering brush, let alone knew what to do with it once I
had picked it up. Mike was leaving PayLess to go into business on his
own. He came walking into the shop, this quiet, soft-spoken individual,
and asked me who I was. I explained my situation to him. Needless to say,
the intimidation factor was overwhelming because I was literally engulfed
in Mike's work throughout the store: showcards, photo displays and the
like. Yet Mike set all my fears and uneasiness to rest with the simple
statement, "Well, kid, so you'd like to learn the sign trade."
This began a friendship that lasted 17 years - one that I don't think
will ever be replaced.
Besides the tremendous talent that Mike possessed as a sign painter, he
also was the warmest, most giving, most "human" being that I have ever
had the good fortune to meet. His interests went far beyond the sign trade
into philosophical pursuits, the arts, teaching, and finally, his excitement
about writing. The fact that Mike has left us is only true in the physical
sense; his ideas and concepts about signs and life in general are still
very much alive. I consider myself very fortunate to have known Mike and
I'll miss him beyond measure.
Gregory Lake
San Jose, CA
I had the good fortune of working with Mike Stevens at Harrison Todd's
Sign Classics in the early 1980s, during which time we became close friends.
I had heard the "legend" of Mike Stevens long before I actually knew the
man - and I was simultaneously intimidated and anxious to be working alongside
him. I worried (needlessly) that Mike might be a snob, or worse yet, a
sexist snob. I couldn't have been more wrong; Mike was an extremely modest,
sensitive man, and we had an almost instant rapport. Not only did he respect
my talent, but he always had a special knack for making me feel better
about myself during a period of self-doubt or worry.
I was, however, intimidated by Mike's incredible lettering speed. His
mahlstick would make rapid tap-tap-tapping sounds as it raced across the
sign face while he effortlessly painted perfectly formed letters - it
was truly amazing!
The gifts Mike Stevens gave to the sign industry - his teachings on design
and layout - are obvious. His influence is enormous. But to me and to
his other friends he also gave the gift of true friendship - always a
great listener, and someone who would make you want to do more, to be
more, to follow your dreams.
Mike and I were in touch right until his death. We called each other on
our birthdays, which were one week apart, and at other times when we just
wanted to share thoughts or complain or laugh about something. His death
is a very personal loss to me, as well as to the entire sign industry.
He enriched my life, as friend and mentor, and I shall miss him always.
Ann Meske
Los Gatos, CA
I enrolled in Mike's class about one year into my lettering career. He
gave me an organized approach to the art of sign painting. Elements of
design are applied to lettering, the same way as in fine art.
Besides being an excellent instructor, he motivated my work efforts. Ultimately,
Mike Stevens instilled in me and my career a sense of purpose and dignity.
Micheal Muscato
San Jose, CA
Without the influence of Mike Stevens, I fear we sign painters might
be a bunch of competitive, protective "artistes" - victimizing ourselves
and our clients. Mike opened our minds to communication and analysis of
the mechanics of layout. This can only be a healthy development.
SignCraft has shown us that Mike's ideas have inspired sign people across
the country and beyond.
Mike's teachings have enabled the sign artist's creative needs to meet
the customer's needs, satisfying both in the process. I feel that the
breadth and depth of Mike's research, signs and teachings have made the
sign business more than a convenient way to make a "fast buck." He showed
me that a sign career is an exciting and foundational education in graphic
design that reaches into all artistic endeavors. The vocabulary brought
forward in his lessons is educational beyond the art training I received
in schools and private lessons.
From experience, I can say we've all attained higher levels of intellectual
achievement, creative facility, sales ability, and communication skills.
W now know what we're talking about when educating a new sign customer
or advising higher caliber clientele on very specific ideas. Thank you,
Mike. Like everyone, I feel I am the luckiest of all for having known
you. May we all see the light that shines from your devoted heart.
Greg Martin
San Jose, CA
"The difference between night and day" would best describe my career
before and after I saw Mike's work in that Spring 1982 issue of SignCraft.
Although at the time I didn't understand why those layouts were blazing
off the page, I knew that's what I wanted my signs to do. Over the next
seven years, Mike taught me, in an effective and unselfish manner, the
principles necessary in accomplishing that goal.
Mike established a standard of skill and achievement that, while inspiring
and influencing me, remains a distant goal. He taught me to be satisfied
with nothing less than the best effort, and he introduced me to sign painting
as a craft and an art. I'll miss him greatly.
Lane Walker
Sparks, NV
In the past 25 years, I can honestly say a day has rarely gone by without
my thinking of Mike. His influence was so great in my life that I approached
my sign work - as well as parts of my personal life - always considering
what his point of view would be.
We were the same age, had daughters the same age, were in the business
the same number of years, and had a lot of the same frustrations. He was
always determined to achieve perfection in his field. He had the enthusiasm
and intellect and untiring drive to excel. It wasn't easy for him - he
was very hard on himself. And very, very self-critical.
We spent a lot of time together, constantly discussing the sign business.
He recognized that guidelines on sign layout, design, color, etc., had
not been written down for a beginner, as well as a veteran, to learn from.
His journal, books and tapes provided the needed information and gave
all of us fresh excitement for our trade.
Susun and I loved Mike and are glad to have known him as we did. It makes
us happy to know that he sampled the success he did in recent years and
that he had such a positive influence on so many people.
Terry and Susun Wells
Santa Cruz, CA
It is most gratifying to share a closeness with someone as eager and
generous as Mike Stevens. His goal was to elevate the sign artist to his
rightful role in the graphic arts field, and the last six years had been
devoted to this end. Through his teachings he propelled many people to
be their best. Mike Stevens has already had a tremendous impact on my
career and I'm sure this inspiration will continue far into the future.
To have been a part of his dreams and aspirations is truly an honor and
a privilege that cannot be expressed in mere words. His direct and indirect
influences will never be equaled nor will they ever be forgotten.
Mike gave me a book by Robert Henri, a turn-of-the-century artist and
teacher, titled The Art Spirit. Henri writes, "Through art, mysterious
bonds of understanding and knowledge are established among men. They are
bonds of a great Brotherhood. Those who are of the Brotherhood know each
other, and time and space cannot separate them...the members do not die...and
that part of him that is of the Brotherhood does not die."
I have lost a mentor, a business partner, an inspirator and a friend.
But I believe we have only lost what is physical. Mike Stevens' spiritual
influence will be ever present in the lives of many who have "taken a
path of heart."
*John and Mike had recently opened The Center for American Sign Artists,
with the purpose of providing training for beginners as well as continuing
education for sign artists.
John Cox
Thorough-Graphic Signs
Lexington, KY