Last year, I had the chance to tag along with my friend Alex Manchur, a sign writer working on a new sign for a Mexican restaurant in Fortitude Valley.
It was really interesting and random doing a job like this in Fortitude Valley because you get a lot of people stopping and asking questions about the work. One such person was a local I've seen around Fortitude Valley from time to time. He's always combing the last of his hair and chatting with taxi drivers parked, waiting for the next job. He approached us and mentioned that he was friends with the restaurant's manager. He praised Alex's painting skills and advised him to be careful not to injure his back while finishing the last bit of the job. Intrigued by his character, I asked him if I could take two quick portraits of him and capture some moments of him combing the rest of his hair.
Alex is also an avid skateboarder and rides for 138 Skateboards, a small skateboard brand based in Brisbane, Australia. You can check out their collections at the 138 Skateboards website: https://138skateboards.threadless.com/ and follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/138skateboards
Additionally, Alex also skates for JPN National, a creative endeavor founded by Australian artist, skateboarder, and designer Marty Baptist. JPN National's collections are a reflection of Marty's inspiration from his diverse background, resulting in wearable, everyday items with a unique flare and Marty's eccentric signature. Explore their creations at the JPN National website: https://jpnnational.com/ and follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/japannational
In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the kind stranger who introduced us and allowed me to capture these fascinating moments in Fortitude Valley. Thanks to him, I had the chance to witness the creativity and dedication that goes into being a sign writer, as exemplified by my talented friend Alex Manchur.
A big thanks to Alex for letting me come along and capture the behind-the-scenes of his work as a sign writer. If you're interested in seeing more of Alex's incredible work and his passion for skating, I encourage you to follow him on his Instagram account: http://www.instagram.com/manch76.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of sign writing in Fortitude Valley. Until next time, keep exploring, stay inspired, and appreciate the beauty in the everyday moments.
