New Photos on Flickr

If you haven’t gone to our Flickr page recently, you are missing out!  There are a ton of new photos there, from a variety of stage drapes and custom backdrops to theatrical equipment such as traveler track and kabuki systems.  I am sure you will see something that will inspire or educate you!  Here is just a small sampling:

Satin Austrian Curtain

I have posted many times on how beautiful Austrian curtains are, and this photo really highlights that beauty!

Traveler Track

There are some great photos in this set that show exactly what each component is and help with the installation process.

Kabuki Systems

I have discussed Kabuki Systems and Solenoids in the past, but I know that sometimes it is hard to visualize from a written post.  Hopefully these photos will help.

The Power of the Quick Sketch

As I mentioned in my first post, I was contacted by Megan to work on the backdrops and other soft goods for Crue Fest II tour. I had the pleasure of working with a creative genius, Mr.Scott Holthaus, to help him manifest his vision for the show.

Crue Fest II celebrated a milestone anniversary for Motley Crue’s wildly successful Dr. Feelgood album. Every detail down to the CMYK value of the tiles was carefully considered. The concept was to create the insane asylum that is indicated on the Dr. Feelgood album cover as it would look if you revisited the facility twenty years later. The concept had vast possibilities so we decided to do a series of quick sketches first to narrow down a direction. Obviously these are not award winning illustrations but more so used like a storyboard would be in a movie. They indicate size, scale and perspective as well as content so that we can cut right to the chase on the computer once the direction is decided. It does take a person of vision, like Scott, but the end result is a faster development from an production art standpoint. This project was mammoth so it did take a few weeks to complete but, the quick sketches let us work out details and cut right to production worthy art within 24 hours of our first conversation. If you’re developing an involved or complex concept, I’d welcome working out the details with you in the same fashion.

Rockin’ Clients – Motley Crue

Time for Number 7 in my continuing series on some of the rock ‘n’ roll clients for whom we have been privileged to work.  Whether it is custom stage curtains or wide format digital backdrops, it is always a blast to know that our work is being seen in arenas across the country and the world.  Today I thought I’d focus on Mötley Crüe.

In 1981, bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee formed the band Mötley Crüe, adding lead guitarist Mick Mars and vocalist Vince Neil shortly thereafter to form the core 4-man group.  The band released its first album, To Fast for Love, under its own label, Leathür Records, late that year, and were subsequently picked up by Elektra Records in Spring 1982, a relationship that lasted for more than 15 years. 

The band enjoyed international success throughout the 1980s, releasing four albums (including 1989s Dr Feelgood).   Despite their earlier success, the 1990s and early 2000s were a difficult time for the band, even with the release of three more albums during this time period.  Vince Neil left the band in early 1992, and, though Mötley Crüe continued on with replacement vocalist John Corabi, the band’s popularity diminished during this period.  In 1999 Tommy Lee would also leave to pursue a solo career.

In late 2004, the four original band members – Sixx, Lee, Neil and Mars – reunited and began a reunion tour in early 2005.   Since then, the band has released two albums and have toured repeatedly, including their current 2011 tour with Poison and New York Dolls.

Sew What? has made a number of pieces for Mötley Crüe over the years, including a digital printed backdrop.

Want to hear “Without Warning”?

Check out Without Warning, live from Hemishpere’s Recording Studio this Saturday night at 8:00 PM Pacific Time.

Click this link at eight and rock out for an hour from afar: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hemispheres-recording

I’m Joining the Sew What team

Hello followers of the Sew What Inc. Blog. I was asked to contribute to this blog on a regular basis, so I thought I’d tell you a bit about myself first, so you’d know something about the person posting.

I own and operate Grafix jam, Ltd. Over the last sixteen years I’ve worked as a graphic designer, illustrator and creative consultant to a multitude of industries which include everything from the automotive industry , sports and entertainment industries , toy and game industries to you name it. I became aware of Sew What, Inc. a few years ago through working with a long time client, Ted Nugent. As luck would have it, Megan remembered me from that project, so when she needed someone to assist with illustration of the monstrously sized Crue Fest II dual stage, she contacted me, and the synergy was instant. Since then I’ve been in-trusted with working directly on several projects for Sew What Inc’s most valued assets, their beloved clients.

This brings us to today. My love of all things stage, show and rock-n-roll and my skill-set has found a more permanent home at Sew What, Inc. I look forward to focusing my creative energy on you, the client, and working with and assisting you in any way I can. Thank you, Megan. I’m ready to get the show on the road….

More about “Without Warning”

I told you recently about “Without Warning,” the band that Megan is a member of…Well, John Rios (who designed the logo for “Without Warning”) recently posted a blog talking about his inspiration for the logo design.  

It is really fascinating to me to hear an artist like John talk about his design process.  Want to hear more?  Check out John’s post at the GrafixJam blog.

P.S. Stand by for a surprise post this week.  Hint – it’s some late-breaking news about John Rios!

Looking for inspiration? Check out our portfolios!

Whether you are staging a rock tour, designing a theatre, or planning a special event, custom stage drapes, wide format digital backdrops, and other soft goods can play an intregal part in bringing your vision to life.  But what if your vision is tenuous?  You have a general idea of the mood you’d like to create, but you are unsure of how to use drapery to help achieve that mood.  How about checking out the Sew What and Rent What portfolio pages?  We’ve got photos of many different projects that we’ve worked on in the past – I’m sure that you’ll see something that strikes a cord!

Rock ‘N’ Roll

Maybe the Katy Perry parachute inspires you towards a red, white and blue patriotic theme, or Chris Cornell’s Metal Mesh drape gets you think of a cool industrial look.  Remember, these looks aren’t just for Rock ‘N’ Roll – similar looks would work for a special event.

Theatre

Maybe the gorgeous swags used by Jennifer Hudson inspire you, or the Austrian used by John Mayer at the Nokia fits the bill.  Traditional and dramatic theatrical drapery such as swags and Austrians aren’t just for traditional theatres – they look beautiful in any venue, whether it is a concert or a special event.

Digital Printing

Whether you choose a large scale backdrop with elaborate scenes, a step and repeat banner, or a geometric pattern, digital printing can be one of the most “custom” ways to achieve your vision.  Check out the terrific images we printed for Kenny Chesney, Sheryl Crow, and many more.

Lift Systems

Continuing with my series of hardware systems available for rent at Rent What? (including kabuki solenoid systems, traveler track, and pop up! dressing rooms), today I thought I’d tell you about our rental lift systems.  When you are touring with an Austrian, a Braille, or any curtain that you want to lift, this system does the job.

Rental Hardware Collection – Lift Systems

Specifics

• 60 foot wide life system with 16 lines 4′ on center
• Lifts an Austrian or Braille drape up to 40 feet high
• Proven Reliability
• Fixed speed / Up, Down & Stop
• Operates on Single Phase 220v power.

A La Carte or Turn-key System

Compatible with any curtain which has lift lines on 4 foot centers. 16 fully connected lines spanning 60 continuous running feet. Single Controller for Up, Down and Stop commands. Centralized Motor. Ships in one crate with (optional) drape attached.

Why We Love It:

A motorized drape reveal with an exotic detailed drapery does not have to be a designer fantasy. This system is compact, user friendly and affordable . Take your show or event to the next level………whatever you plan to reveal – make it special

Famous Friends:

Our Ivory Austrian on this lift system is a tough act to follow…. Luckily the act was Lady Gaga! One of the most (in)famous artists in the industry, she wowed audiences with her performance “in between” our spectacular curtain moves.

May Anniversaries

It is that time again, the time that we acknowledge the anniversaries of Sew What? staff.  There are about 30 staff members here at Sew What?  Some of our staff members are more visible to our customers, especially our sales reps.  But we also have many dedicated employees “behind the scenes,” working on our manufacturing floor day in and day out, making sure that our customers receive high quality custom stage curtains.

Today, I would like to acknowledge all of our manufacturing and warehouse staff for their longstanding dedication to Sew What? and our customers.  Here are three of them with anniversaries in May:

Raul, Shipping & Receiving Coordinator – 8 years

Sara, Sewing Machine Operator – 8 years

Roberto, Sewing Machine Operator – 6 years