Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina Trentini.
Hi Valentina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve had a lifelong love for art, dating all the way back to my childhood. I spent several years working as a graphic designer, which was a fantastic experience. But when I moved to the United States, I decided to try something new and became a store manager for an Italian brand. It was a conscious choice driven by my curiosity to explore new avenues, especially since I felt like my artistic inspiration needed a fresh perspective.
Fast forward five years as a store manager, and I felt this strong urge to bring my artistic skills back into the spotlight. So, I decided to teach myself calligraphy through YouTube tutorials, which was an exciting journey. The more I learned, the more I wanted to expand my artistic toolbox.
During this exciting phase, I stumbled upon the world of Sign Painting. I was determined to learn from the best, so I reached out to Mike Meyer, an incredible American Sign Painter, via Instagram. I plucked up the courage to ask him for guidance, and to my joy, he invited me to his shop in Mazeppa, Minnesota, for a transformative four-day workshop. It was during that workshop that it hit me like a ton of bricks: Sign Painting wasn’t just a newfound interest; it was my true calling, my future, and my ultimate passion.
Building on the solid foundation I gained from Mike Meyer, I decided to enroll at LATTC (Los Angeles Trade Technical College) in Los Angeles. There, I had the privilege of learning from two remarkable mentors, Doc Guthrie and Carlos Aguilar, who are legends in the world of Sign Painting. Doc taught me to believe in myself and to embrace creative challenges without fear. He always said, “The worst that can happen is that the client may not like your work, and in that case, you can simply paint over it!” Fortunately, that situation never arose, and most of my clients not only loved my work but also recommended me to others.
Thanks to this positive feedback and word-of-mouth referrals, I decided to establish my own business, BrushettaSigns. Today, I’m passionately dedicated to perfecting my craft and creating personalized sign artistry that captivates and inspires. My journey from graphic design to Sign Painting has been nothing short of transformational, and I’m excited to keep this incredible creative adventure going.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey with BrushettaSigns into the world of Sign Painting has been quite the adventure, far from smooth sailing, but it’s been an incredible learning experience.
Right from the start, my natural curiosity and eagerness to learn led me to ask countless questions and seek guidance from experts in the field. While this approach has been valuable for my growth, it wasn’t always met with open arms. Some individuals were initially hesitant to share their knowledge or offer support.
One of the biggest bumps in the road was the gender bias I encountered. Being a woman in a field predominantly occupied by men brought its fair share of challenges. I often had to work extra hard to prove myself and break through preconceived notions. Certain projects were especially tricky to land due to these biases.
However, as time passed and my skills continued to evolve, my clients began to appreciate the dedication and quality that my team and I brought to every project. This recognition led to referrals and an expanding circle of satisfied clients. Gradually, the barriers created by gender bias began to crumble.
In the end, my journey in Sign Painting has been like a thrilling adventure, filled with ups and downs. It’s taught me the importance of perseverance, the joy of continuous learning, and the strength that comes from believing in oneself. Despite the obstacles, I’ve managed to carve out my place in this challenging yet rewarding field, and I’m excited about the journey ahead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My primary focus is on the art of hand-painted signs and gold leaf. With my company, BrushettaSigns, I specialize in creating visually captivating and bespoke signage that not only serves its practical purpose but also becomes a piece of art in its own right. Whether it’s designing storefront signage, painting a vintage car or unique hand-painted lettering, I take great pride in crafting pieces that resonate with both clients and the community.
What I’m known for is my dedication to preserving the traditional craft of sign painting in an age of digital design. I place a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the use of high-quality materials. This commitment allows me to create signs that not only capture the essence of a business or space but also exude a genuine sense of character and authenticity.
One of the things that makes me proud in my work is painting original graphics on vintage cars. Is the simple joy of seeing these timeless vehicles come to life with a touch of artistic flair. It’s about taking something classic and making it even more unique, adding a dash of personality to each car.
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from transforming these vintage cars into rolling pieces of art. It’s not just about paint; it’s about enhancing their character and celebrating their history. I’m proud to be a part of that process, to tell a story with every brushstroke.
In essence, what I’m most proud of is the ability to merge my love for art and vintage cars, creating something that brings smiles to both my clients’ faces and mine, all while honoring the heritage of these remarkable vehicles.
In essence, my work is a celebration of the timeless art of sign painting. It’s a craft I hold dear, and I’m proud to contribute to the revival of this traditional form of visual communication in a way that speaks to the heart and soul of clients and communities alike.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is an integral part of the journey in sign painting. While I may not be jumping out of airplanes or climbing mountains, there’s a unique kind of risk associated with pursuing a career in this artistic field.
One significant risk I took was transitioning from a stable career as a store manager to explore the world of sign painting. It was a leap of faith because I was leaving behind a known path for something entirely new and uncertain. This transition came with the risk of financial instability and the challenge of establishing myself in a different industry.
Moreover, reaching out to seasoned professionals like Mike Meyer and enrolling in courses at LATTC was another type of risk. It meant putting myself out there, seeking mentorship, and investing in my education. There was always the possibility of rejection or not living up to the expectations, but the potential rewards in terms of skill enhancement and career growth outweighed the risks.
In the world of sign painting, taking risks often means pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, and accepting commissions that challenge my abilities. The risk here is not only financial but also the risk of not meeting the client’s expectations. However, it’s these risks that keep the art form alive and evolving.
Overall, while I may not be a daredevil, I’ve learned that calculated risks are essential for personal and professional growth. Embracing these risks has allowed me to discover new avenues for creativity and expand my horizons as an artist. It’s about finding a balance between taking chances and ensuring the quality and integrity of the work I produce.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brushettasigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushettasigns/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinatrentini/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brushetta-signs-los-angeles
- Other: Vimeo https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/819601965
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brushettasigns
Image Credits
Portrait (David Maziar) – Second Image (Mary Mendoza) – fourth image (ProudlyServingLa) – all the other images (BrushettaSigns)
