I have always had a shop that is open to everyone and especially my competition. Early in my business I attended a "Letterhead Workshop" where there were true masters in the arts of design, layout, gilding and craving. Those fellows came from all across the globe and would take us by the hand to sharing their little known skills. Those fellows changed my life. On several occasions I have ventured to Europe, Africa, South America to refine my skills. One of my best trips was the International Letterhead Meet held in Greece. All of us knowing we would be working with other skilled artists. It was a week of excitement. Exhausting!
No matter if it's sandblasting, gilding, carving, design layout, or advertising techniques my knowledge has all come from openness of other artists. My business has flourished by sharing these techniques. But it's not just the techniques alone.The pallet also includes pricing. Nothing secret on that front. I tell everyone what I charge and give suggestions if wanted. I often send work to other sign businesses and tell them what I would charge. Make no difference to me what they do. I truly enjoy cross bidding on work and having a discussion with my competition about how I would go about the job. In response they often send me work they don't feel comfortable with. Working together is lots of fun.
We are all so luck to have the materials and equipment that allow us to do just about anything the mind can imagine.