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Re: Neon Wizard, computerized pattern making
>I'm looking for a good neon software that will help us in creating neon
>lettering and designs. I saw an ad in the Sign of the Times for a neon
>software called "Neon Wizard" by Aries Graphics Int'l, has anyone used
>this software? and how good is it? and does anyone recommened a better
>software for this purpose?
Tariq,
Though not neon-specific, I've been using Adobe Illustrator for several
years to make patterns. My only complaint is not having a plotter, so I
"tile" pages together. Not really a big deal. I belive Corel Draw for the
PC platform offers similar capabilites.
The trick to making good patterns with these "general" drawing programs, is
to use fonts that are thin to begin with. I have actually used a font
building program to create fonts that are as thin as possible. After I've
sized, drawn, and mirror-flipped my pattern, I use the "outline path" and
"offset path" to trace a perfect 12mm (or 10mm, 15mm, etc) line around my
letters. Printing in something really heavy, like 3pt, makes it especially
easy to see and bend off of.
I don't know if there is a similar thing for the PC platform, but Adobe has
some fonts for the Mac called "Multiple Master" or "MM", in which you can
change the width and _weight_. These are especially great for neon, since
you can set the weight to very thin. It's much harder to make a single
stroke letter when you start with a bold font. In this case, if it has to
be single-tube I just go in manually and "centerline" the letters with my
eyes and mouse, then follow the above proceedure.
I know this all sounds complicated, but after you do it awhile, it's
actually very fast. Often customers fax me a logo they want "neonized." I
scan the fax, trace it in my drawing program, size it, flip it, and presto,
a really good pattern.
I don't know much about Neon Wizzard - but I would add that most general
drawing programs are cheaper, and have a long track record, with more of
the bugs worked out. Just my .02
-John