The signs are everywhere. Not the signs of economic turmoil or impending war, but the actual signs that identify a business and its services and products.
Virtually every business has at least one sign and they
range from simple hand lettering scrawled on plywood to
elaborate combinations of neon and custom artwork. Someone has to design and
create them. Studio Vargas is one of the best known designers because it has
been located in Fresno for about 15 years. For those know FranCisco Vargas,
Studio Vargas' owner call him a man on a mission.
Even though signs and graphics are his main business, Vargas is an accomplished artist who creates more than just signs. In addition to his sign work, he's painted murals with southwestern motifs at Table Mountain Casino, the Lemoore Bingo Palace and the frontage of Eagle Mountain Casino and its new gymnasium. He also paints graphics inside homes and businesses.
Vargas is a sign artist who will literally climb to great heights to make sure your business name is seen. Businesses such as: Mecca Billiards, Freshko Produce, Lion Raisins, Densmore Engines, Electric Motor Co. Wm. B. Saleh Painting, Baskins Upholstery, La Vista Hair Styling Center, Arte Americas, Fashion Furniture, Las Margaritas, Roth Crane, Dan Gamels, Paul Evert, and Weco Supply are just some of the businesses that recognize the need for outstanding signage.
Vargas
is also the sub contractor of choice for most of Fresno's top electric sign
companies. Fresno Neon, Commercial Neon, Raylite and Nelson Signs all use
Vargas' attention to detail and quality to complement their products.
It wasn't until he started a window washing and house cleaning business
in the Los Gatos, Saratoga area of the Santa Clara Valley, that Vargas realized
his true calling.
Vargas would admire the paintings in people's home and
instinctively knew he could create similar artwork. One client took an interest
in him and told him to start building a portfolio. The advice has paid off.
Vargas' art now hangs in the homes of celebrities like: Heather Locklear, Tommy
Lee, Kimberly Conrad, (formerly Mrs. Hugh Hefner) Rebecca Ferratti, and Tony
Curtis.
In 1998 Vargas went on a cross-country adventure -
painting signs and traveling. He planned his trip by visiting people he'd met
thru an internet bulletin board at www.letterheads.com
His ultimate destination was Key West, Florida. While on this trek he kept a
journal. Vargas didn't think his story would be of interest - since he hadn't
been what one would call a great student and while in school he hated to write.
But the journal experience paid off, opening a new outlet for his creative
talents.
Vargas has since become a contributing writer for the
national magazine Sign Builder Illustrated. He's written stories about the
International Letterhead Meets in Boise, Idaho and Paul Allen's Experience Music
Project in Seattle. While in Seattle he interviewed Janie Hendrix, sister of the
famous Jimi Hendrix. In the same week he went to Port Angeles, Washington and
interviewed the Underground Mayor, Jackson Smart.
Recently, Vargas and retired art professor Ernesto
Palomino visited the forbidden island of Cuba. Vargas has written a documentary
on signage in the capital of Havana. There are plans for a showing of some of
the photos taken on this trip at the Arte Americas Museum later this year.
Currently, Vargas is writing a screenplay, based in part, on his experiences.
In the mean time, Vargas is still painting custom signs and
wall graphics and is available for private and commercial work.
For a look at Cisco's artwork and signage you can visit
his web site at www.franciscovargas.com.
Or call Studio Vargas at 559/252-0935.