Jim's Methods

I recreate the artwork for these patches, from many knowledgeable and historical resources. Many come from military historical agencies, representing all branches of the military. Some information come from members of actual squadron or group associations. The Internet, also plays an important roll in my research process, as well.

There are many reproduction patches being offered in the open market... many are very good reproductions... but, there is the difference in how they are made. Some of these patches are being made from a "silkscreen" process, which enables you to produce many similar patches, very fast, and very cost effective. They're a few who uses a "decal" process on their leather patches... also a very easy way to mass produce patches. They're are a few, who use permanent markers and colored paint filled pens to do their artwork on leather patches... some of these are very, very good!... Which takes me to a very few artists, who do their artwork, entirely from brushes. This is how I create my artwork.

All the patches you see on my website is done entirely by paint  brushes... No markers, or pens... I find, you cannot get the right blending of paint to create shadows and highlights to make the artwork stand out, by using markers or pens, (IMO). Blending of colors with brushes, also gives me a  fuller palette of colors to choose from... to help the artwork,  become more alive. Again (IMO).

Doing everything by brush, has it's disadvantages too... It takes a heck of a long time to do each patch... verses the other systems being used!... (About 8 to 10 hours, average, each)... Each similar patch artwork, will not come out exactly the same as the one before it... it will be very close... but not a photocopy. 

Every patch I do, is created especially for each individual client... and each client,  always has the last word on their patch artwork, for final approval, before payment is sent. I always keep the clients informed... via email photos, of the patch artwork progress. 

The quality of my work will never deviate to short cuts... All patch artwork gets my full undivided attention, until the artwork is finished... one patch at a time. I've had several clients at one time, requesting patches... I've always let the clients know ahead of time... when their patches will be started... as I finish up the previous projects.

For every patch that I do, I always make a conscience effort, to never deviate from the original intent of the patches I'm recreating. To take their original artwork, created under very stressful circumstances, from many years ago, and turn them into the artwork they would have liked to have worn, and deserved to wear during their military service... This is my only goal... To keep their stories and history alive through their patch artwork!

I don't have any problem with civilians wearing a military jacket with military patches hanging from them...  I find that most people, either had a father or a grandfather... or other family relations... attached, somehow to a certain group or squadron during their military service, and the patch they wore... is their only  way to stay connection to them...