Hello, Here's Johnny Cash

April 2024 - Mostly, inspiration is 90 percent frustration and 10 percent illumination. Every so often, clients influence those numbers with concepts of their own or invaluable project information.

Last November, Painted Axe received an inquiry from a Georgia resident who wanted to know: "What would I need to do to start the process of purchasing a guitar from you?" (She was already aware, we custom painted guitars.)

Our initial starting point for the art - predictably - was the famous photo of Cash flipping the bird at a 1969 San Quentin prison appearance. Just as quickly, we ruled out that idea. But the wheels were turning. Within two days, Painted Axe created two concepts: One blending a road-wise Cash with an equally familiar and resolute symbol of patriotism and the other portrayed a younger, cocky Cash against a brighter than life consummate American backdrop. Ultimately and with the client’s approval, we honed in on a more mature and chiseled Cash to portray… an elder statesman of the music industry and life. To compliment the Cash portrayal, we chose to distress and gracefully age the US flag. The phrase “live free or die” was added for attitude.

Upon finish, the Ibanez acoustic guitar casts a powerful and compelling visual, paying homage to the hall of fame guitarist, singer, songwriter and Old Glory.

The client reacted, "Oh man!!!! You did an amazing job. It is stunning." More gratifying was the Christmas morning video we received from the client of the gift being opened and appreciated by her husband.

Project outcomes like this are one of the true signs of success. We were able to help our client realize not only their vision but also achieve the impact and emotions they hoped for.

To start your own project with Painted Axe, email us.

Rai$ing the Volume

March 2024 - In fundraising, organizers struggle with asking for and finding donations, maintaining relationships with contributors, and getting the most out of their campaigns. Since 2007, Painted Axe has partnered with festivals, cruises, events, foundations, non-profits, and schools. to turn fundraising challenges into engaging and lasting successes.

Our approach customizes every hand-painted guitar, guitar case, drum head, or banjo head to the client’s event, location, and/or special occasion. This strategy produces one-of-a-kind, highly coveted memorabilia that becomes incredibly desirable and priceless.

Indeed, having worked music festival crowds, there’s a special feeling when a customer initially orders six raffle tickets for $5 but abruptly hands you $10 when they find out proceeds from that autographed guitar go back to the festival. Those feelings are elevated when he hands you another $10 on day two and three of the event.

It's common for Painted Axe gear to sell for thousands of dollars. In 2023, two long-time customers collected $4500 and $8500 respectively for their hand-painted and autographed guitars.

If you’re interested in Rai$ing the Volume on your fundraising efforts or want to start a campaign, let Painted Axe help you build relationships and secure your event’s future.

Always Looking to be Better

February 2024 - Between commissions, Painted Axe works on new art techniques and designs to broaden our skills in order to better meet your needs and expectations.

As a result, Painted Axe is able to create the most unique, custom hand painted guitars, guitar cases and drumheads.

Through our experimentation, we've stumbled onto some pretty cool concepts, tried effects that don’t work so well on musical gear and created hybrids of multiple art styles that are quite interesting and versatile. As a result, we now offer custom painted guitar pedals and in the near future some pretty cool banjo heads.

While our original custom designs/styles remain tried and true, here are just some that might stir new ideas and projects.

If you see something compelling or curious, or have a vision you would like to see come to life, drop us a line and we’d be delighted to discuss the possibilities.

Color Outside the Lines

January 2024 - Guitar pedals and enclosures have been added to Painted Axe’s catalog of customizable gear. Major or boutique manufacturer looking to make a splash with a limited edition or artist series releases, we’re here.

Experienced with a variety of painting techniques, including hydrodipping dirtypours stenciling pullchain and more. In many cases, each pedal will be similar but also different as the manual process produces variations - uniqueness.

Aluminum pedals are treated with an etching primer, paint primer, artwork and lacquer clear coats to ensure paint adhesion and protection.

Email us to find out more and boost your pedal’s vibe.