Rick Willens:  

Workplace Well, ever since I graduated high school and college, I have worked in a creative/artistic field, some of which included; an art director for three different, large, ad agencies...worked as a project mngr. for a large sign company, and for the last 25-30 yrs. have owned/operated my own sign company, starting out as a hands-on lettering artist and growing into a complete full service vinyl sign shop and altho' I still have my sign shop, my main source of income is that of an airbrush artist creating large scale murals for a variety of residential and commercial business', the main one being a family-owned chain(9 stores and counting) of pet stores from 15,000 to 20,000sq.ft. each. Along with that, I also do custom motorcycles and exotic autos, portraits, and large-scale displays. Everyday I wake up, I look forward to my day's work, 'cause it's always different, creative, and fun....G_d, I love my job! I always wanted to be an artist when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a great idea. As it turns out, they were right. When I'm not creating art I can be found in a rushing stream, up to my waist, in my chest waders, flyfishing for trout. I also like to travel a bit, mostly weekend getaways to a B&B with an attractive young lady. I also can be found either at a dance club or at a live concert or symphony. Life is GOOD! Being a grad from Neshaminy and being a "Techie" from BCTS (commercial art) I would have to say my hero and life inspiration came from my tech school mentor, Ed "Smitty" Smith. He not only taught art, He taught me the art of li...Expand for more