I like it and I hope my negative criticism in this post is taken in the spirit in which I offer it. Definitely more positive than negative here OK?
The artist, KSmith, does not understand a principle of art usually referred to as negative space. The same or similar principle in graphic design is known as "white space". You can see this around the text engraving on both sides of the slide. There is considerable white space above the text, and the swirls crowd the Amex text underneath on the right side. The left side is consistent all around the S&W text but the spacing between letters is being ignored. The paragraph has space around it on the left but is crowded on the right, like somebody was doing a paste up for the printer and could not get the text in the middle of the graphics, or like as if someone was placing a decal and it slipped off center.
On the other hand, if you use negative space like I would, you tend to get a feeling as if you are worshipping that company name. The design would be less cluttered, not so busy, easier to read, and the Amex name would take over instead of the swirls. Look at the word "Express". Can you see how much better it would look if he had put the space after the "s" which is touching the swirls, that he put between the "E" and the "X"?
Most people are not going to say these things about it. They will say that it looks nice, but they will pass on buying it. Some people believe strongly that no "art" should ever be criticized in any way. I can understand, since beauty is a very subjective thing. My mother and my daughter were art educators. I taught a drawing course for a year or two in the Christian H.S. so I think artists can benefit from constructive criticism.
I love this gun! With my family, we always used this as a code for having my CCW with me. Sometimes when leaving the house, or when she is a little frightened, or when she wants me to think that she looks up to me as her mighty protector
my wife will ask, "Do you have your American Express?"
I love the AMEX card. I am a member since 1988. It is the most secure and has the best record keeping, and the best customer service of any card I ever had!
I concur with post #14. You would get the value of an engraved unfired pistol of that model, less an amount for the personalization in the engraving, less a small amount because of these picky artistic complaints that I am making.
I also concur with post #19. I cannot believe that AMEX would let this happen without the Centurion face logo included. They are very particular about the typeface and letter spacing. I know the card that was being copied here from the early 90's. The double spacing of the word "platinum" is not enough to get the look. That word is superimposed on the plume of the Centurion's helmet and contrasts with the thick bold type of the company name. Your engraver tried to suggest the bold type by using outlines. AMEX has very specific written policies for every department detailing exactly what company documents and logos must look like.
Thank you for showing us this gun. Carry it proudly!
Kind Regards!
BrianD
