Your All-Weather Guide to Autograph Collecting
There’s one obstacle even the most experienced, creative and reckless autograph collector can’t entirely overcome—Mother Nature. Here in New England, we graph all four seasons (sometimes in the same month) and the climate plays a far greater role than I’d prefer. Wherever you are you’ll have to contend with weather and its impact on your autograph opportunities. This guide will help you improve your chances of coming away with positive results no matter the forecast.
Rain/Snow
Simply put, rain is kryptonite to graphers. Even a mist will leave water marks on your pictures. If you decide to venture out, stick to non-photo items like balls/bats/helmets which can be dried without incurring much damage. It’s likely the signature will be pocked by raindrops but it’s better than nothing (maybe). Also, I suggest prioritizing your efforts. If you’re graphing a sports team consider targeting only a few guys. Juggling multiple items in the rain only increases your exposure risk. You’ll want to keep items concealed until the very last moment to mitigate the effects of the weather. A reader suggested a golf umbrella to ward off the precipitation. This may work if you have the personal space and dexterity but it’s going to be nearly impossible to manage in a crowd and it won’t make you any friends.
Wind
More often than any other condition, I’ve been caught unprepared for a windy day. But for graphers and sailboat captains alike, it’s critical to know if it’s going to be blustery. I recommend using photo corners to secure your pictures to a cardboard backer (many collectors use this method at all times). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen photos blown down the sidewalk or worse—bent over a thumb as you try to put a signed picture flapping in the wind back into your folder. The prep work is well worth it. Wind can be unpredictable and can be affected by your immediate environment. Especially in urban settings, buildings can create tunnels and all it takes is one gust for you to lose your item at an extremely inopportune time.
Heat
If you collect in person you know it’s a waiting game that often goes into overtime. Throw a water bottle in your bag and stay hydrated, wear a hat and dress in layers. I suggest applying sunscreen before you head out and washing your hands completely before handling your items. A stick-based sunscreen (I like this one) is best for reapplying without residue. You may also want to pack a clean hand towel to mop up sweat that can do the same damage to your item as any other type of moisture. I sweated on this soccer ball for an hour during a humid 95-degree day in Boston before Wayne Rooney signed it. I had come from the office and was sweating through my pants and drying the ball off on my undershirt—it wasn’t my proudest moment. And one more thing, I’m not kidding, rotate yourself. When we graph we’re typically focused in one direction and you don’t want a half tan.
Cold
I’ve lived in Massachusetts for almost 31 years and the 6-month winters never get easier. Wear one more layer than you think you need and pay special attention to your extremities—a knit hat, two pairs of socks and gloves (I suggest a pair designed for runners which are thin but warm—I have these) are necessities. Also, be careful of paint pens as I’ve found they are much less reliable in cold conditions and take longer to dry.
How do you manage Mother Nature while graphing?
