Vintage beer labels hold loads of inspiration
“You know,” says Mark Casey, “sometimes you see something that looks like it would just be so much fun to paint. When that… Read More
signcraft
Cover photo: Steve’s Mechanic Shop – Chris Dobell
Chris and Stu Dobell are second-generation signwriters, two brothers who served traditional apprenticeships in Australia before moving to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. They’re also… Read More
Camouflage the fasteners
“I’ve always gone out of my way to hide any fastener that might hold a sign face to the structure,” says Dayna Reed,… Read More
Cover photo – Mendocino Jewelry Studio – Rick and Megan Sacks
One of the best ways for a business to set itself apart in the sea of signs made with the help of… Read More
The restaurant signs of Koh Tao
We’re sure the restaurants on the popular tourist destination island of Koh Tao, Thailand, are terrific, but we think the signs are even… Read More
Cover photo: Carney Roofing – Brian Schofield
Creating a design that is both appealing and appropriate is essential to a successful sign or vehicle project. Nowhere is that more critical… Read More
Design & Price: 3-by-12-ft. banner
In every issue, SignCraft gave a few sign makers an imaginary project. We asked them to do a sketch of the sign they… Read More
Signs that surprise the viewer
It’s big and it doesn’t belong up there. It catches you off guard. It may look unusual, ancient or spectacular, but it certainly… Read More
Cover photo: Babes Tap – Ray and Rose Grossi
Let’s hear it for the one-color sign. This black-and-white sign (with a little gray for the prismatic effect) by Ray and Rose Grossi… Read More
More emblem-style truck door graphics from Brian Schofield
There’s a lot more going on in emblem-style graphics than a lot of airbrush work. As Brian Schofield said in “Truck door graphics… Read More
Cover photo: Taylor Chiropractic – Russ Mills
Not every customer can afford a 3D sign with gold leaf lettering, but most still would like a unique look. It’s possible to… Read More
Fabricate an easy ACM sign cabinet
Aluminum composite material gets a lot of use for flat sign panels. But it’s also easy to form it into a dimensional sign… Read More
Cover photo: Country Kitchen, Signs by Van
Dimension always makes a sign more interesting, but when you combine it with interesting colors, texture and a graphic, it really ramps things… Read More
Five ways to boost profits without raising your prices
The fastest, easiest way to increase your sign business’s profits, of course, is to simply raise your prices. But it isn’t always quite… Read More
Cover photo: Cobra Concrete – RT Signs
Most of the vehicle lettering on the road doesn’t pack much wallop. This trailer by RT Signs, Steinbach, Manitoba, has plenty of impact… Read More
Tips & Tricks: Make paint and roller covers last
If you’ve been in the sign business for any length of time or are a sign painter, you’re probably already using this. Often… Read More
SignCraft Survey: What vinyl films do you use?
It’s always interesting to hear what products other sign makers are using with success. In the case of vinyl films, most sign makers… Read More
Cover photo: Fox & Feather – Doug Bernhardt:
Zoom in for a closer look at the remarkable hand carving, woodwork and gold leaf on this beautiful sign by Doug Bernhardt, Bernhardt… Read More
Tips & Tricks: Dealing with an ineffective customer-provided design
It’s always tough to try to change someone’s design, even if you know it’s terrible. I’m not a designer, but I’ve owned a… Read More
Tip & Tricks: Show customers the color possibilities for pinstriping
Color is a critical factor in pinstriping, and it can be hard for some customers to express what color they like and don’t… Read More
