Put the real thing on their sign
In the days before most everyone could read, the sign maker’s task usually included adding an image to a sign that represented what… Read More
Articles
Hand-lettered signs bring a restaurant interior to life
Beautiful hand-painted signs—like good food—are uniquely appealing because they’re handmade. There’s something that just “feels good” about them that connects with those who… Read More
Cover photo: Drywall Crack Attack – RT Signs
If a logo includes a graphic, you’ll usually find it above or beside the main copy. But one cool way to surprise the… Read More
Tuck the graphic in a letter
That made for a catchy headline, but it really should say “Put the graphic in the letter.” Rather than using a separate image… Read More
Back in time: Vintage sign shop posters
Back in the day—before the Internet—a few leading-edge sign shop owners created posters to help advertise their creations. The ’70s and ’80s were… Read More
Cover photo: The Fabric Center – Ray and Rose Grossi
What is it about a wall sign that makes us look twice? Maybe that it’s big or unexpected or “How did someone paint… Read More
Tips & Tricks: Tile small signs when outsourcing digital printing
It’s tempting to just upload files for several small decals to be print and cut, then specify that you want 4 or 10… Read More
Cover photo: CK Weed Control – Mark Yearwood
“Do you really need a graphic with the lettering?” answers that question in a big way. This sign by Mark Yearwood, Yearwood Design… Read More
Memories of a sign painting apprenticeship
After unexpectedly starting my own business in 1974 [see “Vintage beer labels hold loads of inspiration”], I went to Michigan State University, where, instead… Read More
Cover photo – Keystone Dirt Works – Braun Bleamer
Red trucks sure look great—but it sure can be hard to find colors that work well on red. It takes very light or… Read More
Profile: Mike Maslink
For over four decades, Mike Maslink has been providing signs, graphic design and promotional products to businesses in and around St. Catharines, Ontario,… Read More
Cover photo: DeCloet Farms – Randy Howe
“We all think sometimes how it would be great to be in a market where there was a big demand for high-end signage,”… Read More
The essential bench grinder setup
Sharpening and grinding are common tasks in most sign shops, so it makes sense to do that as quickly and easily as possible…. Read More
Cover photo: Saranac Lake – Laura Walker
Being a sign maker in a tourist area means that many customers are a little more concerned about their image. That means the… Read More
More before-and-afters from Rob Cooper
When it’s time to redo a sign, it’s a great opportunity to make it more effective. Rob Cooper, Koh Tao, Thailand, has repainted… Read More
Cover photo: Pearce Jewelers – Peter Poanessa
When Peter Poanessa showed how he fabricates great-looking but lightweight sign structures in “The Keene System: Fabricating strong, lightweight sign structures”, he opened… Read More
A blast from the past: Vintage sign shop photos
If you’re like us here at SignCraft, a photo of a sign shop or a sign painter at work from years ago always… Read More
Cover photo: The Party Store – Bob Behounek
Electric signs require a bigger budget, so design is even more important if the client wants maximum value for their money. When… Read More
Building a modular monument sign
When you work alone or with one helper, designing a sign that you can put together on site as if it were a… Read More
Cover photo: Andrews Auto Body – Brian Schofield
What’s that arriving at your shop? Another white F-150? Another white Sprinter van? Most of the trucks and vans that get used commercially… Read More
