Signwriting Dundee Contemporary Arts. Brian Robertson, 2018.
Definitions for ‘signwriter’ (or sign writer) vary in English language dictionaries. The occupation title and profession are also misunderstood and often miscommunicated by some signmakers.
In North America and Australia, signwriters are commonly referred to as sign painters. ‘Signmaker’ and ‘sign painter’ correctly describe the functions of a signwriter but omit the fundamental role.
A signwriter is a tradesperson skilled in hand painting letterforms and images with a brush.
Most signwriters have a range of core letterform styles.
The most experienced signwriters will also include elegant scripts in their repertoire.
Within each of these core styles and variations, control of the lettering brush and intentional flare produce characteristics exclusive to the signwriter’s skill and preferences.
Like handwriting and calligraphy, nuances are apparent when brush painted lettering is examined. The execution of each brush stroke is unique. Unlike machine-generated exact letterforms, hand control of the lettering brush results in imperfections.
Hand painted imperfect letterforms project the presence of human craft. This is the magic contained within.
Countless ‘hand lettered’ digital typefaces are available, but most struggle to emulate the real thing. Identical, repetitive characters immediately give the game away. Unlike the mechanised appearance of a machine-made sign, hand painted lettering exhibits human made charm.
When done well, signwriting is extraordinary.
Hand painted signs are valuable assets for public facing brands.
In our age of abundantly mundane advertisements, communicating personality through visual identity transmits emotional connection. In turn, distinction and memorability increase.
However, a signwriter’s signature style risks appearing too familiar. Especially when their style appears on separate clients’ signs, close to one another. Hand lettering made by any writing tool and designed for commercial purposes should first communicate the message. Not immediately identify the lettering artist.
In contributing hand drawings for a brand’s primary artwork, the modern signwriter should also include digitised artwork files. Bespoke lettering should be provided as vector artwork and made available to the client for consistent reproduction throughout the visual identity.
Providing of size and complexity, logos, illustrations, and graphic assets identifying a brand should also be supplied for reproduction.
Fonts convey more than words. They’re powerful tools for communicating moods and sensations. As such, determining the style of letterform to present a sign’s message is as important as its execution.
In addition, selecting a brand’s secondary and alternative typefaces is prudent. Countless superb and extensive typefaces are available. Painting them with a brush provides opportunities for customisation.
If you choose hand painted methods for your brand’s visual assets, contact a signwriter at the earliest opportunity. A modern signwriter possessing a comprehensive understanding of typefaces and their aesthetic features will best serve their client. Their expertise at this stage is valuable.
The signwriter’s expertise presents opportunities for bespoke projects which don’t include lettering. Murals, illustrations, mirrors, heraldry and glasswork, to name a few.
Not forgetting a multitude of surfaces for lining and striping, too. From traditional fairground rides to sports cars. There’s even the odd occasion when an airbrush can be dusted off for highlights and colour blending.
The perfect complement for the heritage of a vintage commercial vehicle is to reinstate hand painted lettering. Researching the style of design and lettering painted in the vehicle’s original era is crucial to depict the story. Colour selection is vital for authenticity too.
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Critical to the success of durable hand painted signs is the knowledge of paints and coatings. With so many different surfaces, selecting the correct paint materials and tools is essential.
Not all paints are suitable for handling with a lettering brush. Equally, not all paint colours coat evenly. Signwriting paints are formulated for increased flow with a lettering brush. Some also cover better than decorators’ or automotive paints.
A benefit of choosing painted lettering is that almost any colour can be matched. This ensures the sign can be identically matched with other painted surfaces.
Painted lettering is also ideal for conservation areas and sometimes, the only viable solution for rough and textured walls. In unsure circumstances, I test paint an inconspicuous area on textured surfaces before committing to a project.
Techniques for accurately producing hand painted signs take years to learn. Mastering all of them can take a lifetime.
Each hand painted project is bespoke. I price signwriting projects according to my estimated materials and labour, in line with the Scottish Artists Union Rates of Pay.
I advocate hand painted lettering when it’s appropriate. Alternative signmaking methods are available.
Get in touch to discuss your project.