Signs Never Sleep

Restaurant sidewalk A-Frame sign at Peppermill Restaurant by Brushwork Signs

Restaurant sidewalk A-Frame sign at Peppermill Restaurant by Brushwork Signs

Chicagold Sign Company - Creating Gold Leaf Signage in Chicago, Illinois

Chicagold is one of the only sign companies  in Chicago that specializes in historic gold leaf lettering.  Gold leaf lettering adds an eye-catching quality to signage and has been a Chicago art tradition since the 1860's. 

The Chicagold sign-making team of Robert Frese and Bruce Buckley have a combined experience of well over 40 years.  Each of them, however, arrived at this place from very different directions.  Robert began the study of traditional sign making in his hometown of Long Beach, California.   It was during his apprenticeship at Hardy Sign Co., beginning in 1976, that he learned sign painting and fabrication. After his apprenticeship, Robert spent the next several years working in the sign industry in both California and Chicago.  It was while working in Chicago for F.O. Carlson & Co. that he learned to work with gold leaf; and after a couple of years, "I developed enough confidence to work on my own." So in 1986, Robert started Chicagold Sign Company, and for the past twenty-two years he has dedicated himself to mastering the art of gilding and sign design.

Bruce Buckley developed an interest in lettering and graphic design soon after he was old enough to hold a pencil.  At the age of twelve, this entrepreneur started his own sign service and continued making signs through high school and college. After a detour of twenty years in the field of broadcast communications, he made his way back to the sign-making industry.  He finds sign work to be more satisfying and it is what he is truly passionate about. 

Together, this team at Chicagold Sign Company is keeping the historic art of gold leaf lettering alive and well.   LINK

~contributed by Christine Baker

 

Clark Signs: A variety of signs in Aledo, Illinois

Clark Signs, located in Aledo, Illinois, specializes in logo/brand mark design, sandblasted signs, wood carved signs, and mural design and painting. Michael Clark established Clark Signs in 1983 and understands the impact an effective design can have on any business.  He began his business out of a love for graphic design and a local need for a sign and design specialist. 

Today Clark Signs focuses on their design philosophy of interpreting "your explanation of your business and industry and incorporating our love for turn of the century design elements". Michael utilizes his 20 years of experience to bring his customers' visions to life.  He has created municipal welcome signs, downtown business signage, large corporate signage, restaurant branding, downtown restoration mural projects, and school murals.

Look at some of the samples below, how creative is the "Jones Hide & Fur"?  And the detail on the "Maple City Candy Co." is fantastic.  These pictures show you a wonderful variety of what Clark Signs is capable of, but please check out their website for more.  He has an entire section devoted to showcasing his illustrations.  LINK
 

Bethlehem Academy by Brushwork Signs

Bethlehem Academy by Brushwork Signs

Mike Meyers Signs: Making Signs in Mazeppa

Mike Meyer runs a small shop dedicated to quality workmanship doing something that satisfies both himself and his customers.  At Mike Meyer Signs, he works the old way using hand drawing to achieve a personal look, however, he will use the latest in computer applications when it is called for.  Mike's been in this business since 1978, long enough to know his strengths and weaknesses and appreciates when his clients know that about him.  Mike knows that it is his job to effectively convey each businesses' message through his signage. 

He runs his business in, Mazeppa, Minnesota, a town of 700+ where his grandfather ran a feed mill and gas station and his father ran a barber shop.  Mike Meyer Signs is operated out of an old grocery store, which Mike likes the "old feel" of.  His basic philosophy is "Do what you love, love what you do!", which is a fantastic idea and one which we personally pass on to our children.

Mike Meyer Signs creates logos, farm signage, carved signs, antique signs, as well as hand-painted town murals.  He is actively involved in "The Walldogs".  Here's just a bit of the fantastic work Mike does, but go onto his website to see lots more including logos.  Link

~ contributed by Christine Baker

 

Malt-O-Meal at the Ames Mill by Brushwork Signs

Malt-O-Meal at the Ames Mill by Brushwork Signs

Vintage Ballroom & Suites by Brushwork Signs

Vintage Ballroom & Suites by Brushwork Signs

Inkubus Clothing & Accessories sign: Keene Signworx

Inkubus Clothing & Accessories sign:  Keene Signworx

Inspired Gardener wood panel sign: Keene Signworx

Inspired Gardener wood panel sign:  Keene Signworx

Jitter Beans Internet Cafe and Coffee Shop sign: By Keene Signworx

Jitter Beans Internet Cafe and Coffee Shop sign:  By Keene Signworx

Spring Valley Signs: Handcrafted masterpieces created in Farmington, PA

One of the questions that I get asked almost every day is "The sign companies that you feature on your blog.  Do you get permission from them before you post about them?"

The answer to this question is "yes", and once I send out the "can we blog about you?" email, we eagerly wait to hear back from them.

Spring Valley Signs is a company we first asked to feature back in January and I have been on the edge of my seat about it since then.  They are probably one of the companies that have had the greatest influence on me personally, and looking at any one of their signs is a visual treat.

One of the reasons we were so eager to feature Spring Valley Signs, is because they seem to be a company that is doing everything "right".  They have a fantastic product (beyond fantastic in fact), great people to talk to on the other end of the phone, a genuine concern about quality and value, and their website is simply, unbelievably' well thought-out and designed.

One of the greatest features of their website, is how they have classified all of their designs by specific features and genres, which makes browsing their online portfolio very enjoyable.  You can easily look at dozens of photos that feature bird signs, fish signs, horse signs etc.  If you would rather see just Law Office Signs or Bed & Breakfast signs, they have you covered as well.

"Behind each Spring Valley sign is a story. It's the story of a small group of families and single people living together in community, trying to pattern our lives after the example of the earliest Christians. Like them, we "share all things in common" including our work.

We have an 80-year tradition of producing world-class handwork. Our staff includes designers, artists, craftspeople, and customer service representatives. Their wide range of skills and expertise enable us to produce superior wood signs. And because our work is an integral expression of our common faith, we are committed to excellence: we want each sign we create to be one that we and our clients are equally proud of."   Link

~written by J.D. Iles

Bob Shaw Signs, located in the heart of historic Doylestown, PA since 1983

Bob Shaw Signs is a full-service sign company in the heart of Doylestown, PA.  They have an exhaustive portfolio online, and in looking at this collection, it is readily apparent that he does a huge number of residential house signs.

Bob has a terrific and varied collection of work.

"Bob Shaw began the business in 1983 after attending the Philadelphia Technical Institute for signs from 1981 to 1983.  Studying under Sheldon Kahn, the retired owner of Philadelphia's largest commercial sign shop and art teacher at Tyler Institute.

Bob originally attended Penn State to become a doctor, changed his studies midway, heading to a different career.  After a violent car accident, Bob went back to his first love of art and attended Philadelphia Tech.

A family owned and operated business, Bob's wife, Marylou, has been at the shop since its inception handling all the custom carving and computer as well. His son, Charlie has been an integral part of design and construction for over 14 years, handling computer graphic design and custom fabricating in the workshop.

Shop is also staffed by two Australian cattle dogs, Oz and Patch. "   Link

Finest Kind Signs of Pawcatuck, CT

Cam Bortz, the owner of  Finest Kind Signs, is located in Pawcatuck, CT, and has a long history supplying the New England region with beautiful carved and painted signs.

I have been lucky enough to have know Cam since 1998, and I can tell you that not only is he one of the most dynamic personalities in the sign trade, but when it comes to professionalism and attention to his craft, few are his equal.

Cam's work speaks for itself, and I am going to let it do exactly that...

Shabby Shoe Signs provides wonderful painted signs at a terrific price

This post was contributed by J.D. Iles (editor of the Signs Never Sleep Blog)

During the winter months here in Lincoln, NH, I essentially occupy myself with three different professions.

#1:  I edit this blog.

#2:  I am the owner / operator of Lincoln Sign Company

#3:  I am a greeter at Loon Mountain Ski Resort

Lincoln is a ski-town, and essential everyone that lives here works at the mountain or has worked at the mountain at one time.  This is actually my first year at Loon and I wanted to try something different and (cough!) free-ski-pass.  My job essentially consists of being nice to resort guests and making sure that they are standing in the right line to buy their lift tickets.  It is an easy and fun gig.

The point of this story is that over the past weekend, my supervisor said "Hey, sign maker guy, I need a small sign for the end of my driveway and it needs to say..."

What she needed was a small 1-sided sign, about 6" x 20" with some simple text on it.  She was surprised when I told her I didn't think I was the best person to provide her with that sign, and then I proceeded to tell her about Shabby Shoe Signs.

Shabby Shoe Signs can do a sign like that for about $25.00, and we (Lincoln Sign Company) wouldn't be able to even get close to a price that low.  The reason, I explained, is that Shabby Shoe has decided to work within a specific sign niche (small, hand-painted signs) and because that niche is so narrow, they can really provide their customers with streamlined value.  They cut a large number of painted blanks, and then wait for someone to tell them what they need for lettering.  They have many, many of this blanks cut, painted, and ready to go.  We would need to start from scratch and cut a blank to size and then do everything else right from the beginning.  Just getting the blank cut, primed and painted will honestly take us about an hour, even if we hustled, and our shop rate is $55.00 per hour.

Why am I telling you this?  I want to point out that just because a sign company makes any type of sign, it doesn't necessarily mean they are always set up to give you the best value.  There are many sign companies out there that specialize in doing just "one thing" and because of that specialization, they are really able to excel at it, and excel at a great price.

Some great examples:

A shop the makes small, white lettered signs

A company that makes address signs out of copper

A company that makes nothing but street signs

A shop that does small, affordable lodge & cabin signs

Vintage Sign Company is having a gallery discount on their artwork

Brian Laurich is the artist and owner of the Vintage Sign Company, and he creates amazing historical tavern and trade signs that look as if they have been teleported directly out of the 1800's. He recently sent an email to me and some of his regular buyers, and I wanted to pass the information along to Signs Never Sleep Blog readers as well.

===============================================

~ the original email was dated 3-2-09

Greetings to everyone, I hope everyone is having a great year.

In an attempt to make way for new work, I am offering a 20% discount on everything in
the Gallery of Available Works on my website. Here is a link to the Gallery:http://www.vintagesigns.com/available.html

I hope you take a few minutes to review the work.Also, a reminder that I am always looking for new projects to undertake. If any of you would happen to pass along my information to a friend or family member, and it leads to a commission, I will gladly pass along to you a 20% referral discount on any order you would place.

Thank you all and I hope you have a great Spring.

Sincerely,

Brian Laurich

Marsh Creek Signs in Downingtown, PA: Building signs for the Philadelphia area

Since 1988, Fred Jones of Marsh Creek Signs has been building signs for the Downingtown, PA area.  He does a variety of different types of work including vinyl signs, carved and dimensional signs, as well as vehicle lettering.  He is a terrific, all-purpose sign-shop that does his local area proud.

One of the things that I enjoy about his site, is with each sign in his portfolio, he spends a few moments describing it  Either how it was made or just trivia about a project.

Marsh Creek Signs in Downingtown, PA:  Building signs for the Philadelphia area

Heidi Howard Historic Trade & Tavern Signs: Eastford, CT

"Heidi Howard creates trade and tavern signs in the style of 18th and 19th century New England sign painters. Each sign is handcrafted from 100 to 200 year old boards, painted, lettered by hand, and aged to resemble its antique predecessor. Boards and molding are assembled with antique hand-cut nails.

In her Eastford, Connecticut studio, Heidi transforms ancient hand-planed planks into decorative objects, no two alike. Commissions are accepted. Early examples can be reproduced, or Heidi will create an imagined sign. Whether you are trying to find just the right piece of folk art for that big blank wall space in your home, or you are a collector of early American craftsmanship reproduction, you will surely enjoy a trade or tavern sign to enhance your collection."  Link

 

Heidi Howard Historic Trade & Tavern Signs:  Eastford, CT

Painted, wooden sign by Gary Anderson of Bloomington Design: A simple sign that is perfect in every way

Painted, wooden sign by Gary Anderson of Bloomington Design:  A simple sign that is perfect in every way

Flying Biscuit Antique Sign Company: Original Handcrafted Sign Art

"Mark Fair has over 30 years experience as a journeyman sign-painter and designer.  Operating his own business since 1986.  Mark's work has been featured in SignCraft magazine.  A world renowned trade publication."

Susan Fair is a signature member of the watercolor society of Alabama.  Susan works as an illustrator for Air University Press, Maxwell AFB.  Visit Susanfair.com

Flying Biscuit Antique Sign Company is a division of Mark Fair Signs, located in Montgomery, Alabama."   Link

Buffalo Nickel Cafe: Sign art by Mark Fair of Flying Biscuit Antique Signs

Click here to see more artwork by Mark Fair of the Flying Biscuit Antique Sign Company

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18th Century Trade Sign: Vintage Sign Company

This is a trade sign painted by Brian Laurich of the Vintage Sign Co.

His description of the sign is as follows:

"Wine trade sign with graphic and lettering taken from actual early signs. Painted on a late 18th/early 19th century panel with original green paint."  Link

This sign was recently sold at his Fall 2008 online sale.

One of the things that I really enjoy about Brian's work is the fact that he is so willing and unapologetic about treating his signs as art, right from the beginning.  Too many sign-makers are bashful to call what they do "art" and this is an attitude that only does bad things for both the industry and the sign customer.

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Hand-Painted Farm Sign by Lincoln Sign Company

This is a hand-painted farm sign that Lincoln Sign Company recently completed for a Christmas gift

Mark Fair Signs: Creating Beautiful Signs in Montgomery, Alabama

Mark Fair started his career back in the 70's as an old school billboard painter and, over time,  he has built his skills and reputation to the point that he is now thought of as one of America's premier sign-makers.  He has contributed much to the sign-making world, through his willingness to share information and techniques with other sign-artists, and is a regular contributor to sign-making magazines.

The work that Mark Fair produces occupies a special place in my mind, in that much of it is "art", before it is a "sign".  We intend to show much more of Mark's work here on Signs Never Sleep, and I think you will come to agree that what he does with his subject matter tends to be extraordinary.  Many times "sign making techniques" are merely a means to an end...  something that allows a sign-painter to get letters and logos up on a board and into the air, but Mark's work goes light-years beyond this.

For Mark, technique (more often than not), leads the way.  He builds his signs around texture and and distressing and found objects and exquisite frames.  There are some sign-makers whose work is truly that of an artist, and whose work could easily be found, one day, in a gallery.

Is Mark Fair one of these artists?  Will his sign-art be collectible one day?

It is obvious to me that they are collectible right now...   Link

 

 

Merry Christmas from Signs Never Sleep

This sign was painted by Brian Laurich of the Vintage Sign Co.

Merry Christmas from Blackwater Folk Art: Metal Folk Art Signs

Blackwater Folk Art is a company doing great things with a little scrap scrap metal and alot of whimsy.  It is very common to see small signs with clever or cute sayings on them everywhere you turn in a gift shop.  What is unique about Blackwater does, is their use of recycled scrap metal.  Currently "going green" is the HOT thing for many consumers, and Blackwater Folk Art was doing it long before it was "cool".

See more of their work here.

Here is a description off of Blackwater Folk Arts Website"

"We are proud to be crafting handmade products in the United States. We have a commitment to produce home and garden art with quality materials and original designs that will provide you and your customers with years of enjoyment. We use salvaged and recycled metals from old barns and buildings to produce our vintage-looking signs and wall art.

We are a family run business, sort of an "overgrown cottage industry"! We hope that our products make you smile and that they reflect the simple pleasures of life that we enjoy! "
Link