Traditional Sign-Writing

Traditional Sign-Writing

Sign-writing is a very traditional form of writing & advertising that goes back centuries.
Mainly based on calligraphy lettering & roman styles of text. Sign-writers learnt how to
size words & space them into the best visually impacting way as well as use the best
colours to make it eye catching, but smart & professional.

Traditional sign-writers use methods closely related to those of their forebears in this
craft and do not depend on technology. They are able to set out a sign with chalk
and write it by eye in freehand. They do not rely on fonts and normally have their own
individual lettering styles, yet also have the ability to render fonts closely to brand. The
final execution is made by hand using brushes known as quills and similar sign-writing
‘pencils’ and chiseled brushes. Specialist enamels are also employed to fashion a longlasting
finish.

WHAT IS TRADITIONAL SIGN-WRITING?
Traditional sign-writing is the work of an artist. The artwork is set out and painted by
hand and it is the slight irregularities of hand craft that give the work its character. It is
this hand-drawn effect that is completely lost with the machine-made look of computer
work, even when painted.

WHEN DO I NEED TRADITIONAL SIGN-WRITING?
If you are wanting to create a point of difference amongst the brand and or signage.
If you are looking for a more traditional, vintage look then traditional sign-writing is
definitely something worth looking into.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL SIGN-WRITING?
Traditional sign-writing creates a point of difference among you and your competitors
and is one of the more attractive forms of signage. One of the many benefits of painted
signs is the fact that they can easily be repainted to refresh the design. Once vinyl signs
start to degrade the only option is to replace, whereas paint not only fades attractively,
as long as the surface material is sound it can be easily brightened up. Another big
advantage painting signs has over other forms of sign-making is that there aren’t many
surfaces paint won’t take too.