33 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk Far from a Dying Art: Sign Painting EducationToday Despite the resurgence in sign painting, and interest in learning the craft, there hasn’t been a widespread reopening of technical courses, nor apprenticeship opportunities. Those recently entering the trade have largely done so through a combination of workshops, short apprenticeships, online resources, and books such as Sign Painting. Each of these can play a role and, depending on your motivation for learning, some may be more suitable than others. If you’re serious about sign painting as a career, you’re going to have to supplement these with hundreds of hours of practise. Sign Painting Workshops In-person sign painting workshops are an excellent way to get some brush time, and perfect for those that are curious or just wanting to give it a try. They vary in length and format, from a one-day ‘toe-dip’ to longer multi-day experiences, and costs depend on the teacher, location, and duration of the workshop. You won’t be taking on commercial jobs after a single workshop, but you’ll know what materials you need, and what to practise. You'll also connect with people that are equally interested in the craft of sign painting. Workshops are happening around the world, and the page at bl.ag/eventlistings is kept up-to-date with details of these events. Sign Painting Apprenticeships The age-old way to learn a craft is through an apprenticeship, traditionally lasting from three to seven years. These days, at least in sign painting, these opportunities are largely restricted to family businesses. However, there are firms that will take someone on if they show a genuine passion for the craft and a hunger to learn. These informal apprenticeships can last from a month to a year or more if there is an eventual exchange of value. They won’t have you on the brush straight away, but are invaluable experiences if you work hard and keep an open mind about what you’re asked to do. Opportunities to learn sign painting are less prevalent than they once were, but opportunities do exist for the curious, and those more serious about a career in the trade. Sam Roberts highlights some of these opportunities ▼Mike Meyer teaching his workshop. Image: Simon Schoch Sam Roberts is the editor and publisher of BLAG (Better Letters Magazine), the world’s only print and online publication dedicated to sign painting. He has written numerous books and articles on the craft and its history, and first became interested in the topic via the fading ‘ghost’ signs around London. SignLink subscribers can sign up with a special discount to the publication via bl.ag/signlink ADVENTURES IN SIGN PAINTING WITH SAM ROBERTS The largest structured programme in the world is run by Colossal Media in New York, and this is for those that are serious about getting into the large-scale wall signs that are their speciality. Courses (In-Person) There are now very few technical courses teaching sign painting, but those that do allow you to learn in a formal setting over an extended period of time. The longest running and most comprehensive course in the world is Sign Graphics at Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC). This is a two-year programme spread over four semesters, and focuses on traditional hand-lettering and sign painting, with forays into vinyl application, digital learning on SignLab, and gilding. The new Signwriting course at Ballyfermot Training Centre in Dublin, Ireland, is
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