NEON SIGNAGE Of the many different types of signage that we are blessed with in the sign-making industry, one that stands out for its unique properties is neon signage. While it is true that other technologies and techniques have come into the mix to offer alternatives to neon, it’s very difficult to truly replicate the look of neon signage. Indeed, so iconic is neon signage that it can be found in regions all around the world. From the bright lights of Las Vegas in Nevada to shops, cafes, and restaurants tucked away down the side streets of quaint towns along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, neon clearly still has a role to play in the modern industry and continues to appeal to core consumers. Such is the passion of those working in this market that they continually campaign for neon to be recognised for its true uniqueness and appeal. The skill of creating neon has been acknowledged for being in danger through its inclusion in the Heritage Crafts Association’s Red List of Endangered Crafts. The news was met with gratitude from those working with traditional neon, given the tricky situation they face following the introduction of more faux neon options. Over the past decade, the amount of LED signs and lights created to replicate the look of traditional neon has steadily increased, much to the confusion and disappointment of many sign-makers and end-users. Currently, many LED signs that incorporate typography or a handwritten style are advertised as ‘neon signs’ or simply ‘neon’, leading to decreasing visibility of genuine neon. Working alongside the Heritage Crafts Association (HCA), which manages the endangered crafts list, Catherine Spink, company director of Neon Creations, last year launched an initiative to help end to what the company says is the false advertising of LED signs. The campaign has been backed by the HCA and more than 90 other supporters, and both the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Trading Standards have been involved in the issue of falsely advertising neon. Making a Statement Alongside this ongoing campaign, Neon Creations continues to do what it does best: create striking neon signage using traditional methods and techniques. Speaking to SignLink for this article, Catherine Spink, along with co-owner Tony Spink, speaks confidently about the future of neon. “It is still relevant because while there has been a shift from neon being used in advertising, and on shop facias, in today’s world, people have become more interested in neon as an art form, and really buy into the craft side of it,” they say. “If you look at neon more as interior décor as opposed to signage, then it can continue to thrive, even in a world of digital technology. People still love the nostalgia surrounding neon, and there will always be people that want statement pieces of lighting in their interiors. “If you are talking just in terms of signage, then digital is certainly leading the way; this is evident by the decreasing number of signage companies that have Neon: An Ever-Evolving Craft 36 Issue 255 - October / November 2024 www.signlink.co.uk One of the most admired and respected trades in the world of sign-making, SignLink celebrates neon signage and how the strong passion of those working in this sector continues to burn bright ▲Neon Creations has been producing traditional neon signage since 2005 If you look at neon more as interior décor as opposed to signage, then it can continue to thrive, even in a world of digital technology
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