Author Archives: Bob Behounek

Bob Behounek has spent over 40 years as a sign artist and pinstriper in the Chicago, Illinois, area.

It all started with a pencil sketch

I think it started back during my junior high school days—you know, those times when we have time to doodle and dream. It… Read More

Balancing your life and your sign work

While visiting with some good friends of mine the other day, we started reviewing our “work-to-fun ratios.” When this subject comes up in… Read More

Let’s focus on design

No matter how many signs we design, paint, vinylize or produce in some form or another, the number of design possibilities before us… Read More

Handling linear layouts

Back in the mid-1960s, my travels in and around the greater Chicago area were a source of inspiration and amazement. Right in the… Read More

Color contrast helps cure ailing layouts

I can’t believe how fast this year is going. It seems like weeks go by, then before you know it, the seasons have… Read More

The ampersand is your friend

A few weeks ago I heard someone on the radio say it was National Ampersand Day. Really—a special day just in honor of… Read More

Start with a survey of the site

Most of those passing by a sign today are so distracted by things both moving and still that it leaves little time for… Read More

Put those classic panel shapes to work

Creating clean readable signage is more than a matter of merely typing out the text and hoping the general public finds time to… Read More

Delivering the message day and night

With all the advances in technology, which weren’t available years back, signage today is so much more diverse. These same advances can be… Read More

Letter a positive message

  Throughout my career, letters and the use of color have played a major role in whatever I did commercially or for fun… Read More

Color contrasts help you control the message

“Opposites attract,” says the old, oft-repeated saying. This doesn’t only apply to marriages, friendships and magnets. It applies to sign design, too. Opposites… Read More

Lettering and striping are essential to a restoration project

Long before I began my apprenticeship in the sign industry, visual communications were seen all over town. I’m sure most were hand-painted. They… Read More

My pinstriping roots

The magic year was 1969, a time filled with anticipation as I began my apprenticeship in the sign industry. Outside of pizza, hot… Read More

Tips from 55 years of sign painting

Back when every sign was hand painted every day, sign painters were expected to do a job right the first time, as efficiently… Read More

Design Clinic: A-frame sign

Sign, sign—everywhere a sign, as the song goes! On any daily journey, you are sure to be exposed to loads of sign-related messages… Read More

Design Clinic: Fascia sign for a machine shop

How often do we see signage around town that falls short and doesn’t quite fit the bill? Unlike other less visible trades our… Read More

Lettering and striping for the fun of it

It’s rather funny how life goes. Many years ago, I set out to embark on a career in railroading. I could see myself… Read More

Design Clinic: Fascia sign makeover

When someone who is a consultant by profession comes in for a sign, I’m always concerned if they will be on the alert… Read More

A blast from the past!

It’s been almost 30 years since I gathered photos of trucks I had done and with the help of SignCraft, put them together… Read More

Design Clinic: New design for a truck fleet

Long-established companies are some of the more difficult clients to get to make changes in their outward appearance. You’ve heard the adage, “If… Read More