Before and After
One of the most popular sections of the very early issues of SignCraft was the “Before and After” articles of George Seelander. It… Read More
Category Archives: Articles
Digital printing: almost everywhere
It seems there is no end to opportunities to use digital printing for signage. Vehicles, walls, illustrations, floors, windows, banners—you find digital prints… Read More
Pinstriped panels for fun and profit
In my free time, and in an effort to make extra cash, I use panels as a nice experiment in color and designing… Read More
Essential tools: Pounce wheels and perforated patterns
For decades, sign makers used a simple tool called a pounce wheel to make perforated patterns. Those patterns were used to help with… Read More
Designer at work: David Showalter
David Showalter sent us photos of his shop truck in SignCraft’s early days. He was a young, creative sign painter with a very… 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
Glazes bring textures to life
A SignCraft reader recently asked about faux finishing, which is something we employ on almost every sign that leaves our shop—albeit not necessarily… Read More
Use the brand to tell a story
We’ve always focused on a more brand-centric approach to wrap design, with the brands themselves playing such a large role in the wrap…. Read More
Jason Hakki
Shop name: Rapid Gantry Custom Signs Shop size: 1000 sq. ft. Age: 30 Graphics equipment: MultiCam CNC router Laser engraver Online: www.rapidgantry.ca On… Read More
Matt Beckner
Shop name: Ion Graphics Shop size: 2400 sq. ft. Age: 42 Graphics equipment: Roland VersaCAM 300SP Graphtec 6000 Series cutter Summa 60 cutter… Read More
What’s it cost to produce this freestanding sign?
Materials: Two 6-by-6-in. 8-ft. PT posts: $30 Eight 8-ft. 2-by-8-in. PT: $60 Four 8-ft. 2-by-6-in. PT: $25 Eight 8-ft. 2-by-4-in. PT: $25 18… Read More
Design & Price: 3D hanging sign
In every issue, SignCraft gives a few sign makers an imaginary project. We ask them to do a sketch of the sign they… Read More
Letters
Mike Lavallee: 1960-2020 Mike Lavallee, pinstriper, airbrush artist and sign painter, died on April 14, 2020. Mike was the highly respected creator of… Read More
Shop Trucks
Chris Bryant, Bryant Signs, Puyallup, Washington “A long time ago,” says Chris Bryant, Bryant Signs, Puyallup, Washington, “while at a coffee shop near… Read More
Tips & Tricks
Have a tip to share? Be a part of SignCraft! Share your favorite shortcuts, gadgets used in your shop and other time-savers. Email… Read More
Get the most from sign substrates
Sourcelist: substrates Acrylic sheet Plaskolite Aluminum composite material/ACM 3A Composites USA Grimco Laminators Inc. Mitsubishi Plastic Composites Nudo Products Inc. United Industries Engraving… Read More
Marketing ideas for slow times
If I lay my cards on the table, the last several weeks certainly have been quite a rollercoaster, as I’m sure it’s been… Read More
Making the most of slow times
We are definitely heading into a time of uncertainty. Putting aside the health concerns and the potential effects of the virus that is… 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
Using Layer Effects and Layer Styles in Photoshop
Layer Effects are always at your fingertips. They are some of Photoshop’s most powerful, fun and creative tools. Layer Effects are easy to… Read More
