Career as a Sign writer

Submitted by: Jeremy Dawes32

Sign writer

Sign writers design and install eye-catching signs for vehicle bodies, flexible PVC curtains used on lorries, shop windows, historical buildings, pubs, narrow boats and classic vehicles.

Modern know-how like digital technology is used by sign makers to screen print posters and make glass fiber letters from moulds of various sizes. Materials like Perspex, vinyl, metal, plastic and glass is used for electronic and illuminated signs. In some cases, plastic logos and letters are cut and made into 3D shapes. However, some sign writers love to follow traditional methods. In such cases, planning the work, measuring and calculating the letter size is done manually. They prepare the surface and then paint is applied with a brush and prepared with the help of spray or a roller. Then the letters are written with the help of special brushes and enamel paints.

Sign writers can specialize in various areas, like working as a process planner, an estimator or a quality technician. Most sign writers do multitude jobs like installing signs on a site, designing signs, tracing designs onto metal, wood or glass and repainting and retouching signs on the site. Some sign writers also work in studios and factories.

In the U.K. and in the U.S., sign writers can get a job through an apprenticeship scheme. The jobs available usually depend on the local job market. But once employed, sign writers usually get 'on the site' training; meaning they learn through doing. Additionally, sign writers can keep developing their skills by attending part time courses in multimedia graphics, graphic design and communication. Efficient sign writers can get jobs in sign manufacturing firms or start their own business venture and become self employed. In general, sign writers work 40 hours a week. Also, weekend jobs, overtime jobs and part time jobs are available. In the U.K., a junior sign writer can earn 6000 pounds a year. Experienced sign writers on the other hand earn around 10000 pounds a year.

There are no specific qualifications to become a sign writer. But in case you have a degree in art, design technology and graphics; it could prove very useful. Sign writers however need to have very good and clear vision to do their jobs with ease. In case you want to pursue a career as a sign writer, you should have good drawing skills; have some knowledge of lettering styles, accuracy and attention to detail and creative flair for designing. To be a successful sign writer, you also need basic computer skills and a good knowledge of traditional and modern methods of designing signs.

You can visit the online website of the British sign and Graphics association at www. Bsga.co.uk, in case you want to pursue a career as a sign writer. This field is very competitive but you can definitely get employment if you have very good skills. Also, to keep improving on your skills and progress in your career, you need to keep moving from job to job to gain a wider experience. It is advisable to approach career agencies directly to get a job as a sign writer, as most of the jobs do not get advertised. You can also make contacts within the sign writing industry.

Considering the freedom and creativity that are involved in the sign writers' career, it can be a good option to choose for the fresh art graduates.