Signwriter/Signmaker

Introduction

Signwriters paint traditional hand-lettered signs using special signwriting enamel and brushes. Signmakers use computer-aided design (CAD) to produce flat, two-dimensional, three-dimensional or illuminated signs using a variety of materials such as aluminium, glass, perspex, plastics, stainless steel, vinyl and wood.

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Work Activities

Signwriters and signmakers design, paint and manufacture signs used outside shops, pubs, hotels, restaurants, petrol stations, railway stations, airports and businesses, and on vehicles and boats.

Signwriters paint traditional signs by hand. They use signwriters' enamel and paintbrushes. Signmakers use computer-aided design (CAD) to produce flat, two-dimensional, three-dimensional or illuminated signs using a variety of materials such as aluminium, glass, perspex, plastics, stainless steel, vinyl and wood.

Signmakers use a variety of modern techniques. These include:
• producing designs by hand or on a computer
• making three-dimensional lettering using metal, wood, plastic or glass
• screen printing (ink is forced through some areas of a fine mesh screen to form a pattern on the paper or board beneath)
• bending glass to make illuminated signs.

Signwriters and signmakers plan their work in advance. It is very important that they work out the size of the lettering and of the finished sign correctly. Sometimes they design the signs; in other cases they follow the client's design.

The work also involves installing or repairing signs on location in line with health and safety and planning regulations. They may also have to carry out minor electrical work if the sign is illuminated.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a signwriter or signmaker, you will need drawing ability, good colour vision and an eye for detail. If you are involved with the design of signs, you should have creative skills.

You should also be able to measure and calculate letter size when planning out a job. A high level of literacy is needed to make sure that the wording and spelling used in signs is correct.

You will have to work quickly and neatly. It is important to be adaptable. Knowledge of computers and computer-controlled equipment, or a willingness to learn, is desirable.

Physical fitness and some strength are required for carrying ladders and equipment and for putting up larger signs. This requires a good head for heights.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for signwriters/signmakers vary depending on the employer.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Signwriters/signmakers earn in the range of £15,500 - £18,000 a year, rising to around £21,000 - £23,500. Higher earners can make around £24,500 a year.

Signwriters/signmakers work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers throughout the UK, are sign manufacturing companies. These vary in size from large firms employing hundreds of people, to small companies that employ only half a dozen staff.

Some signwriters and signmakers are self-employed. They gain their work from a range of firms, for example, advertising agencies, design studios and consultancies, exhibition companies and various manufacturers and retailers.

Entry is competitive.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained in a related area, for example in graphic design or calligraphy, are useful.

Having a good portfolio showing the range of your creative design work is very important. Entry to this work is competitive.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with skills and abilities gained in arts, crafts or design. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

• 62% of people in occupations such as signwriter/signmaker are self-employed.
• 7% work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.

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