Sign Painter and Letterer
Sign painters and letterers specialize in creating various types of signage for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Their work can include permanent outdoor signs, promotional banners, vehicle graphics, and informational signage within buildings. Traditionally skilled in hand-painting and design, many sign painters are now incorporating digital graphics software into their process, broadening the scope of techniques used. They typically work in custom sign shops or directly on job sites, and their duties involve measuring surfaces, designing layouts, and applying letters and symbols using a variety of methods such as stenciling and gilding.
Individuals interested in this field often have a passion for artistic expression and a strong attention to detail, alongside skills in drawing and color theory. A high school diploma is generally required, with further education in art or graphic design being beneficial, although hands-on experience through apprenticeships or personal projects is highly valued. The average yearly earnings for sign painters and letterers are around $58,910, with job growth projected at 3%, indicating steady demand in this creative occupation. As the industry evolves, the blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology continues to enhance the art of sign making.
Sign Painter and Letterer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Arts, A/V Technology & Communication
Interests: Arts, graphic arts, drawing, design, painting
Earnings (Yearly Average): $58,910 per year $28.32 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Sign painters and letterers create signage for clients, usually businesses and organizations, and sometimes individuals. These may be permanent signs outside a business (“on-premise” signs) or promotional signs, banners, or billboards intended to advertise a product, event, or political campaign. Vehicle graphics and lettering that promote services on a company vehicle may be included in this occupation, as well as signage inside a business or organization that informs or directs employees and visitors. Traditionally, sign painters and letterers are skilled workers who design and produce signs or text by hand. However, the use of graphics software and digital methods is increasingly common, especially but not exclusively in employment with more prominent sign manufacturers. In this sense, the term sign painter may be somewhat misleading, as painting is just one of many techniques the worker relies on to create signs.
Work Environment. Sign painters and letterers are employed in custom sign shops or industry, government, or institutional settings, such as college campuses. They are usually based in workshops, where they may, for example, make wooden or plywood signs or do silkscreening but spend a significant portion of their time at job sites, lettering office doors, or painting text on buildings. Collaboration with other trades is standard. An entry-level worker usually works directly under a supervisor or director, while an experienced worker will have more autonomy and may interact regularly with customers. Hours can vary from part-time to full-time, with occasional overtime.
Occupation Interest. Sign painting and lettering attracts people who appreciate text's many visual possibilities and typically excel at drawing. They tend to be detail-oriented, with good hand-eye coordination, a steady hand, and a flair for color, texture, and layout. Sign painters and letterers must be creative yet practical, as the ultimate goal of their work is to present a readable message designed to draw attention to an idea, business, or product.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The entry-level sign painter usually spends time assessing and completing various jobs or working on a more significant project that might last a few days or longer. Each job begins with some amount of design and layout. The worker measures the surface where the text will be painted or attached and selects the best size and style of letters (or numbers and symbols). Letters may be drawn by hand, hand-painted, airbrushed, cut out of wood, and painted before being affixed to the sign. Another common technique is stenciling, which may require the sign painter to design and cut the stencils first. The sign painter may gild letters with gold leaf on office doors or silkscreen text onto t-shirts. They may create signs using woodworking tools and machines or use a hammer or rivet gun to attach manufactured letters to various surfaces.
Sign Writers (970.281-022). Sign writers print, paint, or write signs for displays or other purposes. They may also cut out letters and signs from wallboard or cardboard.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The sign workshop is typically filled with paint, adhesives, and finishing supplies that may emit toxic fumes and require proper ventilation. Those specializing in custom wooden signs might have a separate wood shop. When working at job sites, sign painters and letterers may use scaffolding and ladders to reach high places or squat or kneel when necessary. On the other hand, a studio may consist of a drawing table, a computer, and just a few supplies needed for freehand lettering.
Plant Environment. Some sign painters and letterers may be employed in factories, creating customized, handmade, and computer-generated signs. Working conditions may be similar to the workshop but on a larger scale.
Human Environment. The entry-level sign painter or letterer will be given job assignments and have their work reviewed by a supervisor. They may work with several other sign painters or tradespeople in the same department. Experienced workers and those who are self-employed or work for small sign companies may also consult regularly with customers.
Technological Environment. The basic equipment of a sign painter consists of measuring, drawing, stenciling, and painting tools and supplies. Many skilled workers also use airbrush, silkscreen, carving, sandblasting, woodworking, or other equipment. Computers equipped with design software are becoming commonplace in the workshop as well.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma is the standard minimum requirement. While taking advantage of a well-rounded academic program, one should take as many art courses as possible. Woodworking and drafting are helpful, too. Just as important are extracurricular activities offering hands-on, creative opportunities, such as painting stage sets for plays or making concert posters.
Postsecondary. Sign painting and lettering courses are recommended but not easy to find. Traditionally, aspiring sign painters could seek out experienced artisans in the field and spend a year or two working in a professional apprenticeship—in some cases, it is still possible to find this kind of on-the-job training. It is also possible to learn the relevant techniques independently. A degree in art or graphic arts is also recommended, as it is sometimes accepted in lieu of experience and provides a good foundation for basic design skills, creative thinking, and experience working independently. Regardless of formal education, a novice sign painter or letterer should aim to establish a portfolio of sample works and be willing to learn and practice techniques in their free time.
Advancement for sign painters and letterers is based on experience or skill level. A minimum of two years of experience is usually needed to be considered for supervisory positions. An experienced worker might want to consider freelancing or establishing their own business eventually.
Related Occupations
− Multimedia Artist and Animator
− Designer
− Painting/Coating Machine Operator
Bibliography
“Graphic Designers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 27-1024 Graphic Designers.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271024.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.