by hand, no tape
All my work is undertaken in a traditional manner, as a signwriter would have done 100 years ago: it is important to me to maintain an authentic approach to this craft. As such, I draw and paint every element by hand - from initial sketch to final production - using no tape, nor digital assistance. As well as preserving these skills it is important to me to work in this authentic manner due to the fields I specialise in: fairground, circus, steam and heritage.
what is traditional signwriting?
Signwriting - sometimes referred to as signpainting - is the art of using handpainted letters to convey information. Traditionally this would have been used for advertisement, vehicles and other forms of signage.
The origins of signwriting can be traced back to the Romans, yet it was the Victorian era when signwriting in the form we know it became established.
With a knowledge of letterforms and traditional fonts, an ability to incorporate techniques including shadows and highlights, and an eye for visually aesthetic colour combinations, my skills as a traditional signwriting are versatile: bringing life and visual appeal to a vehicle or surface yet maintaining an awareness and sensitivity to the history. Specialise enamel paints and 23.5 carat gold leaf ensure a longevity to the work produced.
research
To begin any project, I undertake research - of photographs, manufacturing build sheets and other historic documentation - which shapes the pencil sketches produced to showcase initial ideas.
refine
These sketches are refined to produce a hand-drawn, to-scale, final design. If relevant, colour research and tests are undertaken at this stage.
execute
To execute the work, my tools are traditional and authentic: enamel paint applied with a brush, supported with the use of a mahl stick and palette. If required, I am adept at gold leaf application.
communicate
My approach when undertaking a project is to remain in conversation with the client at each stage, adapting the work and process depending on their feedback.
