Signwriter
What is the work like?
Signwriters design and paint eye-catching traditional signs for a variety of uses, including shop windows, pubs and historical buildings, classic vehicles and narrowboats.
As a signwriter your work would typically include:
- preparing and laying out designs and lettering
- measuring and calculating letter size
- preparing surfaces
- applying paint backgrounds by brush, spray or roller
- tracing designs onto the wood, metal or glass
- hand-painting designs and lettering using special brushes, enamel paint and gold leaf.
- repainting and retouching signs on site.
You would use traditional techniques and materials, including wood, metal, glass and specialised paints and varnishes.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There are no set qualifications for becoming a signwriter, although you may have an advantage if you have GCSEs or similar qualifications in subjects such as art or design and technology.
You could also specialise in signwriting after completing a BTEC HNC/HND in graphic design.
You would need normal colour vision.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work as a signwriter, you will usually receive on-the-job training. You may be able to work towards NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Signmaking.
You could develop your skills by doing part-time courses in graphic design, multimedia graphics or graphic communication.
Where can I go for more information?
Unit 5, Mandarin CourtCentre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
Bakewell Road
Orton Southgate
Peterborough
Cambridgeshire
PE2 6XU
Tel: 01733 230033
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Signwriter salaries can start at around £12,000 a year.
- Experienced signwriters can earn between £17,000 and £20,000 or more a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may work evenings and weekends for some jobs.
You would be based in a workshop or studio, but may also do installation and repainting work outdoors. Your work may involve some manual lifting and working at heights on ladders.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- drawing skills
- creative flair
- knowledge of lettering styles
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good spelling and grammar
- computer skills
- understanding of traditional and modern methods of producing signs
- good practical skills.
What opportunities are there?
You will find opportunities to work as a signwriter in firms of sign manufacturers or signmakers which specialise in hand painted signs. You may also be able to become self-employed, either independently or as part of a franchise.
In medium- and large-sized companies, if you are experienced and suitably qualified, you may be able to progress to a supervisory or management position.
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